How long does credit last on a sim?

xyummimummito2x

Hello,

I hope someone can help me, i'm looking to purchase a mobile phone for my dad, he won't be using it that often so i'd rather chose a network where the credit you top up lasts for a good few months or so. I've heard that on the 3 network the credit only lasts for 30 days and then expires, but I can't seem to find any info on how long credit lasts on other networks. If anyone knows the best network for this could you please let me know,

Thank you in advance

gjchester

xyummimummito2x wrote: »

Hello,

I hope someone can help me, i'm looking to purchase a mobile phone for my dad, he won't be using it that often so i'd rather chose a network where the credit you top up lasts for a good few months or so. I've heard that on the 3 network the credit only lasts for 30 days and then expires, but I can't seem to find any info on how long credit lasts on other networks. If anyone knows the best network for this could you please let me know,

Thank you in advance

The main networks say 180 days but a "chargable event" ite a call or text every 3 months is the best way to do it to be sure.

grumbler

Credit lasts forever providing that you make a chargeable call or send a text every 90/180 days (depending on the network's T&C).

xyummimummito2x

Ok thank you, i'll advise him to make a call at least once a month then just to be on the safe side.

ioscorpio

Have a look at https://www.icardmobile.co.uk cheap calls, free voicemail and min top up £5.

oldharryrocks

ioscorpio wrote: »

Have a look at www.icardmobile.co.uk cheap calls, free voicemail and min top up £5.

"9.3. We resevre the right to suspend your Services if you choose not to use the Services (meaning making a chargeable call or SMS, not including those to 263 or 265) or do not top-up your balance for a continuous period of 180 days "

http://www.icardmobile.co.uk/terms.php

ioscorpio

So, as long as you make a call or send a text every 6 months, you will be alright, the same as the other networks.

Im_just_careful

"3" do themselves no favours sometimes.

I thought that "3" credit only lasted for 30 days when I first had a phone but it isn't like that.

The first credit you get when you buy a PAYG phone (often called "starter credit") lasts for 30 days then you loose it.

Subsequent credit lasts forever as far as I can tell, certainly many months (subject to doing something chargable every few months).

A number of the "free" things that you get for topping up (data, texts etc.) also only last for 30 days on the current PAYG deal but last 3 months with some older deals.

I can imagine why they do this starter top up expiry arrangement but it is very irritating for someone like myself who makes very few calls.