Consumer Cellular is one of the only cell phone carriers that designs all of its plans with seniors in mind.
You’ll have three plans to choose from, all of which come with unlimited talk and text, plus a certain amount of data. Prices start at just $20 per month.
To get the inside scoop on Consumer Cellular’s plans and phones in action, check out our hands-on 2023 Consumer Cellular review.
Consumer Cellular is a leader in the wireless industry, offering no-contract plans and senior-friendly phones. Their phone plans start at $20 per month and devices at $69, which is affordable for most senior budgets.
The company guarantees a risk-free trial, so it’s easy to give the provider a test run if you’d like. We tested Consumer Cellular ourselves and found their offerings to be a top choice for seniors, even when compared to plans from Verizon and T-Mobile’s 55+ plans. Below we outline all the details of Consumer Cellular's plans, phones, and how they match up to the competition to help you decide if this provider is right for you. Let’s jump in!
FYI:
FYI: While Consumer Cellular is one of our favorite cell phone carriers for seniors, there’s one carrier who we rank even higher. Visit our guide to the best phone plans for seniors to find out who took the cake.
Consumer Cellular at a Glance
No contracts
Plans starting at $20 per month
30-day risk-free trial
AARP member discounts
Flexible plans
Award-winning U.S.-based customer support
Senior-friendly phones and plans
No activation or overage fees
The Fast Facts: Consumer Cellular’s Senior Phone Plans
Plan type
Price*
Includes
Unlimited Talk and Text
$20 per month
Unlimited talk, 1 GB of data, and unlimited text
Unlimited Talk and Text
$35 per month
Unlimited talk, 10 GB of data, and unlimited text
Unlimited Talk and Text
$50 per month
Unlimited talk, data, and text
* Price includes a $5 AutoPay and paperless billing discount.
A Closer Look at Consumer Cellular’s Plans and Pricing
Consumer Cellular offers customizable, flexible monthly plans. Whether you anticipate using your mobile phone frequently or just for emergencies, Consumer Cellular has a plan that’s right for you and your family.
Speaking of family, you can purchase up to four lines on a Consumer Cellular account using their website, any more than that and they suggest calling customer service. Each additional line is $15 extra per month. Minutes, texts, and data are shared between lines. Keep in mind that you can change your monthly plan anytime without racking up fees or penalties!
If you go over your plan's limit of minutes or data during the month, Consumer Cellular automatically upgrades you to a plan that covers the amount of data or minutes you've used. This way, you are guaranteed to get the best possible rate for your monthly usage, without overage fees.
Talk, Text, and Data Plans
If you’re considering purchasing a smartphone, you definitely want to choose a plan with data to utilize all the phone’s benefits and features. If you have just one phone line, a plan with 1 GB or 10 GB should be well suited for you. If you have multiple lines sharing data and minutes, you may want to consider one of the following plans:
Unlimited minutes and text and 10 GB of data for two lines: $50 per month
Unlimited minutes, text, and data for two lines: $65 per month
Quick Tip:
Quick Tip: Interested in purchasing a smartphone? Visit our list of the best smartphones for seniors to see our top picks.
Consumer Cellular makes it easy to switch between plans each month, which we think is really valuable. In months when you travel, you may want to bump up your data plan because you may use your smartphone more for driving directions or to find local restaurants. Then, when you’re done traveling, you can contact Consumer Cellular to go back to your original plan.
Not sure how much data you need? The chart below can help. It lists common activities that use data and how long you can perform each activity with a certain amount of data. For example, with 1 GB of data, you could video chat for four hours, surf the web for 12 hours, or stream videos for two hours.
Cost*
Data
Video call
Browsing web pages
Streaming video
$20 per month
1 GB
4 hours
12 hours
2 hour
$35 per month
10 GB
40 hours
120 hours
20 hours
$50 per month
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Price is for one line and includes Unlimited talk and text and individual data plans. $5 autopay and paperless billing discount included.
How to Get the Best Deal With Consumer Cellular
While Consumer Cellular already offers affordable plans, there are a few ways to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible:
Be an AARP member: AARP members can save 5 percent on their monthly phone bill. Not an AARP member? Visit our guide to AARP membership to get started, or you can sign up for your membership during checkout on the Consumer Cellular site.
Refer a friend: When you refer a friend or family member to Consumer Cellular, you’ll get a $10 referral credit added to your account when they sign up for service.
Look for seasonal deals: Consumer Cellular runs seasonal promotions to keep money in your wallet.
Pick up the phone: Speaking with a customer service representative is a great way to save some money. Ask them if they have any special promotions going on or discounts you should be aware of. They’ll know the scoop!
Consumer Cellular: Cell phone plans made just for seniors
Consumer Cellular’s cell phone plans were designed with seniors in mind, featuring affordable prices and no contracts.
The Best Consumer Cellular Cell Phones for Seniors
Consumer Cellular has plenty of cell phones to choose from, so we’re pretty sure you’ll find one that fits your lifestyle and needs. We’ve detailed two of our favorite Consumer Cellular senior-friendly phones below.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? You can find Consumer Cellular devices and services at a Target store near you if you want to get your hands on the products before buying.
If you already have a device that you would prefer to continue using, that’s fine! Thanks to Consumer Cellular’s bring-your-own-phone option, you can keep your current phone and number. We all know switching phones and phone numbers can be a hassle, so this is a nice perk. Plus, you’ll save some money since you won’t have to purchase a new phone.
Verve Snap
Verve Snap
For some older adults, a good ol’ fashion flip phone remains a practical choice. If you consider a smartphone to be overly complex for your lifestyle, Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap offers simplicity at an unbeatable price of just $69. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to slide into a pocket or purse. The phone’s large, high-contrast keys make dialing a breeze for older eyes.
In short, the Verve Snap flip phone is well suited for older adults who prefer a very simple device. If you want to use your cell phone for talking and texting and can do without online features, the Verve Snap is right up your alley. The Verve Snap is one of our favorite flip phones. Visit our list of the best flip phones for seniors to learn more.
Our favorite features for seniors:
Simple, easy-to-use flip phone
Front-facing camera
Great for texting and talking
Large, high-contrast keys
$69 equipment fee
Check out our video review of the Verve Snap to learn more about this senior-friendly flip phone.
Moto G Power
Moto G Power
It has been reported that 73 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds and 45 percent of those 65 and older use social If you enjoy checking social apps, video chatting with grandchildren, and emailing from your phone, the Motorola Moto G Power is a “powerful” smartphone that keeps you connected.
At just $179, the Moto G Power delivers smartphone features at a terrific value. For comparison, other Android smartphones can cost over $1,000. The Moto G Power doesn’t have a top-quality camera or stylus, but it provides the conveniences of a smartphone at a fraction of the cost.
Our favorite features for seniors:
Smartphone with practical features
Three days of battery life
6.6″ full high-definition display
Triple rear camera with digital zoom
Ideal for using social apps and video chatting
$179 equipment fee
How Does Consumer Cellular Compare to Other Phone Carriers?
If you want an unlimited data plan, Consumer Cellular delivers excellent value. For comparison, Verizon’s price for an unlimited data plan is $65 per month for one line. AT&T’s cost for an unlimited plan is $65 per month for a single line. Going with Consumer Cellular’s unlimited plan is $50 per month, saving you $180 per year when compared to Verizon and AT&T. Plus, these big-name providers typically charge an activation fee, and Consumer Cellular doesn’t. Talk about savings!
Learn More:
Learn More: If you’re deciding between Lively and Consumer Cellular, you’ll want to read our in-depth comparison of the two providers.
When compared to similar senior-focused providers we’ve reviewed like Lively, Consumer Cellular has fewer safety options, but a larger selection of phones to choose from at lower prices. The Jitterbug Flip2 we tested is similar to the Verve Snap, but the Jitterbug Flip2 is $99.99, whereas the Verve Snap is a more affordable $69. The Jitterbug Flip2 has urgent response capabilities, a better camera, and some other features that justify its higher price.
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Consumer Cellular
Whether you’re a tech-savvy senior or you prefer to stay away from all the bells and whistles, Consumer Cellular can meet your mobile phone needs. What the company lacks in safety features, they easily make up for it in their senior-friendly phones and flexible wireless plans that keep you connected without breaking the bank. With plans starting at just $20 per month and phones as low as $69, you’re sure to find a Consumer Cellular plan and cell phone that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular uses AT&T towers to provide customers with excellent service coverage. With 99 percent of the U.S. population covered by Consumer Cellular’s service, you can rest assured you will have optimal coverage.
Consumer Cellular offers several options for you to keep track of your usage. You can sign up to receive email and text alerts, or if you have a smartphone, you can download the company’s My CC app. In the app, you can view your data and minutes usage, pay your bill, and change your monthly plan.
Thanks to the company’s risk-free guarantee, if you’re unhappy with the service within 30 days of your activation, you can cancel your service with Consumer Cellular without having to pay any fees.
If you’re a world traveler, you can still use your Consumer Cellular phone at international roaming rates, which are up to $0.50 per minute of talk time and up to $0.30 per text message.
Written By
Morgan Redding
Writer and Editor
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous… Learn More About Morgan Redding
