Cheapest way to transfer a number via another operator? (ergo the lowest top-up PAYG sim?)

Posted 2nd Dec 2023 (Posted 16 h, 27 m ago)

As per the title - I’ve had a PAYG sim with an operator for dog’s years, and I ended up buying a monthly contract after seeing an offer on Black Friday… but they’re refusing to honour the bundle if I transfer my number because my new sim is with the same operator. I’m presuming my best shot is to move to another network, put as little credit in that sim as I can and then get a PAC and use it back on my new sim deal? Does anyone know which network has the lowest minimum top up on a free PAYG sim so I can do that? Or if there’s any that would let you PAC over a number and then PAC out without topping up? (but I’m presuming not given that inevitably just ends up being a loss for the operator!)
In any instance, cheers & hope you have a lovely weekend!

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15 h, 16 m ago
Three is free, and all done online. Asda works as well but you may have to call CS to get the PAC if you don't top up.

Else you can take out a cheap 99p Lebara SIM, which will be 99p for the month, so you can continue to use your number as normal until your number has been ported back.
15 h, 7 m ago
If memory serves me people have had trouble porting to/from Lebara
3 h, 50 m ago
I'd probably go with suggestion, there's currently 49p and 99p Lebara deals on money supermarket I'd go for that, pac out to Lebara let it run for a couple of days so everythings gone through then pac back to your new sim, I used asda without topping up for the infamous 1p Lebara deal and probably due to my impatience ended up having to phone for the PAC which I hate doing due to the why are you leaving already type questions as it wouldn't auto reply by sms.
1 h, 51 m ago
I think Asda has got fed up with so many people using them as a free port sim that they have removed the automatic issue of PAC code via text and you have to call CS to get the PAC code, which they have to generate manually.

Some people have reported having issues as their staff wouldn't issue a PAC code because there is no credit on the sim and you had to ask to speak to a manager. So more hassle than normal.

As far as I understand Three is still working, but I do recollect someone saying that they have also gone down the having to call route to get the PAC code if you don't have any credit on your sim. I can't remember if anyone else has been able to do all online since that comment that I had read.

But I prefer to use lebara as it only costs pennies and at least you have a working sim and can get the port to work properly by leaving your number there for a day or two before porting out. The port process goes wrong if you rush the port between providers as the number hasn't yet had full time to settle down with the provider before you switch again.
16 h, 13 m ago
Yeah Asda always comes up on these port threads. I have used Smarty, Lebara, Lyca & RWG in the past.
16 h, 18 m ago
Asda Mobile has a good reputation on here for hassle free switching. I think you might have to top up £5 now but £5 is worth it if you have no issues.

Not sure about having to pay but people are using Asda for a swap in & out.