Northern Ireland electricity guide
Keypad vs Credit Meters: Which Payment Style Fits You?
Published on 5 June 2026 by Wee Switch NI Team. Last reviewed 5 June 2026.
The pros and trade-offs of prepayment and credit meters for Northern Ireland electricity customers.
The cheapest tariff is important, but the payment method also affects how easy your electricity is to manage. Keypad and credit meters suit different households.
With a keypad meter, you pay in advance and top up as needed. This can be helpful for budget control because you can see credit reducing as you use electricity.
With a credit meter, you use electricity first and pay later by Direct Debit, online payment or bill payment. Direct Debit tariffs can sometimes be cheaper, but you need to keep an eye on usage.
When comparing tariffs, filter by the payment method you would actually use. A deal that looks cheap on Direct Debit may not be available on keypad, and vice versa.
Keypad meters
Credit meters
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How this guide is reviewed
This guide is reviewed for Northern Ireland relevance, current supplier status, and tariff-sensitive claims. Tariff figures should be checked against the latest Consumer Council NI source before publication.