If you have been refused handset contracts due to bad credit, you could be accepted as a SIM Only customer instead.

The cheapest contracts only require a minimal credit score and can be a good way to improve your credit rating over time.

Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) SIMs don’t require a credit check, and neither do most short-term 30-day contracts.

If you’re signing up for a longer term contract, say six or 12 months, it’s likely you’ll be put through a credit check.

A contract that includes a handset will demand a higher credit score than a SIM Only deal.

The size of SIM card you need depends entirely on your phone.

Very few modern phones use the standard size, so you’re probably going to need a micro or nano SIM. If you know the make and model of your phone, a quick Google search should tell you what size you need.

If you do have the wrong size SIM, there’s no need to fret.

A SIM that’s too small will fit into a bigger socket with the use of an inexpensive adapter (these can cost as little as £1).

A SIM that’s too big can be fixed with a pair of scissors by simply cutting away the extra plastic. If you’re confident, you can trim a SIM card down yourself by using instructions and templates which can be found online.

Otherwise, take your SIM card to your local phone shop where a professional can cut it down for you.