How to Pick Your Prepaid Plan
Prepaid cell phones actually come with a lot of options
these days and even offer most of the services that contract plans do. When
choosing your plan, keep in mind the reasons why you prefer prepaid, then the
find the option that best suits your needs.
Prepaid cell phone plans make it easy to test out without a long-term commitment.
Of course, the best thing about a prepaid cell phone plan is
that if it doesn’t work out, you can pick a new one next month.
Payment Methods
Different plans offer different ways to pay. If you don’t
have a debit or credit card to connect for automatic payments, make sure you go
with a plan with reloadable cards at a convenient location nearby. This is the
best way to pay with cash each month. Just make sure you don’t forget to reload
your minutes and data before your plan expires, or you could quickly get cut
off.
Available Plans
Whether you’re looking for yourself or your entire family,
you may be surprised to find plans with multiple lines available. Some even
offer up to four lines on one plan with plenty of data and minutes. This can
help you make sure everyone in your family is covered and connected without
having to manage multiple payment methods for every single one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest prepaid phone plan?
It depends on what you’re looking for. For just minutes and text capability, you can pay around $10 per month. To include data, you’ll need to pay more. Also remember to compare activation fees, even if one carrier’s plan looks cheaper up front.
Can you get unlimited data?
Yes, many prepaid cell phone plans offer unlimited data. You can also purchase smartphones outside of major cell phone companies at a low cost to use with your month-to-month plan.
Does an iPhone work on a prepaid plan?
You can search to find instructions on how to use an iPhone with your prepaid plan, with recommendations on switching out the SIM card. However, the Upgrade Program doesn’t work with prepaid plans, only major carriers.
Find the best prepaid cell phone plan!
Once you’ve browsed your plan options, sign up for a prepaid plan so you can stay connected.
by Lauren Ward
Personal Finance Writer
Lauren Ward is a personal finance writer with nearly ten years of experience covering topics like loans, credit, and real estate. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.