Guides / Phone and internet
Lower your cell phone bill
Check what you actually use, then compare plans and carriers.
Many households pay for more data and features than they use. A quick look at your usage, and a comparison with prepaid and smaller carriers, often finds real savings.
Check your usage
- Look at the last three months of data use in your carrier's app or your phone's settings
- Note how much you use on Wi-Fi versus mobile data
- List extras on the bill: insurance, device payments, add-ons, international features
Compare options
- A lower-tier plan with your current carrier
- Prepaid plans from the major carriers
- Smaller carriers (often called MVNOs) that use the big networks and usually cost less
- Family or multi-line discounts
Before you switch
- Check whether your phone is paid off and unlocked
- Check coverage where you live and work
- Don't cancel your old line first; porting your number to the new carrier closes the old account
- Keep a copy of your final bill
General consumer information. Prices and plans change; check current terms before switching. Stretching Money Today isn't paid by any provider mentioned here.