Whether you are a very light user who just makes the odd call or a heavy user who streams video after video, it is very rare to meet someone who doesn’t own a mobile phone. With hundreds of options available it can be difficult to know what to choose, in this article we have created a guide that will help you pick the best deal.
There are three main options to consider when searching for a mobile phone deal:
Pay monthly Contract
This is where you pay a monthly line rental for a handset and a sim card.
SIM Only Contract
If you already own a handset or plan on buying one, then a SIM only contract will give you a SIM card with minutes texts and data.
Pay As You Go
With Pay As You Go (PAYG)you purchase your own phone and SIM card and top up as needed.
Which option is best for you depends greatly on how much you use your phone, what you need from your handset and of course, your monthly budget.
What to think about when considering mobile phone deals
When it comes to mobile networks and phone deals, you are spoiled for choice. Three of the most common options are: PAYG, pay monthy and SIM-only. All three have their own benefits and deciding which one is best for you is down to your own personal needs.
To help you decide, , let’s look more in depth at what each package can offer.
- Pay-As-You-Go
If you’re worried about passing a credit check or you are on a tight budget, PAYG might be your best option. You pay for what you will use ahead of time but once the minutes and data are up that is it, you don’t have anymore. To get more data or minutes you will need to buy more. This often makes it a good choice for parents who want to buy a first phone for their kids without worrying about a large bill at the end of the month.
Top ups can be purchased from shops, supermarkets, online or over the phone. You can either pay the standard rate for every call, text or megabyte used or you can buy a bundle of minutes, texts and data. Pay As You Go can be a good option for those who do not use their phones much. Keep in mind, most bundles will expire after 30 days whether you have used it or not. Standard credit will normally disappear after 3 months if the handset is not used for at least one outgoing call in that period.
- Pay-monthly Mobile Phone Deal
The most traditional type of mobile phone contract, you agree to a fixed term of 12,18, 24 or 36 months. You pay a monthly fee and in return get a phone and a SIM with a bundle of minutes, texts and data. You must pass a credit check and the payment is taken every month by direct debit. It is a good option for those of us who do not have thousands to splurge on a new handset or the hassle of topping up.
- SIM-only Contract Deal
Finally, SIM only is the perfect option for those who are quite happy with their existing phone or plan on buying a handset that is not part of a phone plan. Traditionally SIM only contracts come in 30 day rolling contracts or 12 month contracts. Since you are not paying for a handset as part of the contract the monthly cost is much cheaper. You tend to get more minutes, texts and data for you money. SIM only is also perfect for those who enjoy the convenience of paying by direct debit.
So there you have it, hopefully this guide will have helped you decide which mobile package is best suited to your needs and will hopefully help you to save some money along the way!
