How-to Guides » OLD GUIDE Spend less on your mobile

Choose the right tariff

5 tips on this task  |  Tweet

1) Shop around

As usual, if you want to get the best deal, you need to shop around! Mobile phone sites such as Omio have nifty little tools which will scour the thousands of deals available for you.

You simply use the slider tools to choose how many minutes and texts you need, together with how much you're willing to pay each month, and they’ll find a tariff to suit you.

2) Go online

One of the best things about buying your mobile phone online is you'll get more for your money.

For example, Orange offers nearly £5 off a range of plans if you order online, and O2 will give you double the amount of texts than you'd normally get if you choose an online plan.

It's also worth keeping your eyes peeled for cashback deals on websites such as Quidco and TopCashback.

3) Consider SIM only

Most providers have introduced SIM only deals over the past year or so, and these offer great value for money. You won't get a new phone - instead you'll get a shiny new SIM to pop into your existing handset - and you'll get many more minutes/texts for your money.

What's more, you don't have to get tied into an 18 or 24 month contract. Instead, you can choose to be on a 30-day rolling contract - so if something better comes along you can switch at a month's notice.

Read Slash your mobile bill in one easy step to find out more or to compare current deals use simonlycontracts.co.uk.

4) Count the cost of that swanky new phone

You'll get fewer minutes and texts with the new smartphones - so it's good to consider whether it's worth it. We tell you why the iPhone isn’t necessarily worth it and show you how two leading smart phones compare.

5) Haggle!

Finally, if you’re on an uncompetitive deal but don’t want the hassle of switching, why not call your existing provider to barter for a better deal? With so many networks vying for your business, you could soon have your provider on its knees, and provided you do your research, your existing network will often match, or better any deals you find.