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Remember when upgrading your phone every couple of years was just what you did? Back then, a new handset was a proper leap forward, and the old one was wheezing through apps and dying before lunch.
These days, phones are built to last. Unless you’re desperate for a better camera or more storage, the one in your pocket probably has plenty of life left in it. So, there’s no need to keep paying for a shiny new handset you don’t really need.
A SIM-only contract is usually the best-value choice, and you might be able to save money. With every other bill creeping up, it’s worth looking at your phone bill to see if you can reduce it. Check out Blue Light Card’s SIM-only comparison service, which makes it easier to see what’s out there and make the best decision for you.
A SIM-only contract does what it says on the tin. You pay for your calls, texts and data, whilst keeping the phone you’ve already got. With no handset in the price, your monthly bill is usually lower.
With a traditional phone contract, part of what you pay each month goes towards the handset. Once it’s paid off, some people carry on paying the same amount anyway. So, it’s worth having a look at the detail on your bill.
The choice you make depends on your phone, your budget and how you feel about gadgets.
SIM-only probably suits you if:
A phone contract may suit you better if:
The sweet spot is when your contract ends and your phone’s still going strong. If your battery lasts a full shift, your apps load without sulking and you’re not deleting photos to make room, try a SIM-only contract. Ofcom have found SIM-only plans are rising in popularity and you could pay less each month if you shop around.
Not all SIM-only plans are the same, and the cheapest ones may already cover everything you need. Here’s what to check.
Unlimited data sounds fantastic, but most of us don’t come close to using it all. Check your phone’s data usage for the last few months. If your streaming, scrolling and video calls mostly happen on home Wi-Fi, you’ll need less than you think. If you’ve never gone over 20GB in a month, unlimited data isn’t buying you much.
A 30-day rolling contract gives you plenty of flexibility if things change (hello, new rota). Contracts of 12 or 24 months can offer better value if you’re happy to be tied in a bit longer.
Free EU roaming is no longer guaranteed, and some providers charge daily fees or cap your data. Providers now have to text you when you start roaming, with details of any charges, but it’s nicer to know before you’re 30,000ft in the air than to find out at the baggage carousel. Check your plan’s roaming policy before you pack your suitcase, and ask your provider about setting a spending cap.
Switching plans often means switching networks, and a cheap deal is no use if you can’t get a signal. Check coverage at home, at work, on your commute and in that one corner of the staff room where you have lunch. Ofcom's free Map Your Mobile tool shows predicted coverage for your postcode, split into indoor and outdoor, plus a performance score based on what real users get when they stream or video call. It’s worth a few minutes, especially if you use your phone as a hotspot away from Wi-Fi, as 5G availability still varies by network and location.
If you often need to phone people abroad, check how those calls are handled. Some plans charge per minute or have separate international call bundles, and the costs stack up quickly. Check which countries are covered and whether any minutes are included.
Some smaller brands run on the big networks, so you get the same signal, often for less. iD Mobile uses Three’s network, and giffgaff uses O2’s. Plans and extras like roaming can differ from the main network, so check the details before you commit. Blue Light Card members can get offers with both iD Mobile and giffgaff.
Easier than you’d think! Here’s how it works:
Ofcom’s rules say any loss of service during a switch shouldn’t last longer than one working day, and providers have to compensate you if it goes wrong. So there’s no need to put it off for fear of losing signal!
One check first: is your phone unlocked? A locked phone only works on one network. Phones bought since December 2021 shouldn’t be locked, but an older one might be. If you’re unsure, ask your current provider to unlock it before you switch.
Whether you choose a SIM-only option or stick with a handset contract, there are a few easy ways to keep the bills a bit lower.
Often, yes. You're only paying for calls, texts and data, with no handset in the price. If your phone’s still doing its job, SIM-only usually costs less each month, and you’ll use it exactly as you do now. Prices vary between providers, so compare a few plans to find the biggest saving.
Yes, you can, but you may have to pay an early termination charge if you're still within your minimum contract period and also pay off any existing balance. It’s best to check with your provider first so there are no nasty surprises. Ask for the exact figure, then work out whether it’s cheaper to switch now or wait until your contract ends.
Yes. In most cases, you can keep your existing number by requesting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current provider. Your new provider will ask for it when you sign up, and your number moves across with you.
It depends on how you use your phone. If you're connected to Wi-Fi for a lot of the day, you may need far less mobile data than you think. Checking your recent data usage is a good place to start. You’ll usually find it in your phone’s settings or your provider’s app.
Yes. Our SIM-only comparison service lets you compare plans in one place, and you could get a £10 gift card when you switch to a 12-month or longer deal.* Members can also get savings with network partners including O2, EE, Vodafone, Three, iD Mobile and giffgaff.
* Offer applies to new customers purchasing a SIM Only deal. Only online purchases qualify for a gift card (sales completed by phone, web chat, or other channels are excluded). Reward Details: £10 Gift Card options include: Amazon.co.uk, Aldi, B&M, Boots, Caffè Nero, Deliveroo, JustEat. £10 Gift cards are issued approximately 120 days after purchase, once the sale is approved and commission received from the provider. Please see Amazon.co.uk terms here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200272910. A valid email address must be provided. This will be shared with our voucher distributor (Giftcloud). Add no-reply@giftcloud.com to your contacts to avoid delivery issues. You have 90 days from receipt to open and redeem your voucher. The offer may be withdrawn if misuse or abuse of the terms is detected. Only 1 Gift Card per customer, per year. Gift cards are not available for purchases of 1m rolling contracts, Pay as you Go SIM Cards or any contract with less than a 12m minimum term.
