You can make your broadband switch that much sweeter if you keep your eye out for special free gift offers. At Broadband Genie, we work hard to track down the best deals for new customers. On this page, you'll find tips for getting a great bargain and other things to bear in mind.
Can I get rewards when I sign up to a broadband deal?
Yes you can, and they're everywhere. Many broadband providers offer rewards to entice you to take up their services. They cover everything from gift cards and gadgets, to cold hard cash.
But it isn't quite as simple as it seems. Rewards exist with the sole purpose of making a deal seem more attractive. The promise of ‘free stuff!’ is one of the oldest sales tricks in the book, and the lure can be hard to resist - especially when an offer is only available for a limited time. But a free gift doesn't automatically make the deal better value, and it certainly doesn't guarantee that it's the right deal for you.
Yes, some rewards come in the form of cashback or a bill credit. These make your broadband cheaper and are definitely worth having - but only if it makes the deal better value than you can get elsewhere. And then there are the other types of reward, whose value is harder to work out. A free case of wine is a lovely gift that many people would enjoy. But is it worth committing to an 18-month contract for?
If you're still at the stage where you're comparing broadband offers, you need to work out exactly how much the reward is worth to you - if anything - and in some cases you should ignore it altogether.
And remember that rewards don't just come into play when you're comparing different providers. Some broadband suppliers will offer you a bigger and better reward if you choose to take a more expensive package.
What kind of rewards can I get with a broadband deal?
The range of rewards you can get with a broadband deal is vast and varied. They change all the time, and are usually only available for a short while.
There are lots of perks and bonuses to choose from. Let’s run through the main ones:
Shopping vouchers and gift cards
Vouchers for specific stores, or high street vouchers, are easy to spot when browsing broadband packages. Amazon gift cards are the most common, but recently supermarket vouchers for the likes of Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S are popular, too!
Reward cards and prepaid credit cards
Prepaid credit cards like the BT Virtual Reward Card are a fantastic bonus as they can be spent almost anywhere.
Cashback or bill credit
Money back or discounted from your bill, equivalent to a free month (or more) of broadband, or a refund on your upfront costs. These aren't as common as reward cards but are often found with free gift deals from Virgin Media in particular.
Free months
Some providers offer to make your first few months free to motivate you to make the switch. These deals tend to come around during special sale events such as Black Friday.
Free gifts
These increasingly uncommon, but occasionally an internet deal will include a free gadget. In the past, we’ve seen free Bluetooth speakers, televisions, games consoles, Apple TV boxes, and even free laptops.
Money off other services
Like a cheap NOW TV subscription, or a few months of free Spotify. Providers that run mobile networks might also offer you an extra data allowance on your phone plan.
In some cases, providers will let you choose between a couple of different rewards - either some money off your bill or a case of wine, for example. If you're really lucky, they'll give you a Combo reward where you get a free gift PLUS a cashback offer.
Which broadband providers offer free gifts and vouchers?
All of the big players in the broadband world offer perks and freebies. Here’s a round-up of recent deals we’ve found using our Broadband Genie comparison tables:
- BT: Reward cards up to £110.
- Sky: Shopping vouchers worth up to £100.
- TalkTalk: Shopping voucher worth up to £100.
- Virgin Media: Bill credit up to £200.
- Vodafone: Shopping vouchers up to £125.
- BeFibre: Love2Shop voucher worth up to £75
- Hyperoptic: 3 months free broadband
- Three: Shopping vouchers up to £30
In addition to the free gifts given by broadband providers, you can also add more value with our Broadband Genie exclusive offers.
We regularly offer extra vouchers on top of a freebie from a broadband provider. These special vouchers are only available on packages bought online through us.
Set a reminder to check our Black Friday Broadband Deals page in November. This is where we highlight the best pre-Christmas offers.
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What's the difference between cashback and bill credit?
One takes less money from you; the other gives you money back. Bill credit and cashback serve the same basic purpose, but they work in very different ways.
A bill or account credit means you get a certain amount of money deducted from your first bill. If there's any credit leftover, it will then be taken off your second bill, and so on. This normally results in you getting between one and two months of free broadband, and it all happens automatically.
With a cashback offer, your broadband supplier sends you a cheque. The value will be in the same ballpark as a bill credit, but you have to remember to claim it first. Cashback is a little bit of a marketing trick because, since you receive a cheque, it's so tempting to think of it as free money. In fact, your provider is simply refunding you a chunk of what you've already paid, which you in turn pay into your bank account.
So really it's no different to having had the same amount deducted from your bill in the first place, via a bill credit.
If you're looking at a deal that offers cashback or credit, check the "first year cost" of that deal and subtract the value of the credit. That will show you how much you'll really be paying, and make it easier to compare against other packages. The good news is that we already do that for you, so the first year costs we display include the savings from cashback and bill credit offers.
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How do pre-paid reward cards and gift cards work?
Prepaid and reward cards are appealing because they give you a nice lump sum of cash to spend. They aren't the same, though, and their worth to you might not be either.
A prepaid reward card is not dissimilar to a cashback offer. You don't get a cheque, but what you do get is a pre-loaded card of a set cash value with few limitations on where you can spend it. They're usually Mastercards and you can use them anywhere that accepts that type of card. It won't cut your broadband bill in the way that cashback or credit does, but you can use it to pay for other regular outgoings. You can use it for your week's grocery shopping, for instance, or even withdraw the cash from an ATM (although you might be charged a couple of quid to do that).
Gift cards also have a straight cash value, but are slightly less valuable because there are restrictions on where you can use them. You might get something like a Love2Shop card that can be used in loads of places on the high street, but just as often they're tied to a particular store. John Lewis and iTunes are among the brands you'll commonly see here. If you aren't a regular shopper in these stores, the reward might not be all that useful.
On top of that, some gift cards are in the form of eGifts, so you can only use them online.
And what of those rewards that give you a discount on other services? These are the least useful. A cheap NOW TV or music streaming subscription is great if you were planning to use those services anyway. Otherwise, they really aren't. In fact, they could end up costing you more if they entice you to take up a subscription you wouldn't have bothered with otherwise.
Broadband and free gifts: how to get the best deal
If you're looking for a particular added bonus with your next broadband package, we've got you covered. Let’s run through some of the things that are always helpful to consider when searching for a great deal.
Broadband speeds
It’s irritating if your home broadband won’t run as fast as you need. Guarantee yourself a stress-free switch to a new provider and find a broadband deal that’ll give you the right speed.
We’ve got a helpful rule of thumb you can follow to figure this out.
- ADSL/Standard broadband (~10Mb): Suitable for a single user*, or a couple of people only using the internet occasionally.
- Basic fibre (~35Mb): Suitable for 2-3 users at the same time. These entry-level fibre broadband packages are our recommended minimum for most homes.
- Faster fibre (~65Mb): Suitable for 4-5 simultaneous users.
- Full fibre/FTTP & Virgin Media (100Mb+): Ultrafast fibre broadband is suitable for 6+ users at the same time.
*When we’ve used the term ‘user’ here, what we mean is a device streaming HD television, gaming or video calling. Essentially, any activity you carry out using your broadband that’ll use a lot of bandwidth.
Here are some more factors to consider when shopping for a bonus with your next package:
Monthly cost
The best way to get value from an internet deal is to look for a low monthly cost.
The cheapest broadband deals are usually ADSL internet services. This kind of internet package offers cheap broadband using traditional landline telephone cables that span the UK.
However, this technology wasn't designed with data in mind and is slow by modern standards. ADSL will struggle with anything more demanding than web browsing, especially if more than one person is online at the same time.
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What does ADSL mean?
ADSL stands for ‘Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line’. It’s broadband technology that allows the transfer data across regular telephone lines. You can make calls at the same time as being connected to the internet.
An ADSL line will, at minimum, allow for a broadband connection of up to 8Mb. These days, that’s pretty slow and won’t allow you to do much other than emailing or basic web searches.
ADSL2+ is now available at nearly all exchanges across the UK with slightly faster data transfer rates of around 10-11Mb.
Fibre broadband is much better value for money. It's widely available, provides far better download speeds, and prices start at around the same cost as an ADSL service.
Upfront costs
Many providers offer free setup. But setup costs aren't usually too expensive, so this is less impactful than a low monthly cost and added perks. However, do keep an eye out for reduced or free setup on broadband and TV bundle deals, as this can add up to a bigger saving.
Contract length
Contract length is also worth considering. Deals tend to come in 12, 18 and 24-month contracts. Short-term options are available, but they tend to be worse value than these longer-term options. The main benefit of sticking to a shorter contract is you can switch earlier to get a better deal if you spot one. Generally, the longer you sign up for, the more value and perks you can unlock.
So, if you've got a fantastic monthly price, you may want to lock that in on a longer broadband contract.
Unfortunately, mid-contract price rises are now likely with most broadband providers. If you see a great deal with a 'fixed price promise', pounce on it!
Bundling
With a bundle deal, you can add a TV or phone package to your broadband plan and save more money. We can’t guarantee it, but we’ve noticed bundles can also offer higher rewards than equivalent broadband-only packages.
Data limits
Finally, a key factor to consider is data. We always recommend unlimited broadband so you can rest assured you won’t have your browsing limited or get caught off guard by fees.
We only list unlimited providers on Broadband Genie.
So, should I get a cheaper deal over a free gift?
Here’s some of our advice when weighing up whether you should get a cheaper deal over a free gift.
- Don’t be swayed by a freebie: While gifts offer a nice extra, it’s important to choose a package with the right features for you at an affordable price. This is where looking at 'effective monthly cost' is useful, so you get an idea of the deal's true value.
- Go for vouchers you’ll definitely use: Pre-paid reward cards win as these are a lot more flexible than shopping vouchers.
- Take your time to shop around on Broadband Genie: It can pay to consider all of the deals available to you. Cheaper deals often have longer contracts, but rolling-monthly contracts are also available if you can't commit to 12 months at a time. Enter your address and see what’s on offer in your area.
- Add everything up: Take into account the full cost of a broadband package, including setup and other upfront fees. Don't neglect crucial features, such as the speed and data usage limit. If you've got a cheap deal for your phone and TV already, you could also look at broadband only deals.
Your best bet is to find your ideal package first. Then, if it also has a free gift, consider it a bonus! Try it now and see what's great deals are available in your area by entering your address:
How do I claim my gift?
The process for claiming a freebie varies.
Some providers may ask you to enter an email address, others have a lengthier process. Some vouchers and discounts are automatically applied to your bill.
Read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you understand the process and are aware of any time limits. You might also wish to take screengrabs of the offer, or keep emails and other promotional material, in case of a dispute.
If the offer is a Broadband Genie exclusive, you can read our guide to claiming your broadband reward. If you’ve got any questions, please contact us, a member of the team would be happy to help you make the most of your freebie.
When will my provider send my gift?
Free gifts such as vouchers, cards and gadgets will typically be sent a few weeks/months after the service has been activated. Because of the time some providers can take to confirm eligible sales, we advise this process could take up to 120 days. But it's often a lot quicker!
However, discounts and cashback in the form of bill credits will be applied at the appropriate time. Again, make sure to read the small print to get an idea of the time frames.
What free gifts are available now?
You can always keep up to date with the latest broadband deals by bookmarking our broadband rewards and cashback page.
Here are some of the best free gift offers available at the moment:
Should I choose a deal based on the reward being offered?
Only you can decide which broadband service is right for you. Rewards complicate things and can easily lure you into making the wrong choice.
Before you commit to a deal, ask yourself these questions:
Would you sign up to this broadband deal even without the reward?
You're going to be signing a 12 or 18-month contract so you have to be sure it's right for you. Ask yourself, would you choose this same provider and this exact deal if there was no reward attached?
How much is the reward really worth?
Not just the actual value, but how much is it worth to you? A £50 bill credit is easy to figure out. But what about 5GB of free mobile data? If it enables you to take a cheaper phone plan, it could be worth £5 or £10 a month to you. But what if you're already tied in to a lengthy mobile contract, or you don't need the extra data allowance? If you don't need it, it is't worth anything.
Does the reward cut the price of the broadband deal?
When you've got a cash reward like cashback, bill credit or potentially even a reward card, take a look at the first year cost of the deal and subtract the value of the reward. This shows you how much you'll really pay. You can't do the same with a box of chocolates.
Is your chosen package still within your budget?
Some broadband suppliers offer better rewards for their more expensive bundles. Even after you've chosen which company you want to go with, it's still possible to be tempted into paying more for a better plan simply because the reward is more attractive.
Could you get another broadband deal and buy the reward for less money?
If the reward is a gift that you do want, check whether you could buy it separately and pick up a different, cheaper broadband deal. Compare the first year cost of your chosen deal with similar but cheaper packages where you buy the item as well. Which is lower?
Could you sell the reward, or claim a cash alternative?
The small print will almost always say you cannot claim a cash alternative, but some rewards (tech gifts, especially) are pretty easy to sell on Ebay, if that's your thing. Or maybe you've got a family member who would appreciate it as a present?
Given that rewards and deals change so frequently, is this even the best time to switch?
A lot of reward offers are designed to rush you into making a decision. Should you commit to an okay deal with a so-so reward today, or can you afford to wait a few weeks and see what else comes along?
How do I receive my reward?
Here's the important bit: you don't usually receive your rewards automatically, you have to claim them. And that's only the start of the rules and instructions. Make sure you know the following before you commit to buy.
You have to claim your reward. A bill credit should be applied automatically, but every other reward needs to be claimed. If you've got a combo reward you might even need to claim both parts separately. It should go without saying, but make sure you remember to do this. Especially if you're the kind of person who likes to sign up for something then forget about it.
You might have to wait before you can claim. You'll have to wait until your broadband has been installed before you can make your claim. There might be an extra wait on top of that, too, like 14 or 30 days. You should get an email when it's time to claim with instructions on how to do it.
You only get a short window to claim. Even when you're eligible for a reward it isn't available forever. You normally only get between 30 and 90 days to claim your prize. Once the window has shut, it's gone.
It'll take a while for the reward to be delivered. You can expect to wait as long as 45 days for your reward to be delivered. This is particularly important if you're getting a free gift you thought you could give to someone as a present. Don't assume it will arrive in time for their birthday.
You need to activate reward cards. When you get a reward card or gift card you might need to activate it before you can use it. This might involve creating an account with the card provider, and will probably with have it's own deadline as well.
Reward cards can expire. Once activated, your reward card is likely to expire within 12 months. Don't forget to spend your cash.
Basically, what we're trying to say is that you should read the small print when you sign up. There are lots of gotchas that can catch you out and leave you empty-handed. Know what you need to do - and remember to do it!
Frequently asked questions about broadband rewards
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Will I get a free Wi-Fi router?
Most internet packages include a Wi-Fi router at no extra cost. The free router is used to access the internet and share the connection around your home. Some providers ask for a small payment for postage.
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What are prepaid cards, and how do they work?
Prepaid cards, or reward cards, are credit cards that come preloaded with credit. These may be better for you than shopping vouchers, as the money can be spent in a range of stores.
In some cases, you might get an electronic virtual card. In which case, you may only be able to spend this online.
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How do I find what gifts are currently available?
To begin your search, enter an address into our comparison table, so we can show you the broadband packages available in your area.
You can find out which deals come with gifts by looking at the ‘offers’ section in our comparison table. To view more information about the gift, click ‘offer details and pricing’.
We’ll also highlight the best offers on our Twitter / X page.
Expert Summary
There are some fantastic perks and freebies to be found when shopping on Broadband Genie for your next package. While they make a great extra, always compare a few options and weigh up whether it represents the best value to you overall.
Consider any unseen costs, contract length and broadband speeds before being swayed by a voucher. If your broadband deal is a perfect fit, and it comes with a free treat that you’re excited about, then that’s fantastic!
Got questions about a Broadband Genie voucher you signed up for? Use our voucher tracker to get the most up-to-date information.
Need more information about Broadband Genie free gifts and vouchers? Head to our vouchers page or get in touch with us.