Switching To A Prepaid Phone Plan: Things To Keep In Mind


Switching To A Prepaid Phone PlanPin

If you’re thinking about switching to a prepaid phone plan, there’s a few things you NEED to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know…



KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Before switching to a prepaid phone plan, make sure your device is compatible with the service. Carrier-locked phones may need to be unlocked, which can cost a fee.
  • Be sure to check the coverage map for the carrier you’re considering and make sure that you will be able to get coverage in the area where you live.
  • If international coverage is important to you, make sure to go with a prepaid plan that offers international call and texting.
  • Prepaid plans may have restrictions on data speeds, tethering, or using your phone as a mobile hotspot, so make sure to read the terms and conditions.
  • If you want to keep your current phone number, you can usually port your number to a prepaid plan, but make sure to check the porting policies for the plan you’re considering.

If you want more flexibility with who you get your data from, how much you pay for it, and the size of your monthly phone bill, then a prepaid phone plan could be just what you’ve been looking for.

Prepaid plans cost less than postpay plans, they don’t come with nearly as many strings attached, and when you choose the right prepaid plan for your exact needs you’ll get everything you need, including generous amounts of data – anywhere from 10GB to unlimited data.

Sounds good, right? For the most part, prepaid phone plans are very good options for most types of user – and prepaid plan costs are significant lower too. But there are some caveats you need to be aware of – and the big ones are covered in detailed below…

Factors To Consider Before Switching To A Prepaid Plan

Switching To A Prepaid Phone PlanPin

Compatibility With Your Device

Before switching to a prepaid phone plan, it’s important to make sure that your device is actually compatible. If your current phone is carrier-locked, this may prevent you from switching to another network.

You can, of course, get the phone unlocked but this will cost you a fee. This is also important to keep in mind when buying a refurbished phone; you’ll want to make sure that it is completely unlocked.

Carrier locked refurbished phones are cheaper, so if you know what carrier you’re going to get your prepaid plan with, you can save some additional cash this way, although I wouldn’t advise this approach.

You’re just creating yourself potential headaches farther down the line.

Be sure to check the requirements for the plan you’re considering and make sure that your device will work with the service.

Coverage Availability

Another important consideration when switching to a prepaid phone plan is coverage availability.

Prepaid plans may have more limited coverage areas than traditional postpaid plans, and you may not be able to get coverage in certain areas.

This will only be a problem if you’re going with an ultra-cheap, off brand prepaid plan. If you ensure that you go with the best prepaid plans on the market, coverage will not be an issue.

Make sure to check the coverage map for the carrier you’re considering and make sure that you will be able to get coverage in the area where you live.

International Coverage

Some prepaid plans may offer international coverage at an additional cost, while others may not offer international coverage at all.

There are plenty of prepaid plans that offer international call and texting, so if that is important to you make sure you go with one of these prepaid plans.

Prepaid Plan Restrictions

Some plans may limit your data speeds after a certain amount of usage, or may have restrictions on tethering or using your phone as a mobile hotspot.

This is important to keep in mind. For instance, Verizon’s prepaid plans DO NOT come with access to its ultra-fast 5G network.

But if you go with VISIBLE, its MVNO arm, you do get access to the Ultra Wideband network (and for less money too).

Make sure to read the terms and conditions of the plan you’re considering and make sure that the restrictions will not be a problem for you.

Porting Your Number

If you already have a phone number that you want to keep, you can usually port your number to a prepaid plan. The process is usually pretty fast, but it can take up to several days, and there could be fees as well.

Again, always make sure to check the porting policies for the plan you’re considering and make sure that you’re comfortable with the process before making the switch.

Best Prepaid Phone Plans

And if all of the above sounds good and you understand all the caveats associated with prepaid phone plans, here’s our pick of the best prepaid phone plans right now.

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Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB