If you’ve been locked into long term contract after contract and find that your phone bills end up being too high, you might want to consider purchasing a prepaid cell phone. Prepaid phones can be ideal for a number of situations. They are available to those with less than perfect credit, and are well suited to consumers who don’t spend too much time on the phone. These prepaid options may also offer lower international rates, and are good starter phones for teenagers. It’s worth taking a closer look at how prepaid phones work and whether they could be a good fit for your needs.
What is a Prepaid Phone?
Essentially, a prepaid mobile phone provides all of the services that you would expect from a regular phone, including texting and phone calls. Rather than signing up for an annual contract, however, you simply pay ahead of time for a certain amount of minutes and data. Prepaid phones are available from a number of outlets, including major electronics or retail stores. When you run out of minutes, you simply top up your phone or stop using it.
Pay-as-you-Go vs. Monthly Contract
There are many different prepaid phone plans, so it can be a bit confusing if you have no experience with them. Generally, you’ll be able to choose a phone with as many features as you desire, and either sign up for a pay-as-you-go or monthly plan. Pay-as-you-go phones may require a minimum amount of money to be spent in order to keep them activated, while monthly contracts will charge you a low monthly fee. These may automatically give you a certain number of minutes each month in exchange for the fee, which falls somewhere in the middle between a pay-as-you-go deal and a regular phone contract. It’s a good idea to think about how often you plan on using your phone, and looking at all options carefully.
Advantages of Prepaid Phones
There are many situations in which it makes sense to consider a prepaid cell phone. One of the major advantages that they offer is freedom and complete control over your usage. Rather than being stuck with a certain number of minutes you are unlikely to use, you can pick and choose when you need more time. You can also switch phones whenever you like. Prepaid phone plans are popular among parents with teenagers, because they keep children from running up the family phone bill on late night gab sessions. No credit check is required for a prepaid phone, so they are a good fit for young people without an established credit history or those with less than perfect credit.
These plans are also ideal for international calling. You can make cheap calls to India from Lebara mobile using prepaid plans, along with other destinations. Many international mobile providers offer prepaid SIM cards, which can provide the lowest possible rates. Using a prepaid plan to make cheap calls to USA from Lebara mobile or other providers can ensure that you aren’t hit with any surprise fees at the end of the month. Even short international calls can really add up, but by prepaying you know exactly what to expect.
In terms of freedom and options, prepaid phones can be an ideal fit for many consumers. It’s worth looking beyond the long-term contracts to see what else is out there.
