O2 Priority is a loyalty scheme that provides mobile and broadband customers with access to freebies, discounts, and exclusive offers. The programme is primarily available to O2 mobile customers and Virgin Media broadband customers, with specific eligibility rules and benefits outlined in the source material. This article details the available benefits, how to access them, and alternative ways to obtain similar perks without a long-term O2 contract.
What is O2 Priority?
O2 Priority is a loyalty scheme designed for customers with an O2 mobile tariff or a Virgin Media broadband or TV contract. The service is accessed via a free mobile application or website, providing members with weekly freebies, discounted tickets, and early access to event presales. The main benefits centre on free food items, entertainment discounts, and exclusive access to offers. Virgin Mobile customers are explicitly excluded from the programme, even if they have a Virgin Media broadband contract.
The scheme is structured to reward customer loyalty, with offers that can change over time. Historical examples of freebies have included drinks from Caffe Nero, Christmas cards from WH Smiths, and Odeon cinema tickets. The current flagship promotion is the "Blue Monday" offer, which provides exclusive deals every Monday. It is noted that the availability of specific offers, such as the free weekly Odeon ticket, can end, so users are advised to check the O2 Priority website for current offers.
O2 Priority Benefits and Freebies
The primary appeal of O2 Priority is the freebies available to members. The source material highlights several key benefits:
- Weekly Freebies: Members can claim free snacks from Greggs every week.
- Entertainment Discounts: The app offers 20% off Vue cinema snacks and discounted Vue cinema tickets. It also provides 48-hour early access to concert and event tickets.
- Exclusive Access: Members receive VIP treatment at O2 venues and can access "Blue Monday" exclusive offers every Monday.
- Additional Perks: The source material mentions that O2 contract customers can get access to discounts on Disney+ and Amazon Prime, though this is not explicitly listed as a direct benefit of the Priority app itself. The availability of these streaming service discounts depends on the specific O2 plan.
It is important to note that offers can change. The source material indicates that past promotions, such as free Odeon tickets, have ended, and similar changes could happen to existing offers. Therefore, the value of the scheme is subject to the current offer portfolio.
Eligibility: How to Access O2 Priority
Access to O2 Priority is governed by clear eligibility criteria based on the customer's service provider.
For O2 Mobile Customers
Any customer with an O2 mobile tariff, whether it is a contract with a handset or a pay monthly SIM-only plan, automatically has access to O2 Priority. There is no additional cost for the app; it is included as part of the mobile service.
For Virgin Media Customers
Customers with a Virgin Media broadband, TV, or landline contract are also eligible for O2 Priority. This access is available even if the customer does not have an O2 SIM. However, Virgin Mobile customers are not included in the offer. To activate the benefit, eligible Virgin Media customers must: 1. Download the O2 Priority app. 2. Sign up using the email address associated with their Virgin Media account. 3. The app will then verify the account and link it to the user's phone number, enabling access to the offers.
Accessing O2 Priority Without an O2 Contract
For consumers who wish to access O2 Priority benefits without committing to a standard O2 mobile contract, the source material outlines a potential method. This approach involves obtaining a low-cost O2 Pay As You Go SIM. The process typically requires purchasing a SIM and performing an initial top-up to activate the service, which then grants access to the Priority app for a limited period. It is emphasised that this method allows users to access the app's freebies and deals without the expense of a full O2 contract.
When considering this route, consumers should compare the cost of an O2 Pay As You Go SIM against the value of the Priority offers. The source material notes that O2's own pay monthly SIM-only deals can be expensive compared to alternatives available from other providers or through comparison sites. For instance, an O2 SIM-only deal from Uswitch offering 30GB for £8 per month is cited, which does not include free Disney+ or Amazon Prime but does provide access to monthly O2 Priority extras. This suggests that consumers can secure O2 Priority access through a low-cost SIM plan, potentially making it a cost-effective way to obtain the freebies if the offers are regularly used.
Alternative Loyalty Schemes
The source material compares O2 Priority with other network loyalty schemes, providing context for UK consumers evaluating their options.
- Vodafone Very Me: This is described as the main alternative, offering similar discounts and freebies to O2, with regular features from brands like Vue, Chili, Tesco, and Costa. Like O2 Priority, it is possible to access Vodafone Very Me without a Vodafone contract by using a PAYG trick that requires a £10 top-up, though the access lasts only six weeks.
- Three+: This scheme is noted as mainly offering discounts rather than freebies.
The choice between these schemes depends on the specific offers available and whether they align with a consumer's interests and usage patterns. The source material suggests that the value is subjective and depends on whether a consumer can or will take advantage of the available offers.
O2 Customer Service and Support
For customers requiring assistance with their O2 Priority account, orders, or general queries, O2 provides multiple contact options. The availability and contact numbers differ for Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go customers.
Pay Monthly Customers: * From an O2 mobile: 202 (free) * From a landline: 0344 809 0202 (standard UK rate) * Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-6pm
Pay As You Go Customers: * From an O2 mobile: 4445 (free) * From a landline: 0344 809 0222 (standard UK rate) * Hours: Same as Pay Monthly
Sales and Business: * Consumer sales: 0800 081 0255 (free from any phone) * Business sales (fewer than 10 phones): 0800 028 0202 * Business sales (more than 10 phones): 0800 298 8848
Conclusion
O2 Priority is a well-established loyalty scheme in the UK, offering tangible freebies and discounts to eligible O2 mobile and Virgin Media broadband customers. The core benefits include weekly free snacks from Greggs, Vue cinema discounts, and exclusive event access. Eligibility is straightforward for O2 mobile customers on any tariff and for Virgin Media customers (excluding Virgin Mobile). For those without an O2 contract, accessing Priority may be possible through low-cost Pay As You Go SIMs, though consumers should weigh the cost against the value of the offers.
When evaluating O2 Priority, it is crucial to consider that the specific offers can change, and past popular freebies have been withdrawn. Consumers should check the current O2 Priority website for up-to-date details before making any decisions. Compared to alternatives like Vodafone Very Me or Three+, the choice depends on the individual's preference for freebies versus discounts and the specific brands featured in each scheme's offers.