FAQs
Pay as you go minutes or daily rates can last for 30 days or up to a year, depending upon the brand. Prepaid cell plans are usually monthly rates without a contract. However, sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, since you also "pre-pay" for minutes plans.
What is a prepaid no contract phone? ›
Buying a prepaid phone.
Enjoy the freedom of a no-contract, prepaid cell phone from one of many top brands that is conveniently paid for as you go. By paying for a specific amount of data usage and talk minutes in advance, you know exactly how much is allotted on your device.
What is the difference between a contract phone plan and a prepaid phone? ›
Prepaid plans require you to pay up front for your service, while most post-paid plans will issue a bill at the end of the month.
What are pay as you go phone plans? ›
When you choose a pay-as-you-go prepaid service, you receive a credit for your cellular service. Any phone calls, text messages, or data that you use are deducted from that credit. You only pay for what you intend to use. Once you run out of credit, you can't make phone calls, send text messages, or use your data.
What is the downside to a prepaid phone? ›
Here are some other disadvantages with prepaid cell phones. Expiring minutes and service: The minutes you buy for your prepaid cell phone may come with an expiration date of 30 or 90 days. If so, you'll lose them if you don't use them by then. You also may need to buy minutes regularly to extend the activation period.
Do you need a SIM card for a pay as you go phone? ›
The customer pays the same amount each month, either with account credit or a registered payment card. There are two ways of using Pay as you go: Buying a phone with a Pay as you go SIM card. If you already have an unlocked phone, getting a Pay as you go SIM card on its own.
Can you text on prepaid phones? ›
Furthermore, most phones come with a prepaid SIM card. As long as you have credit in the SIM, you can use the phone. Generally, burner phones are like any other feature phone you can use for calls and text messaging.
Can prepaid phones be tracked? ›
Technical Feasibility: Yes, it is technically possible to track prepaid phones. All cell phones, regardless of their payment method, communicate with cell towers to provide service. This allows for the triangulation of a phone's location based on signal strength from nearby towers.
Do prepaid phones come with a phone number? ›
Normally a prepaid phone will include a SIM which has a phone number and an amount of prepaid credit. The phone is merely a device which powers a SIM allowing it to connect to the mobile network.
Are prepaid phones burner phones? ›
All burner phones are prepaid phones, but not all prepaid phones are burners. What sets a burner apart is that you will not have to give away any personal information to get one, and it won't be traceable back to you. Also, it will be cheap enough to be trashed after use.
Postpaid phone plans may be what most people use, but prepaid plans are often the best deal. Not only do they have lower monthly rates, but they also don't tempt you with lengthy financing agreements. And if your credit score isn't the best, that's no problem.
Is it better to have a contract or pay as you go phone? ›
The cost for individual texts and calls is usually more expensive on a pay as you go deal though, and data is too. You'll also need to own an unlocked phone to make PAYG worth it, otherwise, you'll need to pay for a new phone. With a mobile contract, the cost of a new phone is spread out over the length of it instead.
What is the difference between a prepaid phone and pay-as-you-go? ›
When you opt for prepaid service, you're only committed to it for the amount of service you purchase ahead of time. You pay as you go, and if you miss a payment, your phone service is made unavailable. Your account may remain for some time, however, so you can return to the service when your funds allow.
Is a go phone the same as a prepaid phone? ›
A prepaid mobile device, also known as a pay-as-you-go (PAYG), pay-as-you-talk, pay and go, go-phone, prepay, or burner phone, is a mobile device such as a phone for which credit is purchased in advance of service use.
How do pay-as-you-go cell phones work? ›
Prepaid wireless service, also known as pay-as-you-go, lets you pay in advance for your monthly service charges. There are no annual contracts or credit checks, and because you pay for your wireless plan upfront, you'll know exactly what your monthly charges are.
Is pay as you go the same as prepaid? ›
Prepayment, sometimes called pay as you go, lets you pay for your energy in small amounts. If you have a smart meter, your supplier can switch your meter from paying by credit to prepayment remotely. If you have an old-style credit meter, you can swap it for a smart meter in prepayment mode.
What are the disadvantages of pay as you go phones? ›
Disadvantages
- Whenever you use up all your credit, you'll need to top-up again to keep using your favourite services.
- You won't always have access to the same subscriptions or services that you get with long-term contract phones.
- You'll need to own a phone already or pay for a new one.
4 Cons of prepaid plans
You may also miss out on some perks, such as free streaming, roaming, or hotspot. You may also have to pay upfront for your phone or device, or use an unlocked one that is compatible with your carrier. You may also have to deal with lower customer service or support.
