Discover how to add credit online, through an app, or in stores.
Save money on daily fees and the cost per unit.
Check offers from trusted prepayment companies like EDF, British Gas, and E.ON Next.
Want to compare energy prices across all meter types? We’ve got you covered — from
prepayment to direct debit deals.
Since 2013, more than 514,000 UK homes have used Free Price Compare to check energy
costs.
What is a prepayment meter?
A prepayment meter for energy, known as a PAYG or pay-as-you-go meter, allows you to pay for gas and electricity before you use it. You can add
money to it using a key, card, electricity key, app, or an online portal. This process is like a mobile
pay-as-you-go system.
Prepayment meters are often used in:
Rented homes
Places where people want to manage their budget
Families with past energy bills
You only use what you have paid for. There are no surprise bills.
You just pay for the energy you use.
This helps you avoid surprise bills or direct debits.
It’s easy to keep an eye on and control your spending.
You can top up in shops, online, or using the app.
This is perfect for budgeting and short-term stays.
You will need a suitable electricity meter or gas meter based on your
needs. Most prepayment systems use a simple key meter or a gas card that
you can recharge at your nearby store.
Smart Prepayment Meters
Pros and Cons of Prepayment Meters
Pros
Cons
✅ Pay-as-you-go control – only pay for what you use
❌ Standing charges still apply, even when you’re not using energy
✅ No surprise bills – easier to budget weekly or monthly
❌ Higher unit rates than direct debit in many cases
✅ Top up anytime – online, by app, or in-store
❌ Risk of running out if you forget to top up
✅ No credit checks required – ideal for those with debt concerns
❌ Fewer tariffs to choose from compared to standard plans
✅ Track usage in real time with smart prepayment meters
❌ Emergency credit is limited – not a long-term fallback
Prepayment meters can help you manage your spending and use energy for a short time. However, they might not
be the least expensive choice. It’s a good idea to compare tariffs. This way, you can ensure you’re not
paying more than you need to.
While prepayment works well for budgeting, it’s always smart to compare energy prices and see if
another tariff could save you more.
Check if you're paying too much.
Compare your current tariff with the cheapest energy deals available in your area – it only takes a few minutes.
Which UK Energy Suppliers
Offer Prepayment Tariffs?
Not all energy suppliers provide prepayment tariffs. Prices can change based on where you live and how much
energy you use. Here is a list of some of the main suppliers that currently offer prepayment meter
deals. This includes both key/card and smart prepayment options.
Compare Prepayment Energy Suppliers
Supplier
Prepayment Available
Smart Prepay Support
Top-Up Methods
Notes
British Gas
Yes
Yes
App, online, shop
Emergency credit available
EDF Energy
Yes
Yes
App, online, PayPoint
Good customer service for PAYG
E.ON Next
Yes
Yes
App, online, shop
Offers automatic top-ups
Octopus Energy
Yes (on request)
Yes
App, online
Smart-only prepay for new installs
OVO Energy
Yes
Yes
App, online, SMS
Smart meters required for new PAYG customers
Scottish Power
Yes
Yes
App, online, PayPoint
Wide top-up network
Utilita
Yes
Yes
App, online, SMS, shops
Prepayment specialists with usage insights
Boost (by OVO)
Yes
Yes
App, online, shops
100% pay-as-you-go energy provider
How to Switch Prepayment Energy
Suppliers
Switching to a new prepayment energy tariff is simpler than you expect. You could begin saving money in just
a few days. It doesn’t matter if you have a traditional key/card meter or a smart prepay credit meter. The
process is easy.
When you compare energy prices, we show you only the prepayment tariffs available in your
area — so you get the best match for your top-up habits and usage.
Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step Guide (Styled
as a numbered list):
Enter your postcode We’ll show you the prepayment tariffs that are in your area.
Compare suppliers and prices See how much you could save based on how you top-up
and your meter type.
Choose the right deal for you Pick the supplier that offers the easiest top-up
options or the best rates.
Apply online – no paperwork needed We’ll take care of the switch with your new
supplier. You don’t need to contact your old one.
Start topping up with your new supplier You’ll get your new top-up card or key
in the mail, or your smart meter will update automatically.
There is no interruption to your energy supply when you switch, and there are no
switching fees. If you use a smart prepayment meter, the switch is usually quicker and done
completely online. You don’t need to reach out to your current supplier — we’ll handle the
switch for you, making it fast and easy.
More About Energy Switching
Still deciding if a prepayment meter is right for you? These quick reads can help you make an informed
switch:
A prepayment meter is a system where you pay for gas and electricity before you use them. You can
add credit before using energy. You can do this by using a key or card at a shop. You can also
add credit online using a smart meter.
Can I switch
energy supplier with a prepayment meter?
Yes! You can change suppliers just like customers with regular meters. There are no charges, and
your supply will not be affected.
Is a prepayment meter more
expensive?
Prepayment tariffs usually cost more per unit and have higher standing charges than direct debit
plans. Still, it’s a good idea to compare different deals. This can help you find cheaper
options.
Can I get a smart prepayment
meter?
Most UK suppliers now provide smart prepayment meters. These meters allow you to add money online
or through an app. You can also track your energy use in real time.
What happens if I run out of
credit?
Your supply might stop if you run out of credit. However, most meters provide emergency credit to
help you for a short time. Some suppliers also have friendly credit hours, like during
overnight, weekends, or bank holidays.
Are there
any support schemes for prepayment customers?
Yes. You can qualify for help like the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Fuel Direct,
or hardship funds. It depends on your situation and supplier.
Where can I top up my
prepayment meter?
You can add money at PayPoint or Payzone shops, online using your supplier’s website, or through
an app if you have a smart meter. Remember to keep the receipt after you add money. You can top
up your account at PayPoint, Payzone, or Post Office locations, online through your supplier’s
website, or by using an app for smart meters.
Find Cheaper Gas & Electricity – Fast, Easy, Free
Get real-time quotes in under 3 minutes with no fees, no hassle, and zero obligation to switch.
We use cookies to provide the best possible user experience and maintain a secure environment. Some cookies are essential for the proper functioning and security of our website, enabling core features like processing your comparison queries and accessing your rewards. We also employ optional cookies for advanced analytics, tracking, advertising, testing, and performance optimisation.
By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of all cookies. If you click 'Reject All', we will only use the necessary cookies required for the site to function securely. For more control over your cookie preferences, click 'Let Me Choose' to customise which optional cookies you're comfortable with. To learn more about the specific types of cookies we use, please visit our comprehensive
Cookie Policy.
Manage your cookies preferences.
Please select and accept your cookie preferences:
These essential cookies ensure the proper functioning and security of the website and app. They enable core features and services without collecting personal information for tracking or advertising purposes.
These cookies provide insights into how customers interact with our website and app. The aggregated and anonymous data collected helps us understand the usage of our products and services, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and optimise your browsing experience.
These cookies help us present products, services and offers that are most relevant to you. We may use the data collected by these cookies to personalise the advertisements you see on our website and other platforms, ensuring a more tailored browsing experience.
These cookies allow our website and app to remember your preferences, such as your region, country, language, accessibility options, and other settings. By enabling these cookies, we can provide you with a more personalised and convenient browsing experience tailored to your specific needs.
These cookies are used when we advertise on social media platforms. They allow these platforms to recognise you as one of our users and display relevant ads to you on our behalf. When you use your social media account to log in to our services, these cookies may also be used by the platforms to collect information about your behaviour for personalised advertising purposes.
