Learn about Sky VIP and if you are eligible

Companies know it’s now easier than ever to switch broadband providers. Enter Sky VIP.

The basic idea with this loyalty scheme is the longer you’ve been with Sky, the better the rewards. Customers could find they’re eligible for free cinema tickets and prize draws, as well as VIP tickets to events such as the NFL International and the European Tour Golf.

Sky VIP members can also become eligible for exclusive Sky sports events with free hospitality included.

You could also bag free tickets to live events including live theatre screenings, and Goodwood, which is home to many car racing events, as well as the horse racing festival Glorious Goodwood.

What is Sky VIP?

Sky VIP is a loyalty scheme designed with the idea that the longer you stay, the better the rewards. Sky VIP is following the trend of other companies that offer rewards packages designed to keep customers, notably O2. Rewards from that provider’s scheme, called Priority, include tickets to live entertainment and sporting events.

Am I eligible for Sky VIP?

Sky VIP is available free of charge to all existing and new Sky customers in the UK, Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

To be eligible you need to have at least one of the following products: Sky TV, Sky Broadband, Sky Talk or Sky Mobile. But it’s worth noting that some Sky VIP rewards are only available to Sky TV customers.

The primary Sky iD holder and 1 other authorised Sky iD holder per household can access Sky VIP. Only 1 of these 2 people can redeem each reward.

Sky customers who fall behind on their product payments won’t be able to access Sky VIP rewards. If your account goes into debt after joining, your account will be restricted and you won’t be able to redeem any rewards until the debt is cleared.

How do I claim rewards through Sky VIP?

To join Sky VIP, customers need to go into the My Sky smartphone app and find the icon for Sky VIP on the app’s home screen. The app is available from both the Apple and Google Play app stores.

You can also join by logging in to your Sky online account, selecting “My Account” and then selecting “Rewards and Extras”.

Sky TV customers can also join the loyalty scheme from the “My Account” area of their Sky set-top box. Sky Mobile customers who don’t subscribe to any other Sky services need to contact Sky via online chat or by calling 0333 759 2105.

Sky will give you a free gift for joining Sky VIP, such as a free movie from the Sky movie store.

What rewards can I get with Sky VIP?

Sky VIP is a tiered rewards programme. Which tier you’re in will depend on how long you have been a Sky customer. The higher the tier, the better the rewards. There are 4 levels of Sky VIP membership:

Sky VIP Silver is for customers who have been with Sky up to 3 years. The Silver tier includes a free welcome gift and experiences including free prize draws, and free VIP tickets to nationwide events including sports fixtures, cinema screenings and previews.

Sky VIP Gold is for customers who have been with Sky more than 3 years, up to 8 years. Gold members get free Sky Go Extra, so you can download your Sky shows and watch them wherever you want on your devices.

Sky VIP Platinum is for customers who have been with Sky more than 8 years, up to 15 years. It includes free Sky Fibre broadband set-up and a free data boost to your Sky Piggy Bank. Sky Piggy Bank is a depository for all your unused mobile data at the end of each month.

Sky VIP Diamond is for customers who have been with Sky for over 15 years. This is the top package and comes with free Sky Q set-up. Sky Q is Sky’s premium entertainment product and offers a range of hardware set-top boxes and premium pay TV options.

The rewards are cumulative, so Sky VIP Diamond customers can get access to all the rewards in the Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers. Note that the tier you’re in depends on how long you’ve been with Sky continuously. So if you leave and rejoin, your Sky VIP membership will reset to Silver, the lowest tier. Sky VIP is all about getting you to stay, after all.

The bottom line: Is Sky VIP worth it?

So, should you stay, or should you go? Only you can decide whether it’s worth switching to Sky or staying with Sky to benefit from Sky VIP.

Here are some things to consider:

Price. Sky broadband and TV packages tend to be at the pricier end of the scale, and you may decide you want to uncouple your broadband and TV provider. The popularity of platforms such as Amazon Prime and Netflix represent significant competition for the likes of Sky in entertainment.

Notably, Netflix and Prime offer the functionality to download and view some of their programmes offline as standard and are easily viewable from any platform or device.

Length of membership. On the other hand, if you’ve already been with Sky for 5 years or more, you may decide to stay and cash in on some of the rewards.

If you’ve been with Sky for a long time and your kit needs upgrading, then you should register and take advantage of the benefits that come from being a Sky VIP member. Even if you’ve been with Sky for the short to medium term, register anyway to claim your rewards. Who doesn’t love a freebie?

Thinking of switching? For those who are thinking of switching, consider what the rewards are really worth to you – and remember, leaving means you’ll need to build up your loyalty again.

Shop around as new providers have plenty of offers to tempt you in.

While the loyalty programme sounds tempting, it’s always worth shopping around for broadband, TV and mobile services based on the price and benefits you know you’ll receive. Finally, remember that many providers will offer a sweetener, such as a package discount, to long-term customers who call them to cancel.

Frequently asked questions

• How do Sky VIP members change tier?

  If you’re a Sky VIP member and you hit an anniversary which makes you eligible for a higher membership tier, Sky automatically moves you into the higher tier. You should find your new rewards waiting for you in the My Sky app.

• Can I switch away from Sky and then come back while keeping my Sky VIP membership tier?

  No. Your Sky VIP tier is linked to how long you’ve been with Sky continuously. So if you leave and rejoin, your Sky VIP rewards membership will reset to Silver, the lowest tier. Sky VIP is all about getting you to stay, after all.