Follow these ten steps to save money
- Check if you’re in contract
- If you’re out of contract - shop around
- Bundle your services to make savings
- Not using that streaming service? Cancel it
- Don’t pay for more than you need
- Look into SIM-only deals
- Keep an eye on call costs
- Check your roaming charges to avoid a nasty bill
- Trade in your old kit
- Get help if you are struggling to pay
Check if you're eligible for a social tariff
If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you might qualify for a social tariff. This is a cheaper broadband or phone deal, with no mid-contract price rises, for people on lower incomes. Check our social tariff guide.
1. Check if you’re in contract
Look at your account details on your provider’s or app, or just ask them. Your contract usually ties you in for 12, 18 or 24 months and leaving early to get a better deal could mean you have to pay an exit fee.
Speak to other providers, even if you’re still in contract. They might give you money towards your exit fee if you switch to them.
2. If you’re out of contract - shop around
Switch to a better deal with a new provider, or talk to your current provider to see what they can offer. If you are out of contract, you might be paying more than you need to.
Use Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile to check coverage and performance of different mobile networks in your area.
Use our broadband checker to see what broadband speeds are available where you live.
And check price comparison sites to help you find a deal that meets your needs. Smaller providers can sometimes be cheaper, so compare all the deals available. Your provider might match, or even beat, a better deal you’ve found elsewhere.
If you do switch, we’ve made it easier, and your new provider should handle the process for you. It’s also simple to switch your mobile provider by sending a free text message (text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to get started).
3. Bundle your services to make savings
Check if your provider offers bundles. Buying more than one service together from the same provider – for example broadband with pay-TV or a landline – is often cheaper than paying for each service separately. Bundles can be less flexible though, so check what your provider offers and whether it suits what you actually need.
4. Not using that streaming service? Cancel it
Look at your pay-TV and streaming services, and think about whether you’d be missing out if you cancelled any of them. Lots of homes pay for several at once. You can often cancel – or pause – these services straight away without any penalty, so this could be a useful quick money saver. Check your service’s website, or speak to your provider.
5. Don’t pay for more than you need
Match your broadband deal to what you actually use, and make sure you’re not paying for extras that you don’t use, such as extra TV channels, call packages or data boosts.
Not sure what speed you need? See our guide. If you have a landline you don’t use, choosing a broadband-only package could be cheaper.
It’s similar for mobile. Moving to a package with a lower data allowance could save you money. Check how much data you use – you can do this on your provider’s website or app. See our guide for more information.
6. Look into SIM-only deals
Do you really need that new phone? Buying a SIM-only deal could be your cheapest option if you already have a mobile you’re happy with and just want your monthly calls, texts and data.
If you need a new phone, buying this separately is often cheaper overall than buying your phone together with your SIM contract. And don’t forget – a refurbished phone can be good value.
7. Keep an eye on call costs
Consider a package with inclusive minutes if you make a lot of calls. Bear in mind that some numbers are not included in these packages, so check your provider’s website and our call cost guide first.
Consider using free calling or messaging apps over Wi-Fi for longer calls to friends or family, including calls abroad. This could help you save on charges. Examples include WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger. Check your mobile data allowance if you are not using Wi-Fi, as these apps require data to work.
8. Check your roaming charges to avoid a nasty bill
Take a look at our roaming advice if you’re travelling abroad. Charges for using your phone outside the UK vary between providers. Check your package before you travel, or you could be hit with a big bill when you get home. You could also set a mobile spend limit.
9. Trade in your old kit
Getting a new mobile or broadband deal? You might be able to trade in or sell your old phone, even if it’s damaged. Many broadband providers also recycle old routers for free.
10. Get help if you are struggling to pay
Talk to your provider as soon as you can. If you’re struggling to pay a bill, they should be able to talk you through the help available. Our guide explains your options.
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