Phone companies are particularly notorious for attracting potential new customers with great offers while leaving their existing customers to overpay. We see this all the time while negotiating bills for our own customers.
According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wireless customer spends $1,188 per year. With very little competition between major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, big cell phone companies are able to overcharge customers consistently.
In research conducted by ItsWorthMore, 56% of US smartphone users with unlimited data plans use less than 10 GB per month. If they switched to a plan with a data cap, they could save over $250 per year.
It’s true that many people overspend and make financial mistakes, but there are real ways to save.
We need to start learning how to save more money. Fortunately, you don’t need to make drastic lifestyle changes to lower your phone bill. In most cases, you won’t even need to change the type of phone you have.
Estimate savings & sign up
No one wants to spend time figuring out if they are overpaying for cell service. Most people sign up and never look back. Here’s how to determine if you're overpaying and what to do about it.
Review your bill monthly to spot hidden fees like regulatory and administrative charges, which can add up to $225 per year.
Most people don’t use all their data. Switching to a capped plan can save you over $250 per year.
Always keep WiFi on and ask businesses for their WiFi password to save on data usage.
If you rarely damage your phone, canceling insurance can be a significant cost-saver.
Many carriers offer discounts ($5-$10 per month) when you set up autopay.
Buying from online retailers like Amazon can be cheaper than carrier plans.
Smaller providers like Mint Mobile and Spectrum Mobile offer competitive plans at lower costs.
Compare deals and switch to a provider with better rates and benefits.
You can save significantly by bundling with family or friends.
If you don’t want to deal with negotiations yourself, Bestconsumer can help.
Bestconsumer has saved customers over $8 million, with average savings of $285 per bill!