Is no-deposit the same as prepaid?

No. A no-deposit plan is usually a billed monthly plan that waives or reduces the security deposit. Prepaid / pay-as-you-go means you buy a balance and service can disconnect when it runs out.

Will I still have a credit check?

Sometimes. Deposit waivers can still involve a credit review or alternative products. Enter your ZIP to see what is offered at your address.

Does skipping a deposit make the rate higher?

It can. Compare the all-in EFL price at your usage against a deposit plan — do not assume no-deposit is cheaper overall.

Where do I compare prepaid instead?

Use the Pay as You Go page if you want true prepaid service with no traditional monthly bill.

No-Deposit Plans

Start service without a big deposit.

No-deposit plans waive or reduce the security deposit on a normal monthly bill. That is not prepaid. If you want pay-as-you-go, that is a different page. Enter your ZIP to see no-deposit options at your address.

Not prepaid

Two products people mix up.

No-deposit (this page)

You get a monthly bill. The retailer skips or lowers the cash deposit. You still have contract terms, due dates, and usually an EFL with 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 kWh columns.

Prepaid / pay-as-you-go

You buy a balance. Service can disconnect when it runs out. True cost includes disconnect fees, reconnect, and delivery. See pay-as-you-go →

What to compare

Deposit is one line. The bill is the rest.

All-in ¢/kWh at your usage — a waived deposit can sit on a higher energy rate.
Early termination and term length — read the EFL and Terms of Service.
Moving? Pair this with the movers guide so you do not land on a holdover rate.

FAQ

No-deposit, answered honestly.

No. A no-deposit plan is usually a billed monthly plan that waives or reduces the security deposit. Prepaid / pay-as-you-go means you buy a balance and service can disconnect when it runs out.
Sometimes. Deposit waivers can still involve a credit review or alternative products. Enter your ZIP to see what is offered at your address.
It can. Compare the all-in EFL price at your usage against a deposit plan — do not assume no-deposit is cheaper overall.
Use the Pay as You Go page if you want true prepaid service with no traditional monthly bill.

Related guides

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