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.
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Looking for a free SIM card? The cheapest cell phone plans with a SIM card are with low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the three major US networks, so there's no compromise on your coverage, but their plans are half the cost.
There's also no commitment. With no contracts or credit checks you're free to cancel without the worry of an early termination fee.
MVNOs have a variety of plans for all needs and budgets and we've broken down the options to help you find your perfect deal below.
MVNOs - or Mobile Virtual Network Operator - are the best route to go down for cheap cell phone plans. By hopping onto one of the major networks prepaid SIMs offer the same great service you trust but at half the cost. You get greater flexibility, can keep your phone and number and no long contracts to keep you tied down.
The best thing? No catch. As MVNO's are online carriers they don't have the overhead costs of a physical store. As long as you are comfortable dealing with everything online. We think this is a win-win.
National coverage from big networks
Fast 4G LTE and 5G data speeds
Keep your existing phone and number
Customize your plan to your data usage - most of us use 3GB per month
There are three different SIM card sizes in the various Apple iPhone models. Each has an adapter in case you want to switch to a phone with an incompatible SIM Card slot.
Standard SIM Card - The original SIM Card size is similar to any card in your wallet. However, if you want to transfer your data to a new phone, you can take out a small portion of the SIM card to insert into another iPhone. The original iPhone along with the older iPhone 3G and 3GS all use the original SIM Card, according to Apple.
Micro SIM Card - Micro SIM Cards were introduced with the iPhone 4 in 2010. The Micro SIM is also used in the iPhone 4s. The Micro SIM Card size is small compared to the original SIM card but not quite as small as the Nano SIM card.
Nano SIM Card - Nano SIM Cards are the smallest SIM cards that came out in the iPhone 5 in 2013. The cards have been in every iPhone since, all the way up to the iPhone 7 Plus.
To remove the SIM card from your cell phone all you need is the SIM card remover tool provided to you when you bought your phone, or a small paper clip.
If using the paperclip, unfold it and gently insert the end into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.
Press gently until the SIM tray pops up, you do not need to use much pressure.
Pull the SIM tray out gently, be careful the SIM card does not fall out.
Swap your SIM card over, making sure you have aligned the SIM in the correct position.
Re-insert the SIM tray into the phone.
Free SIM card FAQs
What is a SIM card?
A SIM card - or subscriber identity module card - is where your phone information is stored.
How much is a prepaid plan with a free SIM card?
Prepaid SIM card plans start at $10 per month depending on the carrier and data plan.
What size SIM card do I need?
There are three types of SIM cards available; Nano SIM, micro SIM, and standard. The Nano SIM is the most common and is used for all the latest smartphones.
Where can I get a free SIM card?
You can get a free SIM card online when you switch to a cheap prepaid carrier.
Recap
MVNOs offer the cheapest cell phone plans, with such a wide variety there's something for everyone.
Operating on the same three major networks, a SIM card from a low-cost carrier doesn't mean compromising on quality. They offer many of the same perks including unlimited data, international calls, and mobile hotspot use.
Finding the best cell phone coverage for your area is easy using your ZIP code, so you can make sure you find a SIM card with the best carrier for you.
