Cheapest UK prepayment meter tariff rates this month
Compare whole-of-market PAYG (prepayment) electricity and gas prices in your area and check if a cheaper tariff is available for your meter type. Get matched in minutes and request a switch quote.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Check rates by postcode and meter type (smart PAYG or key/card)
- See unit rates, standing charges and estimated monthly cost
- Switch help available if you’re on PAYG and eligible
Rates vary by region and meter type. We’ll show today’s available options and help you understand costs before you submit your details.
Compare the cheapest prepayment meter tariff rates in your area
Prepayment (PAYG) energy prices can vary by region, meter type and payment method (smart top-ups vs key/card). If you’ve noticed your top-ups don’t go as far as they used to, the quickest way to find out whether you could pay less is to compare unit rates and standing charges for the tariffs currently available for your postcode.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. Submit your details once and we’ll match you with available prepayment electricity and prepayment gas options and explain the pricing in plain English.
Good to know: many PAYG tariffs sit under a price cap framework, but the cheapest option for you still depends on your local distribution region, meter setup, and whether you’re comparing against a standard PAYG tariff or a fixed deal (where available).
What you’ll need (takes 60 seconds)
- Postcode (to load your regional rates)
- Fuel type (electricity, gas, or both)
- How you top up (smart PAYG app/online, or key/card)
- Approx usage (if you know it—otherwise we’ll estimate)
Get matched to cheaper PAYG rates
Complete the form and we’ll compare whole-of-market tariffs available for prepayment meters in your area.
Not sure what meter you have? If you top up using a key or card, you’re almost certainly on prepayment. If you top up via an app or online portal and your meter has a keypad, you may be on a smart prepayment setup.
Looking for the “cheapest prepayment tariff this month”?
There isn’t one single nationwide cheapest PAYG tariff—rates are regional and depend on your meter and supplier availability. The best approach is to compare your current unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) against today’s available options for your postcode.
Why compare prepayment meter tariffs now?
PAYG pricing can change by region
Even under cap-based pricing, the unit rate and standing charge differ across UK network areas. A postcode check shows the rates that apply where you live.
Standing charges can be a big driver
If you use less energy, a higher daily standing charge can make a tariff feel expensive. We highlight the standing charge impact clearly.
Smart PAYG can unlock better options
Some suppliers support top-ups via app/online and may offer different tariff structures. We’ll factor in your meter type when comparing.
Avoid running out unexpectedly
Understanding your true p/kWh and daily charges helps you plan top-ups and avoid emergency credit surprises.
See estimated monthly cost
Rates alone can be confusing. We translate pricing into a simple estimated cost using typical usage (or yours if you have it).
Switch support (where available)
If you’re eligible and a cheaper option exists, we can guide you through the next steps—especially if you’re moving from key/card to smart PAYG.
Tip: If you’ve recently received a price change notice or your top-ups have dropped faster than usual, it’s a good time to check your unit rate and standing charge.
How prepayment meter tariffs work (and what “cheapest” really means)
1) Unit rate (p/kWh)
This is what you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity or gas you use. A lower unit rate usually helps higher-usage homes most.
2) Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fixed charge that covers network and operational costs. If your usage is low, standing charge differences can matter a lot.
3) Meter type and top-up method
Key/card meters and smart PAYG meters can be treated differently by some suppliers. Your available tariffs depend on what you have installed.
4) Regional network costs
Electricity distribution regions and gas networks influence standing charges and unit rates. That’s why postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.
Quick steps to find your cheapest option
- Check your meter type (smart PAYG vs key/card) and whether you have electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel.
- Find your current rates on a receipt/statement, supplier app, or in your online account: unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day).
- Compare by postcode so you’re seeing like-for-like regional pricing.
- Choose based on total cost (unit rate + standing charge + usage), not just one headline number.
Beware “cheapest unit rate” claims: a tariff with a very low unit rate but a higher standing charge isn’t always cheaper overall—especially for smaller households.
What to check when comparing PAYG tariffs
Use the checklist below to compare prepayment meter tariffs properly. If you submit the form above, we’ll do this comparison for you and explain the outcome clearly.
| Item | Where to find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) | Receipt, supplier app, online account, tariff info | Main driver of cost if you use more electricity |
| Electricity standing charge (p/day) | Tariff information / bill details | Daily fixed charge—important for low usage homes |
| Gas unit rate (p/kWh) | Gas PAYG statement/receipt or tariff sheet | Key for larger households or gas heating |
| Gas standing charge (p/day) | Tariff information / bill details | Can be significant if gas usage is low |
| Payment method / meter type | Meter screen, top-up method (app vs key/card) | Affects which suppliers and tariffs are available |
| Exit fees / contract terms | Tariff terms (if fixed deal applies) | Some fixed tariffs can include fees—always check before switching |
If you don’t know your rates
That’s common on PAYG. You can usually find rates in your supplier app/portal, or on a receipt/statement. If you submit the form, we’ll guide you on what to look for next.
If you’re in debt on the meter
Some meters repay debt automatically from top-ups. Switching may still be possible, but the process can differ. We’ll highlight this when discussing options.
Eligibility, switching and common PAYG scenarios
Switching from key/card
Some suppliers may require a meter exchange to move from key/card to smart PAYG. We’ll confirm what’s involved and what it might mean for timelines.
Smart PAYG top-ups
If your meter supports smart PAYG, you can often top up online or via app. It can also make it easier to track costs and usage.
Debt or emergency credit
If your meter is repaying debt or you use emergency credit, it’s important to compare based on your real costs. We can help you understand the impact.
Common mistakes that make PAYG feel more expensive
- Only comparing unit rate and ignoring standing charge.
- Mixing up electricity and gas rates (they’re priced differently).
- Not accounting for debt repayment deductions from top-ups.
- Comparing across different regions without using postcode-specific pricing.
- Assuming fixed deals are always cheaper (availability and terms vary).
Home energy only: this page and comparison form are for UK domestic properties, not business premises.
FAQs: cheapest UK prepayment meter tariff rates
Is there a single cheapest prepayment tariff in the UK?
Can I switch supplier if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Why does my top-up disappear quickly?
Do prepayment customers pay more than direct debit?
What details do you need to show accurate PAYG rates?
Will switching affect my supply?
What households like about EnergyPlus comparisons
“Clear explanation of unit rates and standing charges. Finally understood why my top-ups didn’t last.”
— PAYG customer, West Midlands
“Postcode comparison made it simple. I didn’t realise rates differed so much by area.”
— Dual fuel household, Yorkshire
“Helpful guidance on switching from key meter to smart prepayment and what to expect.”
— Electricity PAYG, Greater London
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market approach for domestic comparisons
- We focus on total cost (unit rate + standing charge), not headlines
- We’ll tell you when a switch isn’t likely to improve your outcome
Ready to check the cheapest PAYG rates for your postcode?
Submit your details and we’ll compare available UK prepayment meter tariffs and explain your best-value options—based on unit rate, standing charge and meter type.
Domestic UK customers only. Rates vary by region and supplier availability.
Prefer to do a quick checklist first?
- Find your current unit rate (p/kWh)
- Find your standing charge (p/day)
- Confirm smart PAYG vs key/card
- Compare by postcode
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