The search for “Verizon Wireless Prepaid” plans is typically driven by consumers looking for reliable service on Verizon’s award-winning network without the need for contracts, credit checks, or long-term commitments. Verizon’s prepaid offerings are a popular way to access their extensive 4G LTE and 5G coverage at a lower monthly cost.
Verizon Wireless Prepaid plans are simple, no-contract mobile service options that require customers to pay for their service upfront each month. They offer competitive features like mobile hotspot data, international texting, and loyalty discounts that significantly reduce the monthly price over time.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the current Verizon Prepaid plan options, pricing structure, and key differences from their postpaid service.
Current Verizon Wireless Prepaid Plans and Pricing
Verizon offers a range of prepaid plans to suit different data needs, from talk-and-text basics to full unlimited data with access to the fastest 5G networks. All listed prices include the Auto Pay discount (typically or off plans or higher after the first month).
| Plan Tier | Monthly Price (w/ Auto Pay) | High-Speed Data Allotment | Hotspot Data | 5G Network Access |
| Talk & Text | N/A (Data at reduced speeds) | N/A | Basic 5G Nationwide | |
| 15 GB Plan | 15 GB 5G/4G LTE | Uses 15 GB allowance | Basic 5G Nationwide | |
| Unlimited Plan | Unlimited (Subject to deprioritization) | 5 GB 5G/4G LTE, then reduced speeds | Basic 5G Nationwide | |
| Unlimited Plus | Unlimited (50 GB Premium Data) | 25 GB 5G Ultra Wideband, then reduced speeds | 5G Ultra Wideband (fastest) |
Note: Prices above reflect the Auto Pay discount and are for a single line. Taxes and fees may apply and vary by location.
Key Features of Verizon Prepaid
- No Contract / No Credit Check: The biggest advantage is the flexibility of no annual contract and no credit check required for activation.
- Loyalty Discounts: Verizon rewards long-term prepaid customers. Customers on plans or higher receive a discount after 3 months of service, and an additional discount after 9 months, for a total loyalty savings of per month.
- International: All plans include unlimited texting to over 200 countries. The Unlimited Plus plan includes talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada.
- Mobile Hotspot: Mobile Hotspot capability is included on all data plans, with dedicated high-speed allowances on the Unlimited tiers.
Verizon Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Understanding the Trade-Off
Users interested in Verizon Wireless Prepaid are often comparing it to Verizon’s standard, higher-priced postpaid plans. While both use the same core cellular network, there are crucial differences in service priority and features.
- Data Deprioritization
This is the most critical difference.
- Prepaid (Lower Tiers): Customers on the (15 GB) and (Unlimited) prepaid plans may experience slower data speeds when the local Verizon network is congested, as their data is deprioritized behind Verizon’s postpaid customers.
- Prepaid (Unlimited Plus): The Unlimited Plus plan is the best prepaid option, as it includes 50 GB of premium network access, which is prioritized for faster speeds before any potential slowdowns.
- Network Access
- Basic 5G Nationwide: All current Verizon Prepaid plans include access to the standard 5G Nationwide network.
- 5G Ultra Wideband (UWB): Access to Verizon’s fastest 5G network, 5G Ultra Wideband, is only included with the most expensive prepaid plan, the Unlimited Plus.
- Device and Perks
- Device Financing: Prepaid customers must purchase their phones outright (Bring Your Own Device or buy a phone at full price). Postpaid customers can finance new devices with monthly installment plans.
- Perks: Postpaid plans often include perks like bundled streaming services (Disney+, Netflix, etc.) at deeply discounted prices. Prepaid plans do not include these bundled entertainment perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Verizon Prepaid plan includes 5G Ultra Wideband (UWB)?
Only the top-tier Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Plus plan ( w/ Auto Pay) includes access to the faster 5G Ultra Wideband network. All other prepaid plans are limited to the slower 5G Nationwide network.
Does Verizon Prepaid offer family plan discounts?
Yes. Verizon Prepaid offers a Multi-Line Discount on their Unlimited plans. You save per month on each additional Verizon Prepaid Unlimited line added to the account. For example, two lines on the Unlimited plan would cost (after Auto Pay).
Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to Verizon Prepaid?
Yes. You can easily port your existing phone number from your current carrier (whether it’s a major carrier or an MVNO) when activating a new Verizon Prepaid line. You should not cancel your old service until the number transfer is complete.
Are all taxes and fees included in the advertised price?
No. Unlike some MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that include all taxes and fees in the sticker price, Verizon’s advertised prepaid prices do not include taxes and government-mandated fees, which will vary based on your billing address.
Conclusion
Verizon Wireless Prepaid offers a compelling way to use Verizon’s reliable nationwide network without the commitment of a contract. For users seeking the absolute lowest price and flexibility, the 15 GB or basic Unlimited plans are excellent. However, for those who prioritize consistently high data speeds and access to the fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network, the Unlimited Plus plan provides the best value and performance, making it the top prepaid choice for heavy data users.
