Payless Power is a no-deposit Texas electricity provider specializing in prepaid energy plans with fixed rates. Although Payless doesn’t offer the cheapest electricity rates in Texas, its fixed rates make for more predictability, which is rare for a prepaid energy plan.
While several providers offer prepaid options, most have variable rates that can change monthly.
Payless Power stands out for combining the flexibility of prepaid electricity with the stability of fixed rates, offering six or 12-month contract terms. The company earns 4.2 out of 5 stars on This Old House’s rating system for Texas energy companies.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Payless Power has two decades of experience in the Texas deregulated electricity market. It briefly offered traditional postpaid plans in 2024. However, as of June 2025, Payless focuses solely on prepaid electricity.
Payless is a solid choice if you want price stability without going through a credit check or making a security deposit. It was founded by the brothers Brandon, Byron and Brian Young to serve customers who couldn’t qualify for affordable fixed-rate plans due to low credit scores.
Our Take on Payless Power
Payless Power is a solid option if you’re looking for a fixed-rate plan in Texas, but want to avoid the hassle of credit checks and security deposits. We also recommend Payless if you prefer to prepay for electricity in smaller amounts, such as weekly or twice per month, instead of following a monthly billing cycle.
Payless Power combines two benefits that are rarely found together: prepaid electricity and price stability. Most prepaid plans use variable rates, which result in unpredictable costs, while most fixed-rate plans lock you into a traditional postpaid model with a monthly power bill.
While it doesn’t have the lowest rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh), its prices are competitive with competing no-deposit rates. The bonus of bill predictability makes it our top pick for avoiding a deposit or credit check.
However, as of May 2025, the company only offers a prepaid fixed-rate plan with six or 12-month contract terms. It doesn’t offer plan variation. Many competing providers offer additional benefits such as green energy plans, solar buyback rates or discounted electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Pros and Cons
Like any electricity provider, Payless Power has advantages and drawbacks:
Pros
- Combines the benefits of prepaid electricity and fixed rates
- No credit check or security deposit required
- User-friendly website with a simple enrollment process
- Start service with an initial payment of only $40
Cons
- Only offers one type of electricity plan as of May 2025
- No additional perks such as green energy, solar buyback or EV charging rates
- Prepaid rates are slightly higher than postpaid rates
Payless Power Plans
Payless Power only offers one electricity plan in 2025, available with six or 12-month contract terms. This plan offers a unique combination of prepaid electricity and fixed rates, with no credit check or security deposit.
However, like in most fixed-rate plans, there is an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel or switch providers before your contract ends. Payless Power charges a $99 cancellation fee for both plan lengths.
| Plan | Type | Average Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Month Prepaid | Prepaid fixed rate | 18.0 cents | Daily base charge of $0.67 $10 monthly credit if your usage is 500 kWh or less |
| 6 Month Prepaid | Prepaid fixed rate | 18.0 cents | Daily base charge of $0.67 $10 monthly credit if your usage is 500 kWh or less |
Payless Power Plan and Pricing Structure
Payless Power uses a fixed-rate pricing model, which means your rate remains stable for the entire contract term. However, while most fixed-rate plans have a monthly billing cycle, Payless subtracts your daily usage from your prepaid balance. You can make deposits at any time, as long as you keep a positive balance in your account. The company applies a daily base charge of $0.67, but offers a monthly credit if your usage doesn’t exceed 500 kWh.
The rates displayed on Payless Power’s website include local delivery fees from utility companies, which vary by ZIP code. Below, you can compare average rates at different usage levels for the Payless “12 Month Prepaid” plan:
| Usage | Rate | Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | 18.5 ¢/kWh | $92.50 |
| 1,000 kWh | 18.0 ¢/kWh | $180.00 |
| 2,000 kWh | 16.8 ¢/kWh | $336.00 |
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requires electricity providers to publish an electricity facts label (EFL) for every plan they offer. This document breaks down key details such as energy rates, base charges and any additional fees, helping you avoid hidden costs. Before signing up for a plan, read the EFL to understand exactly what you’ll pay.
Here is the EFL for the Payless Power “12 Month Prepaid” plan in the Greater Houston area:
Note that the energy charge is relatively low, and the rates are fixed. However, you should also be aware of the daily charge of $0.67. We captured this EFL on June 4, 2025.
Payless Power’s Customer Experience
We surveyed 1,600 residential electricity users across Texas, asking them about their energy providers and customer experience. Payless Power scored 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on four key performance areas:
| Category | Score (Out of 5) | Average Providers in Our Review (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Customer Retention | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Online Experience | 4.1 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 3.6 | 4.6 |
According to our survey, 78% of Payless Power customers said the company offers a simple, easy-to-understand billing process. Additionally, 56% of respondents were satisfied with the online experience, while 44% expressed satisfaction with electricity costs.
Based on comments received in the survey, Payless Power customers also appreciate its hassle-free enrollment process and daily usage notifications.
Payless Power Customer Reviews
Payless Power boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews, based on nearly 19,000 reviews as of June 2025. The company has a much lower score of 1.29 out of 5 stars at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but this rating comes from only 17 customer reviews. Based on our research, most light companies in Texas receive negative reviews on the BBB, while customers often take to Google Reviews to share more positive experiences.
Positive reviews often praise Payless Power for its simplicity and daily usage notifications, which help customers manage their energy usage more effectively. Here’s an example:
“So far, it has been great and actually makes me more disciplined on watching my electricity usage. Now that I can see it every day and I know exactly what I’m using. I have been on top of making sure my lights are turned off when I leave the room and unplugged stuff that I’m not using, so it’s great!!” Mandi M. said.
When Payless Power receives negative reviews, they are often related to billing issues or high electricity costs. Here’s an example:
“This is literally the third time I couldn’t pay online which is an inconvenience because they charge an extra $4 over the automated system. The website is always down inconveniently!” Marlecia L. said.
Payless Power Online Experience
As of May 2025, Payless Power doesn’t have a mobile app, but customers often highlight its user-friendly website design and straightforward enrollment process. The company also provides daily usage notifications via email or text, which are useful for tracking your balance and electricity costs.
- Mobile App: No
- Online Bill Pay: Yes
- Usage Tracking: Yes (Daily)
- Paperless Billing: Yes
- Support Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT
- Contact Methods: Phone, Email, Online Contact Form
Payless Power vs. Competitors
Below, we compare Payless Power with two other electricity providers offering prepaid electricity plans: Reliant and Pronto Power.
Payless Power is the only prepaid electricity provider that offers fixed rates with contract terms of six or 12 months. Reliant Energy and Pronto Power also offer prepaid electricity, but they use variable rates that can change monthly, leading to unpredictable costs.
However, Reliant stands out for its wide selection of electricity plans, including solar buyback and EV charging options, while Payless Power focuses only on prepaid electricity. Pronto Power offers a 100% green energy prepaid plan, but lacks the benefit of stable pricing.
| Provider | Overall Rating | Recommended Plan | Plan Features | Average Rate (At 1,000 kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payless Power | 4.8/5.0 | 12 Month Prepaid | Fixed-rate prepaid plan with stable pricing $40 minimum payment to start service | 18.0 cents per kWh |
| Reliant | 4.9/5.0 | Prepaid Power | Variable rate $75 minimum payment to start service | 17.9 cents per kWh |
| Pronto Power | 4.1/5.0 | Pronto Saver | Variable rate 100% green energy $50 minimum payment to start service | 18.2 cents per kWh |
Is Payless Power Right for You?
We recommend Payless Power if you’re looking for a prepaid electricity plan with no credit check or security deposit, but still want the price stability of a fixed-rate contract. As of June 2025, Payless is the only electricity company in Texas that combines both benefits.
However, keep in mind that Payless Power is a “one-trick pony” with no alternative plan options. If you’re looking for features like 100% renewable energy or solar buyback rates, you’ll need to consider other electricity providers.
Also note that prepaid energy plans typically have higher rates than traditional postpaid plans. You may find that your total energy costs are less if you pay an upfront deposit and secure lower rates per kWh, rather than signing up for no-deposit lights.
Consider Payless Power if:
- You want to avoid credit checks and security deposits
- You’re looking for stable electricity rates over time
- You prioritize keeping track of your daily usage
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer a traditional monthly billing cycle
- You want features like solar buyback or discounted EV charging
- You prioritize plans with 100% green energy content
How To Sign Up for Payless Power
Signing up with Payless Power is fast and straightforward. You can enroll directly from their website or with our trusted partner, Home Energy Club, where you can compare Payless with other top-rated electricity providers in Texas.
Unlike most energy companies, Payless Power doesn’t require a credit check or security deposit, making it an excellent choice to start service quickly without financial barriers. The company offers same-day service from Monday to Saturday if you submit your application before 5:00 p.m. CT.
What You’ll Need
- Valid government-issued ID
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Service address in Texas
- Payment information (credit/debit card or bank account)
- Minimum $40 deposit to fund your prepaid balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Payless Power require a deposit?
Payless Power doesn’t require a security deposit like most competitors. You must make an initial payment of at least $40 to establish service, which is added to your usable balance.
What is Payless Power’s cancellation policy?
The company charges a $99 early termination fee (ETF) for six and 12-month plans. However, Texas law exempts you from cancellation fees if you switch to another provider while moving to a new address.
How does Payless Power handle bill credits?
Payless Power doesn’t offer any bill credit plans. However, its prepaid plan includes a $10 monthly credit if your usage is 500 kWh or less.
Does Payless Power offer renewable energy plans?
No, Payless Power plans only include 26% renewable energy. The company has no plan options with 100% green energy content.
What areas does Payless Power serve?
Payless Power is available in most deregulated areas of Texas, except for the Lubbock area, which is still relatively new to the Texas deregulated market.
How do I contact Payless Power’s customer service?
You can reach Payless Power’s customer service by calling 866-963-9353 from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. You can send messages through their Contact Us page or the “My Account” customer portal.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team supports our energy provider ratings and recommendations with a transparent, research-backed provider review methodology. Our process includes surveying electricity customers in deregulated markets like Texas, analyzing customer review trends, conducting mystery shopping, and consulting with energy experts. Each provider is scored based on performance in customer satisfaction, loyalty, digital experience, and service quality to produce a final rating on a 5-point scale.