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Home and phone

Lower your cell phone plan bill

Prepaid and smaller carriers that run on the big networks often cost far less for the same coverage.

Quickest win: Check how much data you actually use

Where to start: effort vs impact

Small ← Impact → Big
1Check how much data you actually use
2Switch to a prepaid or smaller carrier
3Ask for loyalty or retention offers4Join or create a family plan
6Keep your phone longer
5Stop paying for phone insurance you do not need
EasyEffortHard
Cell phone plan

Photo: Skitterphoto, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many people pay for unlimited data they do not use, or for phone payments bundled into the bill.

Ways to save

1
Check how much data you actually use

Look at your last three bills or phone settings.

Easy Big saving
2
Switch to a prepaid or smaller carrier

Many use the same networks as the big carriers at a lower price.

Some effort Big saving
3
Ask for loyalty or retention offers

Carriers often have discounts they do not advertise.

Easy Good saving
4
Join or create a family plan

Per-line prices drop with more lines.

Easy Good saving
5
Stop paying for phone insurance you do not need

Compare with your credit card’s phone protection.

Easy Small saving
6
Keep your phone longer

Once a phone is paid off, the bill drops.

Some effort Good saving

Step by step

  1. Check your data use for the last three months.
  2. Check coverage maps for your home and work.
  3. Compare plans with that much data on two or three carriers.
  4. Check if your phone is unlocked and paid off before switching.
  5. Port your number: start the new service first; it cancels the old one.

What to say

Hi, I’ve been with you for [X] years and I’m looking at switching to a cheaper plan. Before I do, can you look at whether there’s a better plan or a loyalty discount for my account?

Fill in your details in the script builder →

When

Any time; check when your phone is paid off.

Watch out for

  • Contracts and device payments that become due in full if you leave.
  • Plans that slow your data after a small amount.

Did it work? What readers report

Real results from people who tried these steps on their cell phone plan bill. "Worked" means they got a lower price; savings are per month, counting only people who saved something.

Loading reader results…

Tried one of these? Tell us how it went

Anonymous. We show results only once at least 5 people have reported, and never show single reports.

See results for every bill on what worked.

General information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Terms vary by provider and state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to lower my cell phone plan bill?

Check how much data you actually use. Look at your last three bills or phone settings.

When should I shop for cell phone plan?

Any time; check when your phone is paid off.

What worked for readers

Cut your Cell phone plan bill? Tell us what worked. The first good one goes right here.

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Questions from readers

Question about Cell phone plan? Ask it here.

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