12 Month SIM Only Deals UK

Q: Are 12 month SIM only deals cheaper than 30-day rolling SIMs?

Yes, in most cases. Networks reward a 12-month commitment with a lower monthly price compared to a rolling monthly SIM with the same data allowance. The difference is typically £2 to £5 per month, which adds up to £24 to £60 saved over the year.

Q: Can I keep my phone number when switching to a 12 month SIM?

Yes. Text PAC to 65075 and you will receive your PAC code by text within 1 working day. Provide this to your new network during sign-up and your number will transfer across automatically, usually within 1 working day of your new SIM activating.

Q: Do 12 month SIM deals include 5G?

Most 12-month SIM only deals from the major UK networks include 5G at no extra cost, provided you have a 5G-compatible handset and are in a 5G coverage area. O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three all include 5G on their mid-tier and above 12-month plans.

Q: What happens when my 12 month SIM contract ends?

Most networks move you onto a rolling monthly contract at the same (or sometimes a higher) rate when your 12-month deal ends. You are under no obligation to stay. Use Switch to compare new deals as your end date approaches and move to the best available plan.

Q: Can I switch SIM only deals if I am still in contract?

If you are in the middle of a 12-month deal, you can leave early but will usually owe an early termination charge covering the remaining months. Wait until you are within 30 days of your end date, or your deal has ended, and you can switch freely with no fee.

Q: Which network has the best 12 month SIM only deals in the UK?

It depends on your priorities. For the largest 5G coverage, EE leads. For the lowest price on large data, Three and iD Mobile are often cheapest. For perks like priority tickets, O2 stands out. For data rollover, Sky Mobile is hard to beat. Compare every live deal on Switch to find the best match for your usage and budget.

Q: Do I need a credit check for a 12 month SIM only deal?

Most 12-month SIM only deals require a credit check, though it is a lighter check than a full phone contract because no handset is being financed. If you have concerns about your credit history, some smaller networks and MVNOs offer 12-month plans with softer criteria, or you can opt for a 30-day rolling SIM which often requires no credit check at all.

Compare 12 month SIM only deals: fixed price for a year, no two-year lock-in, keep your existing phone.

12 Month SIM Only Deals UK

Compare 12 month SIM only deals: fixed price for a year, no two-year lock-in, keep your existing phone.

What Is a 12 Month SIM Only Deal?

A SIM only deal gives you a SIM card with a set monthly allowance of data, minutes, and texts. Unlike a standard phone contract, no handset is included, so you are not paying off a device. This makes SIM only plans significantly cheaper per month.

A 12 month contract sits between a 30-day rolling SIM (most flexible, slightly higher price) and a 24-month deal (lowest monthly cost, longest commitment). For most people in the UK, a 12-month SIM only plan is the sweet spot: you get a better price than rolling monthly, but you are only locked in for a year.

SIM Only Contract Types: Which Is Right for You?

Contract Type	Flexibility	Price	Best For
30-Day Rolling	Cancel anytime	Highest monthly cost	Short-term or uncertain plans
12-Month SIM Only	Fixed for 1 year	Mid-range, good value	Most people: balance of price and flexibility
24-Month SIM Only	Fixed for 2 years	Lowest monthly cost	Confident long-term users

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Why Choose a 12 Month SIM Only Deal?

There are five strong reasons why a 12-month contract is the most popular SIM only choice in the UK right now.

Save money straight away: Lower monthly cost than rolling: networks reward commitment with a lower price per month. A 30-day rolling plan with 100GB typically costs £2 to £5 more per month than the equivalent 12-month deal.
Predictable bills: Price locked for a year: your bill stays the same every month. No mid-contract surprises, no sudden hikes.
Short enough to stay flexible: You are only tied in for 12 months, not 24. If something better comes out next year, you are free to move.
Keep your number: Keep your existing number by transferring it with a PAC code. Takes one working day.
5G often included: Many networks include 5G at no extra cost on 12-month plans, especially O2, EE, and Vodafone.

Which Networks Offer 12 Month SIM Only Deals UK?

All of the UK's major networks offer 12 month SIM only deals. Here is a quick overview of what each brings to the table.

O2 is one of the UK's biggest networks and offers a wide range of 12-month SIM only plans, from budget data tiers up to unlimited. O2 Priority is a standout perk: subscribers get early access to concert and event tickets, plus regular freebies and discounts. O2's network covers over 99% of the UK population, and 5G is included on most plans at no extra cost.

EE consistently tops coverage rankings as the UK's widest 5G network. Its 12-month SIM only plans include extras like Apple Music or BritBox on selected tiers. If you live outside a major city or travel to rural areas, EE's coverage reach is hard to beat.

Vodafone's 12-month plans are competitively priced and often include international roaming benefits, useful if you travel in Europe. The Vodafone Flexi-Upgrade option lets you move to a different plan before your contract ends, adding flexibility.

Three built its reputation on generous data allowances. Its 12-month SIM only deals are among the most data-heavy for the price, and Three includes roaming in over 70 countries at no extra cost. Go Binge lets you stream from selected apps without it counting towards your data.

More Networks Worth Comparing

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile's standout feature is data rollover: any data you do not use this month rolls into a 3-year data bank you can draw on later. Sky runs on O2's network, so coverage is solid.

iD Mobile

iD Mobile (running on Three's network) is one of the cheapest 12 month SIM only deals in the UK for heavy data users. Plans often include data rollover and flexible contract options.

VOXI by Vodafone

VOXI is aimed at younger users and is popular for social media and video streaming. Endless social media data means apps like TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat do not count towards your allowance.

Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile runs on O2's network and is one of the consistently cheapest mainstream options for 12-month SIM only deals. Tesco Clubcard members can get additional discounts on their plan.

How Much Do 12 Month SIM Only Deals Cost in the UK?

Prices vary by data allowance, network, and whether 5G is included. Here is a realistic guide to current market pricing for 12 month SIM only deals in the UK in 2026.

Data Allowance	Typical Monthly Price	Best Networks at This Tier
5GB to 10GB	£5 to £8/month	Tesco Mobile, iD Mobile, VOXI
20GB to 30GB	£8 to £12/month	O2, Three, Sky Mobile
50GB to 100GB	£10 to £16/month	EE, Vodafone, O2
Unlimited	£14 to £22/month	Three, EE, Vodafone, O2
Unlimited (5G, premium)	£18 to £28/month	EE, Vodafone, O2

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Prices are indicative for May 2026. The live deals on Switch are updated daily, so always check for the latest price before you decide.

How to Find the Best 12 Month SIM Only Deal for You

Follow these four steps before you compare.

Check Your Actual Data Usage

On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data and look at your monthly usage. On Android, go to Settings > Network > Data Usage. Look at the last 3 months, not just one month, to get your typical figure. Round up by 10 to 20% so you do not exceed your allowance regularly.

Check Network Coverage at Your Key Locations

The cheapest deal is useless if the network has poor signal at your home, workplace, or commute route. Use the Ofcom coverage checker at checker.ofcom.org.uk to see which networks have 4G and 5G coverage at your specific locations.

Decide Whether You Need 5G

If you have a 5G-compatible phone and live in a covered area, a 5G SIM plan lets you stream, download, and browse at noticeably faster speeds. Most 12-month plans from EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three include 5G at no extra charge on the mid and upper tiers.

Compare on Switch and Filter by Contract Length

Go to Switch, set your data amount and contract length to 12 months, and compare every live deal in one place. You can sort by price, network, or extras. Every deal shows the full monthly cost: no hidden cashback conditions or short-term intro prices.

What to Watch Out for With 12 Month SIM Only Deals

A few things are worth checking before you sign up.

Watch Out For	What It Means
Annual price rises	Most networks apply an annual price increase, often linked to inflation (CPI) plus 3 to 4%. This means your monthly cost can rise partway through the year. Check the small print before signing.
Exit charges	If you leave before your 12 months are up, you will owe the remaining months as an early termination charge. Unlike energy deals, there is no standard exit fee cap.
Cashback deals	Some deals advertise a low monthly cost but require a cashback claim after a set period. The upfront price is higher: you reclaim the difference later. This can be good value but requires action.
Calls and texts	Make sure calls and texts are included, especially international ones if you call abroad regularly.
Roaming	Some cheaper deals roam at extra cost. If you travel in Europe, check whether roaming is included.

How to Switch and Keep Your Number on a 12 Month SIM Only Deal

Keeping your number when you move to a new SIM is simple and free. Here is exactly how it works.

Text PAC to 65075 (free)

You will receive your PAC code by text within 1 working day.

Compare 12 Month SIM Only Deals on Switch

Pick your plan and start the sign-up.

Enter Your PAC Code During Sign-Up

Your new provider handles the number transfer automatically.

Your Number Transfers Within 1 Working Day

You will receive a text confirming when the transfer is complete.

Insert Your New SIM and You Are Done

Your old number now works on your new network and plan.

You do not need to contact your old network first. The PAC code process is all that is required.

Compare 12 Month SIM Only Deals Now: Free, No Commitment

Switch compares every live 12 month SIM only deal in the UK from all major networks and MVNOs. No sign-up required to compare. No adverts. No hidden ranking by commission. Just the best 12 month SIM only deals sorted by price for your data amount.

Check your data usage, choose your data tier, and compare now. It takes under 2 minutes.

Compare 12 Month SIM Deals Compare All SIM Only Deals Compare Mobile Phones

FAQs

What is a 12 month SIM only deal?

A 12 month SIM only deal is a mobile contract that gives you a set amount of data, calls, and texts for a fixed monthly price over 12 months. No handset is included: you use your own phone. At the end of the 12 months, you are free to switch to a new deal or network.

Are 12 month SIM only deals cheaper than 30-day rolling SIMs?

Can I keep my phone number when switching to a 12 month SIM?

Do 12 month SIM deals include 5G?

What happens when my 12 month SIM contract ends?

Can I switch SIM only deals if I am still in contract?

Which network has the best 12 month SIM only deals in the UK?

Do I need a credit check for a 12 month SIM only deal?

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