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Spend Caps

Take charge of your spending with a Spend Cap. Set a limit on extra costs- like roaming, out-of-plan calls, texts and data- so you're always in control and free from surprises.

In this article:

What's a Spend Cap

A Spend Cap gives you control over extra charges on your bill. It's a limit you set to avoid unexpected costs, like using extra data, making premium calls, or roaming abroad. You choose what you're willing to spend from £0 to unlimited. 

How to set a Spend Cap

Here’s how you can set your Spend Cap:

Via the Three App

  1. Log in to the app
  2. Go to Manage Plan
  3. Select Spend Cap and set your limit

On My3 (Web)

  1. Log in through your browser
  2. Click on Manage Your Plan
  3. Adjust your Spend Cap from there

Contact Us

  1. We'll be happy to assist- just get-in-touch

When your new cap with take effect

Here's when your new Spend Cap will take effect:

  • Increasing your cap will take effect immediately
  • Decreasing your cap to an amount higher than your current spend will take effect immediately
  • Decreasing your cap to an amount lower than your current spend will take effect from your next bill date

What's included in a Spend Cap

A Spend Cap includes:

  • Extra data if you've used your monthly allowance
  • Calls and texts to premium rate, shortcodes, or non-geographical numbers e.g. 0845
  • International calls and texts from the UK- without an Add-on
  • Roaming abroad- including the daily roaming charge for Go Roam destinations

For a complete list:

 

Calls and texts:

  • After you’ve used up your monthly allowance
  • To premium rate and non-geographical numbers like 0845 and 0345
  • To international numbers from the UK – unless you have an Add-on
  • When roaming in a country that’s not a Go Roam destination
  • To non-EU countries from Go Roam in Europe destinations
  • To anywhere other than the UK from Go Roam Around the World and Go Roam Around the World Extra destinations
  • Daily roaming charge to unlock your UK allowance in Go Roam destinaitons

Data usage:

  • After you’ve used up your monthly data allowance
  • When roaming in a country that’s not a Go Roam destination
  • That exceeds our fair usage limits in Go Roam destinations

What's not included in a Spend Cap

Some charges aren't included in a Spend Cap, so it's good to know what they are:

  • Purchases via ThreePay like content on Google Play, App Store, Spotify etc.
  • Administrative fees such as paper bills, bill copies, not paying by Direct Debit or recurring card payment
  • Your monthly plan charge- including Add-ons and insurance
What's ThreePay?

ThreePay is a quick, easy, and secure way to pay for online content, like apps or subscriptions, using your monthly bill. While ThreePay purchases aren't included your Spend Cap, you’re always in control—every payment requires your authentication.

Learn more about ThreePay

What happens when you hit your Spend Cap limit

Firstly, we'll send a text to let you know when you've reached 80% of your Spend Cap, then again at 100%. 

Once you've hit your Spend Cap:

  • Calls will be diverted to let you know you've hit your Spend Cap- including during a call. 
  • Texts won't send and you'll see a 'message can't be sent' error.
  • Apps will be blocked from connecting to the internet- unless connected using WiFi.

Roaming with a Spend Cap

Roaming abroad is included in your Spend Cap. So you can travel without worrying about surprise charges.

It's important to know that the daily charge to unlock your allowance is included in your Spend Cap.

This means roaming will be blocked if you've:

  • Set your Spend Cap to £0
  • Hit your Spend Cap limit

For more information, check your destination.

Joined or upgraded before 01/10/2021: The daily charge doesn't apply. Check your destination for more information.

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