Mobile Networks with standing order payment options

Aiab

I know its a long shot but thought I'd ask if anyone knows of mobile networks that provide standing order payment options to top up especially for those on PAYG, I'm not talking about direct debit, I've had networks on that before which withdrew money before the specified date and that ended up causing me problems. I know it's unlikely but thought I'd ask anyway in case anyone has encountered something like SO payments with mobile networks.

flaneurs_lobster

Many PAYG operators offer "auto-topup", where a pre-agreed amount is taken when your cash balance falls below an agreed floor.

But they tend to be 'continuous payment authorities' on a debit/credit card, not a standing order which are a fixed amount on a periodic basis. If DDs have given you grief then CPAs can also do likewise.

Not aware of any mobile operator with SO as an option. 

jimjames

No DD should be taken before the agreed date and if they are then you can get it refunded under the DD guarantee. Lebara have an auto top up feature like the one mentioned above. 

Frozen_up_north

O2 Classic PAYG, 1p Mobile and GiffGaff (and most PAYG, I guess) offer a manual top up system, some call it a “goody bag”, or “boost”, whereby you pay an amount, then apply it.

It’s a faff having to remember to top up every month, then apply the package, unless you set it automatically.

Some operate as a top up occasionally and pay by the minute/text/MB. This can be expensive, especially data usage.

We have one phone on GiffGaff (Uses O2 network) and one on 1p Mobile (EE network). Both are on automatic top up on a 30 day rolling basis, using continuous card authority. It’s like a contract, but without credit checks. We pay £10/month on one and £8 on the other.

Murmansk

The quote below is from the 1pMobile website - presumably you could apply the method shown to your own phone as well but it's not automated like a standing order would be

"To top up someone else's phone, you can purchase a top-up voucher for them. Once the transaction is processed, you'll receive a voucher code that you can text to 07950014111 from the phone that you want the credit added to."

Aiab

Thanks for all the responses and help, I've had auto-top up before and the mobile network withdrew a few days before the agreed date, but I just remembered that I also a SIM with an auto-renewal service that I only use for internet, I've not had any problems with that provider, maybe I might see if I could get one of their Sims, put it on auto-renewal and use it for the phone. 

Aiab

jimjames said:

No DD should be taken before the agreed date and if they are then you can get it refunded under the DD guarantee. Lebara have an auto top up feature like the one mentioned above. 

I haven't heard of DD being refunded before, it's a long shot but I will give getting a refund a try, thank you

PHK

If you go for an actual post pay contract (where they produce a bill which you pay) then you'll be able to pay by standing order. It might be more expensive this way as often there is a discount for direct debit. But, this won't automatically adjust for any extra usage you make, so you'll still need to check. 

If you can wait until later this year/early next year then the Financial Conduct Authority is introducing a recurring payment. This is similar to Direct Debit but you the customer can set a monthly limit and change the date it's taken. 

Aiab

PHK said:

If you go for an actual post pay contract (where they produce a bill which you pay) then you'll be able to pay by standing order. It might be more expensive this way as often there is a discount for direct debit. But, this won't automatically adjust for any extra usage you make, so you'll still need to check. 

If you can wait until later this year/early next year then the Financial Conduct Authority is introducing a recurring payment. This is similar to Direct Debit but you the customer can set a monthly limit and change the date it's taken. 

Thanks for all the information I'll look into post pay contracts and the FCA recurring payment to see if they are viable options.