How to Switch Energy Supplier With a Prepayment Meter
Many prepayment meter customers assume they cannot switch energy supplier. However they have exactly the same right to switch as anyone else — and with bills rising to £1,862 in July finding a cheaper deal has never been more important.
In this guide
Can I switch energy supplier with a prepayment meter?
Yes — absolutely. Having a prepayment meter does not prevent you from switching energy supplier. Furthermore you have exactly the same legal right to switch as any other energy customer. The switching process is broadly the same as for credit meter customers with a few small differences.
Following regulatory changes by Ofgem in 2023 prepayment meter customers now have access to the same price cap rates as direct debit customers. Consequently switching supplier could save you a significant amount — particularly with bills set to rise to £1,862 from July 2026.
Your right to switch: Under Ofgem rules no supplier can prevent you from switching unless you owe more than £500 in energy debt. Additionally even if you are in debt of less than £500 you can still switch — the debt simply stays with your current supplier and must be repaid separately.
What to check before switching
Before you start comparing deals there are a few things worth checking to make sure your switch goes smoothly:
💰 Your debt balance — check how much you owe your current supplier if anything. You can switch if your debt is under £500. However the debt stays with your current supplier and must be repaid.
📍 Your meter type — check whether you have an older key or card meter or a smart prepayment meter. Smart meters make the switching process simpler as they work with all suppliers.
📋 Your current tariff — log into your supplier’s app and note your current unit rate and standing charge. This helps you compare new deals accurately.
📊 Your annual usage — your supplier’s app or your last statement will show your annual kWh usage. Furthermore this helps you get accurate quotes when comparing.
How to switch with a prepayment meter — step by step
The process is straightforward and your new supplier handles most of it for you:
Compare deals for prepayment meter customers
Use FastSwitch to compare tariffs available for prepayment meter customers at your postcode. Enter your postcode and current usage to see accurate quotes. Additionally make sure you filter for prepayment meter deals specifically.
Choose a new deal and sign up
Select the best deal and sign up with the new supplier online. You will need your address, current supplier name and meter serial number — found on your meter or your last statement.
Your new supplier contacts your old one
You do not need to contact your old supplier yourself. Furthermore your new supplier handles the transfer process automatically. Your current supply continues uninterrupted throughout.
Meter is updated or replaced
If you have a smart prepayment meter it is simply reconfigured remotely to work with your new supplier — no engineer visit needed. Additionally if you have an older key or card meter your new supplier will send you a new key or card, or arrange a meter upgrade.
Switch completes — start topping up with new supplier
Once the switch completes — typically within 17 days — you top up using your new supplier’s key, card or app. Any remaining credit on your old meter is transferred or refunded by your previous supplier.
What happens to my prepayment meter when I switch?
What happens to your meter depends on what type you have:
Smart prepayment meter ⭐ Easiest
Reconfigured remotely by your new supplier — no engineer visit needed. Consequently the switch is seamless and quick. You will receive new app access or top-up details from your new supplier.
Key or card meter
Your new supplier sends you a new key or card programmed to work with your new account. Additionally they may arrange a meter upgrade to a smart meter as part of the switch. The process takes slightly longer than a smart meter switch.
Your remaining credit: Don’t worry about credit left on your old meter. Your old supplier is required to refund any remaining credit balance after the switch completes. Furthermore keep a note of your balance on your final day with your old supplier to make sure you receive the correct refund.
Compare prepayment meter deals now
Find the best tariffs for prepayment meter customers at your postcode. Free, no obligation.
Compare energy deals →Can I switch if I’m in energy debt?
It depends on how much you owe. Here is how the debt rules work for prepayment meter customers:
✅ Debt under £500 per fuel — you can switch. The debt stays with your current supplier and must be repaid separately. Your new supplier cannot take on the debt.
❌ Debt over £500 per fuel — your current supplier can prevent you from switching until you reduce the debt below £500. Consequently focus on reducing the debt first before attempting to switch.
💡 Negotiating repayments — if your debt is above £500 contact your supplier and ask to negotiate a lower repayment rate. Additionally you can contact Citizens Advice for free help managing energy debt.
Should I switch to a credit meter at the same time?
Switching to a credit meter opens up the full range of energy tariffs — including fixed deals that may not be available to prepayment meter customers. Furthermore credit meter customers generally have more tariff options to choose from.
However switching meter type is a separate process from switching supplier and requires a credit check. The simplest route is to request a smart meter from your new supplier — once installed you can ask them to switch it from prepayment to credit mode without a physical meter swap.
Why switching now is especially important
Ofgem has confirmed the energy price cap will rise to £1,862 per year from 1 July 2026 — a 13% increase on the current April cap. Consequently prepayment meter customers on standard variable tariffs will see their bills rise automatically unless they act before July.
Several suppliers are currently offering fixed tariffs below the new July cap rate. Therefore switching now could lock in a cheaper rate and protect you from the full impact of the rise. Switching takes approximately 17 days — so acting by mid-June is advisable.
Related guides
What is a prepayment meter UK? → How to switch energy supplier UK 2026 → Ofgem confirms energy bills rising to £1,862 in July →Switch your prepayment meter tariff before July
Compare energy deals for prepayment meter customers at your postcode. Free, no obligation, takes 2 minutes.
Compare energy deals →Written by the FastSwitch team · Last updated May 2026
FastSwitch is a free UK energy comparison service. We may earn a commission when you switch via our site — this never affects the deals or prices you see.
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