Bad Credit SIM only Deals

What is a bad credit SIM?

A bad credit SIM-only deal is a mobile plan that typically:

• Runs on a 30-day rolling contract
• Does not require a credit check (or uses only a soft check)
• Requires no long-term commitment

Instead of spreading the cost of a phone and airtime over a fixed contract, you only pay for your monthly allowance (data, calls and texts). This reduces risk for providers, making approval easier.

These deals are sometimes referred to as:

• No credit check SIM-only deals
• Rolling SIM plans
• Pay-as-you-go bundles

Key features to expect

While features vary by provider, many plans include:

• Flexible 30-day contracts
• Unlimited UK calls and texts
• 4G or 5G data allowances
• EU roaming (on selected plans)
• Data rollover or rewards (on some networks)

Always check the provider’s terms for details such as fair usage policies or any speed restrictions.

Providers that may suit customers with poor credit

Several UK networks offer SIM-only plans that are generally accessible without a full credit check. These include:

iD Mobile

A subsidiary of Carphone Warehouse with a service that’s based on O2’s network, iD Mobile’s bad-credit SIM deals are well priced. Additional selling points include data rollover and inclusive roaming in 50 locations.

Smarty

Owned by Three, SMARTY bad-credit SIM cards offer inclusive roaming in the EU and money off your bills for unused data. You’re also able to use your data for tethering.

Lebara

Offers bad-credit SIMs from £5 per month, with handy additional allowances of international minutes.

giffgaff

giffgaff specialises in well priced, rolling-contract 30-day SIMs that are ideal if you’ve got bad credit All giffgaff SIMs include EU roaming for no extra charge and the option to start your next plan early, in the event you use up your monthly allowance.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Easier to access with poor or limited credit history
• No long-term commitment
• Flexibility to switch or cancel anytime
• Often competitive monthly pricing

Cons

• No handset included
• Some plans may have fewer perks than long contracts
• Data speeds or roaming options may vary
• Prices can change more frequently

What to check before you choose

Before signing up, it’s worth reviewing:

• Contract type: Is it truly a 30-day rolling plan?
• Total monthly cost: Are there any introductory offers that later increase?
• Network coverage: Does the provider offer good signal in your area?
• Speed or usage limits: Are there caps on data speeds or tethering?
• Roaming policies: Is EU roaming included or charged separately?

If you feel a bad credit SIM isn't right for you, then you can alternatively look into phone contracts that are better suited to people with a poor credit history.

Alternative SIM only plans

• 12-month SIM only deals
• 5G SIM only deals
• Pay as you go SIM only deals
• 30-day SIM only deals
• Data only SIM deals

Which networks offer SIM only deals?

Here's a list of providers that provide SIM only deals:

• Lebara
• Three
• Vodafone
• O2
• VOXI
• SMARTY
• giffgaff
• iD Mobile

How do I find a bad credit SIM plan?

When it comes to SIMs that don’t require a credit check, your choice is relatively limited. But we’d suggest you take a good look at the likes of iD Mobile, giffgaff and Lebara. All of whom offer good value plans that don’t require a credit check and get you decent monthly allowances for not much outlay.

Can I switch my SIM only deal with my existing network?

Your network will definitely allow you to upgrade to a plan with higher monthly allowances. But you might encounter some problems if you’re still within your minimum contract term on a 12-month or 24-month SIM only deal and you’re looking to downgrade to a cheaper plan with lower allowances.

That said, you don’t know for sure how your network will treat your case until you’ve spoken to them. We’d suggest you get in touch over the phone and explain your circumstances to a customer service rep.

Will there be a credit check when I get a new SIM?

A relatively small number of networks offer SIMs which don’t require you to pass a credit check. However, networks who we know don’t apply credit checks on their 30-day SIMs include giffgaff, Lebara, Smarty and iD Mobile.

Can I keep my number when I get a new SIM?

Absolutely you can. You’ll just need to ask your existing network for what’s called a PAC or Porting Authorisation Code when you cancel your contract with them. Then all you’ve got to do is give the PAC to your new network within 30 days. It will then transfer the number.

Is there a no-credit check SIM that doesn’t expire?

If you’re a very light user, you might want to look at pay as you go plans which don’t auto-renew every month and don’t require a credit check. Three, Vodafone and giffgaff’s PAYG plans apply minimum usage requirements, but you can leave months between using your credit and won’t lose it.