Best SIM-Only Mobile Plans In Singapore (2024)

Gone are the days when fixed mobile plan contracts by Singtel, StarHub, and M1 locked you in for a period of 12 to 24 months with no way out except by paying a hefty early termination penalty.

How did they attract you to sign up with them? The main tactic was to dangle the latest smartphone at an attractive upfront 'discount' — provided you re-contract with them, locking you in for 12 to 24 months.

Obviously, it wasn’t really a discount; the cost of the smartphone was really just spread out over monthly instalments. 

Instead of these expensive fixed mobile plan contracts, more consumers are now turning to SIM-only plans thanks to a number of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that have entered the market.

What is an MVNO, you might ask? They are network operators that 'rent' bandwidth and access to network services on the infrastructure lines and network from incumbents SingTel, M1 and StarHub at bulk wholesale rates. It then sets retail prices and packages accordingly, taking into account download speeds as well as network coverage.

So if you're looking for a SIM-only mobile plan, and want to know the best credit cards to use for them, read on!

Last updated on 14 October 2024. SIM-only mobile plans and promotions are subject to change without prior notice.

A SIM-only plan offers a package of data, talk time, and SMSes at a fixed monthly cost.

SIM-only plans are postpaid plans and function much like traditional mobile phone contracts. The main (and most important) difference, however, is that you are not locked into a minimum contract period, and you are free to switch telcos or mobile plans as and when you wish with no penalty.

The best SIM-only plan really depends on how much data you need. Check your previous telco bills or the data tracking app on your handset to see how much data you use on average each month. Also, keep in mind how much talk time and SMS you use monthly before picking the most suitable SIM-only plan for your needs.

Ever since Circles.Life's launched their S$5/month Plan a while back, many telcos have also been hopping on the bandwagon with their low plan prices, while offering you a decent amount of data. 

So far, the best deal has got to be from VIVIFI.

What is an MVNO?

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) 'rent' bandwidth and access to network services on the infrastructure lines and network from incumbents SingTel, M1 and StarHub at bulk wholesale rates. It then sets retail prices and packages accordingly, taking into account download speeds as well as network coverage.

Ideal for: Young children, senior citizens, work phones for replying emails and messages

Ideal for: Teenagers, Young Adults, Surfing Social Media

Ideal for: Streaming services and gaming

Not wanting to lose customers to MNVOs, the three main telcos - Singtel, Starhub and M1 - have also rolled out their own SIM-only plans. Here is a comparison of their respective plans.

Singtel SIM-only Plans

• Singtel SIM Only Plus 200GB 5G Plan (no contract) @ S$55/month
  • 200GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS
  • Free Caller ID and Asia Roaming 1GB
  • Free 12 months of Disney+ Premium and McAfee Mobile Security
• Singtel SIM Only Core 150GB 5G Plan (no contract) @ S$40/month
  • 150GB/700 mins/700 SMS
  • Free Caller ID and Asia Roaming 1GB
  • Free 6 months of Disney+ Premium and McAfee Mobile Security
• Singtel SIM Only Lite 60GB 5G Plan (12-month contract) @ S$35/month
  • 60GB/400 mins/400 SMS
  • Free 3 months of McAfee Mobile Security

💡 Important note: Singtel requires customers to sign a 12-months contract for all three SIM-only plans. Customers are also allowed to upsize their plans for a monthly fee. Visit Singtel for more details and full terms and conditions.

Starhub SIM-only Plans

• Star Plan M @ S$22/month
  • 150GB/1,000 mins/500 SMS

• Star Plan L @ S$32/month
  •  200GB/1,500 mins/750 SMS

💡 Important note: Starhub offers mobile + SIM-only plans as well. Customers are can also upsize their plans for a monthly fee. Visit Starhub for details and its full terms and conditions.

M1 SIM-only Plans

• 250GB/1,100 mins/1,100 SMS
• Free caller ID, unlimited data

• 400GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS
• Free caller ID, unlimited data

💡 Important note: M1 only offers no-contract SIM-only plans, useful for customers who don't wish to be locked in to year-long contracts. Visit M1 for more details and full terms and conditions.

While telco bills are a monthly recurring spend, most credit cards exclude telco bill payments.

Thankfully, there are a select few that still consider telco bills as eligible spending, which are generally classified under MCC 4812 and MCC 4814.

However, one caveat is that recurring bill payments aren't considered online transactions. So, unless your card considers telco bills as one of the eligible categories, you won't be able to earn cashback or miles if your card only recognises online transactions.

But you can still earn credit card rewards from your bill payments by making manual payments each month. Yes, it's a hassle, but it ensures that your spending won't go to waste!

With that said, below are the best credit cards to use for your telco bills:

With so many SIM-only mobile plans to choose from now, the days of being locked into a contract is now a thing of the past. When choosing a SIM-only plan, consider how much data, talk time and SMS you really need before making the switch.

If you're switching from a fixed contract to SIM-only, take note of any early termination penalties. Generally, the earlier you terminate the fixed contract, the heavier the penalty so calculate if what you're saving by switching is enough to cover that amount.

For example, if your early termination penalty is S$200, and you're 6 months away from the penalty-free period, your new SIM only plan should be at least S$33.40 cheaper per month (S$200 divided by 6) than your existing contract plan.