Sunshine Mobile enables you to get a ‘free’ phone based on the airtime plan you subscribe but all are on a loan contract. Is it worth it?
There is a growing number of buy now pay later apps with some like Yes Catalogue focusing on a niche model enabling product financing through in-house credits.
Since most of these niched platforms retail their products on a ‘pay for some weeks’ term before you get your order, a credit check is not required, making it accessible to almost everyone.
Sunshine Mobile
Max. Amount
Varies
Credit Check
None
Type
Catalogue
Tip: You will get a ‘free’ smartphone when you subscribe to any of its applicable broadband plans but at the start, you will get a SIM that runs the O2 network and a starter handset once your application is approved. After the 8th week payment, your preferred smartphone will be given to you on a loan contract.
Offering weekly payment plans for airtime and handsets, the platform makes smartphones accessible to people who cannot afford the upfront costs or secure contracts through mainstream networks.
Sunshine Mobile offers a choice of phones based on the package selected. Higher-tier plans allow you to choose premium devices, including the latest from iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung.
Before receiving your chosen handset, you are required to make eight weekly payments, during which you will get a SIM card and a starter smartphone.
Once you have proven your ability to keep up with payments, the company will send the handset you selected when submitting your order.
One key aspect to be aware of is that while you are paying for the broadband plan, you do not own the phone.
The option is not a shopping platform for smartphones but rather, enables you to access airtime plans on a flexible term. The device is only an add-on to enable you to enjoy their services, loaned to you at no cost.
According to Sunshine Mobile’s terms, the handset and SIM are on loan for the duration of the agreement, which typically spans 36 months. Once the contract ends, you can either renew it for a new device or return it alongside other equipment to end it.
It is popular for its no credit check and does not report to the bureaus hence, suitable for both good and users with bad financial profiles.
Sunshine Mobile Requirements
To be eligible for its flexible mobile broadband plans, the following are required:
- Be a resident of the UK
- Minimum age of 18
- Own a valid debit or credit card
- To get the ‘free’ preferred smartphone, complete the minimum payments, charged weekly for up to eight times
How Sunshine Mobile Works and When You’ll Get the Smartphone
Unlike Currys Your Plan and the other methods you can utilise to finance a new device, Sunshine Mobile focuses on enabling flexible payments for airtime plans.
You will be eligible to get a ‘free’ smartphone you can use with your chosen plan once your application is approved. The device you can get depends on the value of the plan taken.
Within days after you apply, Sunshine Mobile will send you a package that includes the SIM and starter smartphone, usually a lower device (at no cost) compared to the one you selected at the application.
You will start with this and the platform will automate a weekly payment for the airtime plan you selected, this will run for eight weeks as a testament of trust.
If you complete the eight-week payment with no default, the starter smartphone will be replaced with the premium device you requested.
Note that the weekly payment is only for the airtime plan hence, the smartphone is given to you as an add-on but on a loan term. This means that the device is only to enable you to enjoy your plan and not 100% yours.
At the end of the contract, you can renew it by exchanging the device for a new one (at no cost) or end the contract by returning the smartphone and any other items given together.
Features of Sunshine Mobile
Below are some of the things you may want to bear in mind when considering using it for flexible broadband plans:
It is for Broadband Financing
While the ‘free phone’ is the main catchy tag for Sunshine Mobile, the platform is primarily a broadband instalment provider, enabling you to pay for airtime and data plans conveniently.
The products it provides are add-ons if you do not have enough to afford the devices required to use its services hence, you get them on a rental contract at no extra cost.
If you are looking at getting a new smartphone through payment plans, you can consider using one of the popular buy now pay later services as many of them have merchants dealing in mobile phones and electronics.
Starter Package
Once you submit your request, the provider will not immediately give you the preferred handset you selected. To qualify for this, you need to make a minimum payment charged every week for up to eight.
However, you will get what the company calls a ‘Starter Package’ within 14 days after your application. This will include a SIM and a smartphone of lower specification compared to your preferred one.
Interest-Free Financing
It works on a pre-determined cost, with the total cost of your payment based on the broadband plan you selected when applying.
There is no interest charged on your periodic repayments, you pay a fixed amount until the end of your contract.
Late Payment Penalty
Sunshine Mobile may charge you a late fee of £3.99 every time your scheduled payment is overdue.
You should enable auto-debit on your account when using the service as it supports payment acceptance through any valid debit or credit card.
Membership Prizes
You can also qualify to win prizes when you subscribe to its premium membership service. This comes at a bi-weekly cost of £19.99.
There are good perks for being a member with the possibility to win a tax-free sum of £500 and complimentary products like smartwatches, wireless chargers, headphones, and others.
While not everyone will be lucky for its peak prize, being a member allows you to access early upgrades for existing contracts, discounts on renewals, and more.
No Credit Check
Eligibility for a premium smartphone is based on how trustworthy you are during the starter stage where you get a SIM and a lower-spec handset.
It does not perform any credit checks and also does not report activities to any of the major bureaus.
If you want a contract phone temporarily without the fear of impacting your credit score, Sunshine Mobile may be a good consideration.
Equipment Loan
There is no truly 100% free phone when you sign up for the contract, the item is given to you on a lease but the good thing is, you do not pay anything for that.
This applies to any accompanying equipment at the time of receipt, including the SIM which all will be returned once your contract ends or you terminate it.
To prevent theft, the company has installed software that will enable it to disable the device from working if you violate any of its terms.
No Down Payment Required
Sunshine Mobile does not require a down payment on the first day of application, with the first payments spread out after days of approval.
While it is good if you do not want to pay when you are not sure of approval, the platform may charge you for the first installment before the starter package is delivered.
One-time Subscription and Activation Fee
A fee of £9.99 will be charged for subscription and SIM activation. It is a one-time payment that may be a part of your first instalment or before the delivery of your starter package.
Long-term Plan
With Sunshine Mobile, you enjoy a weekly payment for your chosen broadband plan for up to 36 months.
The platform has a 14-day cooling-off period within which you can terminate the agreement and incur nothing if the starter package has not been supplied but where you have them, you may be required to bear a little cost to cover logistics and subscription charges.
Unlimited UK and EU Minutes and Text
Your plan includes unlimited UK and EU Minutes and Texts, along with a capped UK and EU data allowance, based on the specific data limit of your chosen subscription.
If you reach your airtime usage limit, Sunshine Mobile offers an upgrade option to their unlimited data tariff, which also includes unlimited minutes and texts, for an additional £20.
This upgrade is valid for the next 30 days, after which your plan will automatically return to your original tariff.
Use Existing Number
You can also use your existing phone number with your broadband contract as the company provides a hassle-free process for this change to happen.
To transfer your number, just reach out to your existing network provider and request a PAC code.
Once you have the code, contact Sunshine Mobile’s customer service department and they will handle the transfer, ensuring your number is moved to your new SIM.
While the hope of a free phone makes Sunshine Mobile very catchy, the platform is mainly a broadband payment plan provider and the equipment that comes with that is still the property of the company.
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