Bad Credit SIM only Deals

What is a bad credit SIM?

Bad credit SIM deals differ from standard SIM contracts in the respect that they don’t require you to pass a credit check. Instead, you’ll merely be required to pass the anti-fraud security checks that retailers enforce when you’re using a debit card to shop online.

That makes bad credit SIMs ideal if you’ve got an impaired credit rating, or if you’ve just entered the UK and don’t have a credit record.

The other good thing about bad credit SIM only deals is that you can apply for one in the knowledge that you’re sure to be accepted.

And what’s more, because there’s no chance of a rejection you’re not at risk of further damaging your credit rating either.

How do bad credit SIMs work?

In many ways, much like regular SIMs. Just as normal, when you choose a bad credit SIM you’ll simply pay a set amount each month for pre-determined allowances of data, calls and texts.

However, bad credit SIMs differ from more common 12-month and 24-month SIMs in the respect that there’s no contract.

Instead you sign up on a 30-day rolling-contract, which renews automatically at the end of each month. At which point, you’ll be charged for the cost of the forthcoming month’s allowances.

Because you’re paying for these allowances in advance, networks don’t need to run a credit check.

This is because unlike longer-term plans, with bad-credit SIMs you won’t be able to make any calls or use data that you haven’t paid for.

The one-month, rolling-contract nature of bad-credit SIMs also means you’re free to leave whenever you like. And you’ll only need to give 30 days’ notice.

Which networks offer SIMs for bad credit?

Bad credit SIMs, also known as 30-day SIMs or one-month SIMs, are available from most household-name providers, as well as few networks that will probably be less familiar to you. But which nonetheless offer a reliable service at fair prices.

SIM only deals with no credit check

Here’s a selection of some of the most noteworthy bad-credit SIM networks and s snapshot of what they’ve got to offer…

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.

What to look for in SIMs if you have poor credit

Could you use some tips to help find a bad credit SIM to suit you? Read on for some sage advice from our mobile experts…

Pay heed to price

If you don’t need a lot of data, you might want to take a look a bad-credit plans from the likes of Lebara and Smarty which can be had for well under £5 per month.

Make data allowance your primary criteria

Most of us get through about 3GB of data per month. So bear that in mind when you’re choosing a plan. But to be absolutely certain you’re getting a plan with enough data, check your exact usage. You’ll find this within your network’s app on your smartphone.

Don’t fret too much about choosing the perfect plan 

If the first plan you choose isn’t right for you, you’ll be able to switch to another SIM that more closely meets your needs just as easily. You’ll just need to give 30 days’ notice.

Pros and cons with bad credit SIMs

Pros…

• They’re flexible, so you’re free to leave if a better deal comes along. Or your credit improves
• Ideal for newcomers to the UK, who may not have a credit rating, and people staying for a short time only
• They’re keenly priced, as long as you don’t need much data

Cons

• Choice is fairly limited
• Paying for a bad credit SIM won’t help you improve your credit rating

If the first plan you choose isn’t right for you, you’ll be able to switch to another SIM that more closely meets your needs just as easily. You’ll just need to give 30 days’ notice. 

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.