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What is a prepaid mobile phone plan

If you’re searching for a mobile phone plan, then a ‘prepaid plan’ is one of your available options! Prepaid mobile phone plans are mobile plans that allow you to pay for your services in advance. With prepaid plans, you might have more control over your spending and can avoid monthly phone bills and long-term mobile phone contracts.

Want to know more? Here’s some of the aspects to a prepaid mobile phone plan!

What are prepaid mobile phone plans?

As the name suggests, a prepaid mobile phone plan is a mobile plan that you ‘pre-pay’. This means that you pay for your monthly usage before you use it. (Unlike a contracted plan, which is known as a post-paid plan). You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from a mobile network provider or choose to use your existing phone with a prepaid plan.

Are prepaid mobile plans better than post-paid plans?

The type of mobile plan that suits you will depend on your personal and financial circumstances. If you want to avoid having a long-term contract with a telecommunications provider, then a prepaid plan may be an attractive option for you.

Some of the features to consider are:

AUTO-RENEWAL

The phone ‘credit’ (to be able to make phone calls, send texts and use data) generally has an expiry date, at which point any unused call allowance and unused data ends. At this point, you need to purchase more phone ‘credit’ (known as ‘topping up’). This may also apply to prepaid plans that have unlimited texts or unlimited data.

Typically with monthly plans, the service is continuous, which appeals to some people. However, what many mobile users don’t realise is that prepaid options now come with an auto-renew feature. There typically needs to be a credit card or bank account linked to your prepaid account that will debit at the expiry of your allowance to ‘top up’ your prepaid account.

YOUR HANDSET

A ‘handset’ is the physical mobile phone itself. If you have an existing handset, you have the option of establishing a prepaid plan or a B-Y-O (bring your own) phone contract. Prepaid plans, though, don’t allow users to repay the handset over the duration of a 12 or 24-month contract. However, some mobile providers do offer prepaid sim packages with lower-cost handsets (compared to the more expensive smartphone options on the market).

CREDIT CHECK

Entering into a mobile phone contract often requires undergoing a credit check. Depending on your financial situation, this may or may not be appropriate for you. You do not need to undertake a credit check with prepaid plans, as you’re paying for the service upfront.

Can I keep my existing number if I get a prepaid plan?

Yes! Most providers will allow you to ‘port’ your existing number across onto their prepaid sim card.

Where can I top up my credit for a prepaid plan?

There are plenty of options for topping up your prepaid mobile plan:

• The auto-renewal feature if your mobile provider offers it.
• Over the phone.
• Online.
• Through service stations and supermarkets at the check out.

How do I know if I have enough credit to make a phone call?

Most prepaid plans come with an allocated amount of ‘minutes’ available with each top up. You’ll generally be able to log on or call up to check your remaining call minutes or data usage balances. Most providers will also send out a text message advising when you’re getting close to using up all of your minutes, texts or data.

What add-ons are available with prepaid plans?

Some eligible plans allow you to add on family members, or come with additional perks such as a free data hour each day, Sky Sport, discounted Spotify Premium packages or free voicemail.