Phone Cashback Claiming Tips

Many of us when buying a new contract phone online or in the shop, have the opportunity to claim money back from the retailer throughout the period of our contract. This is known as a 'cashback' offer and can be very worthwhile to do! Some examples would be '£x sent to you in the 4th, 8th and 12th month' of the contract, or an automatic payment sent to you after 'x months', and any other combination of payments and months. 

The problem is though, the company that sells you the phone likes to make things more complex for you, hoping that you forget to claim these amounts due to sloppy record-keeping or lack of time. 

Here are some tips to help you keep on top of your cashback claims and deal with the retailing companies:

1.Use a reliable calendar

- Whether just a paper calendar, the one in MS Outlook, or even Google Calendar. Once your phone arrives, mark down the dates when your cashback claim requires you to send in your bills to them (e.g. Your contract starts 5th January and requires bills to be sent in the 4th, 8th and 12th month, so you need to mark down 5th April, 5th August, and 5th December). You normally get 30 or 60 days leeway to send these in. And don't forget to set reminders for these if you can!

2.Fill out the cashback claim forms

As soon as you receive them with your new phone, fill them in to help remind you and keep in a safe place.

3.Use a reputable company

Try to buy a phone from a reputable company. The ones we use have been in business for many years and some are owned by parent companies like the Carphone Warehouse.

4.Use Recorded Delivery or Email

When sending in your claims, send them recorded or special delivery, so you will know they have been received at the other end. Increasingly, cashback companies are accepting scanned or downloaded pdf copies of your bills emailed to them. This is even easier and creates a better 'paper trail'.

5.Get in touch!

Call the company with any queries - it's nice to know they are still there!

6.Stick with your price plan

Do not change your tariff - this can and probably will invalidate your cashback claim as this changes the playing field on which they are willing to pay out on.