How to Negotiate Your Bills and Save

Many of us have stayed with the same utility companies for years, trusting that loyalty is rewarded. Sadly, it often isn’t. However, a 15-minute phone call can cut hundreds of dollars a year from your household bills. And you don’t need to be pushy or an expert. You just need to be prepared, polite and willing to ask. Here’s how.

Get your paperwork ready

Before you ring, have these ready:

• Your latest bill. It shows your account number, current plan name and what you’re paying.
• Your usage. For power and gas, note your usage over the last year. For internet and mobile, check how much data you actually use.
• Your contract details. Are you still locked in, or free to leave? Any exit fees?
• A better offer from a competitor. This is your strongest bargaining chip. Use a free government comparison site (see below) and write down the plan name and price.
• Your concession or pension card. Pensioner Concession Cards, Health Care Cards and Seniors Cards can unlock discounts and rebates.
• A pen and paper. Write down the date, the name of the person you speak to and any reference number.

Tip: call mid-morning on a weekday. Wait times are usually shorter than on Mondays or at lunchtime.

Where to start

Start with your biggest bills first. Here’s a quick guide to the main bills and the best place to check prices.

Electricity and gas

This is usually where the biggest savings sit. New national rules started on 1 July 2026. Retailers can now only raise prices once a year, and you can’t be charged more than the standing offer price when a discount or plan benefit ends (Amber). But the cheapest deal still isn’t automatic. Fixing it is still up to you.

Check your bill for a “better offer” message. Then compare your plan on Energy Made Easy. The government site says the regulated Default Market Offer may not be the cheapest plan, and encourages everyone to shop around (AER). Ask about pensioner concessions and rebates too. In South Australia, these are handled through Concessions SA.

Internet and mobile

Many people pay for far more data than they use. Ask if there’s a cheaper plan that still suits you. Also check you’re not still paying for an old home phone line, a modem you own outright, or extras you forgot about.

Home, car and health insurance

By law, your renewal notice must show last year’s premium next to this year’s. If the jump is large, call and ask why. Check your details are correct, and ask about higher excess options, multi-policy discounts and seniors or loyalty discounts. For health cover, check you’re not paying for extras you’ll never use, like pregnancy cover.

Banking and credit cards

Ask for a lower interest rate or to have annual card fees waived. If you have a home loan, ask what rate new customers are being offered. Even a small cut adds up over years.

Subscriptions

Foxtel, streaming services, magazines and gym memberships quietly add up. When you call to cancel, you’ll often be offered a discount to stay. For more advice see How to Manage Your Subscriptions and Save Money.

What to say

You don’t need to be clever, friendly and clear works best. Feel free to read these straight off the page. Here are some examples:

Opening the call – “Hi, I’ve been a customer for [X] years. I’m reviewing my bills and I’d like to check I’m on your best available plan.”

When you’ve found a better deal elsewhere – “I’ve found a plan with [competitor] for [$ amount]. I’d rather stay with you. Can you match or beat that?”

If they say no – “I understand. Could you please put me through to your customer retention team?”

The retention team (sometimes called the “loyalty” or “cancellations” team) usually has more power to offer discounts.

Asking about extras – “Are there any pensioner, seniors or loyalty discounts I’m not getting?”

Before you hang up – “Could you please email me the new plan details and give me a reference number?”

Top tips for success

1. Be polite. The person on the phone didn’t set your prices, and a friendly caller gets more help.
2. Be willing to leave. If they won’t budge, switching is usually easy. Your new provider often handles it for you.
3. Don’t accept the first offer. Ask, “Is that the best you can do?” Then stay quiet and wait.
4. Check the fine print. Ask about contract length, exit fees and when any discount ends.
5. Watch out for pressure. Never agree to a new deal on the spot if you feel rushed. It’s fine to say, “I’ll think about it and call back.”
6. Try online chat. If phone queues are long, many providers offer chat on their website, and you get a written record.
7. Set a yearly reminder. Review your bills every 12 months, ideally around your birthday or at the end of the financial year.
8. Ask for help if you need it. A family member can sit in on the call. You can also give the provider permission to speak with them on your behalf.

A word of caution: providers will never ask for your password or bank PIN. If someone calls you offering a great deal, hang up and ring the company on the number on your bill. Check Scamwatch if unsure.

Your quick checklist

• Gather your latest bills and account numbers
• Compare prices on a free government comparison site
• Write down one better offer to quote
• Have your concession or Seniors Card handy
• Call, be friendly, and ask for the best plan
• Ask for the retention team if needed
• Get the new deal in writing, plus a reference number
• Pop a reminder in your diary to do it again next year

One phone call, one cup of tea, and you could be hundreds of dollars better off. Happy saving!

If you’re struggling to pay a bill, ask your provider about their hardship program. The free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 can help too.

Sources

• Australian Energy Regulator: Default Market Offer
• Amber: New national energy rules from 1 July 2026
• Energy Made Easy