Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about using FastSwitch to compare and switch your energy and broadband. Can’t find your answer? Email us at info@fastswitch.co.uk

What is FastSwitch?

FastSwitch is a free UK price comparison and switching service. We help households compare energy and broadband deals from leading UK providers and switch to a cheaper deal in minutes. FastSwitch is operated by FastSwitch Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.

Is FastSwitch free to use?

Yes — completely free. You never pay us anything. FastSwitch earns a commission from suppliers when you switch through our site. This commission is paid by the supplier and never affects the prices or deals you see. Furthermore there are no hidden fees, subscriptions or premium tiers.

How does FastSwitch make money?

When you switch to a new energy or broadband supplier through FastSwitch we receive a referral commission from that supplier. This is a standard arrangement used by comparison sites throughout the UK. It never affects your price or the deals we show you. You can read more on our How We Make Money page.

Is FastSwitch a legitimate company?

Yes. FastSwitch Limited is a registered company in England and Wales. You can verify our registration on the Companies House website. Our registered address is in London and we are contactable at info@fastswitch.co.uk.

Does FastSwitch show all suppliers?

FastSwitch works with a panel of energy and broadband providers. Consequently not every supplier in the UK market appears in our results. However we are continuously expanding our panel. We always recommend checking directly with any supplier not listed if you want a fully comprehensive comparison.

Is it safe to switch energy supplier?

Yes — switching energy supplier in the UK is completely safe and regulated by Ofgem. Your gas and electricity supply is never interrupted during a switch. The same pipes and cables deliver your energy regardless of which supplier you choose. Only the billing and account management changes.

Will my energy be cut off when I switch?

No — your energy supply is never interrupted when you switch. The physical infrastructure that delivers gas and electricity to your home is managed by network companies that are entirely separate from your energy supplier. Consequently switching supplier has no effect on your supply whatsoever.

How long does switching energy supplier take?

The switching process takes around 17 days from start to finish. The first 14 days are your cooling off period during which you can cancel without penalty. After that your new supplier takes over the account. Furthermore you don’t need to do anything — your new supplier handles the transfer with your old one automatically.

Can I switch if I’m in a fixed term contract?

You can switch at any time however your current supplier may charge an exit fee if you switch before your fixed term ends. Exit fees vary by supplier and tariff — typically between £0 and £75 per fuel. It’s worth checking your current contract terms before switching and calculating whether the saving justifies any exit fee.

What happens to my credit balance when I switch?

Your old supplier is legally required to refund any credit balance within 14 days of your final bill. Additionally take a meter reading on the day of your switch to ensure your final bill is accurate. If you owe money to your old supplier this will be taken from your final payment.

Can I switch if I’m a renter?

In most cases yes — if you pay your energy bills directly to a supplier rather than through your landlord you have the right to switch. However check your tenancy agreement first as some contracts include clauses about energy suppliers. Furthermore if bills are included in your rent you would need to speak to your landlord.

What is the energy price cap?

The energy price cap is set by Ofgem every three months and limits the maximum unit rate and standing charge that suppliers can charge households on standard variable tariffs. However it does not cap your total bill — it caps the rate you pay per unit. Consequently higher usage means a higher bill even within the cap. See our energy price cap guide for full details.

How long does switching broadband take?

Switching broadband typically takes 2-4 weeks. If you stay on the same network (for example moving from one Openreach provider to another) the switchover is usually seamless with minimal or no downtime. If you move to a provider on a different network or upgrade to full fibre you may need an engineer visit and experience a brief period without internet during the changeover.

Will I lose internet access when I switch broadband?

If switching between providers on the same network (most standard fibre providers use the Openreach network) the switch is usually seamless. However if moving to a different infrastructure — such as Virgin Media’s cable network or a full fibre provider — there may be a brief period of a few hours with no service on the day of installation.

Can I switch broadband if I’m in a contract?

You can switch at any time however early termination fees may apply if you switch before your contract ends. Additionally if your provider has raised prices mid-contract you typically have the right to exit without penalty — check the terms and conditions or contact your provider to confirm.

Do I need a phone line for broadband?

Not any more. Full fibre broadband, Virgin Media cable broadband and 4G/5G home broadband all work without a traditional phone line. Furthermore as the UK switches off the old copper network more households are moving to phone-line-free broadband. See our broadband without a phone line guide for full details.

What broadband speed do I need?

For most households 30-60Mbps is sufficient for everyday use including HD streaming and working from home. Larger households with multiple simultaneous users benefit from 100Mbps or above. See our broadband speed guide for a full breakdown by household size and activity.

What information do I need to compare deals?

To compare energy deals you need your postcode and an estimate of your monthly energy spend or annual usage. For broadband you just need your postcode. You do not need to create an account or provide personal details to compare deals on FastSwitch.

Is my personal data safe with FastSwitch?

We take data privacy seriously. FastSwitch does not sell your personal data to third parties. When you compare deals on FastSwitch and click through to a supplier’s website the supplier’s own privacy policy applies to any information you provide during the switching process. See our privacy policy for full details.

Do I need to create an account to use FastSwitch?

No — you can compare energy and broadband deals on FastSwitch without creating an account or registering any personal details. Simply enter your postcode to get started.

How do I contact FastSwitch?

You can reach the FastSwitch team by emailing info@fastswitch.co.uk. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

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Can’t find your answer? Email us at info@fastswitch.co.uk and we’ll get back to you within one business day · FastSwitch Limited · Registered in England and Wales