Cell phone bills can get high, and if yours is becoming too expensive, you're not alone. There are a lot of ways you can lower your cell phone bill, including switching plans, setting up AutoPay, and much more. In this article, I'll explain the ways you can save money to reduce your cell phone bill.
Give Up Your Unlimited Data Plan
Unlimited data plans can get pricey, and it's likely that you don't need one. According to a 2018 study, the average person uses less than 6 GB per month. Though this number is likely to have grown in two years, it is nowhere near the 23 GB standard cap for 4G LTE plans. It's better to get a prepaid plan, which offers similar options, just with a lower high-speed data cap!
Sign Up Online To Avoid Activation Fees
An activation fee is when you're charged by your carrier for “activating” your phone on their network. Normally these fees aren't advertised and can take you by surprise if you're not expecting them. Activation fees can be as high as $45.
Sometimes, wireless carriers will waive activation fees when you sign up for a new plan online. Check out our cell phone plan comparison tool to find a better plan today!
Get Rid Of Your Phone Insurance
Phone insurance through your wireless carrier simply isn't worth the price. Your phone insurance increases your monthly bill, and you'll still have to pay a deductible if your phone breaks. To save money, swap out your phone insurance for a more dependable case with raised edges to protect your phone.
Put Your Entire Family On One Plan
Most carriers offer multi-line discounts, helping you save money when you put your entire family on one plan. This also makes it easier for you to manage your cell phone bill, as you don't have to pay several different bills every money.
Carriers either offer flat discounts, a discount at initial payment, or discounts per-line, where you save more money the more lines you add to your plan. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T all offer multi-line discounts for their family plans. We recommend Verizon's 5 GB Prepaid Plan with the multi-line discount!
Sign Up For AutoPay & Paperless Billing
With most plans, you can save $5 per month on your bill by enrolling in AutoPay and Paperless billing. This also saves you the trouble of having to remember to pay your bill. Verizon, T-Mobile, and many more carriers offer AutoPay discounts.
Switch Carriers
If your current plan is too expensive and the suggestions above don't give you the discount you were looking for, consider switching carriers! Carriers want you to switch to their network, so they'll often offer great deals. If this sounds like it could work for you, check out our comparison tool to help make your decision easier.
Avoid Plans With Overage Charges
Overage charges are fees accrued when you exceed your high-speed data cap. These are mostly a thing of the past, as carriers now usually throttle your speeds instead. Double-check your plan to see if it includes overage charges. If it does, we strongly recommending switching to a more modern plan!
Cell Phone Bill: Lowered!
You're now prepared to save a lot of money on your monthly cell phone bill. Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family how they can reduce their cell phone bill too. Feel free to leave any other questions you have in the comments section below!