O2 SIM only deals

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O2 SIM only deals

O2 offers a range of SIM only deals, starting at around £6-£10 a month for a 12-month commitment. Customers like the fact that O2 applies its Priority perks and EU roaming to most of its SIM only deals. Here’s everything you need to know when comparing O2 SIMs.

Why choose O2 SIM only deals?

If you’re looking for a new SIM card, it’s important that you make an informed decision and find a deal that works best for you.

Here are some reasons you might want to consider O2 for your next SIM only deal:

Network coverage: O2 customers enjoy 4G network coverage across 99% of the UK.
Roaming: O2 customers can use their minutes and up to 25GB of data as normal across more than 40 European destinations. And O2’s Travel bolt-ons means you can use your minutes and data in 27 destinations outside of Europe. These may be included in your contract or available to buy as a roaming add-on.
Customer service: According to Ofcom’s latest stats, 85% of O2 customers are satisfied with their service overall. Although the number is high, it’s two percentage points less than the industry average.
Data: O2 SIM only deals include generous 5G-ready data packages. Customers can choose from 12GB, 100GB, 150GB and unlimited data options.
O2 Wi-Fi extra: All O2 customers can automatically connect to one of O2’s 15,000+ Wi-Fi hotspots where the signal is stronger than 3G or 4G in that area.
Perks: O2 customers can choose from 3 or 6 months of free Disney+, Amazon Prime, Audible or other services. If you’re a Virgin Media broadband customer, you might be eligible to double the data on your SIM, plus get a broadband speed boost.

O2 Rewards and O2 Priority benefits

O2 Priority is a big draw for many of its customers. Here’s what it gets you:

Ticket access: O2 Priority gives customers access to exclusive gigs and events and 48 hours early access to ticket sales for some widely available events.
Venue perks: Enjoy priority queues and the choice to bring three friends with you, even if they’re not on O2. Free cloakroom use, free power banks and VIP bars may also be available, exclusively for O2 customers.
Other O2 Priority rewards: O2 customers also enjoy discount cinema tickets, offers from high street favourites, bars and restaurants, and the chance to win trips and experiences.

Choosing an O2 SIM contract

Here are 5 things to think about when buying a SIM only deal from O2:

Contract or PAYG: O2 offers SIM only deals on a contract as part of Pay As You Go bundles. You should decide which works best for you before making your choice.
Contract length: If you’re happy to sign up to a contract, it’s important to think about how long you want to be tied to a specific deal. You might be able to afford monthly payments today but will you be able to afford them in a few months’ time?
Data needed: Working out how much data you need can be tricky. A data calculator could be helpful when choosing the right package for your needs.
Data-only SIM: Once you’ve decided you want a SIM only deal, it’s time to think if you want a data-only SIM. If you’re buying a SIM for a tablet, minutes and messages won’t be necessary, just data.
Your device: The major drawback of any SIM only deal is finding a device separately. It’s important to make sure that the cost of the device balances with any payments for your SIM. Some people decide to keep their existing handset and others choose a refurbished phone.

Choosing an O2 SIM contract

Here are 5 things to think about when buying a SIM only deal from O2:

Contract or PAYG: O2 offers SIM only deals on a contract as part of Pay As You Go bundles. You should decide which works best for you before making your choice.
Contract length: If you’re happy to sign up to a contract, it’s important to think about how long you want to be tied to a specific deal. You might be able to afford monthly payments today but will you be able to afford them in a few months’ time?
Data needed: Working out how much data you need can be tricky. A data calculator could be helpful when choosing the right package for your needs.
Data-only SIM: Once you’ve decided you want a SIM only deal, it’s time to think if you want a data-only SIM. If you’re buying a SIM for a tablet, minutes and messages won’t be necessary, just data.
Your device: The major drawback of any SIM only deal is finding a device separately. It’s important to make sure that the cost of the device balances with any payments for your SIM. Some people decide to keep their existing handset and others choose a refurbished phone.

Can I get an O2 SIM with bad credit

Credit checks are a standard part of the process when buying a SIM only deal. Although it’s more difficult to get a SIM card with bad credit, it’s worth speaking to O2 to see what they can offer. Remember that every credit check is recorded on your credit file.

FAQs

What coverage does O2 offer?

O2’s 4G network is available to over 99% of the UK population. According to its website, the network provider was on course to bring 5G coverage to 50% of the population by 2023.

Can I use my O2 SIM abroad?

Yes. With O2 you can call, text and use up to 25 GB of data just as you would in the UK. O2’s Europe Zone covers 40+ European destinations - there are no roaming fees but a fair usage policy applies. There’s also the O2 Travel Inclusive Bolt-On, which gives unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in 27 destinations outside Europe. Alternatively, you can buy the O2 Travel Bolt-On for £6 a day in selected destinations. If you’re on Pay As You Go, the O2 Travel Bolt-On is available for £1.99 in selected destinations.

Can I get 5G on O2 SIMs?

Yes. All new O2 SIMs are 5G capable as standard. You just need a 5G-compatible phone to make use of the improved network connection.

Can I keep my number if I switch to O2?

Yes. To keep your old number when switching to O2 you’ll need to ask for a PAC or porting authorisation code. Once you have the code from your old network, you’ll need to share it with O2. Ask your provider for your PAC or text ‘PAC’ to 65705 from the number you want to keep.

Do I need an unlocked phone to get an O2 SIM?

An O2 SIM might not work in a locked phone. To test this, insert your O2 SIM into the phone and turn it on to see if it works. You can unlock a phone for free. For help with the process, see ‘How do I unlock my phone?’.

Are O2 SIMs cheaper than contract?

O2 SIM only deals are typically cheaper than phone and airtime deals on contracts. When you sign up for a contract you’re not only paying for minutes, texts and data but the phone too.

Can I get O2 unlimited data SIMs?

Yes. Unlimited data SIMs are available as part of Pay Monthly SIM only deals and phone and airtime contracts.

Do Tesco SIMs work in O2 Phones?

Although new phones sold by O2 are unlocked, some older devices may be tied to the network. Despite Tesco Mobile being powered by the O2 network, there’s no guarantee that a Tesco Mobile SIM will work in an O2 locked phone. If your handset is locked to O2, you can request a PUK code or NUC.