Mint Mobile offers what many of the big carriers lack: Simplicity in pricing. What you see is what you pay without any eyebrow furrowing fees.
And right now, Mint Mobile has an exceptional deal to consider. You can receive their unlimited plan for $15 per month for one year. That's unlimited texting, calling and unlimited data on T-Mobile's network.
Here's a breakdown of how the deal works and if it's as good as advertised.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Mint Mobile deals: How do I qualify?
To earn Mint Mobile's $15 a month unlimited deal, you must transfer an existing number to Mint Mobile. If you plan on switching carriers anyway, this isn't a big deal since you can keep your number.
Make sure you have your pertinent information ready before signing up online or at a store. This includes your previous carrier's account number and account PIN, which you'll need to authorize the transfer of your number.
On top of this, you'll need to buy a new phone and prepay for a year of service at $180. It seems like a lot of hoops to jump through on the surface, but when you start to break the price down, you can see what an incredible value it is:
The retail price on the iPhone16e runs $599 on its own.
With a year of service added on, you'll own a phone and receive unlimited data for an average monthly price of $65.
Meanwhile, if you're an Android user, you can also find exceptional deals with Mint Mobile:
For the Google Pixel 9, it marks an even better deal since you're receiving $400 off the phone's price.
It brings the total of a new phone and plan down to $48 per month, which is about half of what you would pay with a regular carrier.
To illustrate, I have the Google Pixel 9a with T-Mobile's Go5G Next (now called Experience Beyond) and pay around $100 per month.
Any limitations on Mint Mobile's deal?
While Mint Mobile's deal is great on the surface, it isn't going to be for everyone. First, the high-speed data allowance, while nice, might be limited to some.
Yes, you do receive unlimited data with the plan, but there are usage caps. Mint Mobile notes if you're in a high congestion area and exceed usage of 35GB, your speeds might throttle for the rest of the month.
Now, this isn't a big deal if you're on Wi-Fi most of the time, but if you want the flexibility of truly unlimited, you might want to consider other options.
Another thing is you'll only receive 10GB of mobile hotspot. For travelers that require a secure internet connection on the go, mobile hotspot is usually a go-to. But the 10GB cap on the unlimited plan will limit you.
On top of this, you don't receive any of the streaming features that the top mobile carriers offer. For T-Mobile, I receive Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV Plus ad-supported versions for free.
However, with the savings gained from Mint Mobile, you can sign up for all three of these and still come out ahead.
And keep in mind, if you buy a new iPhone, you receive three months of Apple TV for free:
Is Mint Mobile right for me?
Mint Mobile is perfect if you're looking to save on your cell phone bill, receive a new phone and don't require any of the extra perks.
After all, say you take advantage of the Google Pixel 9 deal. You'll pay on average less than $50 per month for a new phone with unlimited texting, calling and high-speed data access for a year. That's a fantastic deal.
On the flip side, if you're an avid traveler requiring unlimited high-speed access or need mobile hotspot data, then the traditional carriers are going to be the better option since the perks they offer are usually worth the added fees.
Related content
-
What to Expect as Tariffs Reach CarsHigher vehicle prices and delayed repairs are among the potential effects.
-
The Four D's That Could Force You to Sell Your BusinessBusiness owners (or their heirs) can be rushed into a sale of their company if they haven't planned for a major change in circumstances — or the four D's.
-
Is ESPN’s New Streaming Service Worth It?ESPN will release its standalone streaming service this fall for $29.99 per month for one year. Is it worth the cost? We'll break it down.
-
Summer Upgrades That Can Add Value and Comfort to Your HomeTackle these projects to refresh your space and make a smart investment in your home’s future.
-
How to Be Your Own Consumer WatchdogBig changes are afoot at federal agencies. Make these moves to protect yourself financially.
-
Do You Need Disability Insurance? Three Things to KnowDisability insurance can help replace some of your income during unexpected life events. Here are the basics, courtesy of a financial professional.
-
How to Turn Education Planning Into Retirement PlanningNervous about investing in a 529 plan? If college doesn't pan out, the money can now be rolled over into a Roth IRA, which will grow tax-free until retirement.
-
We Took Them in After the Fire, and Now They Won't LeaveA well-meaning older couple responded to a young couple's plea for help. Now they're looking at having to evict tenants rather than simply asking houseguests to go. How could this happen?
