How Much is a SIM Card?
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About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
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About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison
Last updated on October 19th, 2023
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Are you wondering how much a SIM card costs?
In this guide, I'll cover what you can expect with the cost of SIM cards, including some of my top recommendations on how you can save money when buying a SIM card.
How much do SIM Cards cost?
A SIM card is a critical component of any cell phone because, without a SIM card, your phone couldn't make calls or use any data services.
But the real question remains: how much does a SIM card cost?
Well, it's not the actual SIM card that costs you money. Most carriers provide a free SIM card with their services. The cost comes from the cell phone plan that you choose, which with MVNOs, can range from around $10 up to $50 a month.
MVNO SIM cards
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are low-cost carriers offering affordable cell phone plans that operate on the same major networks; T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
This allows them to offer competitive rates on SIM card plans while still providing access to reliable network coverage.
Most MVNOs offer prepaid plans, although some, like Boost Infinite, are postpaid. This doesn't affect the cost of the SIM card, as it's the cell phone plan that you're paying for.
It's worth noting that some MVNOs may offer discounts or promotions on their plans. So it's always a great idea to check the latest deals online.
MVNO SIM cards vs. the big three
When it comes to the actual SIM cards from low-cost carriers compared to the big three, there isn't any difference. However, the main difference is the cost of the plans.
As with low-cost carriers, there is no charge for a SIM card. But with the major networks, going direct could set you back a minimum of $50-$60 a month for a plan.
SIM card cost FAQs
Yes, it is possible to get a free SIM card. In fact, most MVNOs don't charge for a SIM card; it's the plan that defines how much you'll pay.
Yes, in fact, MVNOs don't actually have brick-and-mortar buildings. This can be a convenient option if you want to save time and money and don't want to bother going to a physical store.
Recap
The cost of your SIM card will depend on the cell phone plan and carrier you choose.
Most low-cost carriers provide SIM cards free of charge, and they offer affordable plans starting from around $10 a month, with the same coverage from major networks.
SIM card FAQs
- SIM Card Sizes: SIM Compatibility Chart
- What is a SIM Card?
- What Does a SIM Card Do?
- SIM Cards: Everything you need to know
- How Much is a SIM Card?
- How to activate a new SIM card
- How to unlock a SIM card (without a PUK code)
- Where Can I Buy a SIM Card?
- How to insert a SIM card
- How to remove a SIM card
- How to replace a SIM card
- How to find a SIM card number
