Nearly a Third of Brits Could Be Losing Hundreds By Sticking with the Wrong Mobile Deal

Sticking with the same mobile provider could be costing Brits up to £720 over five years*, as new research from Lebara Mobile reveals that almost a third (29%) stay with their current network simply out of habit. And despite the potential savings, more than a quarter (28%) admit they can't be bothered to switch, while one in four (25%) don't even know when their mobile contract ends.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults also revealed that Brits are a nation of loyal customers, with two-thirds (56%) tending to stick with the same providers for their contracts and subscriptions. But attitudes towards loyalty differ across generations, with young people being the most loyal. Over two-thirds (66%) of 18- 34-year-olds tend to stay loyal to their providers, the most of any other generation, and yet they're also the most likely to suspect new customers get better offers (56%) whilst also being the least likely to know when their contract ends (38%) - double the proportion of over-55s (18%).

The cost of consumer inertia across generations

While staying loyal might feel like the easier option, it could be coming at a cost. Almost two in five (38%) believe there are better deals out there than the one they’re on whilst 1 in 7 (15%) say they are unhappy with their mobile contract but feel they can’t change it. With mobile providers regularly introducing new deals and offers to attract customers, those who fail to shop around could be paying more than they need to for the same service. And with household budgets still under pressure, taking a few minutes to compare deals could make a noticeable difference to monthly bills.

Money-saving expert Nouran Moustafa, Founder of Roxton Wealth, says the findings highlight a fundamental contradiction. She says:

“One of the most striking findings is that many younger people stay put because they believe their provider is already giving them the best deal, while almost half of us suspect the best offers go to new customers. Both can’t be true. Inertia is the most expensive habit on your phone bill, and the fix takes minutes.”

Expert tips to check your contract and switch network

To help those struggling to know where to turn or how to save on their bills, Nouran has shared her top tips for switching and saving today:

1. Find out your exit date in 30 seconds

Text INFO to 85075. It’s free, and your network has to reply with your contract end date and any early exit fee. One in four people don’t know when their contract ends, and finding out takes a single text.

2. Get your switching code early, because it lasts a month

A PAC code is valid for 30 days, so you can request one now and use it when you’ve found the right deal. You also stop paying your old provider from the day you switch.

3. Don’t pay for a whole bundle to keep one feature

Think carefully when it comes to bundle deals. Bundles can be great for savings, but they can also keep people on expensive packages because one small part feels useful, even when that one feature could be bought separately for far less. For example, paying for an expensive phone and SIM bundle when you could purchase both separately for a much lower price overall.

4. Check your real data use before you buy

Most people choose a data allowance by guessing. Your phone keeps track of how much you actually use: on iPhone it’susually under Settings > Mobile Data, and on Android it’s typically under Network > Data usage. Check a typical month. If you use 4GB but pay for unlimited, you’re paying for data you never touch.

A spokesperson for Lebara Mobile added: “Big networks talk a good game on loyalty, but in reality, it’s often the faithful who pay the price, even when better deals are out there. Too many people stay put and end up worse off, often without realising it. As our research has shown, a quarter don’t even know when their contract ends, and for many, switching can simply feel like more hassle than it’s worth. But checking takes seconds, and moving takes a day. At Lebara, we believe that loyalty should be a choice you make rather than a habit that costs you.”

For those ready to switch and save on their mobile plan, Lebara’s SIM-only deals start from just £5 per month, offering 5GB of data, free international minutes to over 40 countries, and the freedom to leave anytime.