SIM-only and mobile switching: cut your phone bill after the handset is paid off
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Quick answer: Once your handset is paid off, move to a SIM-only deal — monthly costs often drop from £40+ to £8–£15 for the same data. Compare 30-day rolling plans if you want flexibility; check social tariffs if you receive Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Mobile is the second-fastest household saving after energy for many families. Network operators rely on customers staying on inflated contracts after the phone is theirs. SIM-only separates airtime from hardware cost.
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Read the full bills & utilities guide →Quick answer: Compare mobile deals →Primary source: www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband
When to switch to SIM-only
Check your contract statement: if the handset charge has ended but the bill stayed high, you are subsidising airtime you could buy cheaper elsewhere.
Match data to actual use — many people overbuy unlimited data while on Wi-Fi most of the day.
How to switch and keep your number
Request a PAC from your old network, give it to the new provider, and they schedule the port — usually within one working day.
Do not cancel the old contract before the port completes or you may lose the number.
Common questions
Is it worth buying the handset outright?
Often yes over two to three years — total cost can beat bundled contracts, especially if you keep phones longer. Pair with a cheap SIM-only plan.
Do social tariffs include 5G?
Depends on the network — compare data limits and speeds. Eligibility usually follows the same benefits tests as broadband social tariffs.