Best No Contract Cell Phone

[jenanderson]

After reading some of the posts here and searching just a bit...I think we are spending way too much for our pre-paid cell phone service.

Currently we are using Virgin Mobile. My DD's phone has unlimited texting that costs us $19.99 per month plus we have to pay $.10 per minute for her calls (these are VERY minimal). My phone usage seems to be much higher than when we first chose this route and now my cell phone usage is close to $40 per month ($.25 per minute with no plan). My DH's phone runs us about $10 per month ($.25 per minute with no plan). So, when you add it up...we are now close to $70 per month for 3 phones.

DH needs a new phone so I am debating what to do...I know for sure that we do not want a contract plan but know there are many plans out there that do not require a contract. I would love to hear some opinions on good plans...especially if there are ones where I could set up 3 phones under one account (I know they would have their own charges but it would be helpful if I was not logging into different accounts to keep track of each phone).

Here are the needs for our family:
1 - DD (13) unlimited texting is a must. She has a really nice phone that she got at the start of the school year and I realize I would probably have to get her a new one if we change plans (more money I know because hers has a keyboard, camera, etc.).

2 - DH just needs a minimal amount of phone call minutes. He has a phone that no longer holds a charge and is very old so we know we need to get him a new (basic) phone.

3 - Me - I need a decent amount of phone call minutes. Would love to have some texting abilities that did not cost me so much. My phone is basic but works. It only cost me $20 last winter so I would not feel bad getting a new one.

Thanks for anyone who helps us figure out how to meet our cell phone needs at a lower cost!

Jen

 

[Mom2Ben02]

Here is a GREAT thread on Slickdeals - http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1593646

Basically, you use a verizon prepaid phone ($20 at Target) and your service is on the verizon network, but through pageplus. Here is a link to the "plans" they have - http://www.keithwireless.com/cards?pricing=howardforums

My husband just got the $23 card for 300 minutes - that will last him at least 2 months. It is only 7.8 cents per minute, with no "daily" charge!! That is awesome, in my book.

I will be switching to them in April - unlimited talk & text is only $36.40/mo - and that is IT - no taxes added on.

 

[plummer925]

I use Straight Talk www.straighttalk.com - it's a Tracfone company. For $45 per month you get UNLIMITED minutes, texts AND internet with it (you do have to buy a phone though - my phone was $29 with free shipping). No contract.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Here is a GREAT thread on Slickdeals - http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1593646

Basically, you use a verizon prepaid phone ($20 at Target) and your service is on the verizon network, but through pageplus. Here is a link to the "plans" they have - http://www.keithwireless.com/cards?pricing=howardforums

My husband just got the $23 card for 300 minutes - that will last him at least 2 months. It is only 7.8 cents per minute, with no "daily" charge!! That is awesome, in my book.

I will be switching to them in April - unlimited talk & text is only $36.40/mo - and that is IT - no taxes added on.

While Page Plus is a good company beware of the Verizon phone you buy. You have to be able to know how to unlock it to work with Page plus. Some reps are great some not so much.

 

[jenanderson]

Thanks for the information!

I am not sure that either one of these really help us any...the unlimited texting is only a few cents cheaper than what DD already has. The plan with Straight Talk is a bit more than what I already pay...although it is a lot more than I am getting right now. The deal with page plus might be good for DH.

I think I need to get some spreadsheets going to help us really see how many minutes we each have been using versus what is out there, especially since I would be factoring in the cost of new phones. I would love to find a plan that actually saved us a bit since the cell phones are a luxury and I really could cut back if needed.

Thanks everyone and I would love it if other have new ideas or want to speak up for either of these as well!

 

[ilovedale3]

I am interested in everyone's opinion on this as well. I've been looking at StraightTalk, but it seems that there are lots of negative reviews out there about their customer service and their mobile web service (no matter the phone model).

Is it worth it?

 

[Toots]

Our family of 3 is evaluating our prepaid plan as well. We've been using Tracfone for almost 5 years with no complaints. My husband's doesn't use many minutes and a yearly plan of $99.00 (8.25/month) works great for him. I use approximately 200 minutes per month and the average cost is about $13.00 per month. We all have double minute phones and always try to use a promo code when adding minutes. Texting is .3/minute.

Our 16 yr. old son is going through the minutes though. Last night I added minutes to his phone and spent $40 for 460 minutes that will probably only last him a month. I'm considering switching him over to Straight Talk for $30/month (all taxes/fees included). You get 1000 minutes of talk and 1000 minutes of text. I'm stalling however, due to negative comments I've read about porting phone numbers.

We've also considered the Virgin Mobile plan with unlimited texting. I'm just not sure how much time my son will spend talking at the $.10/per minute rate.

Jen, your $70 a month might be tough to beat. Tracfone is very reasonable if you don't use many minutes per month. We were averaging about $50/month for three phones, but now our son is burning through the minutes with all his texting.

It seems the prepaid market is changing and more plans are being offered. I think you're wise to look at all the options.