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Best prepaid SIM cards for USA travel on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile prepaid SIM card
Tello 2GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best prepaid T-Mobile SIM cards.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello SIM cards are cost-effective for all budgets. You can customize your plan based on your usage and select the number of minutes, texts, and data that suits you.
- Check your monthly data usage before purchasing a SIM card, as opting for a set data plan could lead to even greater savings.
- Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, so you can enjoy all its exceptional advantages without breaking the bank.
- There are no discounts for multiple-line purchases, and each line will be billed at full price as an individual line, but it still saves hundreds of dollars due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Ordering your new Tello SIM card is as simple as a few clicks, and it will be delivered straight to you.
Best T-Mobile SIM card for families
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all SIM cards with a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- To sign up for Mint Mobile, you need to commit to a minimum of 3 months upfront. After the initial three months, you can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade to an expensive iPhone. But they also offer options for new smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
- Download the Mint Mobile app to easily track your usage and manage multiple SIM card plans.
- One drawback is that international roaming and calls to countries outside of Canada and Mexico come at an additional cost.
Best unlimited SIM card on T-Mobile
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 for 3 Months | *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $630/yr |
Best prepaid SIM cards for USA travel on Verizon
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon prepaid SIM card
Twigby Mobile 2GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Twigby Mobile SIM card, you have the choice to personalize your SIM card plan and only pay for the services you require. They offer a selection of budget-friendly SIM cards without any contracts, all of which operate on Verizon's network.
This ensures that you can enjoy both quality and flexibility. Additionally, if you have family or friends overseas, Twigby Mobile provides free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about best prepaid Verizon SIM cards.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- No eSIM support
- Offering a selection of customizable SIM card plans, there are a range of data options, so there's something for everyone.
- As Twigby Mobile is 100% online based, you can purchase your SIM card from the comfort of your own home, and it'll be mailed straight to you.
- Unlike other MVNOs, unfortunately, Twigby Mobile doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- They also don't provide international roaming, so using your phone abroad could end up with a high monthly bill.
Best Verizon SIM card for families
Red Pocket 10GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile offers straightforward SIM card plans with no hidden fees and includes unlimited talk and text.
- Option to use the phone as a hotspot.
- There's a 7-day money-back guarantee with eSIM plans.
- You can save $20 per additional line with a family plan.
- They offer free roaming in Mexico and Canada and free international calling worldwide.
Best unlimited SIM card on Verizon
Visible Unlimited SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best prepaid SIM cards for USA travel on AT&T
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T prepaid SIM card
Red Pocket 1GB SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas. Check out our review about best prepaid AT&T SIM cards.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best AT&T SIM card for families
Red Pocket 10GB SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited SIM card on AT&T
Red Pocket Unlimited SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Best overall SIM card for USA travel
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best prepaid travel SIM card
Which network do you prefer?
Low-cost carriers are powered by the same 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big 3. According to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can find an MVNO that operates on that network. To discover the best cell phone service in your area, make sure to use our coverage checker.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need a prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? The big 3 wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. Because if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can pick a plan with enough data to fit your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning if you use less, you can pay less. But if you do choose an unlimited data SIM card, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Many MVNOs permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly cost?
While an unlimited data SIM card with the big 3 wireless costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the low advertised price if you buy four lines. With low-cost carriers, the price you see is what you pay, even for one line. Some MVNOs also offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While big wireless prioritizes keeping their customers in a perpetual cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate for bringing your own device. This empowers you to regain control and only switch phones when it's convenient for you. In the event that you do decide to buy a new phone, most MVNOs provide the option for 0% financing spread across 1-2 years.
Are there any promotions?
Promotions from big wireless can seem great at first. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.
Are there any perks?
The big 3 wireless plans normally come with "complimentary" TV subscriptions, but these often become paid subscriptions that are automatically included on your bill after a few months. Although some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile do provide plan choices with free subscription services, we generally advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary months of service.
What international travel features are available?
Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. But when you're traveling abroad, there are different features you'll need, for example, roaming. If this is important to you, you can find a variety of carriers offering SIM cards for international travel.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
What are the SIM card sizes?
The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid SIM cards to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best prepaid phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest prepaid SIM plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* | $225/yr | $675/yr | |
| Tello | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $270/yr | $630/yr | See at Tello *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
SIM cards for international travelers
In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.
Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.
However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.
A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.
Prepaid SIM cards FAQs
Your phone information is stored in a SIM or subscriber identity module card.
Depending on the carrier and data plan, a prepaid SIM card typically costs between $5-35 per month.
SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
Recap: What is the best prepaid travel SIM card?
Saving money on your cell phone bill has never been easier with MVNOS. With such a variety of prepaid SIM cards to choose from, there's something for everyone.
These low-cost carriers can save you up to $600 a year with the same perks. Running on the same US networks, coverage is one thing you don't have to sacrifice.
SIM cards
- Best Prepaid SIM Card
- Best Cheap SIM Card Plans
- 10 Best Prepaid 5G SIM Cards
- 10 Best Pay as You Go SIM Cards
- Best SIM Card for International Travel
- 10 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for USA Travel
- 10 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for iPhones
- 10 Best SIM Cards for Samsung Phones
- 10 Best SIM Cards for Apple Watch
- 10 Best SIM Cards for Smartwatches
- 10 Best SIM Cards for Kids Smartwatch
- Best Prepaid Data SIM Cards
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hotspots
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for iPads
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Tablets
How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
A low-cost carrier uses the same towers and coverage as major networks like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The difference is that low-cost carriers offer more affordable plans with fewer hidden fees because they don’t have the same overhead costs as the big guys.
Low-cost carriers can keep prices lower because they don’t own the network infrastructure. They pay the major carriers for network access, which allows them to pass the savings on to you.
Yes. Most low-cost carriers offer flexible plans that allow you to adjust your data, talk, or text limits to suit your needs, as you are not tied into a contract. You can change your plan or cancel anytime.
You can bring your own unlocked phone to most low-cost carriers or purchase one directly from the carrier. Many low-cost carriers offer popular models, and their network compatibility is usually no issue.
Yes, switching to a low-cost carrier is simple. You can sign up online, bring your own phone, and port your number easily. The process is quick and straightforward, and customer support is available to assist with any issues.
No! Most low-cost carriers offer prepaid, no-contract plans, meaning you're not tied down to long-term commitments. You can switch whenever you like without paying hefty termination fees.
Most low-cost carriers offer easy payment options, including online billing, autopay, or prepaid options. Many also offer discounts for paying upfront or signing up for autopay.
Yes! Some low-cost carriers offer family plans or multi-line discounts. But just by signing up the whole family to a low-cost carrier without the discount could save you up to $600 a year, per line.
Yes, while the big 3 only offer unlimited data plans, most people actually don’t need these. You can choose a plan with a data limit that suits your usage to save even more money or an unlimited data plan. It's up to you.
Depending on the plan, normally, your speeds will be slowed until your next billing cycle, rarely do any charge for overage use. However, some low-cost carriers provide options for purchasing additional data at a reasonable cost.
No, low-cost carriers use the same towers as the big networks, so you’ll have the same signal strength and coverage as with Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
Yes, all low-cost carriers now offer 5G service, as they use the same networks as the big 3. You will need a compatible phone and plan, but 5G is increasingly available across low-cost carriers.
You may experience slower speeds during peak times if your low-cost carrier deprioritizes data. However, outside of busy periods, you should enjoy the same fast speeds as you would with major carriers. Your speeds will depend on the network’s traffic at any given moment.
No, low-cost carriers provide coverage in rural and remote areas, just like major networks. The coverage is essentially the same, as they all use the same towers and infrastructure.
While customer service experiences can vary, many low-cost carriers offer excellent customer support. They tend to focus on customer satisfaction and transparency without the frustration of endless hold times or high-pressure sales tactics often seen with the big carriers.
Yes, most low-cost carriers offer reliable customer support. It varies by carrier but you’ll find they offer online support or phone assistance.
Most low-cost carriers don’t have physical stores, so in-person support may be limited. However, most low-cost carriers offer strong online support or call center assistance to resolve issues remotely.
While low-cost carriers may not offer as many in-store support options as big carriers, they generally provide reliable and helpful customer support through phone and online channels. Their support tends to be more personal and straightforward compared to larger, more corporate carriers.
Customer support can assist with a wide range of issues, including billing inquiries, plan changes, technical issues, device troubleshooting, network connectivity problems, and account management.
Yes, you can keep both your current phone and phone number when switching to a low-cost carrier. The process is easy, and most low-cost carriers offer tools to help you through the transfer.
Yes, it’s quick and easy! Low-cost carriers typically allow you to sign up online, bring your own phone, and transfer your number. The process is simple, and customer support is available to guide you if needed.
In most cases, there should be minimal downtime during the switch. The porting process usually takes a few hours to complete, but you can often continue using your current service until the transfer is finalized. Make sure to complete the switch during business hours for faster processing.
You can check if your phone is compatible by looking up the low-cost carrier’s compatibility list on their website or using your IMEI number.
Many low-cost carriers offer device financing or discounts for purchasing a new phone through them. However, you're also free to bring your own unlocked phone giving you flexibility.
Some low-cost carriers offer international calling and roaming options, but it's important to check with the specific carrier for details. Some carriers may offer affordable add-ons for international calls and data.
Many low-cost carriers offer affordable international calling plans or add-ons to help keep costs down, but the exact rates can vary.
Yes, if your low-cost carrier supports international roaming, you can use your international calling plan while abroad. However, be sure to check roaming rates and coverage before you travel to avoid unexpected costs.
Yes, many low-cost carriers allow you to make international calls over Wi-Fi using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP services. This can be a cost-effective way to call internationally, as it doesn’t count toward your carrier's voice minutes or incur additional charges.
