Cell Phone Plans For Seniors: How Old Do You Have To Be
Getting older can have its perkslike saving money on your cell phone plan. Recently, many of the larger service providers released plans specifically designed for seniors, aiming to keep things simple and affordable with discounts.
Sprint and T-Mobile offer discounts to anyone at least 55 years old. Both provide two phone lines with unlimited talk, text and data for around $80 a monthan average savings of $40 a month. Verizon also has a 55+ plan limited to seniors living in Florida, and AT& T has the Senior Nation Plan available for anyone over the age of 65.
If you expand your search beyond the big-name wireless carriers, you find additional providers and plans that are great choices for seniors.
Lively, for example, doesnt have a specific age requirement, but offers a number of services and features seniors may find helpful, such as access to virtual urgent care, fall detection technologies and operators who can help call ride services, make phone calls or look up phone numbers.
Meanwhile, AARPs membership benefits include discounts on cellular services. Anyone over age 50 can join AARP.
How To Pick The Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
We found the best cell phone plans for seniors during the course of our research for the best cell phone plans overall. As a result, we’ve learned that there are a few factors to consider when choosing a cell phone plan aimed at seniors. Most of these plans tend to be more affordable with lower data caps, more flexible, and often offer special benefits.
Some brands, such as AT& T and Verizon, offer discounted prices for seniors or packages specifically designed for people over a certain age. However, these can require you to live in the state of Florida. T-Mobile is unique among the major carriers in having no residency requirement for its best cell phone plan for seniors.
If you don’t live in Florida, your best bet is to focus on what you need. Do you need something with a minimal amount of data and low costs? One of the best cell plans for seniors from Mint Mobile, Tello, or Ultra Mobile should be a good fit for you.
Or, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, T-Mobile offers up unlimited data plans. However, these are going to cost you a fair bit of cash to get. Consumer Cellular has an unlimited plan, too, but at $60 a month, it’s one of the pricier options.
How To Purchase T
To purchase T-Mobile home internet, go to their website and enter your ZIP code to check if service is available at your home address. While T-Mobile is rapidly expanding its service area, its not yet available everywhere.
Once you confirm that service is available in your area, youll enter your contact information. From there, a T-Mobile representative will walk you through the purchasing process and take your billing information.
Savings Tip: While T-Mobile advertises its internet service for $50 per month, this price reflects the amount you pay when enrolled in AutoPay, a service that automatically bills your credit card or checking account each month.
Don’t Miss: Senior Housing Chicago South Side
Amazing Retirement Value Flawless Service
I just retired and switched my company phone , from 20+ years with Sprint, over to Mints $15/mo yearly plan. Thanks to Mint, my hungry retired eyes can drift from the dollar burger menu over to the Deluxe Column of Quality Sandwiches without getting that look from my wife or imperiling my childrens inheritance. I could not be happier with my decision.
Ross C.
At& t Is Pretty Upset With T
This comes after T-Mobile took a jibe at AT& T for offering limited senior discounts
American wireless carriers are used to getting lawsuits particularly T-Mobile, which has faced several lawsuits over the years, including in for leaving Sprint 5G customers hanging following the heavily publicized merger. Well, the self-ascribed Un-carrier is gearing up for another legal battle, this time with AT& T, as the latter has made it clear it is unhappy over its competitor’s recent marketing campaign alleging that AT& T and Verizon don’t offer senior discounts unless they live in Florida.
In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court in Sherman, Texas on September 6, AT& T alleges that T-Mobile’s campaign is attempting to “deceive senior citizens” on purpose. The company then clarifies its stance on senior discounts, revealing that it provides discounted tariffs for seniors in all 50 states as long as they are members of the American Association of Retired Persons , Fierce Wireless reports.
But it’s T-Mobile’s claim that 92% of American seniors “cant get a wireless discount from Verizon or AT& T because they dont live in Florida” that has appeared to have triggered the lawsuit by AT& T. The plaintiff counters that this is simply not the case so long as the customer is an AARP member membership costs $12 for one year though overall costs are lower with longer-term packages.
Also Check: Life Insurance Seniors Over 70
Magenta Max 55+ For Heavy Mobile Users
The Magenta MAX 55+ plan is the gold standard of T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plans. It’s true, though, that this top-tier package isn’t cheap. The Magenta MAX will run you $65 per month for one line or $90 per month when you sign up for two lines . You’ll pay $45 per line if you want three or four lines on your plan. However, it’s loaded with features that will make sense if part of your routine is staying connected while away from home.
The Magenta MAX 55+ includes:
- 40 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data
- 5 GB of 4G data in Canada and Mexico
- Gogo In-Flight: Unlimited texting and in-flight Wi-Fi
- 4K UHD streaming
- 2x data speed and texting while abroad
- Free Netflix Basic for one-line plans
- Free Netflix Standard with two or more lines
- Name ID and voicemail to text feature
FYI: 5G is the next generation in mobile data. It allows signals to reach farther than ever before, offering better speeds and network coverage than 4G.
The Magenta MAX 55+ is the best T-Mobile option for older adults who need to get the most out of their phones while they’re on the go. Faster data speeds means no waiting to send large files when you’re traveling. Unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi means you’re connected virtually wherever you are. And with a Magenta MAX 55+ plan, you’ll never see slower data speeds at peak times. Your data is truly unlimited.
Banks Discounts For Canadian Seniors
Note
Most financial institutions offer 60+ discounts which vary by product and institution. Make sure to ask for it.
Scotiabank: Scotiabank offers low monthly fees on select chequing and savings accounts to seniors
Toronto Dominion Bank: TD Bank offers Seniors exclusive benefits when they open a TD 60 Plus Checking account at Toronto Dominion Bank .
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: CIBC offers chequing and savings accounts with low monthly fees, annual discounts, and free services to seniors
Bank of Montreal: Seniors in BMO are eligible to open a free chequing and savings account with additional benefits at BMO Bank of Montreal .
National Bank of Canada: NBC offers low monthly fees to seniors when they open a Modest Chequing Account .
Royal Bank of Canada: RBC offers seniors free transactions and other benefits when they open an RBC Sixty Plus account .
Read Also: Whole Life Insurance For Seniors
Prepaid Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
A prepaid cell phone plan allows you to pay upfront for what you need each month, usually at an affordable price. These plans are ideal if you want to cut down on cost without sacrificing quality and coverageas well as reduce the risk of having any surprises on a bill at the end of the month. The numerous prepaid plan options on the market range from basic talk and text options to unlimited prepaid data plans.
How To Choose The Perfect Plan
Before we go over T-Mobiles service with a fine-tooth comb, we have a few helpful tips. Heres what you should look for in the perfect phone plan.
- Data: Having enough 4G LTE/5G data to support your streaming, gaming, and working habits is key. Read your plans fine print about data caps and throttling.
- Price: Use comparison charts and customer reviews to be sure youre getting the best price available. Remember, cheaper isnt necessarily better.
- Coverage: You cant do anything on your phone if you dont have any service. Check coverage maps to see who has the best 4G/5G network in your area.
- Features: Special featureslike HD streaming and hotspot dataarent standard. You may want to consider paying a bit more for these perks.
Recommended Reading: Best Golf Drivers For Seniors
Best Buy Customers Often Prefer The Following Products When Searching For Senior No Contract Cell Phones
If you’re looking for no contract cell phones for your elderly parents, grandparents, or other seniors, you’ve come to the right place. These phones are easy to use, have all of the features that seniors need, and the best part is, you’re not tied to a contract. Browse the top-ranked list of no contract cell phones for seniors below along with associated reviews and opinions.
Car Rental Discounts For Canadian Seniors
Thrifty Canada: Offers 5% discounts to seniors
Avis: CARP members are eligible to claim a 25% discount on Avis base rates.
Hertz: Hertz 50 Plus Car Rental Program offers discounted rates and exclusive rental deals CARP members may get up to 20% off of promotional rates at participating locations.
Budget: offers CARP members up to 25% off Budget base rates for vehicle rental. Only in participating US and Canada locations
Recommended Reading: Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
If youre a senior whos wondered whats the best cell phone for seniors or is tired of paying too much for cell phone service, youll be pleased to learn there are several options for switching to a cheaper provider without sacrificing service. In fact, some major wireless providers offer affordable plans specifically for people who are 55 and older. But which service offers the best cell phone plan for seniors?
Ive researched more than 70 phone plans to find the best phone plans, prices, key features and discounts on reliable networks that offer talk, text and data. In this article, Ill share my picks for the best cell phone plans for seniors.
- Low prices on limited data plans
- Discounts available for AARP members
- Phones are specifically designed for seniors
- Health and safety packages are available for an additional charge
- Best price for high-speed data that never slows
- 40GB of hotspot data
- Unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data
- Cheapest pre-built plan available
- 35GB data cap before reduced speeds
- Prepay three months in advance when you sign up.
- Although the contract changes, the plan price stays the same after three months.
- Unlimited talk, text and data with 5-12 Mbps speeds
- Unlimited mobile hotspot with 5 Mbps speeds
- One of the cheapest prices for unlimited data
Why Mint Mobile Is Our Top Pick For The Least Expensive Cell Phone Plan For Seniors
Mint Mobiles 55+ plan offers seniors 55 and older unlimited talk and text and includes 5GB of data for seniors to search the internet from their smartphone. Theres no need for seniors to change their phone number when they sign up, and the company offers discounts for new customers. Besides having one of the most affordable cellular plans for seniors, Mint Mobile also charges no overage fees if users exceed the allotted 5 GB of data.
While looking for the least expensive cell phone plan for seniors, we considered the monthly price and how much talk, text and data was included. Our findings are listed below.
Company and Carrier
Mix-and-match plans with talk, text and data range from $20.00 to $55.00 per month.
For more information about this product, please read our full product review of Mint Mobile.
You May Like: Senior Citizen Cell Phones For Seniors
Verizon’s Senior Unlimited Promotion
Verizon | 55 Plus Unlimited plan | $60/month or $80 for two lines – The best Verizon plan for seniors This Verizon promotion is exclusively available to those over 55, paying with auto payments, and living in Florida. Yes, that’s a niche group but if you fit into it, you can get a truly fantastic offer one unlimited line for $60 a month or $80 for two lines. This includes unlimited 4G data, calls and texts, unlimited mobile hot-spotting, use when traveling in Mexico and Canada, and more. If you don’t fit into this criteria, it isn’t a huge jump up in cost for Verizon’s unlimited plans , which also include 5G something missing from Verizon’s senior plan.Pros: Major discount Unlimited 4G data: Unlimited hotspotCons: Expensive Requires AutoPay for best price Residency requirement
Travel Discounts For Canadian Seniors
Air Canada: offers 10% off base fares before taxes and surcharges
CheapOAir: CheapOAir Canada offers discounts on select flight tickets to seniors
Westjet: we could not find any offer for seniors
ParkN Fly: offers 20% discount for CARP members
Transat Discoveries: offers $200 per couple to CARP Members on select Europe departures
First Air: Elders can save 10% off with First Airs special fares promotion
First Air: Save 10% off the applicable fares with First Airs seniors discount .
American airlines may offer some discounts, nothing specific. CARP members may get some discounts. See CARP website.
Cruise lines: all cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer special senior discounts .
You May Like: Free Phones For Hard Of Hearing Seniors
Learn More About Cell Phones For Seniors
Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.
The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Do Not Sell My Personal InformationControl Your Information © Copyright 2007-2022 Caring, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Is It Worth Switching From At& t To T
It depends on what you are looking for in a carrier and where you’re located. If you live in a service area that has more AT& T towers, you’ll get better service going with AT& T, but you will probably pay higher prices.
If you live in a service area with more T-Mobile coverage and you’re looking to save some money or want to sign up for a family plan then T-Mobile is a better option.
Also Check: Best Food For Senior Pitbulls
Best Unlimited Data Plan For Seniors
T-Mobile Essentials 55 Plus | 2-line plan | $55/month – Best value unlimited senior plan T-Mobile has a fantastic offer for its senior customers . You can get two unlimited lines for just $55 a month . This comes with unlimited data, calls, and texts with no speed restrictions, 3G mobile hotspot data and scam protection you also get access to T-Mobile’s 5G access at no extra cost. However, you are limited to SD streaming and if you’re traveling in Mexico or Canada, your data will be slower. You can upgrade to T-Mobile’s Magenta 55 Plus plan, where you get two lines of data for $70/month. The 55-plus Magenta plan includes free Netflix, LTE mobile hotspot data, and more.Pros: Affordable price No annual contract 5G at no extra costCons: Limited to 2G in Mexico/Canada Only SD streaming
Essentials 55+ For Light Mobile Users
The Essentials 55+ plan is the most budget-friendly T-Mobile package for older adults. Prices start at $40 per month for a single-line plan or $55 per month when you sign up for two lines . Just keep in mind that, unlike the Magenta plans , pricing for the Essentials 55+ package doesn’t include taxes or fees. Still, T-Mobile’s stripped-down, entry-level plan is quite a deal. For comparison, AT& T’s Unlimited 55+ plan costs $60 per line per month , so T-Mobile will definitely save you money.
Quick Tip: The account holder is the only person that needs to be 55 or older on your plan. That means you can include family members of any age on your plan, so everyone can save.
The Essentials 55+ plan comes with:
- Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data
- Unlimited 2G in Mexico and Canada
Unsure if the Essentials 55+ plan is enough for you? Think about how often and where you’ll be using your phone. If streaming and picture quality are important to you or you’re on the go a lot, you might be better off with one of the Magenta plans. While your data is technically unlimited with your Essentials package, you may see slower-than-average speeds once you hit the 50 GB mark. We’d also recommend looking into the Magenta plans if you want to add the whole family to your plan. While you’re limited to two lines on the Essentials 55+ plan, you can add up to four lines on either Magenta plan. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple and affordable, the Essentials 55+ is the way to go.
Recommended Reading: Senior Software Engineer Salary Microsoft
At& t Unlimited 55+ Senior Plan
AT& T | Unlimited 55 Plus | $60/month or two lines for $80/month – AT& T’s feature-packed unlimited plan Like the Verizon promotion above, this deal is exclusively available for those who are over 55 and live in Florida. If you fit this criteria, you can get two unlimited data, calls, and text lines for just $80 a month or one for $60. You’ll be able to use your plan in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and 5G service is included at no extra cost. You can also text to more than 120 countries for free, and you’ll get spam and fraud call blocking. If you don’t live in Florida, AT& T’s regular unlimited plans are also a great choice.Pros: Unlimited 5G data Discount for Florida residents over 55Cons: Expensive Not available in other states