In today’s world of communication technology, there is a lot to consider before investing in a cell phone plan. With a multitude of carriers offering dozens of options, it’s not always easy to isolate the package of the many that best suits your needs. Sometimes major options aren’t available to people who are inhibited by particular circumstances, such as poor credit or other types of financial constraints. In cases like these, prepaid cell phones can be the proverbial lifesaver. However, you don’t have to be financially restricted to consider a prepaid wireless plan. Many people choose to buy this type of service to avoid contracts that would force them to contract services for a certain amount of time and money.

As with anything else in this world, there are positives and negatives that are attached to the option of a “pay as you go” cell phone. Depending on your needs, priorities, and preferences, you may find that the prepaid time option is the best cell phone plan for you.

PROS

  • Unlike more standardized cell phone packages, prepaid wireless plans don’t require you to sign a contract.
  • Since you must pay for the minutes you use in advance, there is no monthly bill that fits your budget.
  • For those who suffer from poor credit, there are a number of cell phone providers that offer a “no credit check” cell phone option.
  • You’ll often be able to find cell phone deals that don’t require a deposit to get a phone and buy minutes.
  • If you have teenagers or younger children who will need a cell phone to stay in touch with you throughout the day, prepaid cell phones are a great option, as there is no age requirement to purchase minutes. Parents simply buy the phone and their children can buy the minutes they need at most local convenience stores, department stores or pharmacies.
  • Unlike most cell phone deals, there are no hidden fees added to cell phone carriers that offer the prepaid option. Since everything is paid for up front, you save on taxes as well as activation fees and termination fees. Basically, it’s a price to buy the minutes, without the extra charges hanging over your head.

CONS

  • When you buy a specific number of minutes for your phone, the device no longer works once the time has been used up. In some cases, you will need to apply for a new phone number if the minutes have been reset or the time in which you have to use them has expired.
  • If you opt for a prepaid cell phone, then you can say “goodbye” to the idea of ​​cheap long distance calls. The fact is, prepaid minutes average twice the price of conventional calling plans.
  • While you may be able to find some cell phone specials for your prepaid unit, you’re more likely to find that you won’t be entitled to many of the services standard cell phone users enjoy. For example, don’t expect to have wireless Internet access or be able to use your phone in analog areas. Even if you have access to special services, you will have to pay much more for them.
  • Real phones are usually much more expensive, as cell phone companies are not as inclined to offer as many deals for the prepaid variety.
  • If you have young children who need to carry a cell phone, they will need to learn how to activate a prepaid phone card, if circumstances require it and an adult is not present to assist them.

Prepaid cell phone operators

Depending on your location, there are often several options for cell phone carriers that will provide prepaid phones and services. First, you’ll need to decide which type of service is best for you: buy a phone through a carrier and then commit to buying minutes from them within a designated period of time, or buy the type of cell phone that allows you to simply buy cards with a specific number of minutes each time you need to add time to your phone. Here are some to consider:

  • Cingular Wireless: Offering two options for prepaid cell phone customers (pay as you go or choose your plan), Cingular requires no credit check, no deposit, and no annual contract. Depending on the plan you choose, you may receive unlimited calling to other Cingular customers, free night and weekend minutes, or the ability to roll over unused minutes to the next month.
  • TracFone: After purchasing the phone, which is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most local department stores or online, consumers can purchase cards that offer a designated number of minutes (usually 40, 100, 200, etc. ) to use within a certain amount of time. Time can be added whenever you like, which will then extend the expiration date to match the most recent purchase. If the minutes are less than 10 and you are close to the expiration date, or if you pass the expiration date without purchasing additional minutes, then you should expect to lose your phone number and have to reactivate service and have a new number assigned. .
  • Verizon – This carrier offers prepaid phone cards and prepaid personal accounts, giving you a little more choice than some of its competitors. Customers cannot enjoy monthly rates, universal rates, weekly surcharges or short minute penalties, and minutes can be purchased online. Verizon also gives you the benefit of viewing your call history online.

Are prepaid cell phones the best option?

Whether or not to commit to a prepaid cell phone really depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you don’t want to be tied into an ironclad contract, run a credit check, provide a security deposit, or pay a flat monthly fee, then you may want to stick with a prepaid cell phone. If, on the other hand, you want the security of no expiration dates, the ability to use as many minutes as you need without constantly buying new cards, or special offers like free night/weekend minutes, then a standard cell phone plan it’s probably more in line with what you’re looking for, after all.