Phone

How to find a cheaper phone plan

Many people pay for more data and extras than they use. Here’s how to figure out what you need, compare plans fairly and switch without losing your number.

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5 steps to a cheaper plan

Write down what you pay now so you can compare apples to apples.

Check your real data use

Look at your phone’s cellular data settings or your carrier account for the last few months. If you’re usually on Wi-Fi, a smaller plan may be enough.

Compare the total monthly cost

Ask for the price with taxes and fees for the number of lines you need, and check whether it depends on autopay.

Consider prepaid

Prepaid plans are paid in advance and usually don’t need a credit check or contract. Some offer lower monthly prices if you pay for several months at once.

Know the network

Many budget carriers use a bigger carrier’s network. Visible says it runs on Verizon’s network, and Mint Mobile says it runs on T-Mobile’s. Check coverage at your address.

Source: Visible, Mint Mobile

Check if your phone is unlocked

Under the CTIA consumer code described by the FCC, participating carriers unlock postpaid phones once the contract or device payments are done, and prepaid phones within a year of activation.

Source: FCC

Before you switch

Pay off or check your device balance. If you’re paying off a phone, switching may make the remaining balance due. Ask your carrier first.
Keep your old service active until the new carrier has moved your number over. Canceling first can risk losing the number.
Get your account number and transfer PIN from your current carrier. The new carrier will ask for them to move your number.
Check what you’d lose, like international calling, hotspot, or streaming perks, and whether you actually use them.

Lower your current bill

Ask your carrier for current offers, or for a cheaper plan with the data you actually use.
Remove add-ons you don’t use, like device insurance on an older phone or extra lines.
Check whether autopay or a family plan lowers the price per line.
Review your bill for charges you don’t recognize, and dispute them with your carrier.

Help for lower-income households

Lifeline gives eligible households a discount of up to $9.25 a month on phone or internet service. You may qualify through income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or programs like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI. See Lifeline eligibility.

Where to see current plans

Plans and prices change often, so we don’t list them here. Compare them on each carrier’s official page:

Paying for home internet too? See our guide to cheaper internet.

Compare budget plans

Mint Mobile

See prepaid plans and coverage for your area.

See Mint Mobile plans

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Visible

See plans and coverage for your area.

See Visible plans

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MegaSavings may earn a commission if you buy through some links on this page, at no cost to you.

Common questions

Are budget carriers worse than the big carriers?

Not necessarily. Many run on a major carrier’s network. Check coverage at your address and read the plan’s terms, since some plans may slow data during busy times.

Can I keep my phone number?

Usually, yes. Keep your old service active and give the new carrier your account number and transfer PIN so they can move your number.

Do I need a new phone?

Not if your phone is unlocked and works on the new carrier’s network. Most carriers have a compatibility checker on their site.

What’s the difference between prepaid and postpaid?

Prepaid is paid before you use it and usually has no contract or credit check. Postpaid is billed after each month and often bundles phone financing.

Does MegaSavings get paid?

MegaSavings may earn a commission if you buy through some links on this page, at no cost to you. It doesn’t change what we tell you to check.

Sources

More guides: Phone & Wireless · Internet deals · Subscriptions & Bills

Related: Avoid bank fees

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026