Every spending situation is unique. SingSaver assembles the 'Best For' list, so you can decide what’s best for you.
Break free from lock-in contracts with the best SIM-only mobile plans in Singapore.
Best Credit Cards for Paying Mobile Plans in Singapore on SingSaver
OCBC 365 Card | POSB Everyday Card | Maybank Family & Friends Card | UOB One Card | UOB Absolute Cashback Card | Citi Cash Back+ Card | Standard Chartered Simply Cash Card
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 earn credit card rewards it, read on!
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Last updated on 1 December 2023. SIM-only mobile plans and promotions are subject to change without prior notice.
Here's what we'll cover in this article:
What is a SIM-only plan?
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.
Which is the best SIM-only plan?
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.
Which is the cheapest SIM-only mobile plan?
It's hard to beat Circles.Life's S$5/month Plan if you're looking at the absolute cheapest.
- 2GB data
- 50 minutes of talk time (incoming and outgoing)
- 25 SMS
- Free caller ID
The catch is that if you exceed 2GB of data a month, you'll need to top-up your data plan, starting at S$8 for an additional 1GB of data or S$12 for 2GB of data.
Similarly, for calls or texts, you'll need to top up S$5 for 30 minutes of talk time + 10 free SMS or S$10 for 200 minutes of talk time and free incoming calls.
DBS/POSB Credit Card Welcome Gift: Receive S$250 cashback or up to 60,000 miles when you apply for select DBS credit cards and fulfil the relevant promotion criteria. T&Cs apply.
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.
MNVOs under Singtel |
GOMO, Heya, CMLINK SG, VIVIFI, Zero1, ZYM Mobile |
MNVOs under StarHub |
Giga!, MyRepublic (5G), redONE |
MNVOs under M1 |
Maxx, Circles.Life, MyRepublic (4G), Changi Mobile, ZΩH, Geenet mobile |
Best SIM-Only plan for light data users
Ideal for: Young children, senior citizens, work phones for replying emails and messages
Provider/Plan (Network) | Data/Talk Time/SMS | Add-Ons | Monthly Subscription |
VIVIFI - Lite Plan (Singtel) | 3GB/500 mins/20 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$8.88 |
VIVIFI - Plus Plan (Singtel) | 9GB/350 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$9.08 |
Zero1 - Starter Plan (Singtel) | *6GB Unlimited Data/150 mins/100 SMS *premium data and thereafter at usable speeds |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$7 |
Zero1 - Zero1 Classic (Singtel) | *12GB Unlimited Data/200 mins/200 SMS *premium data and thereafter at usable speeds |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$10 |
CMLink SG - 12GB Plan (Singtel) | *12GB/100 mins/100 SMS *includes 6GB roaming data for use in Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, and 100 mins local talk time and 100 mins from local to Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and USA |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$10.80 |
ZYM Mobile - Basic 4G Plan (Singtel) | 20GB/400 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$10 |
GOMO 10GB SIM-Only Plan (Singtel) | 10GB/100 mins/100 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$10.09 |
giga! - 10GB Plan (Starhub) | 10GB/300 mins/300 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Data rollover |
S$10.10 |
redONE - Super8 Plan (Starhub) | 8GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls - Data, Calls and SMS can be made in both Singapore and Malaysia |
S$8 |
Circles.Life 10GB Plan (M1) | 10GB/100 mins/25 SMS | - Free caller ID | S$10 |
*MyRepublic - Lite Plan (M1) *M1 port-ins have a separate plan |
10GB + unlimited data/300 mins/300 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$10.90 |
Best SIM-only plan for moderate data users
Ideal for: Teenagers, Young Adults, Surfing Social Media
Provider/Plan (Network) | Data/Talk Time/SMS | Add-Ons | Monthly Subscription |
VIVIFI - Plus Plan (Singtel) | 50GB/400 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$11.10 |
Zero1 - 60u 5G Plan (Singtel) | 60GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$25.20 |
CMLink SG - 50GB Plan (Singtel) | *50GB/300 mins/300 SMS *includes 25GB roaming data for use in Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, and 300 mins local talk time and 300 mins from local to Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and USA |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$20.80 |
Singtel - Sim Only Plus 30 (12-month contract) | 60GB/1,000 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$30.28 |
Geenet Mobile (M1) | 60GB/300 mins/300 SMS | - Free caller ID | S$10 |
M1 50GB SIM-Only Plan | 50GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free unlimited calls - Free unlimited data |
S$17.95 |
Best SIM-only plan for heavy data users
Ideal for: Streaming services and gaming
Provider/Plan (Network) | Data/Talk Time/SMS | Add-Ons | Monthly Subscription |
SIMBA 100GB SIM-Only Plan (TPG) | 100GB/300 mins/30 SMS | - 1GB of roaming data - Unlimited calls to local mobile lines - Unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines |
S$10 |
SIMBA 130GB SIM-Only Plan (TPG) | 130GB/500 mins/50 SMS | - 2GB of roaming data - Unlimited calls to local mobile lines - Unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines |
S$18 |
VIVIFI - Binge Plan (Singtel) | 150GB/400 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Free 1GB roaming data |
S$17.66 |
VIVIFI - Binge 5G Plan (Singtel) | 160GB/400 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Free roaming data |
S$24.73 |
VIVIFI - Binge Plan (Singtel) | 170GB/400 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Free 1GB roaming data |
S$23.21 |
Zero1 - 50u Plan (Singtel) | 150GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$18.05 |
Zero1 - Jumbo 100 Plan (Singtel) | 100GB/800 mins/100 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$20.20 |
Zero1 - 80u 4G Plan (Singtel) | 80GB/800 mins/800 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$25.15 |
Zero1 - 90u 5G Plan (Singtel) | 90GB/800 mins/800 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$32.25 |
CMLink SG 80GB SIM-Only Plan (Singtel) | *80GB/400 mins/400 SMS *includes 35GB roaming data for use in Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, and 400 mins local talk time and 400 mins from local to Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and USA |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$30.80 |
CMLink SG 110GB SIM-Only Plan (Singtel) | *110GB/500 mins/500 SMS *includes 50GB roaming data for use in Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, and 500 mins local talk time and 500 mins from local to Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and USA |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$40.80 |
ZYM Mobile - Prime 4G Plan (Singtel) | 100GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$18.20 |
ZYM Mobile - Mega 5G Plan (Singtel) | 110GB/500mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$28.20 |
ZYM Mobile - Elite 4G Plan (Singtel) | 130GB/10,000 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$28.30 |
ZYM Mobile - Super 5G Plan (Singtel) | 140GB/Unlimited mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$38.30 |
GOMO 150GB SIM-Only Plan (Singtel) | 150GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls - Free 1GB roaming data |
S$15.14 |
giga! - 200GB Plan (Starhub) | 200GB/800 mins/800 SMS (first 6 months) Promo code: BONUS50 |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$18.17 |
giga! - 300GB Plan (Starhub) | 300GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS (first 6 months) Promo code: BONUS100 |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - Rollover data |
S$20.19 |
Circles.Life - 200GB Plan (M1) | 200GB/300 mins | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$15.17 |
Circles.Life - 300GB Plan (M1) | 300GB/300 mins | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$28.36 |
Changi Mobile FlexiValue+ SIM-Only Plan (M1) | 100GB/300 mins/300 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$10 |
Changi Mobile FlexiFreedom SIM-Only Plan (M1) | 150GB/1,000 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$12 |
Changi Mobile FlexiUltimate SIM-Only Plan (M1) | 150GB/1,000 mins/200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$15 |
Changi Mobile FlexiTravel SIM-Only Plan (M1) | 200GB/1,000 mins/200 SMS +3GB Roaming (5 destinations) |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS |
S$18 |
Geenet Mobile (M1) | 120GB/1,000 mins/ 100 SMS +60GB (promo) |
- Free incoming calls - Free caller ID - Data rollover |
S$12 |
Geenet Mobile (M1) | 180GB/3,000 mins/ 100 SMS +90GB (promo) |
- Free incoming calls - Free caller ID |
S$18 |
heya 100GB SIM-Only Plan (Singtel) | *100GB/300 mins/50 SMS *for the first 3 months, thereafter 50 GB |
- Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$10 |
Singtel - SIM Only Plus 45 Plan (12-month contract) | 100GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - S$100 phone voucher |
S$36.34 |
Singtel - SIM Only Plus 55 Plan (12-month contract) | 170GB/1,500 mins/1,500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls and SMS - S$100 phone voucher |
S$44.41/month for 12 months |
Geenet Mobile 100GB Plan (M1) | 100GB/500 mins/500 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$12 |
*MyRepublic - 5G Plus (M1) *M1 port-ins have a separate plan |
110GB/1,200 mins/1,200 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free incoming calls |
S$19.95 |
M1 100GB SIM-Only Plan | 100GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS | - Free caller ID - Free unlimited calls - Free unlimited data |
S$15.95 |
SingSaver's Exclusive Offer: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions. Valid till 20 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Click here to check out our past Lucky Draw winners!
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Credit Card Only: Receive S$60 cash via PayNow when you apply and get approved for the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Credit Card. New-to-Maybank cardmembers only. Valid till 20 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, choose a pair of American Tourister Linex Spinner 66/24 Luggage (worth S$336) or an Apple AirPods 3rd Gen with Lightning Charging Case (worth S$261.40) or S$200 cashback when you apply for a new Maybank credit card and CreditAble account, and make a min. spend and/or withdrawal of S$600 per month for 2 consecutive months from card approval date. Valid till 20 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Other Maybank credit cards: Choose a pair of American Tourister Linex Spinner 66/24 Luggage (worth S$336) or an Apple AirPods 3rd Gen with Lightning Charging Case (worth S$261.40) or S$200 cashback when you apply for a new Maybank credit card and CreditAble account, and make a min. spend and/or withdrawal of S$600 per month for 2 consecutive months from card approval date. Valid till 20 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Our Best Deal Guarantee promises you the best deal only with SingSaver. If you find a better offer elsewhere, submit a claim, and we'll reward you with double the difference. Valid till 7 January 2024. T&Cs apply.
SIM-Only Plans By Singtel vs Starhub vs M1
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 45 5G Plan (12-month contract) @ S$36.34/month
- 100GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS
- Free caller ID, incoming calls, SMS, Sp and S$100 phone voucher, free 5G access and and free CAST Lifestyle & Education Plus
- Singtel SIM Only Plus 55 5G Plan (12-month contract) @ S$44.41/month
-
170GB/1,500 mins/1,500 SMS (for first 6 months, 90GB thereafter)
-
Free caller ID, incoming calls, SMS, S$100 phone voucher and free CAST Lifestyle & Education Plus
-
💡 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
-
Starhub 100GB SIM-only Plan (1-year plan) @ S$25.23/month
-
100GB/Unlimited mins/1,000 SMS (for the first 12 months, 35GB thereafter
-
Free incoming calls, 1 month GeForce NOW
-
-
Starhub 140GB SIM-only Plan (12-month contract) @ S$45.42/month
-
140GB/Unlimited mins/1,000 SMS (for the first 12 months, 80GB thereafter
-
Free incoming calls, 1 month GeForce NOW
-
💡 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
-
50GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS
-
Free caller ID, unlimited data
- 100GB/1,000 mins/1,000 SMS
- Free caller ID, unlimited data
-
150GB/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.
Best credit cards for telco bills
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:
Credit cards |
Cashback/miles earn rate |
Notes |
|
4 miles per dollar (mpd) |
- Recurring telco payments aren’t considered online spend, but you can bypass this by pairing it with the amaze card, which converts all offline transactions online |
|
4 mpd |
- Pay directly online or on the app every month, as recurring bill payments aren’t eligible |
|
8% monthly cashback on five chosen categories; capped at S$25 per category and S$125 per month |
- S$800 monthly minimum spend, otherwise 0.4% cashback |
|
6.67% cashback; capped at S$20 per category and S$60 per month |
- Pay directly online or via mobile contactless through kiosks or physical stores, as recurring bill payments aren’t eligible - S$600 monthly minimum spend, otherwise 0.3% cashback |
|
Up to 10% cashback on online, eco-merchants, and mobile contactless payments, capped at S$75 per month: |
- Pay directly online or via mobile contactless through kiosks or physical stores, as recurring bill payments aren’t eligible |
|
3.33% cashback (capped at S$50, S$100, or S$300 per quarter) |
- Monthly minimum spend of S$500, S$1,000, or S$2,000 for three consecutive months per quarter |
|
3% cashback on telco bills |
- Cashback on recurring telco bills - S$800 monthly minimum spend |
|
Up to 18% cashback |
- Only for Singtel customers - S$600 monthly minimum spend, otherwise 0.5% cashback |
|
3% cashback on telco bills |
- S$800 monthly minimum spend required |
SingSaver's Exclusive Offer: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions. Valid till 20 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Click here to check out our past Lucky Draw winners!
Receive S$350 cash credit or up to 50,000 miles when you apply for select UOB credit cards and fulfil the minimum spending requirements. T&Cs apply.
Our Best Deal Guarantee promises you the best deal only with SingSaver. If you find a better offer elsewhere, submit a claim, and we'll reward you with double the difference. Valid till 7 January 2024. T&Cs apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save if I switch to a SIM-only plan?
Let's compare Singtel's SIM Only Plus 55 and XO Plus 168 post-paid plans. Both offer a similar amount of data (120GB) and provide the customer with 5G access.
The SIM Only Plus 55 plan is priced at S$44.41 per month, or S$532.92 yearly, while the XO Plus 168 plan is priced at S$168 per month, or S$2,016 yearly.
That's about S$123 savings per month or S$1,476 savings per year! Unless you are interested in buying or upgrading to a new phone, the SIM-only plan clearly wins hands-down in terms of savings.
Even if you require a new phone, you could probably buy one that is cheaper directly from Apple or Samsung. Plus, you could probably earn Cashback or Miles from that direct purchase.
Remember, you may not be rewarded for paying your handphone bill with your credit card.
If you do wish to compare your existing post-paid plan with the many SIM-only plans available in the market, remember to compare it with one that has similar offerings in terms of data, talk time, calls, and features.
How much data do you need?
According to a 2018 study by Info-comm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore residents consumed about 70 petabytes of mobile data per month in Q4Y2021-- up nearly 27 per cent from about 55 petabytes monthly in Q4Y2020. Of course, if you spend a lot of time on your phone to play mobile games, stream a lot of music on Spotify or movies via Netflix, or have a lot of real-time video chats, your data consumption is going to shoot up.
The best gauge is to check your recent telco bills on the amount of data juice you use on average per month. To save on data, you can also log on to Wifi networks wherever possible or download the music or video content on Wifi and then consume it offline.
What is 'managed network speed'?
When a mobile plan promises 'unlimited data', check the fine print. It will usually say something like, 'first 3GB of data at 4G speed, managed network speeds thereafter', which basically translates to 'your internet surfing based on the first 3GB of data will be fast but after that, expect both your network coverage and download speeds to become more spotty and slow down.'
Get the best SIM-Only plan through SingSaver
Don't want to be tied down by a traditional telco plan? Get yourself a SIM-Only plan that gives you what you need with options to customise by using our simple-to-use comparison tool below.
Conclusion
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.
Compare Best SIM-Only Telco Plans
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