We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Pay as you go SIM only - no credit history
Options
Hi,
I'm part of a charity helping a vulnerable family into housing and work.
They will be able to look after themselves and the idea is to make them independent and self sufficient. They are capable of paying bills on their own but have no credit history.
The family is four people but as one is around 4 we only need 3 SIMs. I know absolutely nothing about this as I've never had a SIM/mobile myself. I think they will use internet more than calls and text but need to be able to make calls.
There is also a possibility that we can't arrange broadband for up to 3 months due to credit history so, potentially we might need SIM's with a lot of data. What is out there? What can I get them topped up and ready to use for Tuesday?
Thanks in advance.
I'm part of a charity helping a vulnerable family into housing and work.
They will be able to look after themselves and the idea is to make them independent and self sufficient. They are capable of paying bills on their own but have no credit history.
The family is four people but as one is around 4 we only need 3 SIMs. I know absolutely nothing about this as I've never had a SIM/mobile myself. I think they will use internet more than calls and text but need to be able to make calls.
There is also a possibility that we can't arrange broadband for up to 3 months due to credit history so, potentially we might need SIM's with a lot of data. What is out there? What can I get them topped up and ready to use for Tuesday?
Thanks in advance.
0
Comments
-
I think they will use internet more than calls and text but need to be able to make calls.
There is also a possibility that we can't arrange broadband for up to 3 months due to credit history so, potentially we might need SIM's with a lot of data.
Cheapest PAYG mobile data is 1p/MB
"all-you-can-eat" is £32 p.m. at Three, but on a monthly contract only.
There are PAYG tariffs where you can buy monthly data bundles.
Also, there are 'preloaded' SIMs only for mobile internet.
Start with MSE guide - Best Sim only Deals
0 -
Sorry I am a complete technophobe so I don't know how normal humans use their mobiles.
My friends states they are average user and use between 8-15 GB a month depending on what they are up to.
So I guess they won't be too dissimilar, and considering we might have to use only pay as you go SIMs in the beginning until we can get WiFi sorted, I think I need to get three SIM with a bundle of stuff for them for the first month.
I really don't know much about this at all, I did read the guide but it really is like Greek to me which is why I asked here.0 -
Try:-
https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/compare/no_credit_check_sim_only_deals/ for suggestions for sim only deals with poor credit rating.0 -
https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans
It's PAYG with a bundle called 'goodybag', not a contract.
Not sure if it's the cheapest.
You can also check
The HotUKDeals Sim only deals thread - all of the cheapest sim only deals and free sim offers
Beware that a contract can cost them a lot if they go over the monthly allowance0 -
For “non bundle” traditional PAYG, both O2 Classic and Three have non expiring rates of 3p/min, 2p/text and 1p/MB. These are ideal for infrequent use, typically a spare phone, or where someone just wants a phone while out and about and uses a home landline phone.
As per the other replies, there are PAYG schemes where you convert a top up into a bundle of minutes, texts and data, the bundle lasts typically 30 days.
These bundles resemble a contract, in that you end up paying £10, £15, £20 per month, except there is no contract involved. The popular one is Giff Gaff, but the other networks offer bundles too.0 -
Do they already have smartphones?
If so, they might be locked to a network.
If not, are you providing those as well? That is going to be more of an investment than the PAYG tariffs already suggested (which are probably the best options), and could determine the provider you go with, unless you pay a little more for unlocked phones.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
0 -
Have a look at this site:
https://kenstechtips.com/index.php/cheapest-pay-as-you-go-bundles
Ken is also really good at answering questions posted.
I've no connection with Ken or the site in any way.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.8K Life & Family
- 257.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards