Money Saving Pro believes everyone should be able to cut their bills and choose the best deal based on their individual requirements. While our site doesn't feature every carrier or provider available on the market, we're sure you'll be able to make significant savings from the information we provide and the free independent tools we create.
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* MoneySavingPro compares plans from numerous low-cost carriers in one place. We do our best to keep everything as up to date and accurate as possible but there may some discrepancies on the actual price you pay. We provide this free service to make it easier for you to switch to a cheaper carrier and save money.
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a removable memory chip that stores information unique to the cell phone user.
What does a Straight Talk SIM card do?
Cell phones need a SIM card in order to connect to a phone network in order to make calls.
How do I remove a Straight Talk SIM card from my phone?
The position of the access cover varies by phone but it’s usually on the side of the device. To remove the SIM card, use an eject tool or paper clip and push to release the SIM card tray.
How do I insert a Straight Talk SIM card into my phone?
The position of the access cover varies by phone but it’s usually on the side of the device. Place the new SIM card into the SIM card tray and slide the tray into your phone.
What SIM card size do I need?
There are 3 SIM card sizes: standard, micro and nano SIM. All phones released since 2014 (Apple iOS and Android) now support the nano SIM card. Older phones will require either the standard or micro SIM card but most MVNOs will send out a SIM card that can be adapted to all 3 sizes.
How much does a Straight Talk SIM card cost?
The cost of the Straight Talk SIM card varies between carriers. Typically, the cost is $4-5 but some carriers offer free SIM cards with their prepaid cell phone plans.
Where can I buy a new Straight Talk SIM card?
You can purchase a Straight Talk SIM card online or in a cell phone or electronics store.
How do I activate my new Straight Talk SIM card?
Activating your new Straight Talk SIM card is straight forward. When you receive your SIM card, contact the carrier and they will talk you through the activation process.
How do I configure my new Straight Talk SIM card?
You may need to adjust the APN settings on your phone. The carrier will help you with this during activation.
Will my device work with a Straight Talk SIM card from another carrier?
Any unlocked device with a Straight Talk SIM card slot should work. However, phone compatibility does vary by exact device and carrier, so it’s important to check that your phone is supported on the carrier website, prior to ordering a new SIM card.
Can I keep my phone number when I switch the SIM card?
Yes, it’s simple to transfer your phone number when you bring your phone to a new carrier.
Do these low-cost carriers provide cell phone coverage in my area?
Although you may not be familiar with some of the carriers, all MVNOs are powered by one or more of the 4 major networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint). Therefore, you should not experience any loss in service.
3 SIMple Steps to Switch & Save
1. Choose a Custom Plan
Don't pay for data you don't use
2. Bring Your Own Phone
Keep your phone & number
3. Insert SIM & Activate
Insert your new SIM card & activate
The Best Prices on the Best Networks
All low-cost carriers are powered by the major US networks
Low-cost carriers are perfect for anyone that is looking to save money on their cell phone plan, without compromising on coverage. Whether you're a family, senior, student, cord cutter, business owner or just a savvy consumer, there's a customized plan suitable for everyone.
How come I haven't heard of these low-cost carriers?
The reason these plans are so cheap is because the carriers are online only, which eliminates the majority of the costs that the big 4 have to cover. So you're only paying for cell phone service and not for shops with staff on every street corner and expensive marketing campaigns!
However, you'll still receive the same level of coverage that you're used to from the big 4 because the low-cost carriers use their networks.
How do I switch my carrier?
Switching to a low-cost carrier is smart, quick and simple. You don't have to buy a new phone, since you can bring your device to the new carrier. You can keep your old number. All you need to do is order a SIM card and once you have that, you can switch your phone service in as little as 2-3 minutes.
What network coverage will I get with a low-cost carrier?
All low-cost carriers use at least one of the big 4 networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint). So you will receive the same the network coverage as you would expect from signing up with the big 4 directly, just without the big prices!
Verizon Network: US Mobile, Twigby, Pix Wireless, Red Pocket
T-Mobile Network: US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Red Pocket, Ting
Sprint Network: Tello, Twigby, Ting, Red Pocket
AT&T Network: Red Pocket
Can I keep my phone number when I switch?
Yes! It's easy to port your existing phone number during the activation process.
Who should switch to a low-cost carrier?
Low-cost carriers are perfect for anyone that is looking to save money on their cell phone plan, without compromising on coverage. Whether you're a family, senior, student, cord cutter, business owner or just a savvy consumer, there's a customized plan suitable for everyone.
How come I haven't heard of these low-cost carriers?
The reason these plans are so cheap is because the carriers are online only, which eliminates the majority of the costs that the big 4 have to cover. So you're only paying for cell phone service and not for shops with staff on every street corner and expensive marketing campaigns!
However, you'll still receive the same level of coverage that you're used to from the big 4 because the low-cost carriers use their networks.
How do I switch my carrier?
Switching to a low-cost carrier is smart, quick and simple. You don't have to buy a new phone, since you can bring your device to the new carrier. You can keep your old number. All you need to do is order a SIM card and once you have that, you can switch your phone service in as little as 2-3 minutes.
What network coverage will I get with a low-cost carrier?
All low-cost carriers use at least one of the big 4 networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint). So you will receive the same the network coverage as you would expect from signing up with the big 4 directly, just without the big prices!
Verizon Network: US Mobile, Twigby, Pix Wireless, Red Pocket
T-Mobile Network: US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Red Pocket, Ting
Sprint Network: Tello, Twigby, Ting, Red Pocket
AT&T Network: Red Pocket
Can I keep my phone number when I switch?
Yes! It's easy to port your existing phone number during the activation process.
Can I bring my phone to the new carrier?
Yes! Almost all unlocked phones that have a SIM card slot will work with a low-cost carrier. If your phone is locked to a carrier you will need to contact your existing carrier to get it unlocked.
Is my device compatible with the new carrier?
AT&T and T-Mobile devices are generally GSM devices and Verizon and Sprint are generally CDMA devices. It is recommended that if you plan to bring your device to the new carrier, that you choose a carrier that operates on the same network. Although some devices, like newer iPhones are compatible with all networks, as they support both GSM and CDMA.
You can check your devices compatibility on the carrier website before you signup.
Is there a contract or credit check?
No. All low-cost carriers work on a prepaid month to month basis, meaning there is no commitment and you can switch carriers as often as you like. As the plans are prepaid, these low-cost carriers do not run a credit check.
Do low-cost carriers have unlimited data plans?
Yes! Some MVNO's such as US Mobile and Ultra Mobile offer unlimited data, talk & text plans. However, it's worth noting that the average data usage an unlimited data plan user is only 3-5GB. So be sure to only pay for data that you need.
Can I get a data only plan for my tablet or hotspot?
Yes, many low-cost carriers of cheap plans for tablet or hotspot devices, you can see our comparison here:
The networks available with each carrier various and is listed within our comparison tables.
Do low-cost carriers offer family plans?
The plans are already extremely so family plans as less common but some carriers do offer further discounts for multiple lines.
How does billing work?
These a prepaid plans, not contract plans, which means that you pay for 30 days when your plan starts, not afterwards. If you run low on data, talk or text you can recharge your balance with Top Ups. You can also switch on AutoPay to ensure you automatically renew your plan every 30 days.
Can I share my plan across multiple devices?
No. Each plan is for one line. And every device needs it's own line.
Can I tether my device and use it as a hotspot?
Yes, most low-carriers allow you to do this but it may depend on the plan you select, so you will need to check on the carriers website.
Does low-cost carriers offer international calling?
Yes, some carriers include calls to international countries. It depends on the carrier you choose but this information can be found on their website before you sign up.
What is the refund policy?
Most low-cost carriers offer a full refund within 7-14 days if you are not satisfied with the service. It depends on the carrier, so be sure to check this on their website.
