Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to 14million Brits paying phone bills – easy check can save you £100s
MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to mobile phone users who could be overpaying on their bills.
In the latest MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) newsletter, Martin is urging people to make one simple check.
According to Martin, the prices of the cheapest new sim-only deals are continuing to fall and there are some big savings to be had.
For Brits who are looking to cut down on the cost of living this simple switch could save you £100s a year on your phone bill.
If you are one of the 14million Brits out of contract, Martin recommends taking a look at some sim-only deals as the savings could be substantial.
A fan of money saving expert has described how she saved money by switching.
Victoria said: “I was paying £22.50 a month with a warning that it might increase.
“My provider offered £9 a month for 3GB of data, however your best deal with 5GB was 99p a month for six months, then £4.40 a month.
“I opted for that and will be saving £20 a month (£240 a year) overall, THANK YOU.
One example of a cheap sim-only deal is with provider Lebara on the Vodaphone network.
It is currently offering 5GB and free European roaming for £3.45 a month.
You pay £1.99 a month for the first six months, then £4.90 a month after that.
Over a year it is the equivalent to £3.45 a month, but it is a one-month rolling contract so you can cancel at any time.
Other deals also include cashback and vouchers, such as a current deal with TalkMobile.
This one is a one-year contract and comes with 20GB of data for £4.20 a month.
You actually pay £7.95 a month but can claim a £45 Amazon voucher within four months, which if you factor this in is equivalent to £4.20 a month over the year.
And you can even keep the same number if you do decide to switch.
In the newsletter, it describes that all you need to do in order to switch is text “PAC” to 65075.
You then give the code that you receive to your new provider who will then transfer your number.
If you’re within contract and want to switch then do be aware of hefty fees.
Some providers will charge you to leave so do check what yours could be.
It’s always worth asking your provider if they’ll offer you something cheaper anyway so do give them a call even if you’re in contract.
If not, make a note of the date your contract ends and tally up other deals that you could switch to.
How can I cut my mobile bill?
If you think your bills are too high and want to drive them down, the first thing to do is find out what the cheapest deal on the market is.
You can use this rate as a bargaining tool to get a better offer from your provider or as inspiration to switch providers.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, speed and provider.
Haggle a cheaper deal
If you’ve found a cheaper rate with another provider get in contact with your provider to see if they can match the price.
If you’re unsuccessful at haggling, then you could threaten to leave.
Your provider might then feel more inclined to keep you by offering you a better deal.
Attempting to haggle will always make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
Check if you can get a social tariff
If your household is on a low income it’s also worth investigating social tariffs.
These broadband packages and discounts have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
They’re often available to those on income support, Universal Credit, or disability allowance.
Around 4.2million households are eligible for these cheaper tariffs but only 55,000 are making use of them.
Voxi and SMARTY both offer these cheaper mobile phone contracts and prices start at £10 a month.