British Gas Upfront Payment

Just_a_Number

Just tried to change energy provider to British Gas but received a letter stating we need to pay £90 for gas and £125 for electricity upfront before we could swop. When I queried it they said the money would be kept for one year then returned if they had received all payments on time. This despite it being a direct debit and my credit score being 999 on Experian and no doubt they would over estimate the direct debit to build up a credit.

Told them where to go and shove their demands.

Why does this not show up on the comparison web sites. You get told when there is a cash back offer but not when there is "cash back" to the supplier.
:mad::mad:

MSE_Dan_L

Just_a_Number wrote: »

Just tried to change energy provider to British Gas but received a letter stating we need to pay £90 for gas and £125 for electricity upfront before we could swop. When I queried it they said the money would be kept for one year then returned if they had received all payments on time. This despite it being a direct debit and my credit score being 999 on Experian and no doubt they would over estimate the direct debit to build up a credit.

Told them where to go and shove their demands.

Why does this not show up on the comparison web sites. You get told when there is a cash back offer but not when there is "cash back" to the supplier.
:mad::mad:

Hi JustaNumber

I can understand your frustration in being requested to pay a security deposit prior to switching.

On Cheap Energy Club we do explain this in our FAQs (Will I be credit checked if I switch energy supplier) and that it is possible that the supplier will ask you to pay a deposit - full details here.
https://cheapenergyclub.moneysavingexpert.com/faq#creditcheck

Each supplier will have a different risk profile and may take into account additional factors outside of your credit report in determining whether to request a security deposit.

If you're unhappy with the decision made, you may wish to consider making a formal complaint and ask for verification that the decision made was correct. Suppliers rarely share the exact reason for a deposit being requested - it can range from not being able to match you to the credit bureau e.g. differing name or address, to having previously missed payments.

I hope this information helps.