Payless Power is a solid option for no-deposit electricity plans in Texas. We rated the company a 4.2 out of 5 in our review, which is based on customer responses from our February 2025 survey of 1,600 Texans living in deregulated areas. We evaluate providers for customer service, satisfaction, retention and online experience.
Payless Power’s 4.2 out of 5 is about 7% below the 4.5 out of 5 Texas average. However, the provider has strengths that could make it a good fit for your home.
The company’s prepaid energy plans let you pay as you go, avoiding enrollment fees and credit checks. Because it only offers fixed rates on its prepaid plans, it’s our No. 1 recommendation for no-deposit lights.
However, customer reviews are mixed. Our February 2025 survey found that only 22% of customers would recommend Payless Power to a friend, yet 55% said they likely won’t or won’t switch providers when their current contract ends. Keep reading to learn why Payless Power earned a 4.2 out of 5, as well as our top rating for prepaid energy.
Payless Power Electricity Plans
Payless Power offers two prepaid plans in six or 12-month terms. Payless Power briefly offered postpaid plans for customers early last year, but as of this time, it no longer offers such plans.
Payless is known for its prepaid plans, so if you want to avoid a deposit, you have a six- or 12-month option. Prepaid electricity plans work best for those avoiding credit checks or deposits and wanting to monitor energy use closely while paying as you go.
2 Payless Power Plans & Rates in Houston
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Payless Power - 12 Month - prepaid | 12 Months | 18 ¢/kWh |
| Payless Power - 6 Month - prepaid | 6 Months | 18 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 05/28/2025 at 06:10 PM. Based on 1000 kWh. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
2 Payless Energy Plans & Rates in Dallas
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Payless Power - 12 Month - prepaid | 12 Months | 19.3 ¢/kWh |
| Payless Power - 6 Month - prepaid | 6 Months | 19.3 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 05/28/2025 at 06:10 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Payless Power energy rates have dropped significantly in the last year and may drop further as temperatures decrease.
Our Thoughts on Payless Power
Payless Power ranks below top companies in Texas, but it offers benefits for those with limited options, who want to avoid a credit check or don’t have funds for an upfront enrollment deposit. While you still need to load at least $40 to your account to start service, it goes toward your energy payment instead of being a security deposit you get back after 12 months of consistent payments.
Payless Power’s customer retention score is strong, with a 4.8 out of 5. While the company excelled in this category, you should consider a few things based on customer feedback. Some respondents appreciate the flexibility of a prepaid plan and the daily usage alerts that help manage costs. Others mention they have limited options based on their location and don’t want to pay to switch providers, so they stay with Payless.
The company charges a $99 early termination fee (ETF), which you’d pay if you cancel before your contract ends. The ETF plus an enrollment deposit with your next provider adds up, so some customers may stay due to the total costs of switching.
Payless Power’s electricity rates land about four cents above the Texas average, but 56% of customers report paying between $100 and $150 per month, below average. Payless might be a good fit if a prepaid plan fits your preferences and the cost is within your budget. However, we still recommend comparing to 12-month fixed-rate plans without gimmicks for potential savings.
Payless Power Reviews
Based on our survey, Payless Power customers find major benefits in prepaid electricity. They like that there is, “no downpayment or deposit,” and “the way they text usage daily.” Other respondents find Payless “convenient and low cost to service,” and say, “There isn’t a better company than the one I have.”
Some mention hesitations about switching away from Payless Power. They said, “The disconnection fee with my current provider and the deposit required for the next is too much.”
Payless Power Ratings
Overall customers rated Payless Power below average for customer satisfaction, online experience and customer service. When asked about how issues were handled by the service team, respondents gave Payless a 4.6 out of 5. This shows that while the overall rating might be lower than average, it still offers quality service. Customers wish the provider were more transparent with fees, though 78% said it’s easy to read bills and make payments.
Online customer reviews from Google and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) help further understand the customer experience. Payless Power has 4.6 out of 5 stars overall on Google with an impressive 17,780 reviews. However, the BBB customer rating is 1.26 out of 5. Customers like the ease of bill payments and seeing their daily usage reports, but others share dissatisfaction with expensive bills.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No credit check or deposit for prepaid plans
- Offers prepaid plans
- Predictable monthly bills
Cons
- Pricier rates than the average company in Texas
- Limited plan options
- Prepaid plans require tracking usage and funds
Compare Payless Power to Top Energy Providers
Popular providers, like TXU Energy and Gexa Energy, received higher rankings and ratings than Payless because they offer better customer service and more plan option variety. However, Payless is our pick for no-deposit plans.
| Factor | Payless Power | TXU | Gexa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Number of plans available | 2 | 10 | 17 |
| Top 12-month plan | 12 Month - Prepaid | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
| Best feature | Bill predictability | Customer satisfaction | Plan options |
Where Is Payless Power Available?
Payless Power offers plans throughout most deregulated cities in Texas, except Lubbock. Here’s a breakdown of Payless’s service area by utility company.
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
Payless Power’s Electricity Facts Label
The EFL is required by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). It includes details about your energy plan, such as energy charges, TDU fees and contract terms. Here’s an example of Payless Power’s 12-month prepaid plan.
- Average price per kWh: This is the estimated average cost based on set usage levels. This rate includes the base charge, energy charge and TDU delivery fees.
- Daily charge: The base charge is a flat fee providers charge regardless of usage. Payless charges a $1 daily fee. Typically, other providers charge a flat monthly fee of up to $9.95.
- Energy charge: The energy charge is how much you pay per kWh of energy used. We recommend comparing the energy charge to the average price per kWh to spot gimmicky plans.
- TDU delivery charges: These are energy delivery costs from your utility. Most TDUs charge a fee per kWh and a flat monthly charge.
- Type of product: This section includes the plan type, such as fixed or variable rates.
- Contract term: This section displays your contract length, which ranges from six to 36 months for Payless plans.
- Early termination fee: You’ll pay a fee when cancelling your plan before the contract ends. Payless ETFs are generally $99.
- Renewable content: This section shows the percentage of your usage offset with renewable power.
- Other disclosures: Other sections in the disclosure chart explain how your price may vary during the contract. Your energy charges remain steady for fixed-rate plans, but utility delivery fees can change.
Contacting Payless Power
You can contact Payless Power via the phone number or the website form below. Payless Power customer service hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone: Call 866-963-9353
- Website: Submit a form
Contact your local utility during a power outage, as they are responsible for responding and restoring power. Payless is a retail electricity provider and can’t repair outages.
Moving with Payless Power
Payless Power does not offer service transfers, but you can create a new account for your updated address. The company recommends contacting its customer care team to set up a new account and begin power service based on when you need electricity.
Final Take: Payless Power’s Prepaid Plan Waives Credit Checks and Deposits
Payless Power stands out for its prepaid energy plans, offering a convenient way to avoid credit checks and deposits. You won’t find a better energy provider for no-deposit lights than Payless Power. While it may not rank as a top provider in our reviews, it serves a purpose if you’re looking for a prepaid plan.
You might find better rates and more options with providers like Gexa Energy or Reliant Energy. Review your energy needs and compare plans to find the best fit for your budget. Before choosing a plan, compare rates and contract terms to get the best deal on the best plan for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payless Power
Yes, Payless Power charges an early termination fee when you cancel your fixed-rate plan before the contract ends. Its ETFs are typically $99. You can avoid a cancellation fee if you’re moving outside the Payless service area.
The rates shown on your EFL are average price estimates. Your actual cost is based on your usage, the energy charge and TDU fees. Advertised rates don’t account for potential discounts or additional fees, such as the payment processing fee.
Payless Power doesn’t run a credit check for prepaid plans.
The best plan for you depends on your budget and energy usage. Prepaid plans are best for those who want to avoid a credit check or a large deposit. However, we often recommend postpaid plans because they have more competitive rates — even when accounting for a large upfront deposit. Compare rates and review the EFL terms to determine the best fit for you.
How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies
With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We created a comprehensive rating methodology to help you cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for your needs, whether you're moving to Texas or looking to switch providers.
We've researched dozens of Texas electricity providers and scored them out of 5 stars based on results from our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 Texans, scoring providers on customer satisfaction, experience and retention. Here's how these core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Customer satisfaction (30%)
- Customer retention (30%)
- Online experience (20%)
- Customer experience (20%)
