Top Up then Buying Data Pack vs. Buying Data Pack Directly?

[username]

I have the Old Paygo.  I don't live in the UK but will be there in a few days.

I want to get a Data Pack added for the time I am in UK and Europe.  I think the 30 day  £10 40 GB is sufficient (with 6 GB roaming).  London is the first stop so it can be activated while I am there.

It seems I can either buy the the Data Pack directly or somehow top up first then buy it using the top-up balance?  What are the pros and cons?

Thanks.

[username]

Thanks!  I wonder if the 2-step process "Add to Top Up -> Pay Data Pack with Balance" will generate a chargeable event on the account and thus extending the 180 day limit for Paygo.  One step is definitely a lot easier.

Now let's hope for either case, it will take a US credit card...

[JonathanB]

Hi @username,

I don't think there's any major difference, just be cautious about settings like having your Data/Data Roaming on if buying the credit then converting it. Just in case you accidentally use some credit before you buy the pack. E.g you top up, and apps like email or others that actively connect in the background use some cash credit so you don't have enough left to complete the transaction. It'll also be less steps to just buy the data pack in one go.

Thanks,
Jonathan