AT&T No Contract Prepaid Phone Plans

Being one of the largest phone service providers, AT&T has a wide-reaching network. As such, they can offer a prepaid phone plan to customers across the country. AT&T’s network reaches not only Alaska but Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well. No matter where you live in the US, there’s a chance that there’s an AT&T location near you. Whether you go into an actual store location or visit their online store, AT&T has a presence in your state.

AT&T Prepaid Phones

If you decide to use AT&T as your prepaid cell phone provider, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide whether to purchase a phone from AT&T’s inventory or use an existing phone that you own. If you choose to bring your own phone, all you need to do is order the $.99 SIM kit and select one of the prepaid plans.

NOTE: Be sure to check their website for promotions and deals. As of this writing (October 2022), there’s a limited-time promotion that includes a $250 account credit when ordering the SIM kit and activating the service. The credit is applied $10 per month over 25 months.

If bringing your own phone is not an option, you can visit the AT&T online or store location to select a phone to use with your prepaid service. Be aware that there are certain discounts and deals available online that might not be available at the brick and mortar store.

For those of you who are unsure as to which way to go, you can always visit an AT&T store, to examine the phones to get a better idea of what each phone offers. Once you have an idea of what you want, you can then order the phone online to take advantage of any existing promotions.

The phones range in price from as low as $49.99 for a Calypso and can go as high as several hundred dollars. You will save money if you have a phone to trade in, or you can opt for an AT&T certified restored phone.

AT&T Prepaid Service Plans

Just like phone purchases, there are online discounts for prepaid plans that are not available by walking into the AT&T store. Before committing to a prepaid plan, make sure you do your research by reviewing both the online and in-store plans. Having both will ensure you’ll get the best plan for your pocketbook and cell phone use habits.

For example, there was a limited-time online offer of $25/month which includes 8GB high-speed data if you prepay $300 for the year upfront. This was an online offer only.

Currently, AT&T Prepaid Service plans are summarized below. Plans change and limited-time offers change.

Double Data Promotion - 12 Month Plan

• 16GB High-Speed Data (usually 8GB)
• Unlimited Talk
• Unlimited Text
• Cost: $25/mo (When you pay $300 online up-front)

5GB Plan

• 5GB High-Speed Data
• Unlimited Talk
• Unlimited Text
• Cost: $30 per month

Unlimited Plan

• Unlimited Talk
• Unlimited Text
• Unlimited 5G High-Speed Data
• Cost:$65 per month but reduced to $50 per month if you sign up for AutoPay

15GB Plan

• 15GB High-Speed Data
• Unlimited Talk
• Unlimited Text
• Cost: $40 per month

3-Month Plan - 8GB

• Unlimited Talk
• Unlimited Text
• 8GB High-Speed Data
• Cost: $33 per month when you prepay $99 for 3 months

AT&T Plans will rollover unused data and skip the activation fee when you order online

Please be aware that once you’ve reached your high-speed data usage limit, the remaining data speed is reduced to 128 Kbps until the next term.

NOTE: If cost is a factor in your purchasing decision, please be advised that AT&T participates in the Federal Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. These programs help low-income households afford wireless and internet services. Some companies offer free government phones and free or discounted tablets. See what AT&T has to offer.

Prepaid Options

In addition to the above, AT&T offers several options such as Autopay. Enrolling in autopay means monthly savings. You will be notified before payments are due and you can change or cancel the autopay plan at any time without a penalty. You can save anywhere from $5 to $10 per month by enrolling.

International Calling: Some plans include international calls to Mexico and Canada at no additional charge. However, if you’re making calls to countries other than Mexico and Canada, visit their prepaid international calling page for details

Things to Know Before Purchasing an AT&T Phone or Plan

Below is important information regarding how AT&T responds to returns/refunds, phone delivery, and online offers. While this information is important to know, most folks don’t pay attention to things like returns or refunds until something goes wrong. We suggest you review the following information prior to purchasing a phone or prepaid plan. For more detailed information, please visit the AT&T website.

• Phone Delivery: To check the status of your phone order, either sign into your online account and access the "My Order" option, or visit the Check My Order page.


• Returns: The phone must not have water or physical damage. In other words, in like-new condition. You must return the device in its original packaging with all of the accessories, charger, manual and unopened software. Also, be sure to include a copy of your original receipt. If the phone isn’t in like-new condition or items are missing, AT&T may not accept the return/exchange and they won’t ship the device back to you. Please read the fine print for all terms and conditions.


• Refunds: Once AT&T accepts the returned phone, your refund may take up to two months. Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment.

Please make note of AT&T’s stance on online offers. You can find this wording under the AT&T legal section of the site:

"Online Price" is generally the same as prices offered at our AT&T company-owned retail locations, however, phone prices and selection may vary. Phone prices at retail locations may also vary based on rate plan or contract length. Online prices are subject to change and/or periodic promotional offers. Package offers are only available online. Not all package offers are valid for all customers; for example, customers interested in upgrading their device are not eligible for package offers. Each package requires a two-year service agreement, except purchases with GoPhone® service. In certain states, sales tax is calculated based on the un-activated "Retail Price".

NOTE: Online orders require a credit or debit card.

Now that you have the preliminary information, go visit AT&T and find your prepaid cell phone plan.

Did you know?: If you meet the Lifeline and/or Affordable Connectivity Program criteria, you qualify to receive a free device (smartphone or tablet) along with discounted or free wireless service (plans vary by state).

About the Author: LaForey is a person who was fed up with contract phone plans and opted for something more practical.

Last Modified: 4 December 2022