Tips for Saving Money on Your Plan
Phone service is a monthly expense most people can't live without, but it doesn't have to break the bank. With so many carriers competing for customers, there are lots of opportunities to find a budget-friendly phone plan that still delivers the features you need. Want to know how to save on your phone bills? Keep reading because this article outlines tips on how to find affordable phone plans.
Understand Your Phone Habits
One of the biggest mistakes people make is paying for more than they use. Before shopping around, take time to review your phone habits.
- Data use. Many people buy unlimited data out of convenience but only use a few gigabytes per month. If you spend most of your time on Wi-Fi, a smaller data plan can save you money.
- Talk and text. Unlimited talk and text is standard on many plans, but if you rarely make phone calls, a lower-tier option may work just as well. Messaging apps can also reduce the need for SMS.
- Travel needs. If you travel frequently, nationwide coverage or international options may be important. If you stay local, you may not need to pay extra for broad coverage.
Major Carriers vs. Budget Carriers
The big three networks in the U.S. — Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile — offer widespread coverage and premium perks, but their plans often come with higher monthly costs. To save money, many people turn to smaller companies known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
MVNOs lease service from larger networks so you can access the same towers at a fraction of the price. A few well-known MVNOs include:
- Mint Mobile. They offer affordable, prepaid options that often require paying for several months upfront.
- Cricket Wireless. They're owned by AT&T and are known for simple prepaid plans.
- Visible. Their services runs on Verizon’s network and specialize in flat-rate, unlimited service.
- Boost Mobile. They offer flexible, prepaid options and have frequent promotions.
Keep an Eye on Extra Fees
It's easy to be drawn to a plan advertised at $25 a month, only to find the bill is much higher once all the fees are added.
Watch out for:
- Activation charges that can add $30 or more to your first bill.
- Taxes and surcharges that vary by location and carrier.
- Overage fees if you go beyond your plan’s limits.
Many budget carriers include taxes in their advertised prices, making it easier to predict your final bill. Always compare the “all in" monthly cost rather than the base price alone.
Skip Extras You Don’t Need
Some carriers sweeten their plans with perks like free streaming subscriptions, cloud storage or device insurance. While these can be nice, they often come at the cost of a higher monthly bill. If you're already paying for those services separately, paying extra for them through your phone plan may not be worth it. Stick to what you actually need and avoid the temptation of bundled features that will not get used.
Take Advantage of Family or Group Plans
One of the easiest ways to lower your phone bill is to join a family or group plan. Carriers typically lower the price per line when multiple people sign up together. Even if you don't live with family, some MVNOs allow friends to create shared accounts to unlock group discounts. Make sure you can trust everyone to pay their share each month before signing up.
Test Coverage Before You Commit
Price is important, but coverage matters just as much. A cheap plan isn't worth it if you can't get a signal in your area. Always check coverage maps and read reviews from other users nearby. Some prepaid carriers even offer trial periods that let you test the network before fully switching.
Save Money on Devices
The cost of a new phone can be just as expensive as the monthly plan. To cut down on expenses, consider keeping your current device, buying a refurbished device or shopping for used models. Many low-cost carriers make it easy to bring your own phone by simply inserting a SIM card. This alone can save hundreds of dollars over time.
Revisit Your Plan Often
The phone industry changes quickly. New promotions, discounts and carrier options appear every year. To keep your costs as low as possible, review your plan every six months to a year. If you find you're using less data than expected, switch to a smaller package. If a competitor offers a better deal, don't be afraid to make the switch.
Keep reading for tips on how to find affordable internet plans.