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Most Texas light companies require an upfront deposit when you begin service, which may add an extra cost burden for some customers. However, some providers offer no-deposit electricity plans that allow you to skip this upfront fee.
When you sign up for service, electricity providers typically run a soft credit check. If you don’t meet their minimum credit requirement, they’ll often require a security deposit, held for at least 12 months. However, there are a few no-deposit electric companies in Texas that offer a way to skip the credit check and start service without an upfront deposit.
If you’re looking for a way to get energy service without the extra cost of a security deposit, Choose Texas Power can help. Enter your ZIP code to explore light companies with no deposit requirements.
Electricity bill deposits can cost up to two months’ worth of service — one-sixth of your annual electric bill. For many Texas customers, that amount could be $350 or more. No-deposit light companies can help you avoid spending hundreds of dollars on an electricity deposit before your service even begins.
To qualify a customer for a no-deposit plan, electricity companies consider:
| Payless Power - 12 Month - prepaid | 12 months | $0.201 / kWh |
| Payless Power - 6 Month - prepaid | 6 months | $0.202 / kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 4/24/2025, 6:00:21 PM CDT for ZIP Code 75001. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
If you’re looking for light companies with no deposit requirements, you’ll often find two options: prepaid plans or no-deposit plans for high credit scores. You may also find some low-deposit plans available.
The most common type of no-deposit electricity plan is a prepaid plan. With prepaid plans, you pay for your electricity in advance. Unlike a deposit, which doesn’t cover your electricity usage, payments on a prepaid plan go directly toward your electricity costs. You’ll receive notifications about your energy usage, and you can add more funds when your account runs low to avoid any interruptions in your service.
Many electric companies offer no-deposit plans to customers who meet their credit score threshold. These plans require a soft credit check, and you can begin service without a deposit if you qualify. A soft credit check does not affect your credit score.
If you want to know if you can sign up for a no-deposit electricity plan of this type, enter your ZIP code on Choose Texas Power to compare plans and learn if you qualify.
Low-deposit plans are an alternative for those who don’t qualify for traditional no-deposit plans but still want to minimize upfront costs. These plans require a smaller initial deposit than standard ones, making them a more accessible option for customers with fair or poor credit. While low-deposit plans may involve a modest upfront payment, they can still provide cost-effective electricity solutions for customers who don’t want prepaid plans.
Before signing up for a no-deposit plan in Texas, consider the following benefits and drawbacks to determine if it’s a good fit.
Many Texas light companies, such as Payless Power, Acacia, BKV, Pogo, and several others, specialize in no-deposit plans. We recommend exploring Payless Power’s prepaid options. Payless provides affordable and flexible prepaid plans to help customers avoid an upfront deposit.
Payless Power offers six-month and 12-month plans for prepaid, no-deposit electricity. The following table features rates for these plans by utility:
Utility |
Cities |
Plan |
Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEP Texas Central | Corpus Christi, McAllen, Harlingen, Victoria, Laredo |
6 month prepaid 12 month prepaid |
20.7¢ 20.7¢ |
| AEP Texas North | Abilene, San Angelo, Alpine, Vernon | 6 month prepaid 12 month prepaid |
21.2¢ 21.2¢ |
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston, Kingwood, Galveston, Sugar Land, Spring, Katy, Cypress |
6 month prepaid 12 month prepaid |
18.7¢ 18.7¢ |
| Oncor Electric Delivery | Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Arlington, Beeville, Midland, Odessa, Killeen, Waco, Wichita Falls, Tyler |
6 month prepaid 12 month prepaid |
20.1¢ 20.1¢ |
| Texas New Mexico Power | Texas City, Friendswood, Lewisville, Midland | 6 month prepaid 12 month prepaid |
20.1¢ 20.1¢ |
*Note: These rates are current as of 4/8/2025. Enter your ZIP code to find the exact rate for your location.
Prepaid, no-deposit plans do not usually require credit checks. For instance, Payless Power does not run a credit check for its no-deposit light plans.
It depends on which provider and plan you choose. Payless Power’s prepaid options require a contract to lock in your electricity rate for six or 12 months. The contract includes an early termination fee of $99 if you cancel before it expires.
Many light companies in Texas with no deposit requirements offer same-day setup, especially if you have a smart meter. Smart meters allow providers to set up your service remotely without visiting your home or business.
The first step is to check whether your no-deposit light company offers service where you’re moving. If it does, you’ll need to contact the provider to arrange to move your service. If you’re moving outside the service area of your energy provider, you’ll need to switch energy plans.
Our team of Texas energy experts specializes in matching customers with the right plan. Call the number on your screen to speak with a member of our team. They can help answer your questions and match you with the best electricity plan for your needs and budget.
Let us put the power in your hands with a new electricity plan.
