Last updated: August 2026
Both give you connectivity without financing a handset. The difference is commitment: SIM-only is a credit agreement, prepaid is not.
Direct comparison
| SIM-only | Prepaid | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per gigabyte | Lower | Higher |
| Credit check | Yes, at a low threshold | None |
| Commitment | Month-to-month or fixed term | None |
| Can affect credit record | Yes, if payments are missed | No |
| Overspending | Out-of-bundle charges possible | Impossible — you pay in advance |
When prepaid is the better choice
- Irregular income, where a fixed monthly debit is a risk.
- A strained credit position — prepaid cannot produce an adverse listing.
- A child’s phone, where capped spending is a feature.
- You want certainty about what you spend each month.
When SIM-only wins
Steady income and consistent usage. The per-gigabyte saving is real, and month-to-month options mean the commitment can be minimal while still getting contract rates.
See month to month SIM only deals and SIM only deals.
The honest summary
Prepaid costs more per gigabyte and buys something a contract cannot: the impossibility of getting into trouble with it. For anyone whose circumstances are uncertain, that is worth the premium.
See prepaid vs contract, SIM only vs phone contract and no credit check phone options.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
SIM-only per gigabyte. Prepaid may cost less overall if it stops you overspending.
Does SIM-only need a credit check?
Yes, at a lower threshold than a handset contract. Prepaid needs none.
Can prepaid affect my credit record?
No. There is no credit agreement.
Can I switch between them?
Yes, and you can keep your number either way.
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Pricing and terms are set by each provider and change regularly.