Like owning a car, a cell phone can also be a status symbol. Some people are willing to pay $400 for a cell phone that does everything and then some. Sure, these are a nice luxury, but you really need to ask yourself, do I really need all of that? Here is a list of cheap cell phone plans that will offer you less than a luxury plan, but also save you much more in the long run.
T-Mobile Pre Paid Plan
T-mobile’s plan is a bit pricier than the others, but if you’re looking to go with one of the bigger cell phone companies, in terms of pre paid phones, i’ve had the best experience with T-Mobile. Their plans are cheap and their service is very reliable.
Benefits:
- Like many other pre-paid phones, there is no credit check.
- Good information on pre-paid starter kits.
- Offers a T-Mobile Sidekick Option (more expensive, but better phone)
- Nationwide long distance.
- Nationwide Roaming.
- Free e-mail address.
Tracphone
The kings of cheap pre-paid cell phone plans, great support, great service, competitive pricing. Tracphone also offers great family value plans. The first Phone has 50 minutes a month at $9.99. Each additional phone gets 30 minutes a mont for only $5.99.
Benefits:
- Great reputation as being America’s #1 prepaid service provider.
- Lots of experience (not a new upstart company) they have been around since 1996.
- Like many prepaid companies, no bills, no contracts, you have more control.
- Adding minutes is a very painless process with Tracphone.
- A good deal to think about is getting 800 minutes for only $100 a year.
- Good for someone who only needs their cell phones for emergencies.
Kajeet – Cell Phones Made for Kids
A brilliant idea, cheap cell phones for kids! Plenty of great features geared just towards your kids. These are definitely the best “kid-oriented” phones i’ve come across.
Benefits:
- Great option for your kids
- Lots of parental controls
- Set limits for texting and call time
- Block certain texts with ContactManager.
- Some phones offer a GPS locator.
- Great way to teach kids responsibility.
- Talk, text and play, the freedom your kids love and want.
- Pay as you go service with no strings attatched.
Net-10
Tracphone’s sister company, some great incentives for signing up here. They have a fantastic offer where if you activate a plan, you will receive 300 minutes and 60 days of service.
Benefits:
- Phones Start at $19.99.
- One offer comes with 300 minutes and 60 days of service when activated.
- Displays minutes on the phone so you can keep track of how many minutes you’re talking.
- Very easy process to buy minutes online.
Cheap Phone Cards
A great resource for pre-paid cell phone cards is at http://www.cheapphonecards.com. They offer a 3% discount, as well as no tax. Can be bought at $10, $25, or $50 at a time. You don’t have to worry about a per minute charges. Once your time is up, it’s up, so there is no way of going over.