Best Prepaid SIM Card USA
The 7 Best Prepaid SIM Card USA in 2021
A prepaid SIM card is the best way to travel while you’re abroad and make local calls. Be sure to make sure your phone is not locked and able to accept SIM cards from other operators before you decide on this option.
If you are visiting the U.S. for a while, the last thing that you want is to return home with a large cell phone bill and all your international roaming fees. Many cell phone companies offer SIM card plans that can be used for short-term visitors to the USA.
Prepaid SIMs give you access to the provider’s network and a local phone number. You will not be able to use the service unless you have credit. It will expire if it runs out. There is no contract to sign. This is ideal for travelers.
Although you might find different SIM cards in the USA at airports or mobile shops near you, it is possible that you won’t be able immediately to select the one that suits your needs. We’ve compiled a list of comparisons to help you get more information about the best prepaid SIM cards in USA.
Tello Mobile: 3 in 1 SIM Card Kit
If you’re on the hunt for the best prepaid sim card in the USA, Tello Mobile may be just the ticket. Tello makes it easy to order a SIM card kit online, and get your new plan started. Tello is a prepaid phone service provider that offers flexible plans and low rates.
Tello has plans that can be customized for heavy, medium, and light data users. You have the option to either create your own plan, or you can choose from one of their pre-made deals. You can choose from a range of cell phone plans to fit your budget, starting at $5.
All Tello plans include unlimited 2G and visual voicemail, as well as free calls to Canada, Mexico, and China.
Tello relies on Sprint’s CDMA network to provide coverage. As such, the phone that you bring over must support CDMA towers, and not be tied to any other carrier (Sprint or not).
To verify compatibility, check out the compatibility tool on Tello’s site. Simply enter the IMEI number of your device, click on Check, and Tello’s will tell you if it works.
The Tello SIM card start kit contains everything you need to make the switch. You can choose your plan and order online. It will be delivered right to your home. Follow these instructions to activate your plan.
- Price: Plans start at $5 per month
- Data Options: Data range from 1GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Free mobile hotspot access, free calls to 60+ Countries, and free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania.
- Limited Time Offer: Get 25% OFF for 6 Months
Ultra Mobile – Prepaid SIM Card Trial Kit
Ultra Mobile is an MVNO of T-Mobile’s network. This means that you will get excellent T-Mobile coverage for a lower cost. Ultra Mobile has its own set of plans but the Ultra Mobile Tourist plan works well for those who are visiting the U.S.A for less than three weeks. This plan expires after 21 days. It is convenient for those who don’t want the hassle of canceling. You won’t have the ability to recharge your Ultra Mobile SIM Card, so don’t think about extending your stay.
You get $30 worth of talk, text and up to 3GB 4G LTE data for $30. You will also be able to access 80+ international destinations for 100 minutes. This means you can make calls to family and friends back home without the need to download an app.
You can purchase an Ultra Mobile Tourist Plan online or in a T-Mobile Store. Ultra Mobile also offers a store locator that allows you to locate Ultra-branded stores in your area.
- Price: Plans start at $15 per month.
- Data Options: 250MB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Free Unlimited Global Text, Free WiFi Calling & Texts, Free Unlimited Talk to 80+ INTL Countries, and Free Mobile Hotspot
Mint Mobile – Prepaid SIM Card Starter Kit
Mint Mobile is another popular option for those looking for the best prepaid sim card in the USA. Mint is a top MVNO carrier and it uses T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G networks. This makes Mint Mobile a great prepaid SIM card if you intend to stay in the USA for more than three months. Mint Mobile will provide you with great coverage for an affordable price, whether you are a student abroad or a worker who has been relocated.
Mint requires that you purchase a minimum of three months’ worth of service in advance. The best deals are available if you sign up for six or 12 months. The unlimited plan costs $90 for three months. You get unlimited text, talk, and data, as well as 5GB of the mobile hotspot and free calls to Canada and Mexico. You can also add international features like calling and roaming but you will have to pay more. This feature is important to you so look for another carrier that offers international calling.
Mint Mobile membership is simple. You can sign up online for a free trial to receive a Mint Mobile SIM card. This is especially true if your phone qualifies for an eSIM. You can activate the SIM right from your phone and then continue your service later if you wish. A Mint SIM card can be purchased at Target, Best Buy Walmart, or Amazon.
- Price: Plans start at $15 per month.
- Data Options: Data range from 4GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Free mobile hotspot and Free calls to Mexico and Canada
Lycamobile – Prepaid SIM Card
Lycamobile is unique as it’s a global mobile phone operator (MVNO) and in the United States, it’s an MVNO within T-Mobile’s network. You can check if your phone is compatible by entering your IMEI number online at Lycamobile. Most GSM-unlocked phones should work.
Lycamobile has several plans available and caters to people who need unlimited nationwide text and voice and text as well as international calling and messaging to more than 75 countries. These features are included in every plan at no extra cost, which makes it the ideal plan for anyone who wishes to be able to call abroad anytime you wish.
There are many data plans available starting at 1GB and ending with unlimited. The lowest 1GB plan is $19 while the highest unlimited plan is $50. You will need to choose the best plan for you. Each plan has different bonus features.
Lycamobile SIM cards can be obtained quite easily. Lycamobile SIM cards can be purchased online at Amazon and Lycamobile’s website. However, you will also find Lycamobile SIM cards in many retailers including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, convenience stores, and more. You can also use the online retailer locator to locate the closest retailer.
- Price: Plans start at $19 per month.
- Data Options: 1GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Unlimited International Talk & Text to 75+ Countries, Bonus International Minutes, and 500 Bangladesh Minutes
AT&T Prepaid – Bring Your Own Phone
AT&T is known for its excellent coverage and offers one of the most affordable prepaid phone plans. You will find it has better coverage in rural areas than most other carriers. This makes it a great choice if you are planning to travel a lot. AT&T Prepaid is $30 and includes taxes and fees. This will give you 5GB of high-speed data. The speed is throttled to 128Kbps. Before signing up, make sure to check the compatibility of your device with AT&T online.
This plan allows you to access your mobile hotspot and send text messages to over 100 countries. You can also talk, text, and use data in Mexico or Canada, though data speeds may be slower. You can also upgrade to a 15GB plan for $40 if you feel you will need more data than 5GB. This is a great deal that you should definitely consider.
Online, you can buy an AT&T SIM card and a prepaid plan. Or, you can visit an AT&T shop. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Walmart also sell AT&T SIM Cards for $10. This is more expensive than what you’d pay online, but still an option.
- Price: Plans start at $30 per month.
- Data Options: 5GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Unlimited talk & text to Mexico & Canada, Use talk, text, & data in Mexico & Canada, Fraud call blocking and spam alerts, Mobile hotspot, and Unlimited text to over 100 countries
T-Mobile Prepaid – USA SIM Card
T-Mobile is the best option if you’re only going to be in the US for a few weeks. T-Mobile’s network uses GSM, which makes it more compatible with European-based phones.
The prepaid SIM card includes unlimited text, calls, and data for 20 days. This makes it ideal for travelers who only stay in the USA for a few weeks or days. It can be used on all smartphones (nano, micro, and regular SIM slots).
It must be activated before you can use it. Follow the instructions and your SIM will be activated in 24 hours.
- Price: Plans start at $40 per month.
- Multi line Discount: $35 per line for 2 people, $33 for 3 people and $32 for 4 people
- Data Options: 10GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: Scam-blocking protection, Domestic mobile hotspot, and Wi-Fi calling
Cricket Wireless – 3-in-1 SIM Kit
Cricket Wireless is also one of the best prepaid carriers for travelers looking for a prepaid sim card. During your time in the US, keep your phone number. This SIM card is compatible with unlocked and GSM-compatible phones. Simply insert the SIM card and follow the instructions to activate it.
Cricket Wireless has a variety of prepaid phone plans that will suit your needs. Unlimited text and phone calls for $30 per month It will cost $50 per month to add unlimited 4G LTE data. Although it is more expensive than T-Mobile’s Prepaid, it has a lot of features and coverage that covers not only the US but also Mexico and Canada.
Cricket International is also available if you need to call the US from other countries (up to 35 countries).
- Price: Plans start at $30 per month.
- Data Options: 2GB to Unlimited
- Talk & Text: Unlimited
- Perks: HD Voice & Wi-Fi Calling, Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries, Mexico and Canada usage (Canada usage cannot exceed 50%), 150GB Cloud Storage and Mobile Hotspot
Check out Cricket Wireless Plans
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