These Three Prepaid Carriers Help You Save Big When Paying Annually
If you’re looking to simplify your monthly bills and save money, paying your phone service annually might be the answer. Instead of worrying about monthly payments, you can knock it out in one go and often get a substantial discount in the process. Whether you want to take advantage of tax season cash or treat someone to a year of service as a holiday gift, annual prepaid plans let you cover your phone bill without monthly reminders.
The major carriers don’t typically offer annual prepaid options, but there are excellent choices in the prepaid market. Among the many available, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Visible have emerged as the top options for 2024. These three carriers not only offer strong savings but also a range of features, making them standout choices in the prepaid space.
Let’s take a closer look at the plans each carrier offers, including costs, data limits, and perks.
Quick Comparison of Top Prepaid Annual Plans
| Carrier | Plan Options & Annual Cost | Monthly Equivalent | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Flex: $210/yr ($17.50/m), Starter: $270/yr ($22.50/m), Premium: $390/yr ($32.50/m) | Starting at $17.50/m | Network flexibility, international data, Apple Watch support |
| Mint Mobile | 5GB: $180/yr ($15/m), 15GB: $240/yr ($20/m), 20GB: $300/yr ($25/m), Unlimited: $360/yr ($30/m) | Starting at $15/m | Free calls to Mexico/Canada, high-speed data limit, hotspot included |
| Visible | Visible: $275/yr ($23/m), Visible Plus: $395/yr ($33/m) | Starting at $23/m | Unlimited data, extensive global calling/texting, free smartwatch service |
Plan Breakdown and Savings
1. US Mobile
- Plans: Offers flexible options with its Unlimited Flex, Starter, and Premium plans.
- Cost: Plans range from $210 to $390 per year, providing monthly equivalents as low as $17.50.
- Data & Extras: US Mobile’s premium options include unlimited priority data, up to 50GB of hotspot usage, and international calling perks. They also offer the ability to switch networks, providing flexibility not seen with other carriers.
2. Mint Mobile
- Plans: Mint Mobile offers a range from 5GB to unlimited, with competitive prices.
- Cost: Starting at $15 a month with annual payment, you’ll find great savings, especially if you don’t need unlimited data.
- Data & Extras: Even the 5GB plan includes mobile hotspot usage. The Unlimited plan offers 40GB of high-speed data before throttling. Mint also includes free calls to Canada and Mexico, making it ideal for those with international connections.
3. Visible
- Plans: Choose between Visible and Visible Plus, with annual costs from $275 to $395.
- Cost: Monthly equivalents start at $23, with Visible Plus providing perks like international calling.
- Data & Extras: Visible provides truly unlimited data, including hotspot usage. The Visible Plus plan offers priority data, ideal for streaming and intensive use.
Annual Savings Over Postpaid Carriers
Switching from postpaid to prepaid can yield big savings. For example, basic postpaid plans with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon start around $600 annually for one line. With Visible’s $275/year basic plan, you’re saving at least $325. Mint’s 5GB plan, at just $180/year, provides a massive $420 in savings over a typical postpaid plan.
If you opt for higher-tier prepaid plans, you’ll still find substantial savings compared to mid-tier postpaid plans, which often run $900 or more per year.
Family Plans: Savings on Multiple Lines
While postpaid carriers offer discounts for family plans, prepaid options can still yield savings. For example, US Mobile Flex costs around $840 annually for four lines, saving at least $360 compared to basic postpaid family plans. Visible Plus offers similar priority and features to postpaid plans, with a four-line setup costing $1,580 per year — still $280 less than T-Mobile’s Go5G plan, which costs nearly $1,860 for similar benefits.
Which Carrier Should You Choose?
- Choose Mint Mobile if you’re a light data user who doesn’t need unlimited priority data. Mint’s lower-tier plans offer excellent value for users with basic data needs.
- Choose Visible if you want unlimited everything and higher data priority. The Visible Plus plan offers near-postpaid quality, making it a top pick for data-heavy users.
- Choose US Mobile for flexibility and international options. With network switching and international perks, US Mobile suits users who need flexibility and frequent travel benefits.
In 2024, prepaid annual plans from US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Visible offer an ideal mix of savings, coverage, and perks. Ready to switch? Consider each plan’s unique benefits and pick the one that best fits your needs.