By Rob Webber - Last updated on
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Where to buy a SIM card in Chicago
Best cheap prepaid SIM card in Chicago
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10
This Tello SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 0GB SIM card | 0GB | $8 |
Tello 1GB SIM card | 1GB | $10 |
Tello 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $14 |
Tello 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $19 |
Tello 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $24 |
Tello Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $29 |
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Best unlimited data SIM card in Chicago
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30** Only $90 for 3 Months
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for $30 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15* * Only $45 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20* * Only $60 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $25* * Only $75 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $30* * Only $90 for 3 Months |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Best SIM card for Apple watch in Chicago
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15** Only $45 for 3 Months
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for $15 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15* * Only $45 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20* * Only $60 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $25* * Only $75 for 3 Months |
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $30* * Only $90 for 3 Months |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Best SIM card for smartwatches in Chicago
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20* FREE 10-Day Trial
This US Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for $20 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 500MB SIM card | 500MB | $5 | ||
US Mobile 0GB SIM card | 0GB | $8 | ||
US Mobile 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $12 | ||
US Mobile 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 25GB SIM card | 25GB | $25 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $35 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $45 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Prepaid SIM card benefits
Purchasing the best prepaid SIM card separately can help cut the cost of your cell phone bill. And there are plenty of benefits to choosing prepaid phone plans from a low-cost carrier.
- Lower prices: Offering the best value for money you could save up to $600 a year on the best GSM SIM card and the best CDMA SIM card deals from MVNOs.
- Same great coverage: Low-cost carriers are powered by the same US networks, so whether you're looking for an AT&T prepaid SIM card, Verizon prepaid SIM card, or a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card you'll find plenty of options available.
- No annual contracts: There are no long-term contracts, so you have the freedom and flexibility to amend your plan or change carriers should your needs change. All without any early termination fees.
- Affordable upgrades: Low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile offer affordable phone and SIM card bundles or the option to purchase prepaid phones if you're looking to upgrade.
- 4G LTE data speeds: You'll receive the same nationwide coverage with LTE 4G data speeds from the main US networks.
- 5G network: If you're looking for access to the fast 5G network, and have a compatible phone, MVNOs offer the best 5G SIM card deals.
- iPhones: If you don't want to upgrade you can save money by getting the best iPhone SIM card that's compatible with your current iPhone.
- Samsung phones: Save money on the best Samsung SIM card for your Samsung phone without having to buy the latest handset.
- Smart watches: It's not just SIM cards for phones, there's a range of the best SIM card for Smartwatch deals.
- Unlimited data: If it's a must-have, you can get unlimited by choosing from the best unlimited data SIM card that offers unlimited calls, texts, and data.
- Mobile hotspot data: When you're away from home and need to connect to the internet an AT&T data SIM card, Verizon data SIM card, or T-Mobile data SIM card can give you peace of mind and help you stay connected even when there's no Wi-Fi.
- Order online: MVNOs are online-based, so you can order your free SIM card starter kit and have it delivered straight to your door.
Best T-Mobile SIM card in Chicago
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: T-Mobile prepaid SIM cards
Best Verizon SIM card in Chicago
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
Powered by: Verizon
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: Verizon prepaid SIM cards
Best AT&T SIM card in Chicago
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
6GB
4G/5G data
$25/mo*
Powered by: AT&T
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 6GB | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Compare: AT&T prepaid SIM cards
Prepaid SIM card carrier features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Best cheap prepaid SIM cards in Chicago
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP |
| Boost Mobile 5GB plan | 5GB | AT&T & T-Mobile | $5/mo** 66% Off for 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months |
Carrier coverage in Chicago
Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.
Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.
Network performance ratings
Source: Rootmetrics
Prepaid carrier customer service
It's a myth that customer care is worse with an alternative carrier. On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks. Take a look at the comparison chart here to see what we're getting at.
SIM card sizes
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
How to remove a SIM card
To remove the SIM card from your Apple iPhone 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 iPhone.
Cell phone stores in Chicago, IL
| Address |
|---|
| T-Mobile - 100 W Randolph , Ste 106 And 107, Chicago, IL 60601 |
| T-Mobile - 129 N Wabash , Chicago, IL 60602 |
| T-Mobile - 36 S. State Street , Chicago, IL 60603 |
| T-Mobile - 1236 S Canal St , Chicago, IL 60607 |
| T-Mobile - 606 West Roosevelt Road , Chicago, IL 60607 |
| T-Mobile - 3150 S Ashland Ave , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 1429 West 18th St , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 3016 S Halsted , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 1600 W. 13th Street , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 2509 W Cermak Rd , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 2400 W Cermak Rd , Chicago, IL 60608 |
| T-Mobile - 4309 South Ashland Ave , Chicago, IL 60609 |
| T-Mobile - 5401 S Wentworth Avenue , Unit 200, Chicago, IL 60609 |
| T-Mobile - 700 N. Michigan Ave. , Chicago, IL 60611 |
| T-Mobile - 1958 W Irving Park Rd , Chicago, IL 60613 |
| T-Mobile - 2744 North Clark Street , Chicago, IL 60614 |
| T-Mobile - 1406 E 53rd St , Chicago, IL 60615 |
| T-Mobile - 3367 S Martin Luther King Dr , Chicago, IL 60616 |
| T-Mobile - 2153 S China Pl , Ste A, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| T-Mobile - 3637 E 106th St , Chicago, IL 60617 |
| T-Mobile - 2002 E 95th St , Chicago, IL 60617 |
| T-Mobile - 2859 N. Milwaukee Ave , T-6, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| T-Mobile - 2911 W Addison , T-6, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| T-Mobile - 3951 N Kimball , T-6, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| T-Mobile - 1515 E 87th St , Chicago, IL 60619 |
| T-Mobile - 752 E 79th St , Chicago, IL 60619 |
| T-Mobile - 51 W 87th St , Chicago, IL 60620 |
| T-Mobile - 1300 N Ashland Avenue , Suite 120, Chicago, IL 60622 |
| T-Mobile - 3352 W 26th St , Chicago, IL 60623 |
| T-Mobile - 3358 W Lawrence Ave , Chicago, IL 60625 |
| T-Mobile - 4900 N Western Ave , Chicago, IL 60625 |
| T-Mobile - 4706 N Kimball Ave , Chicago, IL 60625 |
| T-Mobile - 6466 N Sheridan Rd , Ste F, Chicago, IL 60626 |
| T-Mobile - 1751 W Howard St , Ste F, Chicago, IL 60626 |
| T-Mobile - 300 E 103rd St , Chicago, IL 60628 |
| T-Mobile - 5823 S Kedzie Ave , Chicago, IL 60629 |
| T-Mobile - 5521 S Kedzie Avenue , Chicago, IL 60629 |
| T-Mobile - 7250 S Cicero Avenue , Chicago, IL 60629 |
| T-Mobile - 6630 S Pulaski Rd , Chicago, IL 60629 |
| T-Mobile - 5546 N. Milwaukee Ave , Chicago, IL 60630 |
| T-Mobile - 5316 N Milwaukee Ave , #8, Chicago, IL 60630 |
| T-Mobile - 4830 N. Pulaski Rd. , Suite 106, Chicago, IL 60630 |
| T-Mobile - 5123 S Pulaski Rd , Chicago, IL 60632 |
| T-Mobile - 4612 S Kedzie Ave , Chicago, IL 60632 |
| T-Mobile - 3924 S Archer Ave , Chicago, IL 60632 |
| T-Mobile - 4654 S Pulaski Rd , Chicago, IL 60632 |
| T-Mobile - 7211 W Irving Park Rd , Unit B, Chicago, IL 60634 |
| T-Mobile - 5757 W Belmont Ave , Chicago, IL 60634 |
| T-Mobile - 7309 W Irving Park Rd , Chicago, IL 60634 |
| T-Mobile - 5897 S. Archer Ave. , Chicago, IL 60638 |
| T-Mobile - 1945 N. Cicero Ave. , Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 2620 N Narragensett Ave , Suite B-5, Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 4000 West Fullerton , Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 4851 W North Ave , Suite B-5, Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 5224 W North Ave , Suite B-5, Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 5355 West Diversey , Suite B-5, Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 4604 W Diversey Ave , Chicago, IL 60639 |
| T-Mobile - 4714 N. Broadway , Chicago, IL 60640 |
| T-Mobile - 5438 N Clark Street , Chicago, IL 60640 |
| T-Mobile - 1973 W Lawrence Ave , Chicago, IL 60640 |
| T-Mobile - 4809 W.irving Park Rd , Chicago, IL 60641 |
| T-Mobile - 4001 W Montrose Ave , Chicago, IL 60641 |
| T-Mobile - 1550 W. Chicago Ave , Chicago, IL 60642 |
| T-Mobile - 824 W North Avenue , Chicago, IL 60642 |
| T-Mobile - 1658 West 119th Street , Chicago, IL 60643 |
| T-Mobile - 5650 W Roosevelt Rd , Chicago, IL 60644 |
| T-Mobile - 2737 N. Elston Avenue , Chicago, IL 60647 |
| T-Mobile - 1647 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Chicago, IL 60647 |
| T-Mobile - 3317 W North Avenue , Chicago, IL 60647 |
| T-Mobile - 3202 W 111th St , Chicago, IL 60655 |
| T-Mobile - 3513 W Devon Ave , Chicago, IL 60659 |
| T-Mobile - 6108 N Western Ave , Unit 102, Chicago, IL 60659 |
| T-Mobile - 120 South Halsted St , Ste A, Chicago, IL 60661 |
| T-Mobile - 7112 W North Ave , Chicago, IL 60707 |
| Address |
|---|
| Verizon - 36 S State St, Chicago, IL 60603 |
| Verizon - 1004 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607 |
| Verizon - 1300 W. MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 |
| Verizon - 840 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
| Verizon - 3701 N. HALSTED STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60613 |
| Verizon - 747 W 31ST ST, CHICAGO, IL 60616 |
| Verizon - 120 W 87TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620 |
| Verizon - 810 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
| Verizon - 1237 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
| Verizon - 4752 N. LINCOLN AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60625 |
| Verizon - 6340 N NORTHWEST HWY, CHICAGO, IL 60631 |
| Verizon - 5314 N CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL 60640 |
| Verizon - 4000 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 |
| Verizon - 2707 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 |
| Verizon - 1652 N MILWAUKEE AV , CHICAGO, IL 60647 |
| Verizon - 2482 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 |
| Verizon - 3019 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 |
| Verizon - 1654 W. ROSCOE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60657 |
| Verizon - 6355 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60660 |
| Verizon - 6451 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60707 |
| Address |
|---|
| AT&T - 16 North State St, Chicago, IL 60602 |
| AT&T - 205 West Monroe, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| AT&T - 1101 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607 |
| AT&T - 1061 W Jackson, Chicago, IL 60607 |
| AT&T - 542 West Roosevelt, Chicago, IL 60607 |
| AT&T - 3100 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608 |
| AT&T - 1503 N. Halsted St, Ste. A123, Chicago, IL 60610 |
| AT&T - 220 W North Ave, Unit 110 - B, Chicago, IL 60610 |
| AT&T - 600 North Michigan Avenue, Unit 110 - B, Chicago, IL 60611 |
| AT&T - 717 S Seeley St, Chicago, IL 60612 |
| AT&T - 1730 W. Fullerton Ave, Ste. A123, Chicago, IL 60614 |
| AT&T - 554 W Diversey Pkwy, Unit 110 - B, Chicago, IL 60614 |
| AT&T - 5222 South Lake Park Ave, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60615 |
| AT&T - 335 E 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| AT&T - 3955 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| AT&T - 4000 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| AT&T - 8658 S Cottage Grove, Unit 405, Chicago, IL 60619 |
| AT&T - 6232 South Halsted Street, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60621 |
| AT&T - 2006 W Chicago Ave, Ste. A123, Chicago, IL 60622 |
| AT&T - 3735 W 26th Street, Chicago, IL 60623 |
| AT&T - 5351 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 |
| AT&T - 2628 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60632 |
| AT&T - 4110 South Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632 |
| AT&T - 2249 N Cicero Ave, Unit G11, Chicago, IL 60639 |
| AT&T - 4414 North Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60640 |
| AT&T - 1724 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 |
| AT&T - 4817 W Irving Park Road, Unit G11, Chicago, IL 60641 |
| AT&T - 9505 S Western Ave, Unit 405, Chicago, IL 60643 |
| AT&T - 1617 N. Damen Avenue, Ste. A123, Chicago, IL 60647 |
| AT&T - 6210 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 |
| AT&T - 15 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 |
| AT&T - 6451 W. Diversey Ave, Unit G11, Chicago, IL 60707 |
SIM card in Chicago FAQs
What is a prepaid SIM card?
A SIM card - or subscriber identity module card - is where your phone information is stored.
How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in Chicago?
A prepaid SIM card typically costs between $10-70 per month depending on the carrier and data plan.
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card in Chicago?
SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.
