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Prepayment meters
Compare prepayment energy meters.
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What is a prepaid meter?
A prepaid meter, also known as a prepayment meter, lets you pay for energy before you use it rather than paying after you receive a bill.
Instead of being billed monthly or quarterly, you add credit to a card, key or smart meter app, and the meter supplies energy while there is credit available. If the balance runs down, the supply can stop until you top up again. Newer smart prepayment meters make it easier to add credit online or through an app.
Prepayment meters are often used by people who want tighter control over spending or who are repaying energy debt. They can be helpful for budgeting, but they do mean you need to keep an eye on your balance so you do not run out of credit.
How do prepayment meters work?
Prepayment meters work on a pay-as-you-go basis. You top up first, then use the energy you have already paid for. Traditional meters usually use a card or key, while smart prepayment meters can often be topped up online or in an app.
That makes it easier to see how much energy you have left, although you will still need to cover daily standing charges. Some smart prepayment setups also let you move credit between gas and electricity, depending on your supplier and meter.
Prepayment meters: The pros and cons
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Advantages
You stay in control: because you pay in advance, it can be easier to keep track of what you are spending.
You are less likely to build up a surprise bill: you are paying for energy you have already used, not waiting for an estimated bill to arrive.
You can switch providers if you are eligible: having a prepayment meter does not mean you cannot move supplier, although debt and account status may affect your options.
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Disadvantages
You need to keep topping up: if you forget or cannot add credit, your supply may stop.
Running out of credit can leave you without energy: that can be especially inconvenient at night, at weekends or when shops are closed.
It can take more planning: if you go away and do not leave enough credit, you may come home to an empty fridge or freezer.
Are prepayment meters more expensive than direct debit?
Prepayment customers do not typically pay more than direct debit customers under the current energy price cap framework, and the old “prepayment premium” has been removed.
The exact difference can still vary by tariff type, but the gap that used to make prepayment noticeably more expensive has gone.
How does switching energy provider work?
Switching is easier than you think, thanks to the government’s Energy Switch Guarantee
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Find a quote
We will use your details to show you tariffs that are currently available. Then you can compare the options and pick the one that suits you.
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Pick a tariff
Once you have chosen a deal, you will normally need to provide your meter readings and payment details so your old supplier can issue a final bill accurately.
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Wait for your switch to complete
There is no rewiring and no interruption to your energy supply. If everything goes smoothly, the switch should be completed within five working days.
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Check your old account
If you were in credit with your old supplier, it should be refunded automatically, but it is still worth checking. Make sure any final bill has been settled too.
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Use the cooling-off period
You can change your mind within 14 days of starting the switch. If you want to cancel, contact your new supplier.
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Can my supplier move me onto a prepayment meter?
Suppliers must follow Ofgem’s rules before moving a customer onto a prepayment meter or installing one without permission. The regulator says prepayment should only be used where it is safe and reasonably practicable, and suppliers must take account of vulnerable situations such as disability or illness that could make top-ups or meter use unsafe or difficult.
If you are worried about being moved onto a prepayment meter, contact your supplier as soon as possible and ask about affordable repayment options or support.
Not ready to switch? Sign up for price alerts
By comparing energy tariffs with us, you can also sign up for Energy Alerts so you will hear about new deals and exclusive tariffs as they appear.
Our expert says…
Pre-payment meters tend to have a bad reputation for being more expensive than regular meters, often meaning that less financially well-off customers are harder hit. The upside is that they won’t allow you to rack up huge bills unwittingly because you can only use the energy you have paid for. The benefit of the most recent generation of smart pre-pay meters means that the balance of your meter can be topped up without needing to go to a local shop. If you’re not in debt you may also be able to ask your supplier to switch you to a smart meter, but check whether you’ll face a fee first.
The rollout of smart meters is a Government-backed initiative, so if you haven’t got one, contact your supplier who will probably exchange your old meter for free. A pre-payment smart meter will allow you to see your energy consumption in real time, allowing you to control your energy usage more effectively.
Ashton Berkhauer Home & Utilities Expert
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How do you top up a prepayment meter?
You can usually top up at a Post Office, PayPoint or PayZone outlet, or online through your supplier if you have a smart prepayment meter. Once you add credit, you either insert the card or key, or the credit is applied automatically through the smart meter.
If your card or key is lost or damaged, contact your supplier straight away. They should be able to arrange a replacement, although there may be a charge in some cases.
How do you remove a prepayment meter?
If you rent, you may need your landlord’s permission before changing your meter setup. If you want to move to a credit tariff, your supplier may carry out a credit check and may charge a fee for removing the meter. Some suppliers will remove a prepayment meter for free, while others will not.
Can energy companies force you to install a prepayment meter?
If you are in debt, a supplier may try to use a prepayment meter as part of a repayment solution. Ofgem says this should be treated as a last resort and suppliers must follow the rules in its guidance.
Are prepayment meters more expensive?
Prepayment meters do not typically cost more than direct debit tariffs under the current energy price cap framework, and the old prepayment premium has largely been removed. The exact difference can still vary by tariff type, but the gap that used to make prepayment noticeably more expensive has gone.
Are prepayment meters being phased out?
Traditional key-and-card prepayment meters are becoming less common as smart meters continue to roll out, but prepayment itself is not disappearing. Many smart meters can still be used in prepayment mode, with top-ups made through an app or online.
What’s the difference between a credit and prepayment meter?
A prepayment meter only gives you energy once you have topped it up in advance. A credit meter gives you energy first and you pay later, usually by direct debit or by bill. If your prepayment credit runs out, your supply can stop until you add more.
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Reviewed on 28 May 2026 by
