Comparison sites

What are comparison sites and how can they help you save?

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Introduction 1. How comparison sites work 2. How to get started 3. Make the switch

Introduction to 'Comparison sites'

Costs do often go up year by year. From your phone bill, to your gas bill - it's easy to feel overwhelmed by this, but there are options to help.

 

If you’re:

  • Unhappy with your current service.
  • Looking to reduce costs.
  • Wanting to compare product and services and their features.

 

Comparison sites can often help you to do this.

What you'll learn

  • Know what comparion sites are and what they offer.
  • Be able to decide on the right site for you.
  • Know the basics of how to get started.

How long it takes

9 minutes

Chapter 1 - How comparison sites work

How comparison sites work

Chapter 1

How long it takes

1 minute

Using comparison sites

Comparison sites do just that - help you to compare. They can help to compare prices and features of products and services from many providers in one place.

 

This is how they work:

Step 1

Tell them what you need - the features you want and need.

Step 2

Complete your search and the site will show you a list of deals from many providers.

Step 3

Use this list to compare the features and prices and choose the one that's best for you.

Some well-known comparison sites include:

Be aware

Not all providers list their products and services on comparison sites. So, it can be a good idea to check direct with providers too. 

Introduction - Comparison sites
Chapter 2 - How to get started

How to get started

Chapter 2

How long it takes

4 minutes

Before you search

Do speak to your current provider and ask them for their best deal. Even if you know you want to switch, it’s good to have these details. Then you can compare what they offer with what else is out there.

 

Make a note of:

  • Your current provider’s best price.
  • What you want to compare – For example, internet speed, amount of data, unit rates.
  • The date you can leave without any charges or cancellation fees.

 

Look at the search results

You’ll see options from big name providers that you will recognise, plus some that you won’t. Either way, it’s good to research them, to see what other people think.

Compare like-for-like

Look at what's included and any limits.

Where do you switch?

On their site or with the provider?

Check the switch date

To match the end of your current contract.

Read terms carefully

Check you're happy with the switch process.

Be aware

Sometimes your new provider will manage the switch. You may still need to contact your current provider yourself to cancel.

Chapter 1 - How comparison sites work
Chapter 3 - Make the switch

Make the switch

Chapter 3

How long it takes

3 minutes

Switch to a new service

Once you’ve found a deal that works for you, it’s time to switch.

 

There are plenty of sites to help you:

  • Some comparison sites will help you switch.
  • Ofcom has a guide to help switch mobile, broadband or landline providers.
  • Switching energy supplier? The consumer group Which? has helpful information for you.

Idea

Do you have the Lloyds banking app?

Our Bill Switcher feature can help you see where you may be able to save money by switching. You’ll see this as a ‘Want to save money on your bills?’ message beside payments you’ve made for broadband, mobile phone and energy bills.

Questions about switching

Chapter 2 - Review your providers

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Related lessons

Compare insurance for better value

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Tools and steps to help reduce your costs

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Lloyds Bank Academy is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Lloyds Bank does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 17th September 2025.

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