How to Get a Smartphone with No Upfront Cost and Pay Monthly

If you’re planning to upgrade your mobile, getting a smartphone with no upfront cost and monthly payments is easier than ever in the UK. With trusted carriers, online retailers and finance platforms offering flexible instalment plans—often interest-free—you can choose the phone you want and spread the cost over time with no deposit required.

How to Buy a Smartphone in the UK with No Deposit and Monthly Payments

Buying a new smartphone doesn’t have to mean paying hundreds of pounds upfront. Whether you’re looking for the latest iPhone or a reliable Android phone, many providers in the UK now offer options to buy a smartphone on credit with zero deposit. You can even find deals on interest-free instalments, especially when buying through a contract or using financing platforms.

Here’s how it works, where to look, and what to expect.

1. Mobile Networks Offering Phones with No Upfront Cost

Most major UK mobile carriers offer smartphones on monthly contracts with no deposit if your credit is approved.

O2 Refresh

• Choose a phone and separate your device and airtime plans.
• No upfront cost options available on devices like iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23.
• Upgrades available mid-contract via O2’s flexible terms.

EE

• Wide selection of handsets available with £0 upfront, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and Apple.
• Monthly payments over 24 or 36 months.
• Occasionally includes perks like subscriptions to Apple Music or Disney+.

Vodafone

• Offers Pay Monthly plans with zero upfront cost on many devices.
• Choose between Flexi-pay or EVO plans with longer terms and low monthly rates.
• Trade-in and early upgrade options included.

Three UK

• Affordable contract deals with £0 deposit.
• Monthly terms range from 12 to 36 months.
• Often includes 6 months of free data boosts or app subscriptions.

2. Online Retailers with Smartphone Finance Options

If you prefer to buy SIM-free and finance the phone only, several UK retailers offer buy now, pay later or monthly payment plans:

Currys

• Finance plans via Creation Finance.
• Spread the cost over 12–36 months.
• 0% interest available during certain promotions.
• No deposit required with approved credit.

Argos

• Offers Flexible Payment Plans with the Argos Card.
• Pay nothing for up to 12 months with Buy Now, Pay Later options.
• Popular for budget phones like Motorola, as well as mid-range and iPhones.

Amazon UK

• Offers monthly payments on selected phones through Amazon Pay Monthly.
• 5 equal monthly payments, interest-free for eligible customers.
• No deposit required, but account age and purchase history may affect eligibility.

Laptops Direct / Buy It Direct

• Financing via PayPal Credit or Klarna.
• Interest-free instalments for 3–12 months.
• Wide selection of smartphones, including refurbished deals.

3. Example Smartphone Deals with Monthly Payments (UK Market, June 2025)

Note: Final eligibility and prices depend on credit checks and ongoing promotions.

4. Requirements to Buy a Smartphone on Credit with No Deposit

To be eligible for a smartphone with no deposit, pay monthly, you typically need to:

• Be 18 or older
• Be a UK resident
• Provide a valid UK address and phone number
• Pass a credit check (applies to contracts and finance platforms)
• Show proof of regular income (sometimes optional for BNPL)

Some platforms like Klarna or Amazon Pay Monthly use soft checks and won’t affect your credit score unless payments are missed.

5. Popular Brands Available with Monthly Payment Options

Most major phone brands are available through monthly instalments in the UK:

• Apple (iPhone 14, 15, SE) – Available with all carriers and retailers.
• Samsung (Galaxy A/S/Z series) – From budget to flagship models.
• Google Pixel – Increasingly popular with monthly plans.
• Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo – Affordable options ideal for SIM-free buyers.
• OnePlus, Nothing – Great performance-focused alternatives under £500.

6. Benefits of Buying a Smartphone with No Upfront Cost

✅ No large payment required – Ideal for budgeting.
✅ Access to newer or premium phones without financial strain.
✅ Flexible terms – Choose from 12, 24, or 36 months.
✅ 0% interest offers – Especially during holidays or launch events.
✅ Build or maintain credit history, if applicable.

7. Things to Consider Before Choosing a Monthly Plan

• Compare total cost – Some deals look affordable monthly but add up.
• Read the finance terms – Check for early repayment fees or missed payment penalties.
• Watch out for added services – Some contracts bundle apps or insurance at extra cost.
• Check for upgrade options – Useful if you like having the latest model.
• Consider SIM-free if you already have a good data plan.

8. Trusted Places to Buy Smartphones on Credit in the UK

Here’s where to safely explore smartphone on interest-free instalments or credit deals:

• Mobile Carriers: O2, EE, Vodafone, Three UK
• Retailers: Currys, Argos, Amazon.co.uk
• Finance Platforms: Klarna, PayPal Credit, Creation Finance
• Specialist Stores: Laptops Direct, Mobiles.co.uk, Fonehouse

Conclusion

If you’ve been thinking, «I’m looking to buy a smartphone with monthly payments but don’t want to pay upfront,» there are plenty of reliable options in the UK. Whether through a carrier plan or a retail finance service, you can now get the phone you need—with no deposit, interest-free instalments, and monthly payments that work for you.

Do your research, compare deals, and make the most of flexible payment options to stay connected—without overpaying.