Prepaid Cell Phones – No Contracts Needed

Many people want a cell phone but are uncomfortable about all the hassle involved in signing contracts with cell phone carriers like Cingular, T-Mobile, AT&T, Voice Stream, Tracfone, Sprint, PCS and Verizon Wireless, and all that goes with contracts like credit checks and monthly bills.

Prepaid cell phones are a way around these problems. So lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of pre-paid cell phones.

The first thing in favor of pre-paid cell phones, is the simplicity. You buy the phone and some minutes and you are on the way. Some other points are.

No contacts to sign
No credit checks
No service fee
No deposit
No cancellation fees if you want to change plans.

Prepaid cell phones are convenient and a good choice if any of the above apply. Another advantage is that you won’t run up huge bills by going over limit. This is ideal for people on a fixed budget.

How Much Airtime

The down side is that the rate is higher per minute than a billed plan. The airtime you use is purchased ahead of time, either by calling a toll free number and using a check or credit card, or buying refill airtime cards at a retail store. The minutes do not roll over, so its either use them or lose them.

Some prepaid cell phone plans require you to periodically buy time, even if you are not running low. There is also a smaller selection of phones available.

Prepaid cell phones are ideal for the occasional user who isn’t interested in all the new phones that do everything. Especially someone who may not pass a credit check.