You served your country and now you're adjusting to civilian life. You're not alone! Recent surveys show that there are over 18.2 million veterans in the United States, and many companies offer great for veterans, active military members, and their families. One of those kinds of perks that many veterans get is a lower-priced cell phone plan.
With so many cell phone carriers out there and several plan options for each company, how can you know you're getting the best price? We checked every wireless carrier's website to find out who has the best cell phone plans for veterans. In this article, we'll tell you about your best options.
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
The use of cell phones has continued to increase since their invention in the 1980s. Surveys in 2019 show that about 96% of American adults use cell phones and 81% use a smartphone of some kind.
Since there are so many people with cell phones, how many of those customers get military discounts? For the most part, any active duty service members, reserve soldiers, and veterans of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, or any other branch of the military qualify for military and veteran discounts offered by private companies. Some companies will ask that you show proof of your affiliation, but other companies will give you discounts without verifying.
Spouses and family members can sometimes also take advantage of military discounts too. There's no harm in asking if the company would mind extending their military discount to the dependents of servicemen or veterans. Discounts usually don't extend to non-dependent family members.
Best Cell Phone Plans for Veterans
When you go to look at phone plans for military veterans, you should take more than price into account. Make sure the carrier you're considering has good coverage where you live. A cell phone plan isn't very useful if you never have signal.
If you already have a phone, and you'd like to keep it when you switch, make sure your new carrier allows you to bring your own phone. Most carriers do these days, so long as your phone is compatible with their network.
Below, we'll discuss the best cell phone plans for veterans!
Verizon Unlimited Military Plans
One of our favorite cell phone plans for veterans is from Verizon. This wireless carrier has the highest-rated nationwide network, so you don't have to worry about cell coverage if you go off the beaten path.
Verizon's Unlimited Military plans give veterans and active military members a $10 / month discount on the Start Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited Plans.
Start Unlimited
Start Unlimited is Verizon's cheapest unlimited data plan. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data as well as six months of Disney+ and Apple Music. Video streams in 480p and you'll have access to Verizon Up Rewards. Mobile hotspot and 5G access are not included with this plan.
Play More Unlimited
Play More is our favorite Verizon Unlimited Plan. It includes unlimited minutes, messages, and data as well as 15 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot, six months of Apple Music, and a subscription to ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.
Do More Unlimited
Verizon's Do More Unlimited Plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data plus 5G network access and 600 GB of cloud storage. On top of that, you'll receive a six-month subscription to:
- Apple Music
- Hulu
- ESPN+
- Disney+
Get More Unlimited
Get More is Verizon's premium unlimited plan. It includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, 75 GB of 4G LTE data, 30 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot, 5G access, and much more. Although this is Verizon's most expensive plan, you can drastically bring the price down with your veteran's discount and Autopay and Paperless Billing discount.
T-Mobile Magenta Military Plan
T-Mobile's Magenta Military Plan is one of the best options for military families. You can get a second line at $25 / month and only $10 / month after that.
The Magenta Military Plan includes unlimited minutes, messages, and data. Your data speeds won't be throttled until you've used 50 GB. This plan also includes unlimited 3G mobile hotspot, a basic Netflix subscription, and access to T-Mobile Tuesdays.
Unlike other carriers, T-Mobile allows you to add non-dependents onto your plan. T-Mobile will also buy you out of your current contract if you're switching from a different carrier.
AT&T Unlimited Military Plans
Like Verizon, AT&T offers discounts on their existing Unlimited plans to veterans. Veterans can get a 25% discount the Unlimited Starter, Unlimited Extra, or Unlimited Elite Plan.
Unlimited Starter
Unlimited Starter is AT&T's least expensive unlimited data plan, and it gets even cheaper when you apply your veteran's discount. This plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, unlimited data, 5G network access, and excellent international features. The main drawbacks of this plan are its standard definition video streaming and lack of mobile hotspot.
Unlimited Extra
Unlimited Extra is AT&T's middle-tier unlimited plan. On top of unlimited talk, text, and data, you get 15 GB of high-speed mobile hotspot, 5G access, international features, and enhanced mobile security.
Unlimited Elite
AT&T Unlimited Elite is the carrier's premium unlimited plan, but the price really drops after your veteran's discount is add. This plan includes a high-speed data cap of 100 GB, 30 GB of mobile hotspot per line, 5G access, HD video streaming, an HBO Max subscription, and much more.
U.S. Cellular Discount For Veterans
While there isn't a specific U.S. Cellular cell phone plan for veterans, but they do offer a 15% military discount on all their plans. You can apply the discount for both individual as well as family plans, but for the Shared Connect plans, the 15% discount applies only to the monthly data charge.
Boost Mobile
Though Boost Mobile doesn't offer a discounted rate for members of the military, they do offer a great option for active service members. You can get your service charges and reactivation fees while you're overseas when you enroll in the Deployed Military Program. It's like a pause button for your cell phone plan!
Time To Save Money!
We hope this article helped you find a great deal on a cell phone plan for you and your family. Make sure to share it with your friends and family to teach them about the best cell phone plans for veterans. Leave a comment down below if you have any further questions about phone plans for veterans.
