Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a compelling call to action for mobile phone users across the UK, advocating a remarkably straightforward text message strategy that could secure substantial annual savings. On a recent broadcast of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, the renowned finance guru detailed how viewers can potentially reduce their bills by up to £200 with a process that takes just ten minutes.
The Power of a Simple Text Message
During the programme, co-host Jeanette Kwayke shared a testimonial from a viewer who successfully leveraged this technique. The customer reported texting for their PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) and receiving a prompt callback from their provider, resulting in their monthly bill being slashed from £31.50 to £14. The viewer noted they could have secured an even lower rate but opted to retain EU roaming benefits, all while still having three months remaining on their existing contract.
Martin Lewis responded to this success story by emphasising the significant financial impact. "That’s £200 a year," he stated, referencing a segment from the previous week's show where he outlined a three-step process that has enabled some individuals to reduce their costs to as little as £3 per month.
How the PAC Code Strategy Works
The core mechanism behind these savings is surprisingly simple. "The key to that one, though, is literally, all he did is text PAC to 65075, which is the way of getting the code you need to leave," Lewis explained. By initiating the process to switch providers, customers often trigger their current network to offer a more competitive retention deal in an effort to keep their business.
Lewis described this tactic as "a good shortcut" to achieving better value without necessarily having to change providers. To begin exploring your options, you can first text INFO to 85075. This free service will inform you whether you are out of contract and therefore free to switch without penalty.
Executing the Savings Plan
If you are eligible to switch, the next recommended step is to visit a price comparison website to research the best available deals on the market. However, Lewis highlights an even more direct approach: simply texting PAC to 65075.
In a previous episode, he clarified the function of this code: "What that does is request your porting authorisation code from your existing mobile phone provider, that you can give to the new one, so you can move your number across." This action alone can prompt your current provider to engage in negotiations to retain you as a customer, frequently leading to a reduced monthly tariff.
This advice forms part of Martin Lewis's ongoing mission to empower consumers with practical, actionable knowledge to combat the cost of living crisis. The method underscores that significant savings can sometimes be unlocked through a single, free text message, putting financial power back into the hands of mobile users.
