How to Switch Energy Suppliers & Get Free Bonuses (2026)⚡

Did you know you could save money on your energy bills AND earn a FREE welcome bonus just for switching suppliers?

Millions of UK households could benefit from comparing their gas and electricity tariffs, particularly if they're still paying their supplier's standard variable rate.

But here's something many people overlook: some energy companies also offer refer-a-friend bonuses, giving new customers free energy credit or other rewards when they switch!

Even better, switching is usually straightforward, your energy supply won't be interrupted, and choosing a flexible tariff could mean you're free to switch again without paying exit fees.

In this guide, we'll explain how energy switching works, how much you could save and where to find the latest referral bonuses.

💷 How Much Could You Save by Switching Energy Suppliers?

The amount you could save depends on your current energy tariff, how much electricity and gas you use and which deals are available.

As of October–December 2026, the Ofgem Energy Price Cap is £1,723 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit.

However, this isn't a maximum bill. Households using more energy will pay more, while those using less will generally pay less.

Switching to a cheaper tariff could reduce your annual costs, and a welcome bonus could make the deal even better!

For example:

This is an illustrative example, not a guaranteed saving. Your actual savings and bonus will depend on the tariff, usage and offer conditions.

The important thing is to compare the overall cost of the tariff, including any referral reward, rather than switching purely for the bonus.

🎁 Get FREE Energy Credit With Referral Bonuses

Here's where things get interesting!

Several UK energy suppliers operate refer-a-friend schemes, rewarding customers for introducing friends or family members.

Depending on the company and promotion, you could receive:

• 💷 FREE credit towards your energy bills
• 🎁 Gift cards or other welcome rewards
• ⚡ Discounts or other benefits for switching

These offers can be particularly useful when you're already planning to change suppliers.

And you don't necessarily need to know somebody who uses that supplier!

Our sister website, Share My Link, allows people to share their referral links so others can find and use them.

Simply browse the Utilities category to discover available energy and utility referral offers.

👉 Find Energy Referral Bonuses on Share My Link

Make sure you read the individual offer conditions before signing up. Some rewards require you to remain a customer for a certain period, make qualifying payments or meet other requirements.

🔄 Why Flexible Energy Tariffs Are Worth Considering

One of the most important things to look for when switching energy suppliers is whether your new tariff has exit fees.

Some tariffs allow you to leave whenever you want without paying a penalty, giving you more flexibility if a better deal becomes available.

There are two main types of energy tariff:

1. Standard Variable Tariffs

These typically have no exit fees, meaning you can switch suppliers whenever you like.

Your unit rates can change, although eligible default tariffs are protected by Ofgem's Energy Price Cap.

2. Fixed Energy Tariffs

These usually lock in your unit rates and standing charges for a set period, often 12 months.

Some fixed tariffs have exit fees, while others don't.

If you're interested in switching again when a better deal or referral promotion appears, a tariff with no exit fees could be particularly useful.

However, don't automatically rule out fixed tariffs. A cheaper fixed deal with exit fees could still offer better overall value than a more expensive flexible tariff.

⚡ How to Switch Energy Suppliers & Claim a Welcome Bonus

Switching energy suppliers is much easier than you might think, and most of the process is handled automatically.

Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Check Your Current Energy Tariff

Start by logging into your existing energy supplier's app or website.

Look for:

• Your current tariff name
• Your electricity and gas unit rates
• Your daily standing charges
• Your annual energy usage in kWh
• Any early exit fees

Most of this information should be available on your latest energy bill.

Step 2: Compare Energy Prices

Before choosing a new supplier, compare the tariffs available for your property.

You can use an energy comparison website such as MoneySavingExpert's Cheap Energy Club or request quotes directly from energy companies.

Make sure you compare the estimated annual cost based on your actual usage, rather than relying on the advertised monthly Direct Debit.

Also check whether the tariff has exit fees and whether you're happy with the supplier's customer service.

Step 3: Find a Referral Bonus

Once you've found a supplier offering a competitive tariff, check whether they have a referral scheme.

You might be able to receive an additional welcome reward simply by joining through an existing customer's referral link.

Head over to Share My Link and browse the available utility offers.

👉 Browse Utility Referral Links & Bonuses

Remember that referral links don't always provide access to every tariff. Check that the deal available through the referral link is still competitive before signing up.

Step 4: Sign Up With Your New Supplier

Once you're happy with the tariff and any referral reward, complete your application through the appropriate link.

You'll generally need to provide your address, contact details, current energy information and payment details.

You don't normally need to contact your old energy supplier to cancel.

Your new supplier handles the switching process for you.

Step 5: Wait for Your Switch to Complete

Energy suppliers must generally complete a switch within five working days of the relevant switching date.

You also have a 14-day cooling-off period if you change your mind.

There's no need for an engineer to visit your property simply to change suppliers, and your gas and electricity supply won't be interrupted.

Remember to submit a meter reading around your switching date if requested.

Step 6: Receive Your Welcome Bonus!

Once your switch is complete, check the referral promotion's terms to see when your reward should arrive.

Depending on the supplier, this could be added directly to your energy account or issued separately.

Some bonuses are only paid after your first Direct Debit or after you've remained a customer for a qualifying period.

Keep a copy of the referral offer and check that your bonus has tracked correctly.

🏦 Does Switching Energy Suppliers Affect Your Credit Score?

Comparing energy tariffs won't affect your credit score, but applying to switch suppliers can involve a credit check.

Many energy companies carry out credit checks before accepting new customers, particularly those paying by monthly Direct Debit.

There are two types of checks:

• Soft credit check: Doesn't affect your credit score or your ability to obtain credit.
• Hard credit check: Is visible to lenders and could have a small impact on your credit score or future credit applications.

Some energy suppliers perform hard checks, so it's worth checking their policy before applying, especially if you're planning to apply for a mortgage soon.

The good news is that simply browsing tariffs, checking prices and looking for referral bonuses won't affect your credit score.

🔁 Can You Keep Switching Energy Suppliers for Referral Bonuses?

Potentially, yes!

There's no general rule preventing you from switching energy suppliers multiple times.

If you're on a tariff without exit fees, you could switch again when you find a better deal.

However, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, most referral promotions are intended for new customers. If you've previously held an account with the same supplier, you might not qualify for another welcome reward.

Secondly, some bonuses require you to remain with the supplier for a minimum period.

And finally, switching repeatedly could result in multiple credit checks, depending on the companies involved.

Our advice? Focus on finding competitive energy tariffs first, then use referral bonuses as an extra incentive.

That way, you're potentially saving money on your ongoing bills as well as receiving a welcome reward.

🎁 Find the Latest Energy Switching Bonuses

Switching energy suppliers can be a great way to reduce your household bills, particularly if you're currently paying more than you need to.

And with referral promotions offering additional rewards, it's worth checking whether you can get something extra before signing up.

Our top tip: Compare the available tariffs, look for flexible deals without exit fees, and check for a welcome bonus before making your switch.

We've made it easy to find referral offers from energy and utility companies through Share My Link.

👉 Find the Latest Energy & Utility Referral Bonuses Here

Disclaimer: Energy prices, referral promotions and eligibility requirements can change. Savings are not guaranteed. Always compare tariff costs, exit fees and reward conditions before switching. Some links may be referral links that reward the person sharing them.