Lebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£3.18 a monthfor 3 months, then £7.95
No contract
30 GBof 5G data
Uswitch Exclusive
Pay as you go SIM card deals
A pay as you go (PAYG) SIM card is ideal if you don’t want to sign up for a long-term contract, or you’re not keen on going through a credit check. Compare over 40 deals and across 5 trusted UK networks. Over 300,000 customers trust us to help find their SIM deal.
Uswitch tips
How do I switch and keep my number?
1. Choose your new deal
Select a deal below and click through to the network’s site.
2. Get your PAC code
You’ll need a special code to keep your number when you switch. It's quick and free:
Text PAC to 65075 to receive your code.
3. Give the code to your new network
Contact the new network after signing up to provide them with your PAC code, which will begin the process and will automatically cancel your previous plan. Alternatively, you can enter the PAC code when signing up on the network’s site.
List of SIM Only deals
Lebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£1.48 a monthfor 3 months, then £4.95
No contract
5 GBof 5G data
Uswitch ExclusiveLebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£2.78 a monthfor 3 months, then £6.95
No contract
15 GBof 5G data
Lebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£2.38 a monthfor 3 months, then £5.95
No contract
10 GBof 5G data
Uswitch ExclusiveLebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£9.98 a monthfor 3 months, then £24.95
No contract
Unlimited5G data
Uswitch ExclusiveLebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£1.58 a monthfor 3 months, then £3.95
No contract
1 GBof 5G data
Uswitch ExclusiveLebara Mobile SIM Deal
Uses Vodafone's Network
£1.78 a monthfor 3 months, then £4.45
No contract
3 GBof 5G data
Uswitch Exclusivegiffgaff SIM Deal
Uses O2's Network
£10.00 a month
No contract
20 GBof 5G data
giffgaff SIM Deal
Uses O2's Network
£6.00 a month
No contract
2 GBof 5G data
giffgaff SIM Deal
Uses O2's Network
£8.00 a month
No contract
5 GBof 5G data
Can't find what you're looking for?
Uswitch services are provided at no cost to you, but we may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to. If a deal is "promoted" on Uswitch's tables, then it has been lent additional visibility as a result of us securing exclusivity on a great deal, or a commercial agreement to showcase what we believe to be market-leading value to consumers. Learn more about how our site works.
Please note: Mobile networks may increase monthly prices in line with the retail or consumer price index each year during the length of your contract. Please refer to individual network's terms and conditions before signing up.
Author: Ray Ali | Last updated: 25th July 2024
How does a pay as you go SIM work?
Pay as you go (PAYG) SIM cards are an easy way to use your phone without needing a long-term contract or lengthy payment plans.
You simply pre-pay a set amount of money, which gives you a set number of call minutes, data, and texts. When you run out, you just top up again with an amount of your choice.
Pay as you go SIM only deals often come with a free SIM card, too. So all you need is a mobile phone you’re happy to use.
Are there any other charges?
No, you generally won’t incur additional charges when you sign up for a pay as you go SIM only deal. Since you pre-pay the amount you’re willing to spend, it’s just a case of using your phone until your money runs out. Then, you’ll have to top up again to get more calls, texts, and data.
What are the pros and cons of a pay as you go SIM deal?
Keep your current phone number, swap phones whenever you want
Pay what you want when you want
Avoid being tied down to a long-term contract.
No credit check
You can top up from as little as £5 per spend
You may not get the best rates for data, calls or texts
PAYG deals will work out as more expensive than a traditional pay monthly package
You will need to have a phone that’s unlocked
What network providers offer pay as you go and no contract deals?
Almost all UK networks will offer pay as you go SIM cards as part of their product offering. Let’s take a look at some of the major UK mobile networks you can get a pay as you go deal with:
Tesco
Tesco Mobile offers numerous PAYG SIM options and bundles, including calls, texts, and data.
£11 for 12GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes
£15 for 30GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes
£17.50 for 60GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes
£20 for 100GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes
Tesco Clubcard holders can even get a discount on £20 and £30 packs.
O2
O2 has a selection of four PAYG SIM-only packs to choose from:
Unlimited minutes and texts, 6GB data for £6.99
Unlimited minutes and texts, 15GB data for £7.99
Unlimited minutes and texts, 30GB of data for £9.99
Unlimited minutes and texts, 100GB of data for £15
How to choose the best pay as you go deals for you
The best pay as you go deal for you depends on your personal needs and requirements. Your best bet is to compare options across all networks until you find the ideal balance of allowance and cost.
Can you roam with a pay as you go SIM?
Yes, you can often use a pay as you go SIM card overseas. However, you will need to check your network's roaming policy first. You will likely have to pay more than you would if you used the phone at home, too.
Check out our network-by-network roaming guide for more info.
FAQs
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