The common internet bill mistakes that could cost you hundreds

Broadband and mobile bills often go up every April, but many people do not realise just how much extra they are paying on top of those rises.

From overpriced broadband packages to forgotten streaming subscriptions and extra mobile data charges, internet-related costs can quietly spiral over time.

And because many payments come out automatically each month, it is easy to miss where money is leaking from your budget.

In some cases, households could save £500 or more a year by making a few simple changes.

Here are some of the most common internet bill mistakes and how to stop them costing you money.

1. Staying with the same broadband provider for too long

One of the easiest ways to overpay is letting your broadband contract roll on without checking for a better deal.

Providers often offer cheap prices to new customers, but once your contract ends, the monthly cost can jump significantly. Some households could be paying £15 to £30 more each month than new customers for the exact same package. That adds up to as much as £360 a year.

The best way to avoid this is to review your broadband deal before your contract ends. Comparing prices online and contacting your provider directly could help you land a cheaper rate. In many cases, companies will offer discounts to stop customers leaving for a rival provider.

2. Paying for internet speeds you do not need

Many people are paying for ultra-fast broadband without actually using it.

While larger households that stream, game and work from home may benefit from faster speeds, others could downgrade without noticing much difference in performance. Cutting your package could save £10 to £20 a month - or up to £240 a year.

Smaller households or people who mainly browse the internet and stream occasionally may be able to switch to a cheaper package. Some providers let you monitor your weekly or monthly usage in their app or online portal. If you’re good with technology, you can also check through your router’s administration page often by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser.

3. Missing out on broadband social tariffs

Millions of people could qualify for cheaper broadband but do not realise they are eligible.

Social tariffs are discounted broadband packages for people receiving certain benefits, including universal credit and pension credit. According to Ofcom, some social tariffs cost between £10 and £20 a month, while standard broadband packages can cost £30 or more.

That means switching could save some households more than £200 a year.

Anyone receiving benefits should check whether their provider offers a social tariff, as some providers don’t clearly advertise them. It is also worth comparing deals between providers, as prices and speeds can vary.

4. Getting caught out by mobile data charges

Watching videos, using social media and streaming music on mobile data can quickly eat through your allowance.

Some providers still charge extra when you go over your limit, while others encourage customers to buy add-ons once their data runs out. Even a few extra charges each month could add more than £100 a year to your bill.

Setting mobile data alerts on your phone can help you keep track of usage before you exceed your limit. Using Wi-Fi where possible and adding a spending cap through your provider could also help stop surprise charges.

5. Paying for streaming and app subscriptions you forgot about

TV streaming services, cloud storage, music apps and gaming memberships often renew automatically every month.

Because the payments can seem small, many people forget they are still paying for them. But spending £7.99 here and £9.99 there could easily add up to more than £300 a year.

Checking your bank statements regularly can help spot subscriptions you no longer use. Some people may also be able to save money by rotating streaming services instead of paying for several at the same time.

6. Using your phone abroad without checking roaming charges

Many people still assume mobile roaming is free everywhere, but that is no longer always the case.

Using your phone abroad, especially outside Europe, can quickly lead to high charges for browsing, maps and video streaming.

Checking roaming costs before travelling can help avoid unexpected bills. Downloading maps, music and entertainment using Wi-Fi before leaving home may also reduce the amount of mobile data used abroad.

7. Spending money on in-app purchases without realising

Games and apps are designed to encourage spending on upgrades, subscriptions and extra features.

Because payment details are often already linked to devices, it can be easy to spend small amounts without thinking about it. Even spending £5 a week on apps or games adds up to £260 a year.

Turning off one-click purchases and removing saved payment details can make spending less automatic. Setting spending limits through app stores or devices may also help people keep better control of costs.

You can usually do this through your app store settings by disabling quick purchases, deleting saved bank card details and requiring a password or fingerprint for every transaction. Many gaming consoles and online retailers also let you switch off one-click buying in the account or payment settings.