Pay As You Go SIM Cards
Free SIM, No Contract, No Monthly Top-Up
The UK's best pay as you go SIM cards — free to order with free delivery. Top up when you want, pay only for what you use, and keep your number for free.
100% Free SIM
Free card, free UK delivery
No Credit Check
Prepaid — anyone can order
No Monthly Top-Up
Credit stays until you use it
Why Choose a Pay As You Go SIM Card?
Total control over your mobile spending with zero commitment
Only Pay for What You Use
Top up your credit and spend it on calls, texts and data as you go. No fixed monthly charge, no bill shock — when the credit's gone, it simply stops.
No Contract or Credit Check
PAYG SIMs are fully prepaid, so anyone can get one — no credit history needed, no minimum term, no early exit fees. Perfect if you've been declined for a contract.
Free SIM, Free Delivery
Both Giffgaff and Lebara send the SIM card itself completely free — no activation fee, no postage charge. It arrives in 3-5 working days.
Premium Networks
Giffgaff runs on O2 and Lebara runs on Vodafone — 99% UK coverage with 4G and 5G included at no extra cost. Same networks, fraction of the price.
Keep Your Number
Switching is free — text PAC to 65075 on your old SIM, give the code to your new network, and your number moves across within a working day.
Optional Bundles
Want better value in a heavy month? Add a 30-day bundle (Giffgaff goodybag or Lebara plan) whenever you like — it's still pay as you go with no contract.
Best Pay As You Go SIM Cards Compared
The two PAYG SIMs we recommend — both free, both no-contract, both on premium UK networks.
| Feature | Giffgaff (O2 network) | Lebara (Vodafone network) |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card cost | Free + £5 bonus credit* | Free |
| Monthly top-up needed? | No | No |
| Optional bundles | Goodybags from ~£6/30 days | Plans from ~£5/30 days |
| 5G included | Yes | Yes |
| EU roaming | On qualifying goodybags | Included allowance on plans |
| International calls | PAYG rates | Cheap rates to 40+ countries |
| Credit check | None | None |
| Best for | Flexible UK use, bonus credit | Calling abroad, lowest bundle price |
*£5 bonus credit applied when you activate and top up £10 via our link. Rates change — check each network's site for the latest PAYG tariffs.
How Do Pay As You Go SIMs Work?
Three simple steps from free SIM to spending control
Order Your Free SIM
Pick Giffgaff or Lebara and enter your address. The SIM is free, delivery is free, no payment details needed.
Activate & Top Up
Put the SIM in any unlocked phone and activate online in minutes. Add credit when you want — no monthly top-up required.
Pay As You Go
Calls, texts and data come straight off your credit. Add a 30-day bundle any month you need better value — still no contract.
PAYG Credit vs 30-Day Bundles
Every pay as you go SIM gives you two ways to pay: raw credit for occasional use, or an optional 30-day bundle for better value. If you use data most days or make regular calls, a bundle almost always wins — a £6 goodybag beats pounds of per-minute credit.
The good news: you don't have to choose forever. Buy a bundle in busy months, drop back to pure PAYG when you're quiet — there's never a contract either way.
See the full pay as you go vs monthly comparison →Pay As You Go SIM: FAQs
What is the best pay as you go SIM card in the UK?
For most people, Giffgaff (O2 network) and Lebara (Vodafone network) are the best pay as you go SIM cards in the UK. Both are free to order, need no credit check, have no contract, and let you either spend credit as you go or buy a cheap 30-day bundle from around £5-£6.
Do pay as you go SIMs need a monthly top-up?
No. A true pay as you go SIM has no monthly top-up or monthly charge — you add credit only when you need it and it stays until used. Just keep the SIM active with occasional usage (a call, text or data session every few months) so the network doesn't deactivate it.
Can I keep my number on a pay as you go SIM?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your current SIM to get a free switching code, then give it to your new network. Your number normally transfers within one working day.
Do pay as you go SIM cards expire?
The SIM can be deactivated if unused for several months — most networks require some chargeable activity every 3-6 months. Any unused credit is normally lost when the SIM is deactivated, so use it occasionally to keep it alive.
Is pay as you go cheaper than a monthly plan?
Only for very light users. If you'd spend more than about £6/month on PAYG credit, a rolling 30-day bundle (like a Giffgaff goodybag or Lebara plan) is almost always better value — you get unlimited UK calls and texts plus a big data allowance, still with no contract.
Do I need a credit check for a pay as you go SIM?
No. Pay as you go SIMs are prepaid, so there's no credit check, no contract and no minimum term. Order the free SIM, top up when you want, and use it.
Ready to Order Your Free PAYG SIM?
Free SIM card, free delivery, no contract — top up only when you want