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O2 Now Lets You Finance a Phone Without an Airtime Plan

The operator has rolled out SIM-free financing through Affirm so you can spread the cost of a new or refurbished handset over three to 24 months.

29 October 2026 · Daniel Hartley · O2

Flexible financing arrives

O2 has launched SIM-free financing, letting customers buy a phone outright and pay for it over time without tying it to an airtime plan. The option runs through Affirm and covers both brand-new and refurbished devices. Terms range from three to 24 months with APRs starting at 0%, though every application is subject to a credit check.

What the deal includes

You can repay early with no penalties, track balances in the Affirm app and see the full amount repayable before you commit. Soft credit checks are used so an unsuccessful application does not affect your score. A representative example shows a £900 purchase repaid at £46.64 a month over 24 months, totalling £1,119.29 at 22% APR. No hidden fees or late-payment charges apply.

Amber Pine, Chief Consumer Officer for O2, said: “We want to give people the freedom to choose, that’s why we’re making it easier for our customers to access the phone they want with clear, transparent financing and no hidden surprises. With O2’s new SIM-free lineup, whether customers are looking for a brand-new smartphone or a refurbished device, they can choose a payment plan that works best for them and their budget.”

How to take it up

At checkout on eligible models such as the iPhone 16 128GB, Samsung Galaxy A57 or Google Pixel 10a, simply select “Pay over time with Affirm”. The same route is open to new and existing customers. O2 already offers 0% finance on some bundle purchases, including recent PlayStation 5 packages.

We have covered similar O2 financing moves before, including O2 lets gamers spread GTA VI PS5 bundle costs from 41p a day. For the latest mobile deals and comparisons head to our mobile phones section. Hardware finance is provided by Affirm UK Limited, not O2, and is available only on selected devices to UK residents aged 18+ with a bank account.

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