What You Should Know Before Signing Up for Tracfone Wireless
Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service provider that offers affordable and flexible plans. With over 20 different service options, ranging from 30 days to a full year, it’s an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, before you make the switch, it’s important to understand what Tracfone offers and whether it lines up with your mobile needs.
We are covering 5 important things to know before you switch to Tracfone (or even if you are already a customer). Be sure to also check out our Beginners Guide to Tracfone for more information.
1. Plans and Pricing - Many Different Prices and Options
Tracfone has been around for more than 25 years and in that time they have added and modified their plans and prices quite a lot. Today, they're plans fall into two basic categories: Pay-as-you-go (PayGo) and Monthly Unlimited Plans
Monthly Plans (Unlimited Talk/Text)
- Features: Unlimited talk and text with a varying amounts of high-speed data. (from 1GB to 20GB)
- Renewal: These plans last 30 days but you can purchase them in 1, 3, 6, or 12 month increments, with a discount for 6 and 12 months purchases.
- Rollover Data: All unused data rolls over to the next month as long as you still have a plan. (Example: You purchase the $40 plan w/ 20GB data and 30 service days. Before the 30 days are up you purchase the $15 plan w/ 1GB data and 30 service days, and all unused data from the previous 30 days will automatically be rolled over to the next 30 days.)
- Price: $15 - $40 for 30 days of unlimited talk/text and 1GB to 20GB data
- Best For: People that use their phone a lot or don't want to manage their airtime balance and are willing to buy 12 months service at one time.
- Best Plan: $20/mo unlimited talk/text with 4GB data ($192 when buying 12 months at one time, or just $16/mo )
Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) Plans
- Features: Each prepaid plan includes a set number of service days (30, 60, 90, or 365) and a specific allotment of minutes, texts, and data.
- Renewal: Purchase new plans anytime and the new card will be added to your existing balance automatically. Be sure to purchase a new plan before the service days on your existing plan runs out or you won't have service.
- Rollover: Unused talk, text, and data rolls over as long as you renew before the service days expire. You can switch to a monthly unlimited plan temporarily and revert to PayGo afterward without losing any rollover balances.
- Price: $20 - $125 for varying amounts of talk, text, data and service days (usually 30, 60, 90 or 365 service days). Add-on minutes, data and service days are available and can be purchased as needed.
- Best For: People who want to get the cheapest deal on cell phone service or those that don't use their phone much and just use it as a backup or emergency device.
- Best Plan: $99 1 Year/400 minute plan or purchase a phone and airtime bundle from HSN or QVC with many phones available for $100 which also includes a 1 year airtime plan.
Tracfone’s plans are all prepaid, meaning you’ll avoid surprise overage charges. However, you will have to keep track of your airtime, and it can sometimes be alarming how fast data or other balances can be used up. Tracfone does not provide any kind daily usage information, but you can check your balance as often as you want and we have shared 4 Ways to Check your Balance to make it easy to do so.
As you can see from all the different plans, there is just about something for everyone but those that want unlimited options will have to look elsewhere.
2. Data - There are no Unlimited Data Options
Tracfone’s plans come with varying amounts of data, but none are truly unlimited. The key benefit here is data rollover: unused data can carry over to the next month or service period as long as you have service days. Tracfone includes 5G network access at no additional cost for devices with that capability. Below are Tracfone's advertised data speeds according to Verizon.
Tracfone Data Speeds:
- 5G: Download speeds of 90-170 Mbps and Upload speeds of 15-30 Mbps
- 4G LTE: Download speeds of 9-56 Mbps. and Upload speeds of 2-13 Mbps
While we have certainly experienced far slower speeds at times, which could be in part due to Verizon prioritizing post-paid customers over prepaid customers from Tracfone, their data speeds, especially on 5G, are usually pretty good.
Tracfone recently announced hotspot capability on all their Unlimited Talk/Text plans. For users who start to run low, Tracfone offers 3GB data for $10.
For those that use a lot of data or prefer an unlimited data plan, we suggest looking into other options, as Tracfone can get expensive if you have to add extra data every month..
3. Activation Process and Network Coverage
Since Verizon acquired Tracfone in 2021, all new Tracfone customers now use Verizon’s network. This means you’ll have access to one of the most reliable networks in the U.S., but it’s important to check your local coverage first. You can do this directly on Tracfone’s website by entering your ZIP code.
If Verizon offers strong service in your area, you can expect good performance with Tracfone.
Activating Tracfone is straightforward. Choose either a Tracfone locked phone and purchase the device, or bring your own phone to use with Tracfone. Below are the basic steps for activating with Tracfone:
- Check Compatibility: If you want to bring your own device, ensure it’s unlocked and compatible with the Verizon network. If you plan to get a Tracfone branded device, ensure your area is within the service area.
- Buy a Tracfone Device or SIM card kit: Tracfone SIM kits are available online for $0.99 or at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Tracfone devices are also available online or from many retailers.
- Activate Online: Follow the prompts on Tracfone’s website to activate your phone. You will also need to purchase or activate a service plan at this time.
4. Phone Selection - Unlocked or Tracfone Device?
Tracfone offers a variety of devices, from basic flip phones to more advanced smartphones. Prices range from $9.99 for reconditioned basic phones to $329.99 for an iPhone 12. While you can purchase phones directly from Tracfone, we recommend other retailers, particularly QVC and HSN which often include airtime bundles with the purchase of a phone.
Users can also choose to bring most unlocked smartphones to use with Tracfone and there are a wide range of options available. Just be sure to check that the device you are bringing is compatible.
Here are some resources on choosing a phone:
5. Customer Service - Historically Mediocre
Tracfone offers customer support through multiple options:
- Chat: Available daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. ET on the Tracfone website
- Phone: Call 1-800-867-7183 during the same hours.
- Text Support: Text 611611 for account-related queries.
Tracfone Wireless is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for affordable, no-frills service with reliable coverage through Verizon’s network, they are a great option. The data rollover feature is a standout perk, especially for light data users. And many customers are able to purchase the plan that best suits their needs without over spending on extras. However, if you need unlimited data or a more robust hotspot experience, other options may be better suited.
Recommendation: Start with a 30-day plan to test the service. If satisfied, you can upgrade to a longer-term plan to save more. For those seeking unlimited data, consider competitors like Visible, Mint or Tello.
If you have a new smartphone, two posts which are great resources are The Best Android Apps for Tracfone, and Tracfone Smartphone Cases and Covers.
Don't miss our new list of 23 Pro's and Con's for Tracfone.
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