O2 Priority is a loyalty programme that provides members with access to freebies, discounts, and exclusive offers. The programme is primarily available to customers of O2 mobile contracts and Virgin Media broadband or TV services. This article outlines the programme's structure, eligibility requirements, typical benefits, and methods for accessing offers, based on available information.
What is O2 Priority?
O2 Priority is a loyalty scheme for individuals with an O2 mobile tariff, whether it is a contract with a handset or a pay monthly SIM-only plan. Membership grants access to the O2 Priority app or website. It is also available to people with Virgin Media broadband or TV contracts, even if they do not have an O2 SIM. Virgin Mobile customers are excluded from this offer. The programme provides a mix of freebies, discounts, and competitions, as well as presale access to live event tickets.
Eligibility and Access Methods
There are two primary ways to gain access to O2 Priority offers.
1. Through an O2 Mobile Contract or Pay Monthly SIM
Individuals with an active O2 mobile contract or pay monthly SIM-only plan automatically receive access to O2 Priority. They can download the O2 Priority app and sign in using their O2 account details.
2. Through Virgin Media Services
Following the merger of O2 and Virgin Media in Autumn 2021, customers with Virgin Media broadband, TV, or landline contracts can access O2 Priority. Virgin Mobile customers are not eligible. To sign up, individuals must download the O2 Priority app and register using the email address associated with their Virgin Media account. After verification, the account will be linked to their phone number.
3. Access for Users on Other Mobile Networks
It is possible to access O2 Priority without being an O2 or Virgin Media customer by using a Pay As You Go (PAYG) SIM. This method requires ordering a free O2 PAYG SIM and having an unlocked handset. A few years ago, simply ordering the SIM was sufficient, but the terms have since changed. Currently, the SIM must be activated by topping up with a minimum of £10. This top-up keeps the SIM active for six months, during which time the user can access O2 Priority offers.
Types of Offers Available
The specific offers available through O2 Priority change over time. Historical examples include free drinks from Caffe Nero, Christmas cards from WH Smith, and Odeon cinema tickets. Current and recent offers often feature on Mondays as part of the ‘Blue Monday’ promotion.
Freebies and Samples
Recent examples of freebies available to Priority members have included chocolates, a digital magazine subscription, and a movie rental. As of September 2025, a specific promotion in partnership with Greggs offered a free sweet product. This reward entitles a member to a single sweet product from a defined list, including doughnuts and muffins. A minimum of 24,000 codes were released every Monday until 29 September 2025, with each code valid until 6 October 2025. Only one code per member per Monday was permitted, and the reward could not be exchanged, refunded, or used with any other offer.
Discounts
O2 Priority members receive access to various discounts. However, some offers, such as the £2 discount on Disney+ and Amazon Prime, are not part of the Priority programme. These are separate offers that can be added directly to an O2 bill and are not available to those who join via Virgin Media or the PAYG SIM hack.
Competitions and Presale Access
The programme also includes entry to competitions and presale access to live events. While there is no guarantee that tickets for specific events will be available through the presale, it can provide an opportunity to purchase tickets before they are released to the general public.
O2 Priority in Context with Other Network Loyalty Programmes
Other mobile networks offer similar loyalty schemes. Vodafone’s VeryMe programme provides discounts and freebies from brands such as Vue, Chili, Tesco, and Costa. Access for non-Vodafone customers can be achieved through a PAYG trick requiring a £10 top-up, but access lasts only six weeks. Three+ is another alternative, which appears to focus more on discounts than freebies. The best programme depends on the individual’s ability to use the available offers.
Financial Considerations for O2 Contracts
For those considering an O2 contract specifically for Priority access, it is important to compare costs. O2’s direct pay monthly SIM-only deals can be expensive; for example, a 12GB tariff for 12 months may cost £21.99 per month, sometimes including six months of free Disney+ Premium or Amazon Prime. However, better value can often be found through third-party providers. For instance, an O2 SIM-only deal via Uswitch offering 30GB for £8 per month may not include free streaming subscriptions but does grant access to monthly O2 Priority extras and savings on services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Consumers are advised to shop around using comparison sites to find the most suitable deal.
Conclusion
O2 Priority offers a range of freebies, discounts, and exclusive access to UK consumers who are either O2 mobile customers or Virgin Media broadband/TV subscribers. A Pay As You Go SIM route exists for those on other networks, though it requires a £10 top-up. The specific offers are variable and subject to change, with recent examples including free products from Greggs. When considering an O2 contract for Priority benefits, consumers should compare prices across providers to ensure they are getting the best overall value.