Prepayment meter tariffs: Pay As You Go energy
Prepayment meter tariffs, also known as Pay As You Go, let you pay for gas and electricity before you use it. Top up online, in the British Gas app, by phone, or at Payzone and Post Office locations.
What’s a prepayment energy meter?
If you have a prepayment meter (also called a Pay As You Go meter) you pay for your gas or electricity before you use it. You do this by topping up your meter using a gas card or electricity key at a local Payzone or Post Office. If you have a smart meter, there are a few more topping-up options. When you use gas or electricity, your prepayment meter will use up your available credit until it runs out – you’ll then need to top - up again.
How much does prepayment energy cost?
With a prepayment meter, you'll pay a unit rate for the energy you use and a daily standing charge. The rates you pay can vary depending on where you live and are affected by Ofgem's energy price cap, which is reviewed every three months. The amount you pay will also depend on how much gas and electricity you use.
Why join British Gas on a Pay As You Go tariff?
Here's what you can expect with a British Gas Pay As You Go tariff.
Manage your budget
Paying for your energy as you go can help you keep track of what you're spending
Easy ways to top up
Top up at a Payzone store or Post Office. If you have a smart meter, you can also top up online, by phone or in our app.
£10 emergency credit
If you run out of credit, you can access £10 Emergency Credit until you're able to top up1.
Existing customers – Pay As You Go (PAYG) tariffs
Need help with your prepayment meter?
Get help with topping-up, or if you’re having trouble adding credit to your prepayment meter, plus lots more.
Want to change to a credit meter?
We can change your meter from Pay As You Go to credit.
Moving home?
If you’re moving in or out of a home with a Pay As You Go meter, you’ll need to tell us.
Switch to smart Pay As You Go with British Gas
A more flexible and convenient way to manage your energy at home.
What happens if I run out of credit?
Most meters warn you when your credit falls to £2. If you can’t afford more credit or are unable to top-up, our meters provide £10 of Emergency Credit for gas or electricity.
We also offer Friendly Credit on conventional electricity key meters and smart meters during certain periods – mainly overnight, weekends and Bank Holidays. This means that if you accidentally run out of credit, the meter won’t cut you off during these periods.
Are prepayment meter tariffs cheaper than other energy tariffs?
Not necessarily. Prepayment customers are usually on variable tariffs that are covered by Ofgem's energy price cap. The rates you pay can vary depending on where you live and the type of meter you have. The amount you pay will depend on how much gas and electricity you use.
What's a smart prepayment meter?
A smart prepayment meter, also known as a smart Pay as You Go (PAYG) meter, gives you more ways to top up and keep track of your energy use
Top up online
Top up any time in our app or online.
Top up by phone
Use our 24-hour automated line to top up whenever it suits you.
Top up in person
Use your smart card to top up at a local Payzone store or Post Office.
Keep track of your energy use
See how much energy you're using in pounds and pence with your smart energy monitor.
Keep your smart card handy
Store a digital smart card in your mobile wallet, so it's always with you when you need to top up.
If you don’t have a smart meter, we'll fit one for free when you join.
What are the pros and cons of a prepayment (Pay As You Go) meter?
The pros
- You can control how much and how often you top up
- You can stay on top of your energy costs without large or unexpected bills
- You can keep track of your spending by checking your remaining credit
- You can top up quickly and easily, online or in person
The cons
- You'll need to make sure you have enough credit to keep your gas and electricity running
- You'll usually need to top up more often during colder months when you use more energy
- You'll need enough credit on your meter to cover standing charges, even when you're away from home
- You'll need to keep an eye on your credit balance and top up when it's running low
Can I switch suppliers with a prepayment meter?
Yes, you can. If you’re on a prepayment meter (sometimes called a Pay As You Go meter), you’re free to switch to another supplier as long as you don’t owe more than £500 for gas or electricity.
If you’re renting your home, you can still switch, as long as the energy account is in your name and you’re the one topping up your meter.
When switching to British Gas, you’ll join our Pay As You Go tariff automatically. Once your account is active, you can ask to change to a credit meter or explore other gas and electric plans.
What’s the standing charge on a prepayment meter?
As well as paying for any gas and electricity you use, you’ll pay a daily fee for being connected – this is called the standing charge. You pay a standing charge with a standard meter too.
When you're on prepayment you need credit on your meter to pay it - even on days you don’t use any gas or electricity.
The amount of the standing charge you pay will depend on where you live and what energy tariff and supplier you have.
Additional support if you’re finding it hard to pay
Extra help from the Priority Services Register
If you or someone in your home is vulnerable or at risk if there’s a problem with your energy supply, join the free Priority Services Register. You can get regular updates in an emergency; communications in different formats or a free gas safety check if eligible.
Warm Home Discount – Pay as You Go (PAYG) electricity
Warm Home Discount is a yearly payment of £150 towards electricity bills for eligible customers. It’s usually paid in March. If you’re entitled to the discount and have a Pay As You Go electric meter, we’ll send you a Post Office voucher, with instructions on how to collect the credit and add it to your meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t British Gas offer a no-standing-charge prepayment tariff?
Some no-standing-charge tariffs make up for this by charging more for the energy you use. That's why it's important to compare both the unit rate and standing charge when choosing an energy tariff. A no-standing-charge tariff may suit properties that are empty for long periods, such as holiday homes.
Get a quote online and see how we compare.
What happens if my prepayment meter runs out of credit and I can’t top up?
Most meters warn you when your credit falls to £2. If you can’t afford more credit or are unable to top-up, our meters provide £10 of Emergency Credit for gas or electricity. We also offer Friendly Credit on conventional electricity key meters and smart meters during certain period - mainly overnight, weekends and English Bank Holidays. This means that if you accidentally run out of credit, the meter won’t cut you off during these periods.
Do I need to submit meter readings for a Pay As You Go tariff?
No – if you're on Pay As You Go your readings are sent to us each time you top up.
Can I change my meter type?
If we supply your energy and you qualify, we can change your meter from Pay As You Go.
Can I have both gas and electricity on a prepayment meter?
Yes, you can have both gas and electricity prepayment meters. You pay for your energy before you use it by topping up with a key for your electricity meter and a card for your gas meter. If you have smart meters, you can also top up online and in our app.
What’s the difference between a smart meter and a prepaid meter?
A prepayment meter is a way of paying for your energy. You pay for your gas and electricity before you use it by topping up your credit.
A smart meter is a type of meter that automatically sends meter readings and helps you track your energy use. Smart meters can be used with both Pay As You Go and credit tariffs.
How do prepayment energy tariffs work?
With a prepayment tariff, you pay for your energy before you use it by topping up your meter. As you use gas or electricity, the cost is deducted from your available credit. When your credit runs low, you'll need to top up again to keep your supply running.
How much Emergency Credit can I get?
British Gas Pay As You Go customers can get up to £10 Emergency Credit if they run out of credit. This helps to keep your energy on until you're able to top up. Any Emergency Credit you've used will be repaid automatically the next time you top up.
What is Friendly Credit?
Friendly Credit helps keep your energy supply on when you run out of credit overnight, at weekends or on bank holidays. Any Friendly Credit you've used will be repaid automatically the next time you top up
Can I change from prepayment to a credit meter?
You may be able to switch from a prepayment meter to a credit meter if you're eligible. We'll need to check a few details first, then we'll talk you through your options. Just get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
Can I have a prepayment meter if I'm renting?
Yes – many tenants use prepayment meters. If you're responsible for paying the energy bills at your property, you may be able to choose a prepayment meter. If you're unsure, it's worth checking your tenancy agreement or speaking to your landlord.
Can I get help if I can't afford to top up?
Yes – if you need some support paying for your energy, we can figure it out together. From payment plans to tailored support, we’ll work with you to make things easier. Find out more online about the practical ways we can help you.
Additional information
If you use Emergency or Friendly Credit, you’ll need to repay it at your next top-up.