Money Saving Tips: Switchd

How does Switchd work?

Switchd is an energy auto-switching service. They regularly check for better deals and switch your energy tariff accordingly. They charge a relatively small monthly fee (a free plan is also available, for more details see “What plans do Switchd offer?”), while most other energy auto-switching services receive a commission from utility suppliers.

This means Switchd don’t have to have an agreement with utility suppliers and that’s why they can give you access to most UK energy suppliers - whether it’s the cheapest or the greenest energy provider. Commission-based tariffs are also usually more expensive, as they include the commission costs.

How much can I save with Switchd?

According to Switchd, people who opt for one of their paid plans could save on average over £400 a year - although this will depend on many factors, such as consumption and what utility bills you decide to switch. Many variables are taken into account, including usage, region, meter type and more. On a paid plan, over 26,000 UK energy tariffs options for gas and electric (or both) are automatically checked daily - a wider variety of options means you have a better chance of getting a better deal. Also, most people are switched on average every 6 to 9 months.

What plans do Switchd offer?

Switchd have four pricing plans. All plans are free until you’re on a deal saving at least £50.

How do I sign up?

1. Click the Join Switched button
2. Provide your details and information about your current tariff on the Switchd website (takes about 4 minutes)
3. Then they do all the work by searching thousands UK energy tariffs

When a deal is found, you’ll get an email notification, and you’ll have 14 days to stop the change if you decide you don’t want to switch - otherwise they will make the change automatically for you. Even after the first switch, they will continue to look for better deals. You don’t have to accept a switch, and by default, you’ll be switched every six months which can be changed in your account settings. You can also choose renewable energy providers only and set a minimum saving amount threshold in your account settings.

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How does Switchd compare with other providers?

A significant difference between Switchd and most other energy auto-switching services is they don’t work on commission bases as mentioned above. They receive a monthly fee from their customers. This means that on their paid plans, they don’t have to have an agreement with a provider to show the providers’ tariffs options. Plus, no commission means they can offer cheaper deals.

Switchd VS Look After My Bills (LAMB)

LAMB searches a panel energy suppliers, the number of suppliers are limited to those with whom they have an agreement. Still, their service is free to their customers (as they work on a commission basis with their suppliers). Switchd also has a free plan with a reduced panel of suppliers, as well as three paid plans. The paid plans look at the whole market.

LAMB will search for new deals when your current contract is due to end. While Switchd looks at new deals daily and takes into account any additional fees that your current supplier may charge should you end your contract early to switch to another UK energy provider. Both offer an automated switching service.

Switchd VS Flipper

Flipper changes energy suppliers by also searching the whole market to find a better deal for its customers. A flip, or switch, occurs when the saving of £50 or more is made. They charge a yearly fee of £30 (equivalent to £2.50 a month). The Switchd paid plans also offer access to all market tariffs and start from £1.99, with the most expensive being £4.99 a month. It has a free plan option, which Flipper does not, and unlike Switchd, Flipper currently does not have an app. Both offer an automated switching service.

Our comparison summary table

Why do MustCompare feature Switchd?

We at MustCompare are all about helping people find financial products that are right for them, as well as deals that could
save money. That’s why we have created the MustCompares’ Money Saving Tips, where we look at real solutions, review products and providers.

While it is true that we earn a commission when you sign up with Switchd, we believe having a service that automatically finds you a better energy tariff could be a way to save some money, it’s also a way to save you time and hassle. Switchd scans the whole energy market, which is why we think you could have a better chance of getting some of the deals available.

Do I need to be aware of anything?

Yes. Remember, they look at all options and will offer you the deals they could find. That means although you might save money, you might not always get the best service from a utility provider. You can find Switchd full list of providers. On the same list, you can also find the suppliers they exclude as well as their reason for doing so. You should also be aware that if you don’t have a smart meter, you will need to give meter readings occasionally.

You should also note that although we feature Switchd on our website and we do receive a commission fee from them as mentioned above, we don’t manage or have any control of their services or products. If you do become dissatisfied with their service, you should address your complaint directly with them. If you want to make us aware of anything related to their services or if you have concerns about us featuring them on our website, please contact us.

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