O2 Priority is a loyalty programme that provides exclusive rewards, offers, and experiences for O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers. The programme is designed to offer value through a rotating selection of freebies, prize draws, and exclusive discounts from a wide range of popular brands. It is particularly noted for its presale access to gig and event tickets, with O2 confirming that customers can access these pre-sale tickets on Ticketmaster. The rewards are updated monthly and can include items such as money off Disney+ subscriptions, discounts on travel, and food and drink deals. The core appeal of O2 Priority is its provision of tangible benefits, such as free weekly offers, which have historically included items like Caffe Nero drinks, Christmas cards from WH Smiths, and Odeon tickets. The programme is accessible via a free app, which can be downloaded from the app store or by texting ‘PRIORITY’ to 2020.
Eligibility and Access
Access to O2 Priority is primarily tied to being an O2 mobile customer. Eligibility extends to individuals with an O2 SIM, whether on a contract with a handset or a pay monthly SIM-only tariff. Pay As You Go mobile customers are also eligible. To access the benefits, eligible customers need to download the O2 Priority app and sign in using their My O2 account details. If an account has not been set up, the app will guide the user through the process using their O2 mobile number.
Furthermore, access is also available to Virgin Media broadband or TV customers, even if they do not have an O2 SIM. Virgin Media customers can gain access by downloading the O2 Priority app and signing up with the email address associated with their Virgin Media account. Once the email is verified and linked to a phone number, they can use the app. It is important to note that Virgin Mobile customers are excluded from this offer. For households with both Virgin Media and O2 services, additional "Volt" benefits may be available.
Understanding the Offers
The benefits of O2 Priority are varied and updated regularly. The programme is famous for its presale tickets to events at O2 venues, granting customers access up to 48 hours before the general sale for huge events. The process for buying gig tickets involves logging into the O2 Priority account and being redirected to the Ticketmaster website to complete the purchase.
In addition to ticket access, the everyday offers provide consistent value. These offers are commonly redeemed through the O2 Priority app by selecting an offer, tapping “Use Now” to generate a unique code, and then presenting this code in-store or entering it online. While the specific offers change over time, the programme provides direct access to freebies, prize draws, and exclusive discounts. For instance, past offers have included a free weekly Odeon ticket, though such specific offers may end and be replaced by others. The current focus includes a ‘Blue Monday’ promotion with giveaways on Mondays. To view current offers without commitment, one can visit the O2 Priority website.
Comparison with Other Network Loyalty Programmes
O2 Priority is one of several loyalty programmes available in the UK market. For example, Vodafone’s Very Me programme offers similar discounts and freebies, with regular brands featured including Vue, Chili, Tesco, and Costa. Access to Vodafone Very Me is possible for non-Vodafone customers via a PAYG trick that requires a £10 top-up, though this access only lasts for six weeks. Another alternative is Three+, which seems to primarily offer discounts rather than freebies. The value of these programmes is subjective and depends on whether a user can or wants to take up the specific offers provided.
Considerations for Potential Customers
For consumers considering joining O2 to access Priority, it is advisable to compare pricing across different providers. O2 pay monthly SIM-only deals can be more expensive when purchased directly. For example, a 12GB tariff for 12 months may cost £21.99 a month and sometimes includes six months of free Disney+ Premium or Amazon Prime. However, cheaper O2 SIM-only deals can be found via third-party retailers like Uswitch, where a 30GB plan might be available for £8 a month. These deals may not include free streaming subscriptions but still provide access to monthly O2 Priority extras and savings on services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Alternatively, other networks such as ID Mobile may offer lower-cost plans, like 25GB for £7. The decision should weigh the cost of the mobile contract against the value of the Priority offers and any included extras.
Conclusion
O2 Priority is a significant loyalty programme for UK consumers, offering a range of freebies, discounts, and exclusive ticket access. Eligibility is straightforward for O2 mobile customers and Virgin Media broadband or TV customers. The programme’s value lies in its regularly updated offers and the convenience of the app-based redemption process. While other network programmes exist, O2 Priority remains a notable option, particularly for those who can make use of its presale ticket access and rotating freebies. Consumers are advised to assess the overall cost of their mobile or broadband service in relation to the potential benefits of the loyalty programme.