Payless Power Best for No Deposit

Payless Power Review

Prepaid specialist. No deposit, no credit check, same-day service.

4.2 · 860 reviews HQ: Arlington, TX Est. 2005 2 plans

Our verdict

3.5/5

Payless Power does one thing and does it cleanly: lights on today, no deposit, no credit check, no shutoff from a billing dispute — and its PUCT complaint rate runs well below the industry average. The catch is cost. At a typical 1,000 kWh it ranks near the bottom of every Texas provider on price (~18% above average), and the $1/day base charge inflates the real rate further. Prepaid is the right tool for credit-challenged shoppers and same-day move-ins; anyone who can qualify for a standard deposit will save $40–60 a month on a normal fixed plan.

How we evaluated

We checked Payless Power's current prepaid EFLs, the $1/day base charge and disconnect mechanics, its PUCT complaint rate (well below average), and the Google/Trustpilot rating vs. the low recommendation rate, then compared cost against standard fixed plans on the live market. We don't take payment for placement — checkout passes through at the same rate you'd get going direct.

By the numbers

Payless Power at a glance.

Lowest rate
19.00¢
Average rate
19.05¢
Plans
2
Rating
★ 4.2

What stands out

Payless Power highlights.

No deposit, no credit check

Get power same-day with prepaid service. No credit check needed.

What's in the box

Included vs. add-ons.

Included with all plans

  • TDU delivery charges built into the rate
  • Online account portal & mobile app
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Rate lock guarantee on fixed-term plans
  • No surprise fees outside of the EFL
  • Free monthly usage alerts

Available add-ons

  • Smart thermostat enrollment program
  • 100% renewable energy upgrade
  • Budget billing (level monthly payments)
  • Auto-pay & paperless billing discount
  • Referral rewards program
  • Appliance & wiring protection plan

Specific inclusions vary by plan. Always confirm against the EFL (Electricity Facts Label) for the plan you're considering.

Side by side

Payless Power vs. top providers.

Payless Power Payless Power Viewing now
Rating
★ 4.2
Lowest
19.00¢
Average
19.05¢
Plans
2
Best for No Deposit
Rating
★ 4.7
Lowest
7.40¢
Average
13.16¢
Plans
7
Best for Green Energy
View provider →
Rating
★ 4.4
Lowest
6.90¢
Average
14.39¢
Plans
19
Best for Low Rates
View provider →
Rating
★ 4.3
Lowest
7.40¢
Average
12.35¢
Plans
6
Best for Green Energy
View provider →

Every plan, ranked honestly

Payless Power plans.

1
Payless Power
Payless Power

12 Month - Prepaid - No Deposit & No Credit Check

Rate
19.00¢
Term
12 Months
$1000 kWh
$190

Rates as of June 2026 · verify on the EFL

  • 26% green
  • No deposit / no credit check
View plan →
2
Payless Power
Payless Power

6 Month - Prepaid -No Deposit & No Credit Check

Rate
19.10¢
Term
6 Months
$1000 kWh
$191

Rates as of June 2026 · verify on the EFL

  • 26% green
  • No deposit / no credit check
View plan →

Public review aggregate

Payless Power overall rating.

4.2
860 public reviews
Weighted aggregate from BBB, PUCT, and Trustpilot. Individual reviews from our own customers are coming soon.

Have experience with Payless Power? Help the next Texan choose smart.

5 minutes, no truck roll

How to switch to Payless Power.

  1. 1

    Pick a plan

    Compare the 2 Payless Power plans by rate, term length, and renewable %. Confirm the EFL matches what you saw.

  2. 2

    Enroll online

    Sign up in under 5 minutes — no paperwork, no phone tree. Bring your ZIP, address, and a recent bill if you have one.

  3. 3

    Switch is automatic

    Payless Power files the switch with your TDU. No service interruption, no new equipment, no truck roll. Your meter and wires stay the same.

Provider profile

InsidePayless Power.

Payless Power is a prepaid-electricity specialist founded in 2005 in Arlington — the largest Texas prepaid REP. The business model: no deposit, no credit check, no contract, pay in advance.

Per-kWh rates run 1.0-2.0¢ above standard fixed-rate plans (the prepaid premium covers credit risk and operational overhead). Account is funded ahead of usage; service disconnects when balance drops to zero.

Best fit if you...

  • Customers with poor or no credit history who can't pass standard REP credit checks.
  • Renters who don't want a deposit on their utility bill.
  • Short-term residents (3-month leases, military rotations) who want frictionless start and stop.

Watch out for

  • !Prepaid rates are meaningfully higher per kWh than post-paid — if you can pass a credit check, post-paid is almost always cheaper.
  • !Disconnection is automatic when prepaid balance hits zero — set up balance alerts.
  • !No grace period on payment — if you can't reload during an emergency, you're without power.

What makes Payless Power different

Largest and longest-running prepaid REP in Texas; the go-to when credit or deposit is a barrier.

Company background

About Payless Power.

Prepaid specialist. No deposit, no credit check, same-day service.

Established
2005
21 years in Texas
Headquarters
Arlington, TX
Active plans
2
Avg rate
19.05¢
at 1,000 kWh

Payless Power FAQ

Common questions about Payless Power.

What does Payless Power charge per kWh?

+

Payless Power plans range from 19.00¢/kWh on the cheapest fixed plan to roughly 19.10¢/kWh on its premium products. The average across all 2 plans is 19.05¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh of monthly usage. Always check the EFL — advertised rates can differ at 500 or 2,000 kWh.

Is Payless Power a legitimate Texas REP?

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Yes. Payless Power is a licensed Retail Electric Provider in Texas, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Arlington, TX. It's regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and serves customers across the deregulated Texas market.

How long does it take to switch to Payless Power?

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Most enrollments process in 1–3 business days. Payless Power files the switch with your local TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, or TNMP) — there's no service interruption, and your meter and wires don't change. Same-day or next-day moves are available for new addresses with priority enrollment.

Does Payless Power require a deposit?

+

No. Payless Power specializes in prepaid electricity — no deposit, no credit check, and same-day service. You pay for power as you use it.

What's the early termination fee with Payless Power?

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On fixed-rate plans, ETFs typically run $150 (under 12 months), $250 (12-month plans), or $295 (24+ month plans). Month-to-month variable plans have no ETF. The exact fee is listed in the EFL for each plan — always verify before signing.

Can I keep Payless Power if I move within Texas?

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Yes, as long as you're moving to another deregulated area on a TDU Payless Power serves. You'll typically transfer your plan to the new address without paying an ETF. If you move to a regulated market or municipal utility area (like Austin Energy or CPS), you'll need to cancel — most providers waive the ETF in that case with proof of address.

Ready to enroll with Payless Power?

Enter your ZIP and we’ll show every Texas plan available on your meter — sorted by true cost at your actual usage.

No spam · It's free · Takes 60 seconds

How enrollment works

You pick the plan here. Enrollment finishes on our secure checkout — same rate, no markup. If you'd rather skip the ZIP entry, Live Link pulls your real usage from Smart Meter Texas in about 30 seconds. Same plans, same checkout, less typing.