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Do You Really Need All Those Phone Plan Perks?

Unlimited data plans now come bundled with streaming, travel perks and device deals — but many people pay for extras they rarely use.

By Choncé Maddox published 28 January 2026 in Features

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A cell phone with money attached to it by rubber bands

(Image credit: Getty Images)

For years, a “good” phone plan meant clear coverage, reliable data and a reasonable monthly bill. Today, that same plan often arrives wrapped in a long list of bonuses: free streaming subscriptions, international roaming, cloud storage, in-flight Wi-Fi and discounted phone upgrades (you name it).

On paper, it can look like a great deal. But in reality, many people end up paying for features they barely notice once the novelty wears off.

If you signed up for your current plan during a promotion or a new-phone deal, it may be worth stepping back and asking a simple question: Is this plan built around how you actually use your phone, or around perks that just sound good in a marketing pitch?

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Why phone plans now come with so many extras

The wireless market has become intensely competitive. Coverage gaps have narrowed, data speeds are similar in most metro areas and unlimited plans are now the norm. With fewer technical differences to highlight, carriers have leaned into bundling.

Streaming services, travel benefits and device promotions help carriers differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. They also encourage long-term loyalty. A plan that includes a “free” subscription or a multi-year phone credit can make switching feel more complicated, even if another carrier offers a lower monthly price.

There’s another layer, too. The advertised price of a plan doesn’t always reflect its true value. A $90 plan can feel reasonable next to a $45 plan when the higher price is framed as paying for multiple extras, not just phone service.

But that math changes if you already pay for those same services separately, or rarely use them at all.

When bundled perks can actually make sense

To be fair, extras aren’t automatically a bad deal. In some cases, they can genuinely save money.

For families already paying for multiple streaming services, a plan that bundles Netflix, Apple TV+ or Hulu can offset part of a higher monthly rate. Frequent travelers may benefit from international roaming, hotspot access or in-flight Wi-Fi that would otherwise cost extra. And for people who upgrade their phones every two or three years, device credits can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a new mobile device.

The key is alignment. The perks have to match habits you already have, not ones you might use someday.

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The hidden costs of “free” perks

The word “free” often hides trade-offs. Plans with extensive bundles tend to start with a higher base price. Over time, that premium can easily exceed the value of the services included.

There’s also the issue of commitment. Device credits are usually spread over 24 or 36 months. If you leave early, you may lose the remaining balance, effectively paying full price for the phone after all.

Some promotions are tied to specific plan tiers, too. Change your plan, and the perk disappears. And then there’s the simplest problem: people forget what they’re paying for. It’s not uncommon to discover a streaming subscription included in a phone plan that hasn’t been opened in months.

What simple phone plans offer instead

An alternative approach is to strip things back. “Simple” carriers focus on the basics: data, talk and text, with transparent pricing and fewer conditions.

These plans often feature flat monthly rates with no long-term contracts. Many still offer unlimited or high-cap data, just without the streaming bundles or upgrade programs. Lower overhead can mean lower prices, and setup is usually app-based, with eSIM options (digital SIM profile instead of a physical SIM card) that let you activate service in minutes rather than days.

For people who prefer to manage their own subscriptions and buy phones outright, this model can be easier to understand and easier to change if needs shift.

What to look for when comparing simple phone plans

Side view of woman using smart phone in store

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Several carriers now operate in this “no-frills” space, each with a slightly different angle.

Mint Mobile tends to be the cheapest option if you’re willing to prepay for three, six or 12 months at a time. That bulk payment can lower the monthly equivalent, but it also reduces flexibility if you want to switch before your term ends.
US Mobile emphasizes customization. It offers tiered pricing, different data levels and access to multiple major networks, which can be appealing if you want to fine-tune coverage and cost.
Consumer Cellular leans on strong phone support and a retail presence, making it popular with customers who prefer talking to a person rather than managing everything in an app. That service model often comes with a higher price tag.
Visible Wireless sits at the simplicity end of the spectrum. It offers flat monthly pricing for unlimited data on Verizon’s nationwide network, no long-term contract and app-based account management. There are fewer plan options to compare, and unlike some prepaid models, there’s no need to pay months in advance.

When you line these up, the real differences come down to how you pay (monthly versus prepaid in bulk), which network you’re on, how you get support and whether you want customization or an all-in, one-price approach.

How to tell if you’re paying for perks you don’t use

A quick self-usage audit can be pretty revealing. Pull up your phone bill and your list of streaming and subscription services side by side.

Are you paying for the same thing twice? Look at your upgrade history. If you keep phones for four or five years, device credits may not matter much. Think about travel realistically. If you haven’t left the country in two years, international perks probably aren’t earning their keep either.

Then ask one simple question: Would I pay for this separately if it weren’t bundled into my phone plan? If the answer is no, it may be time to rethink what you’re paying for.

Choosing a phone plan based on your life, not the marketing

The best plan isn’t the one with the longest list of features. It’s the one that fits how you actually use your phone.

Start with coverage and reliability; those still matter most. From there, consider whether extras genuinely save you money or just sound impressive in an ad. Many people are surprised by how easy it is to switch carriers today, especially with eSIM and app-based setup.

In a market full of hype and bundles, sometimes the smartest move is simply choosing a plan that does less, and charges less for it.

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Choncé MaddoxSocial Links NavigationPersonal finance writer

Choncé is a personal finance freelance writer who enjoys writing about eCommerce, savings, banking, credit cards, and insurance. Having a background in journalism, she decided to dive deep into the world of content writing in 2013 after noticing many publications transitioning to digital formats. She has more than 10 years of experience writing content and graduated from Northern Illinois University.