SIM only deals

SIM only deals are the ideal option if you already have a phone you're happy with, or you'd rather just pay for a handset outright, and you won't have to sign up for a lengthy contract.

Out of contract? Love your current phone and don't fancy a costly upgrade? Well you could save big by switching to SIM only deals.

First of all, if you stay on the same price plan once the contract is up, your network might still charge you the same amount as when you signed up - and that was mainly to pay for the cost of a handset you've since paid off, so you'd be spending more than you have to.

If you do have a new smartphone in mind, you should consider buying it out right.

Whilst this may be a bit pricier initially, if you can afford the one-off payment you'll probably save money in the long run. SIM only deals often give you great plans with plenty of data, minutes and texts for a fraction of the cost of a contract plan.

SIM cards come in different sizes. There's the standard SIM, smaller micro SIM and even-smaller nano SIM. Standard SIMs are rarely used these days, and even micro SIMs are on the way out. The latest smartphones, like the iPhone 13, will usually work with a nano SIM.

SIM cards all hold the same info - your phone number and mobile plan details. You won't be able to access your network and use a mobile phone without popping in your SIM card first.

Once you put your SIM into a phone, it'll be synced to your network. but you're free to use it in different handsets. That way you can switch to new phones and keep the same number, contacts and even your saved messages.

Want a pay monthly contract instead? Take a look at some of our best deals and compare pay monthly offers from all the major networks today.

With many networks competing on the market, you'll find there are a range options for every type of smartphone user.

From pay monthly packages to SIM only deals, with lot of data for downloads and socials or maybe just enough minutes and texts to stay in touch with loved ones - figuring out what you need from a mobile plan is the first step to picking the right network.

Every year we host the Uswitch Awards, to recognise the best customer service, coverage, roaming and more.

Determined by consumer research as well as the decisions of a panel of judges, comprised of technology journalists and industry experts, these awards represent a seal of quality.

Take a look at the 2022 winners to see how the networks did in a selection of different categories.

How much data you need is all down to how much data you actually use on your phone. Generally, the average mobile phone user needs around 2GB-3GB per month for general daily phone use.

That amount of data covers things like checking your email, browsing the internet and updating your social media accounts.

But if you love streaming video and regularly listen to music and podcasts apps, you'll probably need quite a bit more.

If you want to see how much data you're using, all you have to do is take a look at your network's app on your phone.

You should find a detailed breakdown of exactly how much data you use on a monthly basis.

With this info you should be able to make a well-informed decision on the kind of mobile plan you need, unless of course you plan to change your usage. Either way you'll have a clear view of how much you're using.

If you want to switch networks to find a better deal, first you need to find out how long is left in your existing contract.

Handily, if you're approaching the end of your contract your network is now obliged to send you an end of contract notification.

Once you're out of contract, switching networks is as simple as sending a text thanks to the introduction of recent 'text-to-switch' legislation.

Mobile phone networks must now notify their customers when their mobile phone contracts are coming to an end.

This lets consumers avoid overpaying, as well as giving them a heads up that they are free to find a better deal with a new network should they wish to shop around.

Are you in or out? Find out more about end of contract notifications.

Although the likes of giffgaff and VOXI aren't as instantly recognisable as high-street names such as Three, EE and Tesco Mobile, they're certainly brands you can trust.

In fact, many smaller networks offer market-leading call rates and data deals, so they can often work out cheaper than more well known networks.

You'll also find that there's no difference in call quality and mobile internet coverage with smaller providers.

That's because their service is based on larger providers' network infrastructure, which these smaller networks pay a fee to use.

Where you may find a difference compared with the larger networks is in customer support.

In order to keep prices low, some smaller networks don't operate a call centre and offer online support only.

If you choose smaller networks you also shouldn't expect enticing customer incentives, such as O2's Freebies or movie downloads with EE.

But you may decide that you don't want or need those and that a good service and cheap rates are your priority.

A locked phone means you can only use it on the network you bought it on, but this can differ depending on which network, handset and plan you have.

For example, if you buy a phone with EE or Vodafone, it'll be locked to their networks. So if you want to switch over to another network's SIM, you'll have to unlock your handset first.

But when it comes to O2 phones bought on pay monthly plans, you'll find that some are completely unlocked. But all pay-as-you-go phone from O2 are unlocked.

Three phones always come unlocked. Regardless of the type of phone, price plan it was bought on or if you got it on pay monthly contract or pay as you go plan.

Don't worry if youre a bit confused, it's all a bit complicated. However, there's a simple way to see if your phone is unlocked.

All you need to do is to take out your current SIM and put another network's SIM in to your phone. Just ask a friend or family member if you can borrow theirs for a quick test.

If your phone takes the SIM and it works like normal with a signal, this means your phone is unlocked and so it won't need to be unlocked at all.

But, if you can't get a signal, this means your phone is indeed locked. You'll then have to call your network to ask them to unlock your smartphone which may incur a payment.

For more info on switching networks, check out our handy guide

Great, that's good news. You're now free to get a new SIM. The next thing to do is find a SIM only deal that suits your needs.

The best way to do is that by using the uSwitch comparison tables above. For some guidance as to which network to choose, take a look at all networks that picked up prizes at the 2020 uSwitch awards in the section below.

The next thing to do is make sure you're not still under contract and are free to switch. The best way to do this? Ring your network.

Once you’ve made sure you're able to switch, contact your new chosen network and sign up for for the new deal. You'll then get your new SIM card in a couple of days.

Don't forget you'll also need to ring or email your current network to let them know you’d like to leave. If your phone is locked, they will need to unlock it.

Your network will probably try to keep you on board and you may find yourself being passed on to its customer retentions department. If this happens, just make sure you're firm and clear over your desire to switch.

You may have to pay charge to unlock your phone. But this should be pretty small, maybe around £15-£20. And once the phone is ready and unlocked you can pop your new SIM in and get started with your new plan.

If you want to keep your current number, which is always handy, you'll need to request your PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) when you tell your network you are leaving. We'll explain more about PAC codes in the section below.

So you've found a new SIM only deal, but if you want to keep your number when you change networks, you'll need to ask for a PAC code from your current provider.

A PAC code is made up of three letters and six numbers and is provided free by your network.

Previously, getting your network to part with your PAC code would involve phoning or emailing your network or even filling out a PAC code request form.

But now, thanks the recent introduction of 'text to switch', getting your PAC code is as easy as sending a text message.

All you have to do is text PAC to 65075, and your network provider is required to send your PAC code in a text reply as soon as possible, you may even get it right away. You'll also receive important info regarding any charges, costs or outstanding balances you may have.

In the meantime, leave your old SIM in your phone. This means that apart from a very brief period when the transfer is actually underway, you’ll still be able to receive calls and texts on your phone.

To check if the transfer is complete, just insert your new SIM in your handset and see if your new number is registered on your new network. If you are, everything's gone according to plan.

Find out more about keeping your number when you switch network.

Moving networks is meant to be a near-seamless process so you're hardly ever out of service.

You'll still be able to take calls and receive texts after you've given your new network your PAC code (see above for more about PAC codes).

When the actual switch to your new network happens, you may lose service for a very small period of time.

When the transfer is said to be done, just put your new SIM in to your phone and switch it on. If the phone works and you can make calls - you've got service and you're all set.

So you’ve found a new SIM only deal you want to sign up to and you know for sure you're no longer tied into a contract with another network. Great.

Now, all you need to do is ring up your network and let them know you’re going to switch to a new deal you’ve chosen.

You’ll then be switched over to your new plan 30-days after your current contract ends. It’s really that easy.

Data theft is a big worry these day, and if you're concerned that your SIM and all the info on it - contacts, text messages, personal information - could fall into the wrong hands, you'll need to dispose the SIM card with due care.

Just like a bank card, the best thing to do is chop the SIM card up with a pair of scissors.

While you're destroying the card make sure you cut through the gold foil so its absolutely corrupted and there is no way anybody can get any info off the SIM. then just through the pieces in the bin. Job done.

Flexibile: With a SIM only deal you will rarely have to sign up for 24-month+ contracts. You can usually sign uop for a rolling 1-12-month deal with the ability to adjust your package as well.

More affordable: Getting a contract with a new phone included is where things get expensive. So with no phone included, a SIM only deal can cut the costs.

Can keep a phone you already have: you're free to carry on using that phone you already love without having to pay for a new one.

Yes, passing a credit check for a for 12-month SIM only deal is good for your credit rating. That's because you're committing to paying a set fee for your plan every month on time.

By paying every month on time, you show lenders you are good credit and trustworthy.

Be careful though, if you miss monthly payments, you can risk affecting your credit score. If you're worried about making monthly payments a rolling one-month plan might be best so you can cancel or downgrade should you need to with no issues.

When signing up for one-month rolling or 12-month SIM only contracts with a brand new network, you will need to pass a credit check.

For pay monthly plans the credit check isn't as stringent as for 12 month contracts. So even if you haven't been accepted for a 12-month contract in the past, you can still pass the check.

Compare SIM only deals that don't require a credit check.

As with other mobile contracts, SIM-only deals can include incentives and bonuses to give customers even more for their money. often come with many features and incentives.

For instance, Vodafone and O2 both offer various freebies to their customers via their apps.

You can get 5G in a a range of locations around the UK, if you get a 5G SIM card and have a 5G-compatible phone.

UK locations where 5G has been switched on include: Aberdeen, Barnsley, Basildon, Bath, Bedford, Belfast City, Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bradford, Brighton, Birmington, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Colchester, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Luton, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Slough, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, Sunderland, Swindon, Wigan, York.

They're great value for money, they're flexible, they can come with lots of data and much more.

There aren't many cons, with the only main downside being that they don't come with a mobile phone included in the deal, so you will need a handset of your own to use the SIM card.