Before You Choose Pay-as-you-go: Worth Checking Traditional First
Pay-as-you-go costs about $300/year more than traditional plans. That's the price of no credit check and complete control. But here's what most people don't know: many people with credit challenges still qualify for traditional plans with $0 deposit.
Every light company sets their own credit threshold. One might accept 600, another needs 650, another takes 500. We check multiple companies to find which one will work with you. Many people succeed. If none do? The pay-as-you-go options below are your guaranteed path.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
How We Compare
We evaluated 6 no-deposit pay-as-you-go providers on six criteria: startup cost, same-day availability, customer service hours, rate ranges, trust signals (years in business, PUCT standing), and satisfaction guarantees.
Last updated: 2026-02-12 • All light companies listed are PUCT-licensed and actively accepting new customers.
Provider Comparison Table
| Provider | Startup Cost | Rate Range | Same-Day | Guarantee | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payless Power
Prepaid Only
| $40–$75 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 6:
00 PM 7 days/week | - | 21 years
Established brand |
| Now Power
Prepaid Only
| $0–$40 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 2:
00 PM | - | 10 years |
| Pogo Energy
Prepaid Only
| $30–$50 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 3:
00 PM | - | 9 years |
| $75–$150 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 6:
00 PM | ✓ 60 days Any provider | 42 years
Established brand | |
| $50 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 6:
00 PM | - | 24 years
Established brand | |
| $50 | 12–20¢/kWh | ✓ Yes
Until 5:
00 PM | - | 29 years
Established brand |
Key Findings
💰 Lowest Startup Cost
Payless Power ($40-75) offers the lowest minimum startup cost among established providers.
Newer prepaid-only companies like Now Power and Pogo Energy also start around $30-40, but have shorter track records.
🕐 Best Same-Day Availability
Payless Power (7 days/week until 6 PM) offers the most flexible same-day service windows.
Most competitors only offer same-day Monday-Saturday, with earlier cutoff times.
🛡️ Best Satisfaction Guarantee
TXU Energy (60 days, full) and 4Change Energy (60 days, full) allow you to switch to ANY provider penalty-free.
Reliant offers 90 days but restricts you to other Reliant plans only.
⭐ Most Established Brand
Payless Power (since 2005) has the longest prepaid-only track record in Texas.
For traditional brands offering prepaid, TXU Energy and Reliant Energy have the most name recognition.
Prepaid-Only vs Mixed Providers
| Feature | Prepaid-Only (Payless Power, Now Power) | Mixed Providers (TXU Energy, Reliant) |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $0 (guaranteed, all plans) | $0 prepaid only, $0-400 traditional |
| Credit Check | Never | Only for traditional plans |
| Startup Cost | $30-75 | $75-150 prepaid |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | Rarely offered | Often 60-90 days |
| Brand Recognition | Lower (niche focus) | Higher (established Texas brands) |
Our Recommendation
Choose Prepaid-Only (Payless Power) If:
- • You need same-day service on weekends
- • You want the lowest possible startup cost
- • You prefer a company that ONLY does prepaid (specialized expertise)
- • You need lights on with less than $50
Choose Mixed Provider (TXU Energy, Reliant) If:
- • Brand recognition matters to you
- • You want a satisfaction guarantee
- • You might switch to traditional later (easier with same company)
- • You value strong customer service ratings
Consumer Advocate
I cut through the BS. Light companies hide their real rates in the fine print. I show you what you'll actually pay.
View full profileLast updated:
Provider information verified 2026-02-12. Rates, availability, and terms subject to change. Always verify details with the provider before enrolling. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).
