Gas & Electricity - Energy providers refuse to cut bills for cash payers
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Latest News Energy providers refuse to cut bills for cash payers
Energy providers refuse to cut bills for cash payers
Five out of the top six energy suppliers have no plans to lower prices for customers that pay by cash or cheque, it has been reported.
At the start of this month a change was made to the licensing system to allow different prices to reflect the costs for gas & electricity suppliers, as payments made by cash and cheque entail expense in processing costs.But consumer groups are concerned that this group of customers are paying over the odds for their energy.
Watchdog Consumer Focus has revealed the average difference between an annual bill paid by direct debit customers and a bill paid quarterly is around £100, a 10% increase since April.
British Gas, E.On, Npower, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern have all said that they have no plans to reduce prices for customers that choose to pay by cash or cheque.
The only supplier to show signs of changing the prices is EDF.
Chief executive of the Energy Retail Association - Garry Felgate, said Ofgem - the energy regulator, was pleased that their prices were in line with their costs, and the main six suppliers were working to keep bills down.
"What the companies are doing is when they're able to drive down costs, they're passing those savings on to the customers," he said.
But Zoe McLeod, from Consumer Focus, highlighted that the new rules clearly state that the increase in costs for quarterly bills could only be due to extra processing costs involved, and should not be seen as a method for increasing profit.
"We do have concerns that despite the introduction of new licence conditions, consumers who pay by cash or cheque continue to pay over the odds," she said.
Malcolm Keay, an expert at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, said there was suspicion that the difference in prices for customers who choose not pay by direct debits may be put into place to encourage customers to switch their payment method.
A spokesman for Ofgem said it would monitor the situation closely and would take action if required.
Earlier this week E.On announced that all new customers who paid by cash or cheque would be billed monthly rather than quarterly.
Written by Sam Gooch
Friday, 25 September 2009 12:16
| Card | Balance Transfers | Purchases | Typical APR (variable) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Full Table > | ||||
 |
Virgin Credit Card | |||
|
0%
16 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.6%
|
||
 |
Barclaycard Platinum | |||
|
0%
15 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
15.9%
|
||
 |
Egg Visa Card | |||
|
0%
until May 2011
|
0%
until Jun 2010
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
Tesco Clubcard | |||
|
0%
6 mths
|
0%
12 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
MBNA Platinum | |||
|
0%
13 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 16 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are in full time employment
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a Bank or Building society account
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are 21 years or over
- You are a permanent UK resident
- You have no history of bankruptcy, had an IVA's or CCJ's.
- You haven't missed a payment on either a credit card or mortgage in the last 12 months.
- You have a regular income of more than £20,000 per annum
- You have not been declined for credit in the last six months.
- You do not have debts on other credit cards greater than £20,000
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until May 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% until Jun 2010
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 22.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 45 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- Any Income Considered
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 46 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You have an excellent Credit History
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £25,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have an Excellent Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until Apr 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.50%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months
- You don't have a CCJ (County Court Judgement) or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and haven't been registered bankrupt
- You don't already have a Barclaycard
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE AN EXISTING NATWEST CUSTOMER
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.7% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE AN EXISTING HSBC CUSTOMER
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You have been a permanent resident/citizen of the UK for atleast the last 3 years
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.16% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have an income over £8,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 7.90% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 7.90% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 15.8% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 21 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £20,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.3% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 55 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 18.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
- You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.90% For Life
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are in full time employment
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a Bank or Building society account
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- I am aged 18 or over
- I have a current UK bank or building society account
- I have a permanent UK home address
- I have a household income of at least £30,000
- I have no history of bad debt
- If self-employed, I have been working for more than one year.
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 18.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
- You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 4.90% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £10,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A NATWEST CURRENT A/C HOLDERS
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 4.90% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £10,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
