Mobile
Mobile and SIM-Only Plans for New UK Residents
A SIM-only plan on a 30-day rolling contract does not usually require a UK credit history. A pay-monthly contract that includes a handset is a regulated credit agreement and always requires a credit check. Most new arrivals start with a rolling SIM-only plan.
- 30-day rolling SIM: no credit check usually needed
- Pay-monthly with handset: credit check required
- eSIM available on most current phones
Plans from the networks Wisemium works with, with monthly cost and data allowance. Keeps your contract end date and monthly cost on record.
Your mobile
- SIM-only plan
- 30-day rolling
- Data
- Your allowance
- Contract end
- 30 days notice
Example. Your own details appear once you add them.
SIM-only or pay-monthly contract
SIM-only (rolling)
- Credit check
- Usually not required on a 30-day plan
- Handset
- Bring your own, or buy separately
- Lock-in
- 30 days notice to leave
Pay-monthly with handset
- Credit check
- Required: it is a regulated credit agreement
- Handset
- Included in the monthly price
- Lock-in
- Usually 24 months
General information. Eligibility is set by each network at the time you apply.
The full guide
If you have just arrived in the UK, a SIM-only plan is usually straightforward to get, even without an established UK credit history. A pay-monthly phone contract — where you also finance the handset — is a different type of agreement and almost always requires a credit check. Understanding the difference helps you avoid overpaying while your UK credit record builds.
SIM-only plans: a credit check may not be needed
A SIM-only plan gives you calls, texts and data without a handset. On a 30-day rolling plan, the network rarely runs a credit check because there is no financing involved and the commitment is short. On a 12 or 24-month SIM contract, some networks do run a check, because it is a longer commitment.
- 30-day rolling plans are the most accessible if you have no UK credit history. You are not locked in and can leave with 30 days' notice.
- 12 or 24-month SIM contracts are often cheaper per month but may need a credit check. If you are declined, a 30-day plan is the alternative.
- Pay-as-you-go SIMs need no contract at all, but the cost per GB or per call is usually much higher than a monthly plan.
Pay-monthly phone contracts: a credit check is required
A pay-monthly contract that includes a handset is a form of financing. The network buys the phone and you repay it over the contract term through your monthly bill. This is a regulated credit agreement, and a hard credit check is run when you apply. A limited UK credit history can result in a declined application or a requirement for a deposit.
If you want a specific handset and a contract is declined, buying the phone outright and taking a SIM-only plan gives you the same result at a similar or lower total cost, with no credit check required for the SIM.
What to compare on a SIM-only plan
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Data allowance | Look at your usage in the last three months. Choose an allowance just above that. |
| Price rise rules | Since January 2024, providers must state any annual price rise in pounds and pence when you sign up. |
| Roaming | If you travel, check whether the plan includes EU roaming and what applies outside Europe. |
| Network coverage | Use the network's own coverage checker at your home and work postcode. |
| International calls | If you call a home country regularly, check the cost per minute or look for a plan that includes it. |
eSIM: no need to wait for a physical card
Most current phones support eSIM, which lets you activate a plan digitally without waiting for a physical SIM card. If your phone supports it and the network offers it, this is often the quickest way to get connected when you first arrive.
Plans from the networks Wisemium works with, with their monthly cost, data and contract length.
Common questions
Can I get a SIM in the UK on the day I arrive?
Yes. Physical SIMs are available from network shops, supermarkets and convenience stores with no identity check beyond what the network requires. An eSIM can be activated online in minutes if your phone supports it.
Will getting a SIM-only plan help my UK credit history?
A pay-monthly SIM contract can be reported to the credit reference agencies if you pay on time. Not all providers report to all agencies, so it is not guaranteed, but it can be one of the easier first steps towards a UK credit file.
What if I want to use my existing overseas phone?
Most phones sold internationally are unlocked and work on any network. If yours was sold locked to an overseas network, you may need to request an unlock from the original provider before using a UK SIM.
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