These days, the choices are endless for mobile phone plans. Prepaid and postpaid plans offer different plusses and minuses. The main question to ask yourself is, how predictable is your monthly budget? Read on to learn some of the differences between postpaid and prepaid plans. We’ll also explain NOW by Xfinity and Xfinity Mobile as great examples of prepaid and postpaid plans, respectively.
What is a prepaid mobile plan?
A prepaid mobile plan is a mobile plan where the monthly cost is paid upfront and has traditionally come with a set number of minutes, text, and data. When buying a new phone, prepaid plans typically require you to pay the full cost of the phone at the time of purchase.
The benefits of prepaid phone plans often include:
- No credit checks since balances are paid up front.
- Flexibility to pause and resume service as needed.
- Lower prices per line.
Overall, prepaid phone plans are great for budget-conscious spenders, those of us who value predictability, and anyone who might have a low credit score.
Increasingly, there are many prepaid phone plans that offer unlimited data, talk, and text, which makes planning for your phone usage even easier.
What is NOW Mobile? What are its key features?
NOW Mobile is a flexible, affordable prepaid mobile service offered exclusively for customers of Xfinity Internet or NOW Internet. It offers no annual contract, no credit check, nationwide 5G connectivity, and access to Xfinity’s 20+ million WiFi hotspots. Best of all, it offers unlimited talk, text, and data so you don’t have to pay for a certain amount of data or minutes for each billing period.
When a line exceeds its monthly premium data allowance, data may be temporarily slower during times of network congestion.
Also, it allows you to have up to five lines, and the ability to pause and resume service at any time. To start your NOW Mobile service, simply pay in advance and get connected within minutes when you bring your own phone. Learn more about prepaid mobile plans.
Ready for a low-cost prepaid mobile plan?
What is postpaid mobile?
Postpaid plans, also known as monthly plans, require you pay at the end of the month for services already used, rather than at this beginning of the billing period.
The benefits of monthly phone plans include:
- Different data options: For very light data users, a plan with a set limit on data can be a cost-effective option. For heavy data users — or those who don’t want to be concerned with limits or overages — unlimited plans can be a reasonably priced option.
- Savings when paying for several lines: Many providers offer discounts on family plans with multiple lines, and you may also be able to share data between lines.
- International plans: Many plans offer international unlimited talk, text, and data in case you travel out of the US or have relatives abroad.
- Finance your device: When buying a new phone, monthly plans often offer the ability to finance your new device rather than paying the full cost upfront and may offer better promotional deals on devices.
What is Xfinity Mobile? Can I keep my phone with it?
Xfinity Mobile is a postpaid service with a nationwide network complete with 5G and 4G LTE connectivity. Not only that, Xfinity Mobile offers access to secure WiFi hotspots, with speeds up to a gig in over 20 million locations nationwide. Xfinity Mobile is exclusively available for Xfinity Internet customers. Apart from phone plans, Xfinity Mobile also offers cell phone deals.
Calculate your savings.
Bringing your own device is easier than ever with eSIM. Now you can bring the phone you want to Xfinity Mobile if it’s eSIM-compatible. Don't have eSIM? Order a free SIM card and easily switch from home. Learn more about Bring Your Own Device.
Looking for a phone plan? Xfinity Mobile offers the best coverage with 5G and millions of secure WiFi hotspots. New members can choose between Mobile Select and Mobile Plus plans with exclusive features and savings.
Both Mobile and Mobile Select and Mobile Plus plans offer:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in the US with no data caps
- International plan with unlimited talk, text, and data for travel in 215+ destinations
- Instant connection to 20+ million WiFi hotspots
- Automatic speed boosts on WiFi, so you’re always getting the fastest connection available
Looking for more perks? Our Mobile Plus plan offers:
- 4K video streaming
- Xfinity Mobile Care Plus which offers device protection for life
- Phone upgrades every year with a guaranteed device discount
- Spam call protection with Xfinity Call Guard
Thinking about switching? Save by bundling Xfinity Internet and Mobile
By combining your Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile services, you cut your monthly mobile bill in half. Plus, new Mobile customers can try Mobile Select wireless for a full year, allowing you to try Xfinity Mobile on your own device with no risk or commitments.
Learn more about our unlimited mobile plans.
Prepaid vs. Postpaid Cell Phone Plans
The key difference between postpaid and prepaid mobile plans is when you pay. Prepaid allows you to pay for your mobile services up front. Postpaid allows you to pay for your mobile usage after each billing period.
Postpaid monthly plans also allow you to finance your cell phone and other devices in your monthly plans. Xfinity Mobile offers you month-to-month contracts with the ability to cancel at any time without a termination fee.
Helpful Links on Mobile Plans
Want to learn more about mobile plans and the latest devices? Here are some helpful articles and deals:
