Phone plans that don't need a credit check

Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 20 April 2023

Contents

In this guide:

Prepaid plans without credit checks
Telstra credit checks
Telstra MVNO credit checks
Optus credit checks
Optus MVNO credit checks
Vodafone credit checks
Vodafone MVNO credit checks
Phone plans without credit checks FAQs

Did you know you can get a decent phone plan these days without a credit check? Customers can get both prepaid SIM-only plans and some month-to-month postpaid plans from a range of telcos, all without them digging into your financial details.

Keep reading to find out what your options are as well as the specific credit checks major telcos look for when you sign up for a phone plan.

Prepaid plans without credit checks

The simplest way to get a phone plan without a credit check is to choose prepaid plans, even from the Big Three - Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. The inclusions in most prepaid plans rival the value in expect and there are even prepaid 5G plans on the market; the key difference is that you pay upfront and recharge your prepaid service each month, rather than receiving a bill at the end of the month. Here's how the Big Three telcos compare on prepaid plans:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Recharge 90GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Recharge 120GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra $54 Pre-Paid Mobile 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $60 Prepaid Plus Recharge 165GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 110GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $64 Pre-Paid Mobile 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps 4GX on the Telstra Mobile Network Deal: Includes 55GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 45GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Telstra	Telstra $74 Pre-Paid Mobile 155GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 75GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 80GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 225GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $250 SIM for $179 + Includes 75GB bonus data on activation + Extra 50GB on every Automatic Recharge $179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone $180 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 160GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data on activation + Extra 30GB on every Automatic Recharge $180.00 Per 185 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$180.00 Per 185 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	Telstra	Telstra $200 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data on activation or first recharge, 80GB on future recharges. Activate by 02.11.2027. $200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

To save a little extra money, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are a great alternative to the Big Three and should be wear bargain hunters look for a deal. Here's how they all stack up against each other sorted by price:

#1	Pivotel	Pivotel 25GB Mobile Swift Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45 Go to Site	$11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#3	OnePass mobile	OnePass mobile 28 Day Plan - 22GB 22GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $12.50 - Get 22GB for only $12.50 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $25/22GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply $12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#5	Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#6	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick Unlimited Plan S 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply $15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	iiNet	iiNet 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Unfortunately, if you're after a phone plan with a new phone, credit checks will apply. This is because customers need to prove they can financially afford the repayments.

If you're not in a position to purchase a new device outright and pair it with a prepaid or SIM-only plan, there are a number of affordable prepaid phones, cheap smartphones under $500, cheap 5G phones and budget Android Phones under $300 available.

Telstra credit checks

With the introduction of its Upfront plans, Telstra has waived its previous credit checks for postpaid customers. Upfront plans, as the name suggests, are month-to-month plans paid upfront.

Here are the inclusions for Telstra's Upfront Plans:

Data sharing between up to 10 services on an Upfront mobile or Upfront data plan on your account
5G network access (uncapped on Essential and Premium plan tiers)
Unlimited talk and text Australia-wide to standard AU numbers
30 mins of international calls from Australia and unlimited SMS to standard international numbers
Access to the Telstra Plus rewards program
The option to bundle up to five plans on Essential and Premium plan tiers

Here are what Telstra's Upfront Plans look like:

$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

In addition to Upfront Plans, customers can also get any Telstra SIM-only plans without a credit check.

However, if you wish to pair your Upfront or SIM-only plan with a device from Telstra, this will require a credit check. In addition to checking your credit score via Equifax, Experian and Illion, Telstra typically requests the following information in its credit check:

Australian passport or driver's licence
Income details
Employment details

Telstra MVNO credit checks

If you like being on the Telstra network but want a more affordable plan, a number of Telstra MVNOs offer prepaid plans which skip the dreaded credit check.

Just remember if you need access to 4G, Telstra only leases part of its network to its MVNOs. Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with full access.

Here are some of the cheapest Telstra MVNO prepaid plans in our database that won't require a credit check:

#1	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $28 Prepaid 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#5	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Optus credit checks

Unlike Telstra, all of Optus' postpaid plans require a credit check since none are paid at the beginning of the billing period.

If you want to skip the credit check, here are Optus' most affordable prepaid plans to get you by:

It goes without saying, that the more expensive the plan, the more likely they are to be scrutinised more closely, for example, plans that include the latest iPhone 14. So ff you're willing to give a credit check a try, here are Optus' most affordable postpaid plans currently available in the Australian market:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

Optus has recently taken steps to clearly outline what information will be collected from its customers and how. It also outlines extensively in the privacy section of the Optus website what information is shared between itself and the credit reporting bodies it uses, which are Equifax and Illion.

Optus MVNO credit checks

Optus MVNOs boast an assortment of prepaid plans that won't have you facing a credit check.

Check out the most popular options below:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry 240GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Get 240GB for $199 (includes $121 off) on first renewal. Offer ends 31.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply. $199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $240 for 365 Days 210GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $240.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$240.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Vodafone credit checks

Vodafone uses Equifax and Illion to review a potential customer's credit history. Unfortunately, both SIM-only plans and plans with a new handset will incur a credit check because they're not paid upfront.

Below is a selection of Vodafone's SIM-only month-to-month plans, sorted by popularity:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Otherwise, here are Vodafone's most affordable prepaid plans that won't see you facing the dreaded credit check:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $13 Prepaid Plus Recharge 5GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 1GB extra data on every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Recharge 90GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Recharge 120GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $60 Prepaid Plus Recharge 165GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 110GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 225GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $250 SIM for $179 + Includes 75GB bonus data on activation + Extra 50GB on every Automatic Recharge $179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

In terms of what information is collected about customers, the Vodafone website provides more clarity than most telcos.

Vodafone MVNO credit checks

Vodafone MVNOs offer a selection of upfront prepaid plan options free from credit checks. Below we have linked to the most popular Vodafone MVNO prepaid plans in our database:

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $58.00/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58.00/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 200GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.26 $190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$190.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $250 SIM Plan - 365 Days 260GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get the $250 SIM for $179 online when you sign up by 05.10.26 $179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$179.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Phone plans without credit checks FAQs

What is a credit score?

A credit score is an individual number applied to each person based on previous payment histories e.g. personal loans, overdue bills, declaring bankruptcy etc.

Does applying for a mobile phone affect your credit score?

If you have a mobile phone contract, this will contribute to your credit score. Paying on time will positively affect your credit score as it shows you are a reliable lender. However, failing to pay bills on time will have a negative impact on your credit score.

What credit score do I need to get a mobile phone?

Technically there isn't a specific golden number to aim for but here's what the credit reporting bodies consider a good credit score:

Equifax (rated from 0 to 1200)
Good: 670 or more
Fair: 580 to 669
Bad: 579 or less

Experian (rated from 0 to 1000)
Good: 625 or more
Fair: 550 to 624
Bad: 549 or less

Illion (rated from 0 to 1000)
Good: 500 or more
Fair: 300 to 499
Bad: 299 or less

Christie Graham

Digital Content Editor

Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).

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