Total by Verizon Phone Plans for Seniors

The Buying Experience with Total by Verizon

Customers who want to buy plans and chat with a representative in person will like Total by Verizon. Total has thousands of retail locations like Target and Walmart to visit. That means you can pick up a few grocery items and a new phone plan in one shopping trip!

For customers who prefer to buy online, you can visit the carrier’s website. We found that the process was very easy. First, we entered our ZIP code. Then, the website pulled up all available plans. We could select a plan and the number of lines needed. Next, we were taken to another page to either shop for a new phone or buy a SIM card ($0.99). All that was left to do was pick our shipping method and the order was complete.

Customers who plan to bring their own phone must first visit Total’s website to check for compatibility. We started this process by entering our ZIP code. Then, we input our IMEI, MEID, or serial number (type *#06# on your iPhone/Android phone’s keypad to find the IMEI).

You can opt to manually refill your service every month, or use auto-refill, which bills you monthly. And you can get double Total Rewards points each time you auto-refill. We’d recommend taking advantage of these points, as they can help you score free service or discounts. We appreciate that Total offers this extra way to save.

Total has a handy text feature for customers to check their balance at any time and refill or manage plans by texting 611611. It’s a convenient self-help feature that doesn’t require a customer service rep.

Chatting with Customer Service

Total by Verizon has two quick ways to reach customer service. Live chat is available from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (EST) seven days a week. Customers can also talk to a customer service representative by phone at 1-866-663-3633 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (EST) seven days a week. We appreciate these extensive hours, as some companies only offer customer service on weekdays during standard business hours.

We reached out to customer service a few times to ask questions about Total’s plans. When you use the chat feature it begins by asking your name, email address, and phone number. Then it gives you a menu of choices based on what type of help you need. We clicked on “plans and service inquiries” and were immediately connected to a live customer service agent. The agent took a while to answer some questions, like whether the 5 GB plans have a multiline discount (they don’t!), but was otherwise helpful.

Chatting with Total by Verizon customer service

Customers who have more questions and don’t have the patience with the slow back-and-forth of online chat may prefer talking to a human at a retail store. Just visit the Total website and search in their “find a store” feature by typing in your ZIP code.

Choosing a Cell Phone

While you have the option to bring your own phone, Total by Verizon has lots of cell phones for seniors to buy. For your new plan you will want to buy the best cell phone that meets your needs. Choices range from flip phones and basic phones to the best smartphones from top brands. Here are two phones we like for seniors that are available from Total by Verizon.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you love the latest tech gadgets that can benefit older adults and have the budget for it, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is for you. This Android phone is big on features and performance, not to mention design. Plus, its battery lasts all day.

It has a large and bright screen, durable construction, 200-megapixel camera, 100x zoom, and S Pen. The large screen alone is great for older adults searching the web or reading their messages. The stylus pen is a bonus for older adults who like jotting down lists or to-do notes rather than typing things in. Its versatile camera allows older adults to take amazing shots of friends and loved ones and their fun daily activities.

Plus, turning on Easy Mode can make the interface easier and help not-so-techy seniors use the phone’s features. This setting replaces the normal home screen with a simplified version with larger text. We appreciate this option for those who are newer to smartphones.

Apple iPhone SE

Testing out the iPhone SE

For seniors who want the iPhone experience but want to ease into using one, the SE is a good start. It’s the least expensive iPhone. During our testing, we found it could be a perfect fit for older adults seeking a cost effective phone that still does a lot. Apple iPhones are so popular that several models made up the majority of the top selling smartphones of 2023.1

While it’s not as fancy as the latest iPhone models, the SE is still a reliable and fast phone with a good battery life. We could snap decent photos of furry friends with its camera or use 4K video to record outdoor adventures. We’re big fans of the App store (we played Words with Friends 2!) — it features millions of apps. We also used FaceTime to video chat with loved ones, a great way for seniors to stay in touch.

A photo of a furry friend taken with the iPhone SE

The iPhone SE has a decently sized 4.7-inch retina HD display, a 12 MP camera, and 64 GB of memory (or higher). The SE is 5G capable for speedier streaming and less lag with downloads, and it has accessibility features like voice assistant. Unlocking our phone was a cinch with Touch ID home button. We could use our fingertip scan to “open” the phone or go old school by typing in a unique passcode.

The SE also has many built-in accessibility features that provide support for hearing, mobility, vision, and cognitive disabilities, like Voice Control, which lets you control your phone with your voice. The SE also has M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility.

Using the iPhone’s accessibility features for those with hearing loss

Nationwide Coverage

When looking for the best senior phone plans, nationwide coverage is very important. Verizon is a leader when it comes to its coverage. It offers 4G LTE and 5G networks and is growing. As an MVNO that piggybacks on Verizon, Total by Verizon customers have access to the best network. It has very good 4G LTE coverage, particularly in urban and rural areas of the nation. When testing Verizon, we were surprised to see we often had service in more remote areas where we typically didn’t have service with other carriers. You can check the coverage in your area by visiting Total by Verizon’s website and entering your ZIP code on the coverage map.

During high traffic times, the company states that data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. This is one of the bigger drawbacks of MVNO carriers like Total. Because they use another carrier’s network, your service may take the backseat to Verizon customers during busy times. But if cost is the main concern for you, a Total plan might be worth the savings.

Contracts and Warranty

Contracts

Total by Verizon plans are prepaid and pay-as-you-go. That means customers can cancel your service at any time without penalty. You won’t be handcuffed to a contract, which we appreciate. You have the option to refill your service plan every month or use auto pay to refill service automatically.

Warranty

New Total by Verizon phones, except Apple iPhones, are covered by a one-year limited warranty. All reconditioned or refurbished phones sold by Total by Verizon, except Apple iPhones, have a 90-day limited warranty.

Customers can purchase Total by Verizon Protection Plus, which costs $4.50, $6, or $9 per month, depending on your device model. That means your phone will be protected if lost, stolen, or damaged. You can file a claim online or call 1-866-598-4874, and your phone will either be repaired or replaced.

Customers who purchase phones online only from Total by Verizon have 30 days to return the device. Total does not allow returns or provide refunds for any activation kits or plans purchased.

Total by Verizon Phone Plans at a Glance

Total by Verizon Plan Details

Total by Verizon has four different prepaid plans to choose from with high-speed data, hot spot data, and international calling that range from $30 to $60 per month. Customers can also purchase two add-ons like a global calling card for $10 and a 5 GB data add-on for $20 per month.

MVNO competitors we’ve reviewed like Mint Mobile might beat Total by Verizon with their single-line offerings, but Total’s family plans are a good buy. New customers can get four unlimited lines for $100 ($25 per line) with auto pay, for the first 12 months of service.

Maybe you’re already a loyal Verizon customer, and you really like the network and your own phone. If you’re looking to save some extra bucks, Total by Verizon could come out cheaper for both their single-line and multiline plans. With Total you’ll essentially stay with the brand and network that you love, but for less.

Plan Features

We like Total by Verizon’s 5 GB plan and think it’s a solid option for older adults who aren’t big on streaming or constantly browsing the web. With 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text, this phone plan works well and is an affordable option. However, customers should know there is no multiline discount with this plan, which is a bit disappointing. You’ll have to sign up for one of Total by Verizon’s other plans to receive multiline discounts.

Perhaps you’re shopping around, looking for fast speeds and unlimited data. Total by Verizon’s Unlimited+ plan features a powerful 5G ultra wideband network for $60 per month. With this connection, you can post selfies on Facebook, stream a football game, or watch your favorite shows and movies at the fastest speeds. Ultra Wideband is great for older adults on the go or those who enjoy video chatting with the grandkids without interruption anywhere they go.

Did we mention perks? This plan comes with 20 GB of hot spot data, international talk and text to five countries of your choice, a $10 international calling credit, and Disney+ Premium. While these are great perks, there are a few cheaper plans on the market with similar features. For example, T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus 55 plan, designed specifically for seniors, offers 50 GB of hot spot data, data and texting abroad, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, and Apple TV+ and Netflix subscriptions for $50 per month. Check out our T-Mobile 55+ plan review to learn more.

Total by Verizon vs. Other Phone Carriers

Before signing up for Total by Verizon, it’s a good idea to look at the competition. We mentioned that Verizon plans are more expensive than Total by Verizon. But another Verizon-owned brand has a slight edge. When it comes to unlimited data, Visible beats Total by Verizon. Visible’s unlimited data plan is $30 per month, while Total by Verizon’s Unlimited plan is $50 per month. That’s a $20 difference. For the cost conscious senior, every penny counts.

It’s also important to look at what features you get with a plan. Total by Verizon’s Unlimited plan ($50, without auto pay) costs less than Cricket Wireless’ Unlimited Plan ($55, without auto pay) and offers more features: 10 GB of mobile hot spot data, international calling, a spam filter, Disney+ premium, and zero extra fees.

In terms of hot spots and perks, Cricket’s Unlimited plan pales in comparison to Total’s. However Cricket surpasses Total with unlimited high-speed data, even during heavy network traffic. Customers who want constant access to high-speed data may want to consider Cricket Wireless, but if hot spot and perks are your priority, Total by Verizon is the way to go.

While Total by Verizon is affordable and has some great plans, they don’t offer a senior plan. If you are specifically looking for “senior” designated plans, Consumer Cellular, another carrier we’ve reviewed, is designed for seniors. The carrier has plans starting at $20 per month. Meanwhile, AT&T offers an unlimited 55+ plan starting at $60 per month for Floridians.

The Bottom Line on Total by Verizon

If you’re searching for a new phone plan, Total by Verizon is an MVNO offering solid options with costs of $30-$60 per month. It has exclusive rewards, savings, mobile hot spots, and Disney+ bundles. MVNOs don’t usually offer very many perks, so Total by Verizon is a standout.

One downside is the carrier doesn’t have any senior-specific plans or discounts. Another negative is that your speeds can be throttled whenever the network experiences traffic, and you will be deprioritized for Verizon’s own subscribers. Still, if you’re looking for a prepaid plan with solid perks, Total by Verizon is worth considering.