The Joining Credit is in the extras section, to check dial 453, then select option 1. You can use the credit and then either top up or throw away the sim if you like. This Joining Credit is already on the card and never expires, although as with all Sim cards you do have to make a call or send a text once around every 6 months or the Sim will be disconnected by the network. Sim card comes by itself, without packaging, books etc. Camden,.