Pay As You Go Mobile Phones
See if you can find the right mobile phone deal for you
4 mins read
Texting and phone calls work a lot differently today than they did a decade or so ago.
Now, networks are offering Pay As You Go mobile phones at cost-effective rates.
But how do you know you're making the right choice with a Pay As You Go phone?
Compare deals on Pay As You Go mobile phones to try and find the right mobile phone deal for you.
What is a Pay As You Go phone?
Pay As You Go (or PAYG) is a type of mobile deal where you top up your phone with a set amount of credit.
You can then make calls, send texts, and browse the internet until the credit runs out. Then, you top it up again to continue using.
There is the option to get PAYG bundles, where you buy data, texts and minutes in packages that tend to last a month.
However, if you're considering this option, it might be worth comparing against more traditional pay monthly tariff types to see if you can get better value elsewhere.
Benefits of Pay As You Go mobile phones
There are several benefits to having a Pay As You Go mobile phone, including:
Greater flexibility
With a Pay As You Go mobile, you're free to use it as much or as little as you like.
However, if you don't use your Pay As You Go mobile phone, it might be recycled and the number deactivated after an extended period.
According to Ofcom, this can happen as little as 70 days without use, while other networks might wait six months or longer before deactivating.
No credit checks
Unlike some other mobile tariffs, you will not have to undergo a credit check before taking out a Pay As You Go phone deal.
Simply add an initial credit allowance to your new handset and you should be good to go.
Free emergency calls
With Pay As You Go mobile phones, calls to emergency numbers do not require credit.
They can be made at any time from a PAYG mobile with a signal.
Should you get a Pay As You Go phone?
For most mobile phone customers, the decision whether to get a Pay As You Go phone comes down to usage.
If you’re on your phone a lot, you'll probably use a lot of credit and this can build up costs over time. However, if you're on a budget and don't use your phone that much, a Pay As You Go handset might be cheaper than a SIM only deal.
Pay As You Go mobile phones are a good option for parents buying their kids’ first handsets. This way, you will not get any shock bills at the end of the month because children can only use the credit you give them.
Individuals without a regular source of income, like students, might also prefer a Pay As You Go mobile.
Coverage for Pay As You Go mobile phones
Before choosing your next Pay As You Go mobile phone, check Ofcom's coverage map to see if you can get a good signal.
When it comes to mobile phone networks, the UK has four long-standing providers:
However, there are other networks that piggyback off these to provide Pay As You Go mobile services to their customers. They include:
You should have plenty of choice when it comes to Pay As You Go mobile phones that offer decent coverage. If you live somewhere more rural and remote, then you might struggle - so it’s a good idea to check coverage in your area.
You can also check the coverage for where you work, as having a poor mobile signal during the working day can be just as much of a pain.
How to top up
How you top up your Pay As You Go mobile phone depends on the handset you have and which network you've chosen.
Most Pay As You Go phones can be topped up in several different ways, such as:
1. Top-up card
Top-up cards come in various amounts and contain a secure PIN, which you can use to upload the set amount onto your Pay As You Go mobile.
You can buy top-up cards for mobile phones from retailers like supermarkets, or purchase e-cards or vouchers from places like your local post office.
2. Online
Most networks allow you to top up your Pay As You Go phone online or through a dedicated app.
Choose your top-up amount, enter your phone number and payment details, and you should have new credit on your mobile.
3. Over the phone
It might also be possible to top up your Pay As You Go mobile over the phone itself, although you’ll need credit to make the call.
Contact your provider and follow their instructions for a successful top-up.
What is the best Pay As You Go SIM?
Pay As You Go mobile phone deals are not a one-size-fits-all approach.
If you want a SIM or handset that best suits your needs, then you might want to compare various providers, paying close attention to things like:
- Price
- Coverage
- Extras
- Terms and conditions
This way you can find out what’s available and hopefully find a Pay As You Go mobile phone deal that works for you.
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