30 Day SIM Only Deals

What is a 30 day SIM only deal?

A 30 day SIM only deal is an alternative to long term contracts.

With a 30 day SIM only deal, you won’t be taking out a contract.

Instead, you will get a set amount of allowances (data, minutes and texts) that last for 30 days.

You can even set up auto renew, so after 30 days your plan will automatically be repurchased for another 30 days. This is commonly referred to as a 30 day rolling SIM.

Unlike with 12 month or 24 month contracts, you can cancel or change a 30 day SIM at any time you wish.

30 day SIM only deals are also known as 1 month SIM only deals.

Do I need a contract for a 30 day SIM only deal?

No, a 30 day SIM only deal is not a contract, and does not require a long term commitment.

As a result, you won’t need a credit check, which makes them ideal for those with a bad credit score.

Since there is no contract involved, you can cancel or change your plan at any time you wish, without having to worry about early termination fees.

Which networks offer 30 day SIM only deals?

Most of the major networks in the UK offer 30 day SIM only deals:

• Asda Mobile
• EE
• giffgaff
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• O2
• Plusnet
• SMARTY
• Talkmobile
• Three
• Virgin Mobile
• Vodafone
• VOXI

What is a 30 day rolling SIM only deal?

A 30 day rolling SIM only deal is the same as a 30 day SIM only deal, except the plan automatically renews at the end of 30 days. All networks which offer 30 day SIM only deals allow you to toggle auto renew from your account billing settings. You can even enable auto renew at the time of purchase.

When enabling auto renew, you still have the ability to cancel or change your plan at any time you wish.

In addition, by enabling auto renew, you do not have to worry about forgetting to repurchase your plan after 30 days, meaning you will never be left without allowances.

With auto renew, your plan essentially behaves similarly to a contract, without the downsides of a long term commitment.

Are 30 day SIM only deals more expensive?

Compared to long term contracts, 30 day SIM only deals tend to be slightly cheaper than plans which have 10GB data or less per month.

However, for plans with more than 10GB data per month, 30 day SIM only deals tend to be slightly more expensive compared to 12 month and 24 month contracts. This is particularly evident with unlimited data plans.

Networks tend to charge more for 30 day SIM only deals as there is no guarantee you will stay a customer for more than a few months. You have the ability to cancel your plan at any time, unlike with long term contracts, where the networks have you hooked for 1 or 2 years, without you being able to cancel unless you pay a hefty termination fee.

What are the pros and cons of 30 day SIM only deals?

Pros

• No contract
• Doesn’t require a long term commitment
• Cancel or change your plan anytime
• No credit check required
• Can improve your credit score over time

Cons

• Can be more expensive, particularly with plans that have more than 10GB data
• Less data for your money
• May not include additional benefits, such as free add-ons and rewards

What happens after 30 days?

If you have auto renew enabled, after 30 days your plan will automatically be repurchased for another 30 days of allowances.

Most networks give you the option to enable auto renew when you first buy your SIM, or from your account settings at a later date.

If you don’t have auto renew enabled, your SIM will continue to work and you can continue to receive calls and texts.

However you won’t have any data, and you won't be able to make calls or texts. If you have pay as you go credit in your account, you will be charged at the out of plan rate for any services you use without a plan, which can be expensive.

What’s the best 30 day SIM only deal?

There is no single best 30 day SIM only deal for everyone.

Every person has different requirements for a 30 day SIM only deal.

If you’re simply looking for the cheapest SIM only deal, Talkmobile tend to have the lowest prices, with plans starting from £4.95.

If you travel a lot, you’ll want to choose a network that includes free EU roaming, allowing you to use your 30 day allowances when visiting European countries.

You should also check the signal you can expect from your location by entering your postcode into network coverage checker tools. You can find these tools on any network’s website.

In addition, if you require a 5G SIM, you should pick a network that has the best infrastructure from where you live. Currently, Plusnet is the only network that does not offer 5G with their 30 day SIM only deals.

Can I cancel a 30 day SIM at any time?

Yes, one of the main benefits of 30 day SIM only deals is that you can cancel or change your plan at any time, without termination fees.

Cancelling is easy. Simply login to your account with your network and look for the option to cancel your plan (often in the billing section).

Once cancelled, your allowances will still work the remaining days left on your plan, after which you will be charged at an out of plan rate for services you use, using any credit you may have remaining in your account.

Can I get unlimited data with a 30 day SIM only plan?

Yes, however they tend to be more expensive compared to longer term contracts, and they are not offered by every network.

The following networks offer unlimited data with a 30 day SIM only deals:

• Asda Mobile
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• O2
• SMARTY
• Three
• Virgin Mobile
• VOXI

For more information, see unlimited data SIM only deals.

Can I transfer my number to a 30 day SIM only deal?

Yes, transferring your number is relatively straight forward.

If you’re moving to a 30 day SIM only deal on the same network, you will need to contact them directly and ask them to transfer your number to a different plan.

If you are transferring to a different network, you must request a PAC code and hand it to your new network.

Transferring your number should take no more than 2 working days.

Can I get 5G with a 30 day SIM only deal?

Yes, all the major networks which offer 30 day SIM only deals include 5G at no additional cost.

The only exception is Plusnet, who currently only offer 4G.

In order to receive a 5G signal, you’ll need a 5G phone.

See our 5G SIM only deals for the cheapest prices.

Will unused data rollover?

Some networks allow you to rollover any unused data onto the following month, but not with all 30 day SIM only plans:

• EE
• iD Mobile
• O2
• Sky Mobile
• SMARTY
• Virgin Mobile
• Vodafone

See data rollover for more information on which plans are eligible, and how it works.

How can I change a 30 day SIM only plan?

With 30 day SIM only deals, you can change your plan at any time you wish.

You can change your plan by logging into your account with your network or by using your network’s app.

Once selected, your plan will be switched immediately.

If you have any days remaining on your current plan, in most cases credit will be added to your account, with the value automatically calculated by your network, depending on how many days you have left.

Can I roam with a 30 day SIM only deal?

Since Brexit, not all networks allow you to roam for free in the EU.

The following networks will allow you to use your allowances with 30 day SIM only deals:

• Asda Mobile
• BT Mobile
• giffgaff
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• O2
• Plusnet
• SMARTY
• Talkmobile
• Virgin Mobile

FAQs