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How to Buy a Pre-Paid Cell Phone
 Pre-paid means no long term contract and you pay for a fixed period of time beforehand, usually for a fixed number of Mins., Texts and Data. You can renew at the end of the time period or not. If your Mins. run out, you can buy more. Some carriers will allow unused Mins. to carry over and build up over time. If you want to save on costs and you do not use a phone very often, you can go for pre-paid and cut costs while still having 911 service and the occasional Text or phone call. Some plans can be as low as $7.00 per month in effect while offering enough Mins. of Talk and Texts for the occasional user. Also, parents can use pre-paid to limit the talk time of kids. When the mins. are used up, the phone is limited to 911 calls only. No credit checks Since you will be pre-paying, there is no need for credit checks. 90 percent of cell phone customers have a traditional cell-phone plan. 10 percent have pre-paid phones but pre-paid is growing rapidly. Here's how to get started with prepaid: Where to buy a pre-paid phone You can buy a pre-paid phone at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Dollar General, Walgreens and more. You can buy a phone in person at the store, pay cash or buy online and it will be shipped to you. Be sure to buy a pre-paid phone card which matches the carrier of the phone. If you buy a TracFone, buy a TracFone phone card with minutes, text and data for your needs. 
Pre-paid phone cards and airtime refills offer flexible, no-contract, and no-credit-check options for wireless service, commonly sold by providers like Tracfone, Verizon, AT&T. They allow users to pay for, and instantly replenish, talk, text, and data, with prices ranging from $10 to over $100 for plans lasting 30 to 365 days. You can buy more Mins, Texts, Data online also through your carrier's website. Once established, you can login to your carrier's website and purchase additional airtime as needed. 1. Choose a carrier There are three major nationwide cellular network operators in the USA, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. These three companies own the physical infrastructure, while smaller carriers all lease access from them or are owned outright by them. For example, Verizon owns Tracfone. Many of the others are not major carriers and contract for network access with the majors. Tracfone and Net10 rate high in satisfaction but contract for network access. Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service provider that offers 21 different service plans ranging from 30 days to a full year. Tracfone Wireless runs on Verizon Wireless’s network, which means you’ll likely have great coverage if Verizon’s service is strong in your area. You can call Tracfone Wireless at 1-800-867-7183 any day between 8 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. ET. • Tracfone.com 2. Choose a plan that works best for your phone usage and budget You always pay in advance, rather than after you get a monthly bill. But carriers have devised a variety of charging schemes. You can pay a monthly fee for a set number of included minutes; pay no monthly fee and 5 to 20 cents per minute; pay a daily access charge, every day or only on days you use the phone, plus a per-minute fee; or pay a monthly fee ($30) for unlimited local calling or more ($50 to $80) for unlimited national calls and no roaming fees, with free long distance. Free nights, weekends, and in-network calls are available on some plans. You can prepay online using your credit card, as needed or automatically with a scheduled credit-card payment. You then draw down your balance based on use and monitor your time left via the handset display. Minutes do expire, but usually not if you add more money to the account, typically $15 to $50, in which case the leftovers roll forward. To figure which prepaid phone plan would be least expensive for you, check your recent cellular bills and total up how many day, night, weekend, and in-network minutes you use per month. Then compare what you'd pay under prepaid plans with the carriers customers rate well: T-Mobile, TracFone, Virgin, Net10 and Verizon. 3. Choose your phone  Prepaid phone models are available online from the carriers and at walk-in stores, including dedicated wireless retailers, discounters, and drugstores. Prices range from free (with airtime purchase), to $180 or more with many in the $30 to $50 range. Tracfone offers a variety of prepaid smartphones from major brands, primarily including Motorola, Samsung, TCL, BLU, Nokia, and Apple. These phones are designed to work on the Tracfone network (now owned by Verizon) and include budget-friendly options, 5G-capable devices, and flip phones. Top Prepaid Phone Brands Offered by Tracfone: Motorola: Popular models include the Moto G Play, Moto G Power, and Moto Edge. Samsung: Options include the Galaxy A15 5G, A16 5G, and other A-series models. BLU: Offers affordable smartphones like the View 5, View 5 Pro, View Speed, and Flex. TCL: Models like the TCL 40XE 5G, 50 XE 5G, and 50XL are available. Nokia: Features models such as the C110 and 2760 Flip. Apple: Selected iPhone models are often available. Other Brands: Alcatel, HMD, and Google Some carriers' phones work under both contract and prepaid plans. You might, then, be able to use a phone you received under contract with the same carrier's prepaid service. But check first with the carrier, and be aware that you might have to fulfill any remaining contract term on the phone or pay the early-termination fee to end the contract. How to get started with Tracfone To buy and activate a prepaid Tracfone, purchase a phone or SIM kit online or at retailers like Walmart or Target, then activate it at Tracfone.com/activate or by texting "ACTIVATE" to 611611. IMPORTANT: You will need the phone's serial number (IMEI), a service plan (often included with purchase), and a ZIP code to activate. Activation usually takes effect instantly to 24 hours. Where to Find Your New Phone's Serial Number: System Settings: Android: Go to Settings > About Phone (or System > About Phone) > Status. ESN=electronic serial number (ESN) is the unique identification number embedded on the microchip in a wireless phone by the manufacturer. IMEI=a unique 15-digit identifier for mobile devices, used to track, block, or verify them on cellular networks. iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. More Options: Dial Codes: Open your phone's calling app, dial *#06#, and the IMEI/serial number may appear, however Verizon often blocks these codes on Android phones. Physical Location: On the Box: Check the sticker on the original packaging, labeled "S/N" or "SN". Back of Phone: Often printed in small text on the back of the device. SIM Tray: Some models have the serial number printed on the SIM card tray. Account Information: If it is a Samsung, check the Samsung Members app. If it is an iPhone, check your Apple ID account page. IMEI vs. Serial Number: While often listed together, the IMEI is usually used for network identification, while the S/N is for manufacturer warranty and activation. Steps to Buy and Activate a Tracfone: Purchase the Device/SIM: Buy a new Tracfone device or a "Bring Your Own Phone" (BYOP) SIM kit from Tracfone.com, retail stores, or online retailers. Prepare the Phone: Insert the SIM card (and battery), then fully charge the phone. NOTE: SIM (subscriber identity module) has changed over the years, getting smaller, so not all SIM cards are the same size, making swapping sometimes impossible. Newer phones do not even use the cards, opting for embedded chips instead. eSIM prepaid phones do not need a physical SIM card. They use a digital SIM (embedded SIM) built into the device, allowing for activation directly over Wi-Fi or by scanning a QR code. Key Aspects of eSIM Prepaid Phones: No Physical Swap: eSIM eliminates the need to insert or replace. Digital Activation: Prepaid plans are activated by scanning a QR code or via carrier app/website. Device Compatibility: While many modern phones support eSIM, it must be supported by your specific phone model. Flexibility: Users can often store multiple eSIM profiles, allowing for easy switching between carriers. Although not required, some devices with eSIM capabilities also support a traditional physical SIM card slot, allowing for dual SIM functionality. Activation Options: Online: Go to Tracfone.com/activate, select "New Phone" or "Keep Your Own Phone," and follow prompts. More Options: Text Message: Text "ACTIVATE" to 611611. Texting to 611611 generally works on a new, unactivated phone (specifically for TracFone Wireless, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, SafeLink, and Simple Mobile) to activate service, check balances, or transfer service. Users can text keywords like "ACTIVATE" to 611611 to start the setup process without needing initial voice service. Key points regarding 611611: 611611 is a text-based, self-service system for TracFone family brands (including Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile). Texting "ACTIVATE" to 611611 launches the activation flow. Other keywords include "BALANCE", "ADD" (for airtime), and "APN" (for data settings). While it helps with activation, note that on very new, completely unprovisioned devices, it might not work immediately until the SIM card has some basic network recognition. If texting 611611 fails, you can typically activate on the provider’s website. Texting commands to 611611 acts as a 24/7 automated self-help service for TracFone-affiliated brands (including Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, and SafeLink) to check balances, add airtime, check service end dates, and manage account features via SMS without needing a representative. Top 611611 Keywords & Commands HELP: Get a complete list of all available keywords. PHONE: Look up your phone number and service end date. TRANSFER: Transfer your mobile number to a new device. DUE DATE or ACCT: Check your service end date and renewal information. For example: On a phone with the Google Messages app for texting, open the Messages app, next tap "Start chat," and enter the 6-digit number directly into the "To" field. Next, type your message and press send. If it fails, check with your carrier for short-code blocking, as these are commonly used for business alerts and marketing. Open the Google Messages app. Tap "Start chat". Enter the 6-digit number in the recipient field. Type your message and press the send button. More Options: Phone: Call the customer support number provided in the red activation card/guide, typically 1-800-816-063. Activation Details: Service Plan: You will need to select a prepaid service plan (voice/text/data bundles or unlimited) during activation. Phone Number: You can choose a new number or transfer (port) your old number during the process. Transfer Service: If upgrading, you can transfer your existing service and balance to the new phone. Finalize Setup: Once activated, you may need to turn the phone off and on or update data settings by texting "APN" to 611611. To avoid service interruptions, you can enroll in Auto-Refill on the TracFone website. A brand new Tracfone purchased from Walmart comes with a SIM card pre-installed in the phone. You do not need to buy a separate SIM card for a new Tracfone-branded device; however, you will need to purchase a separate service plan or airtime card to activate it. Included SIM: Tracfone-branded smartphones from Walmart have a SIM card installed, usually on the Verizon network. Activation: You only need to activate the phone and purchase a service plan to begin using it. Best Rated Pay as You Go (Prepaid) Cell Phone Plans Popular Providers & Networks Mint Mobile: Uses T-Mobile's network. Visible: Runs on Verizon's network. US Mobile: Uses Verizon and T-Mobile networks. Tello Mobile: Uses T-Mobile's network. AT&T Prepaid: Uses AT&T's network. T-Mobile Prepaid T-Mobile's To Go plans offer great coverage in T-Mobile friendly areas, a wide array of basic phone features and competitive pricing make this a great option. Customer satisfaction is excellent and getting started is easy. Friendly customer service representatives and a great website make for smooth and easy answers to your questions. T-Mobile offers some of the lowest rates available. AT & T Prepaid A large national network is AT & T's best prepaid benefit. Two distinct plan types give customers flexibility not afforded by many prepaid providers. Page Plus Cellular Page Plus Cellular offers an extremely simple and cost effective service, but lacks some sophistication in phone choices. But, if your concern is cost per call and not available features, this company may be a good choice. PlatinumTel Prepaid PlatinumTel is one of the highest rated prepaid cell phone providers on the market. Great prepaid plans at great prices. Boost Mobile Boost Mobile is a reliable prepaid wireless provider that takes special aim at the youth of the cell phone user population. With tons of in demand features available, it is easy to see why Boost Mobile is a popular choice for the younger generation. Locus Prepaid Locus offers free international calling to over 50 pre selected countries upon entering a special access code. Has slightly higher per minute domestic rates and lack of downloadables and picture messaging. Metro PCS MetroPCS has limited availability and will not be available to all consumers shopping for prepaid phones. But, MetroPCS is rapidly expanding in availability areas and has cool phone features along with excellent customer support. Net10 Net10 has low per min. rates, simple pricing and decent phone selection. A true prepaid service, minutes are priced competitively, directory assistance calls are charged as normal calls and nationwide long distance is included. Ready Mobile Ready Mobile is a Prepaid Cell Phone service that offers a number of plans to suit your budget. Red Pocket Mobile Red Pocket Mobile offers great international calling options while on a prepaid plan. Total Call Mobile Total Call Mobile targets Americans with families overseas, providing them with cheap and easy international calling rates. Their domestic rates are also around the industry average, comparable to Net10. TracFone Considered the leader and recognized as the largest provider in nationwide wireless prepaid plans. Simple pricing, ease of use and great customer service make this company stand out as a prepaid provider. Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless enters the prepaid market by offering a large selection of phones and great plans that give you the same quality and customer service of their traditional cellular service without contracts or credit checks. Virgin Mobile Virgin Mobile offers one of the most feature rich plans available. Great coverage area and plan pricing is competitive, though it can be a little complicated. Alltel Prepaid Alltel offers several plans. If you talk a lot on your cell phone you may find one of the monthly or pay per day plans to be a deal. If you're not a frequent talker, AllTel's prepaid plans might be a bit high priced. Kajeet Parents will find this service to give them a lot of control and will likely rate it higher than the average user. No complicated plans and fair per minute prices, but a lack of roaming, phone choices and a daily access fee, rates this service down. Simple Freedom Simple Freedom is a prepaid wireless provider that is available in most Wal-Mart stores. With competitive pricing and good coverage, Simple Freedom is a worthwhile choice for people looking for simplistic prepaid service. Straight Talk Straight Talk is a service of TracFone Wireless Inc., America?s largest no-contract cell phone provider in the U.S., with over 11 million subscribers. US Cellular Prepaid US Cellular offers you prepaid service that mimics traditional cell phone plans with Talk Tracker. There are no minute plans, but their month to month plans are well priced and featured, though their phone choices leave a little to be desired. Jitterbug Jitterbug offers flexible plans, and targets the baby boomers and older Americans. Multiple service tiers but expensive per-minute rates. o2 Wireless All the benefits of traditional service in a prepaid plan. A wide range of coverage areas, good customer service and cool features. Xtreme Mobile Xtreme Mobile provides simple service with no confusion and calls are carried out on the Sprint PCS Network. Limited choices in phones and a per day access charge are drawbacks to this provider. Cricket Prepaid Inability to roam outside Cricket coverage areas will make this a poor choice for those who travel frequently, for those who stay close to home within the coverage areas this is a nice featured plan with good pricing and customer service. Jump Mobile Jump Mobile offers flexible plans, and targets the youth market with free text messaging and free incoming calls while within the local calling area, but be on the look out for limited phone choices and super high roaming fees. Liberty Wireless Great plans that closely mimic that of a traditional cell phone provider - but without the hassle of credit checks, deposits or contracts. A ton of great features included, but customer service severely lacks. Prepaid Cell Phone Providers Prepaid cell phone providers can be classified as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) or traditional wireless carriers. The MVNOs focus on the prepaid phone business, leasing space on traditional carriers' networks rather than having their own. Among well-known MVNOs are Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, NET10, TracFone and AllTel Wireless. Here are some strengths for each of these prepaid cell phone providers: Virgin Mobile -- Feature-rich plans with competitive pricing. Ranked highest in J.D. Powers' survey of wireless prepaid customer satisfaction, scoring particularly well in service cost, account management, initial activation and service plan options. Boost Mobile -- Targeted at youthful users; strong on in-demand features like push-to-talk (PTT) walkie-talkie capabilities and a camera phone with MP3 player and video recorders. Reduced-rate evening and weekend calling. TracFone -- Simple pricing and easy to use; inexpensive phones, carry-over minutes, screen view of number of remaining minutes. Recommended by WirelessGuide.org for infrequent users like emergency users and seniors. Alltel Wireless -- Monthly or per-day plans may be a deal for frequent talkers; phones include Motorola Razr and Kyocera Slider Remix. Some plans offer unlimited text messaging and unlimited nights and weekends. Where prepaid users buy phones with prepackaged minutes: Nearly 60 percent at retail stores and 25 percent via the Internet. How prepaid users buy additional minutes: 36 percent buy a card at a local retailer and 36 percent buy through the provider's Web site. Major Carriers Traditional cell phone providers have done business mainly through long-term monthly contracts with customers. However, they also are now offering prepaid service to get a piece of this growing telecom market. Traditional providers with prepaid offerings include AT & T (formerly Cingular), T-Mobile and Verizon. Here are some strengths for each. —» AT & T GoPhone -- Large national network and flexibility of two plan types; Motorola phones offered; reduced-rate or unlimited nights and weekends with some plans. —» T-Mobile To Go -- Sidekick (with camera and keyboard) and Motorola phones, plus a wide array of phone features, including free incoming text and picture messaging and competitive pricing. Nokia phones with two plan options, "pay-by-the-day" and "pay-as-you-go" with refill minutes up to 1 year (1000 mins.) —» Verizon INpulse -- Same good quality and customer service as the traditional plans; large selection of phones including keyboard-equipped LG and Motorola; unlimited calling at night and to other Verizon phones. • How to buy a prepaid cell phone - Carriers, Providers • How to buy a prepaid cell phone - Advantages, Disadvantages, Plans, E-mail • How to buy a prepaid cell phone - How I did it. Real world experience Step by Step • How to buy a prepaid cell phone - SIM card • How to buy a prepaid cell phone - Details about Providers, Phones |
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