Explore Your Affordable Options
The cost of having a phone and service plan can be too expensive for many people. Fortunately, several cell phone carriers in the USA offer options that allow individuals to get free phones or discounted service plans. This article explores eight options for cell phone carries that offer free phones in the USA.
1. Assurance Wireless (Through the Lifeline Program)
Assurance Wireless, a brand of T-Mobile, offers free phones and service to eligible low-income individuals through the Lifeline Assistance program, which is a federal program designed to make communication more affordable for those in need.
What you get:
- Free smartphone.
- Free minutes, texts and data (with limited plans).
- Access to additional discounted plans if you need more minutes, texts or data.
Eligibility
To qualify for the program, you must meet certain income guidelines or participate in federal assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP or SSI.
2. Safelink Wireless (Through the Lifeline Program)
Safelink Wireless is another provider that offers free phones and service through the Lifeline Assistance program. It’s part of Tracfone, one of the largest no-contract phone companies in the U.S.
What you get:
- Free government-issued phone.
- Free monthly minutes, texts and data (depending on eligibility).
- Ability to add more minutes or data at discounted rates.
Eligibility
Safelink’s free phone and service offer is available to those who meet low-income requirements or participate in federal programs. Depending on the state, the free service can vary, with some offering unlimited texting and limited data, while others provide larger data amounts.
3. T-Mobile’s Magenta Plus Plan (Free Phone with Trade-In)
T-Mobile offers some enticing deals that include free phones if you trade in your old phone. The Magenta Plus plan often includes promotions that let you get free smartphones when you sign up for a new plan and trade in an eligible device.
What you get:
- A free smartphone (when you meet certain trade-in requirements).
- 5G access (depending on the plan).
- Free text, data and talk (with certain limits).
Eligibility
To get a free phone with T-Mobile, you typically need to trade in a phone of a certain value, sign up for a specific plan and complete a 24-month installment agreement.
4. FreeUP Mobile (Free Phones for New Users)
FreeUP Mobile is a relatively new player in the mobile market, but it’s known for offering free phones to customers who sign up for their service. They often offer promotional deals where new customers can get a free smartphone.
What you get:
- Free smartphones (based on available promotions).
- Flexible, no-contract plans for unlimited texting and data.
- Prepaid plans with no surprise bills.
Eligibility
Most of FreeUP Mobile’s free phone offers are available to anyone signing up for the service, but they usually require activation of a specific plan or a commitment to a certain length of service.
5. Verizon’s Free iPhone Deals (With a Contract)
Verizon is one of the biggest carriers in the U.S., and while they are typically known for higher prices, they do offer promotions where new customers can receive free phones with a contract.
What you get:
- Free smartphones (like the iPhone or Android devices) depending on promotions.
- Access to Verizon’s expansive 5G and 4G LTE networks.
- Discounts on other plans if you bundle services.
Eligibility
Verizon’s free phone deals are usually part of promotional offers that require customers to switch to Verizon, add a line or trade in their old phones. These offers often require you to stay on a contract for 24 months.
6. Mint Mobile (Free Phone with Referral Program)
Mint Mobile, known for its low-cost plans, offers deals where new customers can get a free phone through its referral program. Often, this involves referring a friend or being part of a promotion, making it an attractive option for savvy shoppers.
What you get:
- Free smartphones (through special referral deals).
- Affordable, flexible mobile plans.
- 5G coverage in many locations.
Eligibility
New customers are eligible for a free phone if they are referred by an existing customer. Mint also offers free phones during specific promotional periods, often bundled with multi-month plans.
7. Cricket Wireless (Free Phone with New Plan)
Cricket Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, offers a variety of free phones with their prepaid plans, especially for new customers. These promotions include both Android and iPhone models.
What you get:
- Free smartphones with activation of a new line or switch from another carrier.
- Access to AT&T’s nationwide coverage.
- Affordable prepaid plans with talk, text and data options.
Eligibility
Cricket Wireless often offers deals where you can get a free phone with the purchase of a specific plan. The deals vary by location and time, so it's important to check their website for the latest promotions.
8. Project Lifeline (Free Service and Phones in Some States)
Project Lifeline is a program available in select states that offers free phone service and smartphones to eligible low-income individuals. This program is part of the broader Lifeline Assistance initiative and operates in a similar fashion to Assurance Wireless and Safelink.
What you get:
- Free phone and service (with eligibility requirements).
- Access to unlimited calls, texts and limited data.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by meeting federal poverty guidelines or participating in government assistance programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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