No-contract cell phones have long had a bad reputation. They were difficult to use, requiring you to reload every month with minutes. Yet today, those concerns are a thing of the past. The newest no-contract cell phone plans can be the perfect way to save money without losing the phones, convenience, or features that you want most.
Here’s everything you need to know about no-contract cell phone plans.
Why Cell Phone Carriers Want You to Sign a Contract
We’ve all weighed the pros and cons of signing a cell phone service contract. Most of the pros, however, come directly from cell phone carriers. It’s obvious why cell phone carriers want you to sign a contract. Signing a contract commits you to a lengthy plan, helping the company secure your monthly payment for years to come.
On a 1- or 2-year contract, your carrier never needs to lower your bill or offer you any incentives to stay with their service. And anyone who’s ever tried to get out of a cell phone contract knows how difficult it is. There are hefty fines involved, not to mention a ton of paperwork.
While it’s obvious why cell phone carriers benefit from the contract system, it’s less obvious how customers benefit. You need to reconsider your traditional cell phone contract – having no contract removes your problems entirely. Not only can a no-contract plan save you money, it can also be more convenient and give you more phone and service options.
With a no-contract phone, sometimes called pay-as-you-go or prepaid, you choose a plan that suits your financial needs. And you don’t have to sacrifice anything at all.
No-Contract Phones Let You Keep Your Phone
If you’re worried about a no-contract plan, you’re thinking of the plans of years past. Early no-contract cell phone plans came with a small selection of outdated cheap phones and restrictions on everything from phone calls to text messages.
But today’s no-contract cell phones are completely different. You have more freedom. And you can use your existing phone or pick any new phone you want. On a no-contract cell phone plan, you don’t have to buy a brand-new network-specific phone. Already have a phone that’s paid for? You can continue to use it. Want the newest smartphone? On a no-contract carrier, you can pick up a new phone without signing away your money. You can even use a secondhand cell phone bought from a friend or a refurbished model from a local dealer.
Save Hundreds Without Sacrificing
The reality is contract cell phone plans cost more money. If you factor in the cost of monthly phone payments and service bills, the expenses increase even further. There are even fees included – activation fees, data overage fees, and termination fees. But you don’t need to pay these pricey fees if you want quality service and the best cell phones. You can cut costs with a no-contract cell phone plan.
If you’re looking for a minimalist plan with no data, which means you only use the phone to make calls, no-contract plans are incredibly cheap. You can find a plan for as little as $12 per month that includes text messages and ample phone minutes. If you need more of either, you can pay to access an upgrade. There are even cheaper options where you only pay for the minutes you use, which could run as low as $3 per month.
Need data? You’ll still save big. Most no-contract plans run about $40 per month for data, calling, and texting. These plans offer the same quality of coverage, data usage, and speed. You can easily save $300 per year – or more – without losing the perks of cell phone ownership you’ve come to know and appreciate.
How to Make the Switch
Making the switch to a no-contract cell phone plan is easier than you might think. That’s especially true if you’re at the end of your current contract and ready to move on. Keep in mind that in some cases, paying a termination fee to end your contract could still save you money.
Then, decide what kind of cell service you need. Is a talk and text plan perfect for you? Some people want a plan with data and Internet capabilities. You have many choices, so let budget and coverage area help you determine which no-contract options are best.
There’s no reason to stick with your current carrier. They’re charging you more, telling you it’ll be too expensive to leave. But if you want to save money on your cell phone coverage, you need to try a no-contract cell phone. These plans won’t tie you to a monthly payment, and they’re less expensive. With the option to keep your phone number, choose your phone, and enjoy the features and services you love, it’s no decision at all.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.
