Purchasing a new smartphone today can also mean making the decision to choose between a prepaid and postpaid plan.

This usually adds more confusion to the already confused customer. In addition to choosing from numerous smartphone models and brands, you will also have to decide whether you should get a no-contract prepaid cell phone plan or a postpaid one.

Knowing the features and benefits of both prepaid and postpaid plans can steer you toward the option that’s best for you. Below are the noteworthy benefits you can get from each plan:

Prepaid

1. Budget-friendly

A prepaid cell phone plan is the most basic type of plan you can get.

You use what you pay for and, as such, it provides a low cost, predictable payment schedule. You will never go over the limit since once you use up your credit, you won’t be able to call, send text messages or connect to the Internet via data.

1. Easy to purchase

In general, a prepaid SIM card is easier to purchase than a postpaid one.

Most telecom companies conduct a credit check on individuals applying for a postpaid plan.

If you are a new immigrant, changing jobs or currently having some financial difficulties , you will have a hard time getting a postpaid plan. In this instance, a prepaid plan may be the best option for you.

1. No contracts

If you cannot commit to a long-term contract that locks you in with a particular provider for two years, you should get a prepaid plan instead.

Postpaid plans, particularly those that come with a mobile phone, come with a lock-in period. When you choose to terminate the account prematurely, you will have to pay for a hefty pre-termination fee.

With a prepaid plan, you can get another smartphone or change plans without any restrictions or penalties .

1. Top up anytime

In case you run out of credit, you can top up anytime using an app and a credit or debit card. You don’t have to find and go to a retailer to top up and have the capability to call, text, or use data again.

You can even get a different plan whenever you top up. You can choose one with more value or less depending on your needs and budget.

Postpaid

1. Budget-friendly handsets

One of the best advantages of getting a postpaid plan is you can have the latest device without shelling out a huge amount of cash in one go. Postpaid plans come with different devices ranging from low-cost ones to the newest, most expensive ones.

If you’re looking to upgrade your phone or always want to have the latest iPhone or Samsung device , get a postpaid plan. If you have an excellent payment record, you will even get automatic offers for the newest models even without visiting your carrier’s office.

1. More features

Postpaid plans can give consumers more bang for their buck. They come with more features, freebies, and rewards .

Some of these perks include unlimited phone calls among family members, unlimited data, and shared data plans. Most of these features are not available on prepaid plans.

1. Customizable services and features

Whether you are a heavy data user or need to call someone every 30 minutes or so, postpaid plans have something for you. In addition, you can choose to use a service your carrier offers this month and discontinue it the next.

A postpaid plan is the best option for entrepreneurs, executives, and other people that are always on their phone. And you can customize your plan so that it meets all your needs and to allow you to get the most out of your monthly fee .

1. Uninterrupted coverage

If you travel a lot and don’t want to keep buying prepaid SIM cards in the countries you go to, getting a postpaid plan is the smartest thing you can do.

You will have uninterrupted cell phone coverage wherever you are . You won’t have to worry about topping up in case you run out of credit as well.

However, you need to be wary of hefty roaming charges. It is best you talk to a customer service staff from your provider to find out how can avoid data usage overage and the high fees that come with it.

Choosing the Right Plan

If you want to be sure you are getting the right plan, you need to consider your needs and lifestyle first .

In case you are already happy with your current phone and want to stick to a low monthly budget, and control how much you spend on your cell phone use, then go for a prepaid plan.

But if you need to be in constant touch with your staff or co-employees, travel frequently, and want to have the latest device on the market, you would do well to get a postpaid plan instead.

AUTHOR BIO

Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain , a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.