O2 introduces flexible phone financing, giving customers the option to buy now and pay over time

O2 is today announcing the launch of SIM-free financing, a flexible payment offering that enables customers to purchase a new or refurbished phone on its own – without an airtime plan – and spread the cost over time with transparent finance options from three to 24 months. 

Previously only available when combined with an airtime plan, the introduction of SIM-free financing means customers can buy a phone standalone, giving them more choice and flexibility when buying their next device.  

New and existing customers can purchase a new phone from O2 via a range of clear and concise payment plans, offered by Affirm, with no hidden fees or late payment charges. 

The new offering gives customers greater flexibility when purchasing an eligible device, while ensuring complete transparency over the total amount repayable and the cost they’ll pay each month.  

Customers can spread the cost of their phone from three to 24 months, with APR rates from as low as 0%, subject to a credit check. The offering also allows customers to repay early without penalties, track balances, manage payments and access customer support via Affirm’s app. 

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.” 

SIM-free financing will be available on a range of phones from O2 including iPhone 16 (128GB), Samsung Galaxy A57 and Google Pixel 10a. Customers who want to utilise this option to buy a new phone outright, or manage their payments over time, can select “Pay over time with Affirm” at checkout and will be guided through a quick application process. If approved, they’ll then be presented with a range of personalised financing options.  

The launch forms part of O2’s continued focus on giving customers greater choice, value and flexibility, building on the mobile operator’s suite of value enhancing propositions including Switch Up, inclusive EU roaming and O2 Satellite.  

For those looking to pair a phone with an airtime plan, O2 continues to offer a range of tariffs including Classic Plan, Plus Plan and Ultimate Plan, enabling customers to enjoy benefits such as inclusive EU roaming up to 25GB, access to Priority from O2 and much more.  

ENDS 

Notes to Editors: 

Key features of O2’s flexible financing plans, managed by Affirm, include: 

• Personalised finance options on eligible devices can be spread over three to 24 months 

• APR rates from as low as 0%, subject to a credit check 

• No hidden fees or late payment fees 

• Early repayment available with no penalties 

• Clear upfront pricing showing total repayment costs before purchase 

• Soft credit checks that won’t affect a customer’s credit score if they’re not eligible 

• Easy account management through the Affirm app 

O2’s flexible financing plans are available for selected SIM-free phones only and subject to credit status. 

Hardware financing plans managed by Affirm, not O2. T&Cs apply. Subject to status. 18+. Telefonica UK Limited RG2 6UU is a credit broker and not a lender for Pay Over Time, introducing customers only to Affirm UK Limited as lender. 

SIM-free financing payment plans available on phones including: 

• iPhone 16 128GB (brand new device) 

• Samsung Galaxy A57 (brand new device) 

• Google Pixel 10a (brand new device) 

• iPhone 17 256GB (Like New device) 

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Like New device) 

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Like New device) 

Priority: O2 customers and Virgin Media broadband customers only. 18+. Internet access and registration required. Offers subject to eligibility criteria and availability. Terms apply, see the Priority from O2 app or go to o2.co.uk/terms 

Roaming: Travel in O2’s Europe Zone using your UK mins, texts and data up to 25GB, if customers reach 25GB or use all of their UK data allowance when roaming, they’ll need to buy a data Bolt On if they want to keep using data. For terms see o2.co.uk/terms 

Telefónica UK Limited (‘O2’) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 718822) for insurance distribution and consumer credit activities. We act as the lender for Pay Monthly (device and airtime) plans, and as a credit broker (not a lender) for Pay Over Time finance provided by Affirm U.K. Limited. We exclusively introduce customers to Affirm as the lender for Pay Over Time. Affirm U.K. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 756087), company number 10199101, c/o TMF Group, 1 Angel Court, 13th Floor, London EC2R 7HJ. 

Affirm is a form of credit, subject to credit check and a minimum spend. U.K. residents, 18+ with a bank account or debit card. Missed payments may affect your financial status. A down payment may be required. Terms and Conditions apply, see affirm.com/en-gb/terms. 

Representative example: £900 purchase. Total amount of credit £900. £46.64/mo over 24 months. Total payable £1,119.29. Interest rate 22% p.a. (fixed). 22% Representative APR. A down payment may be required. Affirm UK Limited, 1 Angel Court, 13th Floor, London, EC2R 7HJ is the Lender.