It can be hard to find the right cell phone plan. You need one that's compatible with your phone, has enough cellular data, and has all the features. Why not make it easier on yourself and buy a cell phone plan online?
There are plenty of advantages to buying a phone plan online, as opposed to in the store, and we'll walk you through them in this article.
No Waiting At The Store
Probably the most obvious advantage to buying a cell phone plan online is that you don't have to visit an actual store. Aside from the convenience of not having to leave the comfort of your home, this can also save you a lot of time.
It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour for a representative at the store to settle everything with your new plan. Now just imagine that you get to the store and there are three, four, or even five people ahead of you. It becomes an all-day event!
Buying a plan online saves you this hassle. You can find the best plan for you and your family without leaving the house or having to wait around for hours just to hear your options.
Exclusive Online Deals
Another benefit is access to exclusive offers. Most carriers offer special deals online that you can't get in the store.
They may not say it, but carriers want you to buy a phone plan online. The process has been streamlined to be fast and simple. With all the deals offered to customers digitally, buying a cell phone plan online is sure to save you time and money.
Low Activation Fees
When buying a phone plan in-store, most carriers charge activation fees. However, these same carriers will charge lower or even no activation fees online.
AT&T, for example, charges a $40 per line activation fee in-store. Online, they charge $0 per line. A family of five would save as much as $200 through purchasing online.
Explore AT&T's cell phone plans today!
Easy Comparisons
The internet makes comparing cell phone plans a breeze. Instead of going to three dozen different brick-and-mortar stores or websites to compare cell phone plans, you can do it all in one place: UpPhone.
Our cell phone plan comparison tool lets you compare phones and plans from every carrier side-by-side, all in one place. Head to our cell phone plan comparison tool to get started.
Not sure which carrier to choose? Take a look at our coverage maps to determine which carriers provide the best service in your area.
Data Transfer At Your Convenience
When you buy a cell phone plan in-store and want to trade in your device, you have to give it up on the spot. Buying a plan online gives you extra time to make sure that you've moved over all your important data.
Typically, carriers will send you the new phone in a box which you can use to return your old phone. Thankfully, there's no pressure to do so immediately. There's a window for the return in which you can be absolutely sure that you've transferred all your data before you send in the old device.
No Salespeople
When buying a cell phone plan online, you can take the time to decide on what you need. There's no pressure to buy any of the extra bells and whistles that the carriers offer.
In-store, however, a salesperson will likely try to persuade you to buy unnecessary insurance plans and accessories. Even if you go in knowing what you want, they may talk you into spending more than you anticipated.
One-On-One Setup Help
After you've purchased your plan, you may need additional help. You can get it online!
Apple, in particular, offers one-on-one video calls to assist in setup. That means there's no need to drive to the Apple Store and wait for hours just to set up something you've already bought.
We also have How-To and Fix articles that will help you learn more about your cell phone and plan!
Time For Checkout!
Buying a cell phone plan online can save you time and money. It makes the whole process of changing phone plans simple and stress-free. We hope you'll share this article on social media to teach your family and friends how they can save money by switching carriers.
Do you prefer shopping online or in the store? Let us know in the comments below!
