Tracfone Plans for Seniors, Tested and Reviewed
Tracfone offers a variety of affordable prepaid cell phone plans, perfect for seniors who want a plan without frills.
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Tracfone has been selling prepaid phone plans for over 25 years. Unlike plans and phones from Consumer Cellular, Tracfone’s offerings weren’t designed exclusively for older adults. You won’t find any senior discounts either. Instead, this company provides affordable prepaid plans and cell phones, regardless of age or budget.
You can choose from 20 different phone plans, with the cheapest starting at just $6.66 per month! Plus, Tracfone lets you bring your own phone so that you can save even more money. From the best plans for seniors to our phone recommendations to money-saving tips, we’ll cover Tracfone in depth below.
Pro Tip: I’ve tested over a dozen phone carriers in my time as a tech expert. I’ve found that prepaid carriers like Tracfone are a great option for those who want an affordable, customizable plan that sticks to the basics. However, Tracfone doesn’t offer an unlimited plan, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Pros About Tracfone
- Bring your own phone
- 5G nationwide coverage
- Carry over unused data
- No activation fees or contracts
- Some of the cheapest plans on the market
Cons About Tracfone
- No unlimited data option
- No multiline discounts
- Service isn’t refundable
- Confusing plan options and pricing
How Does Tracfone Compare to Other Cell Phone Carriers?
Tracfone is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a company that offers a lot of choices for affordable cell phone plans. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an unlimited plan or more perks, check out the best cell phone carriers we have reviewed below.
The Buying Experience With Tracfone
If you’re a new Tracfone customer, you can shop for phones and plans on the Tracfone website or in person at select retailers. I prefer online shopping, so I headed to the website.
Shopping Online
From the homepage, select the “Shop” drop-down menu, then click on “Shop Service Plans.” I picked the Smartphone $20 plan, clicked “I am a new customer” and then hit “Add to Cart.” Next, I was asked if I wanted to keep my phone or buy a new one.
Bringing Your Phone
I recently purchased a Google Pixel 4a, and I wanted to bring it to Tracfone. I selected the T-Mobile SIM kit since it’s currently unlocked and using T-Mobile’s service. It took me to the shopping cart, where I learned I’d need to pay a few bucks for taxes, although shipping was free.
Helpful Tip: Tracfone only allows customers to bring unlocked 4G LTE smartphones. You’ll need to purchase a compatible phone if your current one doesn’t meet the criteria.
Buying a New Phone
The buying process varies for new phones. After choosing your plan, you’ll need to pick a device. Then, you’ll be prompted to accept or decline a protection plan for your new phone. You can purchase a 24-month, 13-month, or monthly protection plan. The price varies depending on the value of your phone. Shipping is free.
Shopping In-Store
Not a fan of online shopping? No problem! Tracfone may not have brick-and-mortar stores, but their phones and airtime cards are available at Walmart and Best Buy. Depending on the store, they can help you activate your service in person. Otherwise, you’ll need to follow the instructions to activate it online (don’t worry – the process is simple). And you can always call Tracfone’s customer service line if you need a hand.
Chatting With Customer Service
Instead of digging around the website for more information, I decided to chat online with customer service. I connected with Cherry, who answered my questions quickly, although it did feel like I was being pushed to purchase.
I asked about unlimited data plans, senior discounts, and what to do if you run out of data. Cherry informed me that while Tracfone offers unlimited text and talk with some plans, they do not offer unlimited data. If that’s something you’re interested in, you’ll have better luck with Straight Talk, T-Mobile, or Lively’s unlimited plans.
Cherry also told me that Tracfone doesn’t have senior, AARP, or veteran discounts. She said the only prices she could offer were those featured on the website. So if you’re hoping for a special discount, you probably won’t get one from a customer service agent. But it never hurts to ask!
Money-Saving Tip: Customer service may not be able to give you a discount, but you can get a 25 percent off coupon when you sign up to receive Tracfone marketing emails. Just look for the “Sign Up and Save 25%” icon at the bottom of your screen on the Tracfone website.
Lastly, Cherry explained that Tracfone sells add-ons if you need more minutes or monthly data. For example, you can add 1 GB of data to your monthly plan for $10. I appreciate this option, which allows you to avoid costly overage fees common with postpaid carriers.
Choosing a Cell Phone
You’re set if you already know you’re sticking with your current phone. But if you’re in the market for a new device, you’ll find almost 40 new and reconditioned phones to choose from on the Tracfone website. To help narrow down your options, we picked out our favorites for older adults.
TCL Flip 3
TCL Flip 3
The TCL Flip 3 keeps things simple. It’s compact and easy to use, although it’s not as durable as the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme we reviewed from Verizon. The price difference between the phones is substantial, however: The Kyocera phone is $250, while the TCL Flip 3 is just $20.
Weighing a little over 5 ounces, the TCL Flip 3 is 4G LTE-enabled, has an easy-to-read screen with large buttons, and fully charges in less than three hours. And, the TCL Flip 3 holds that charge for 10 hours, which increases peace of mind that you won’t run out of juice while you’re out and about. It comes with 12 GB of memory, and the phone’s interface is very similar to Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip, which is one of the best flip phones on the market.
The TCL Flip 3’s phone call quality is good and the speakerphone function works great, which is helpful for older adults who want to free up their hands while talking on the phone. You can take photos and record videos with the TCL Flip 3, but the quality will be less than fantastic, which is typical of a lot of flip phones. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled and hearing-aid compatible, and it can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot if you’re somewhere without Wi-Fi.
Our favorite feature for seniors is the SOS button. Press the center button on the phone three times to connect with a preset emergency contact. That could be your neighbor, spouse, or child. Once activated, the phone becomes hands-free and you can use the speaker to talk to your emergency contact. (Tip: When using the quick-call or SOS button, don’t talk with the phone close to your ear because it will sound too loud on the other end.)
We also appreciate the TCL Flip 3’s $20 price tag (especially because it’s $10 cheaper than Straight Talk’s current price for the same phone!). That’s even more affordable than the $49.99 Debut Flip from Cricket Wireless. Like the Debut Flip, the Flip 3 only comes in one color, dark gray.
Our favorite features for seniors:
- Simple navigation
- T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Up to 10 hours of talk time
- Mobile email, calendar, alarm, stopwatch
- Up to eight speed dial entries
- 5 MP rear camera
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
With nearly two days of talk time and up to 16.5 days on standby, it’s no wonder we gave this phone the “best battery life” accolade on our 2024 list of best phones for seniors. Depending on how often you use your phone and what you’re doing on it, you won’t need to worry about remembering to charge it each night. It’s also very lightweight at 7 ounces and has 128 GB of storage, is Bluetooth-enabled, and is M3/T3 hearing-aid compatible, too. The phone’s software and security are highly rated, particularly for the price.
Like the TCL Flip 3, it can be a little slow compared to pricier phones, and the A15 only has one speaker. It does have a 50 MP triple camera, although picture quality isn’t as superb as more expensive phones. But importantly, Samsung promises to support the A15 with up to four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, which means you have many years to enjoy this affordable phone before it becomes obsolete.
We also love that there’s no phone password to remember, either. Just use the fingerprint sensor to unlock your device. At just $149.99, this phone is perfect for older adults on a budget who still want a reliable smartphone.
Our favorite features for seniors:
- M4/T3 hearing aid compatibility
- Almost two days of battery life
- 4G LTE compatible and 5G compatible with select plans
- Large 6.5-inch edge-to-edge display
- Built-in voice assistant
Importantly, Samsung promises to support this model with security and software updates for the next five years, meaning you’ll get a lot of use out of it before it starts becoming obsolete.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen
iPhone SE 3rd Gen
Tech-savvy older adults, this one’s for you. Tracfone sells the iPhone SE with 5G and 64 GB of storage for $189.99. This advanced smartphone comes with all the bells and whistles. These include a large retina HD touch screen, Face ID for unlocking and signing into apps, Apple Pay, 4K video recording, voice control with Siri, and more. Plus, if you use hearing aids, the iPhone SE is hearing-aid compatible.
We’d recommend this phone to seniors who already know how or want to learn how to master a smartphone. It’s also a smart choice if your family members already use iPhones, as iMessage and FaceTime can keep you all connected.
Our favorite features for seniors:
- 12 MP and 7 MP cameras with digital zoom and Portrait mode
- 15-hour battery life
- Face ID unlocking
- Siri voice assistant
- Water-resistant design
- FaceTime video calling
- Wireless charging
- Access to thousands of apps
Nationwide Coverage
Getting good cell coverage is a must! Thankfully, with Tracfone, that shouldn’t be a problem. Tracfone uses towers owned by three of the biggest telecommunications companies (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) to serve its customers. You can purchase a Tracfone SIM card based on which carrier your current phone (or the phone you’re buying) is compatible with.
Pro Tip: Need unlimited data? Check out our guide to the best unlimited-data phone plans for seniors.
Tracfone customers enjoy 4G LTE and 5G coverage, but 5G depends on the phone and the location. For example, newer phones in big cities tend to access the 5G network.
Contracts and Warranty
Contracts
Tracfone sells prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans only. You’re never locked into a contract! Instead, you pay upfront for your service and then refill as needed or sign up for auto-refill.
Warranty
Tracfone offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its cell phones. If you’re unhappy with your phone, you can return it within 30 days for an exchange or a refund. You must pay for the return shipping. SIM cards, airtime, and plans are nonrefundable.
All new phones purchased from Tracfone come with a one-year warranty that covers mechanical and electrical defects, which is standard for the industry. It doesn’t cover cracked screens and damage from drops, though. You’ll need to purchase a protection plan for that kind of coverage. It extends the device warranty to 13 months or 24 months, and the price varies by device.
If you purchase a reconditioned or refurbished phone from Tracfone, it comes with a 90-day limited warranty. If you purchase an iPhone from Tracfone, it’s covered by a one-year limited warranty from Apple.
Tracfone Phone Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Price per service period | Auto-Refill price | Service period | Includes | Other features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic $19.99 Plan (for flip phones only) | $19.99 | $17.99 | 90 days | 60 minutes for talk, text, and web |
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| Basic $29.99 Plan (for flip phones only) | $29.99 | $26.99 | 90 days | 120 minutes for talk, text, and web |
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| Basic $39.99 Plan (for flip phones only) | $39.99 | $35.99 | 90 days | 200 minutes for talk, text, and web |
|
| Basic $79.99 Plan (for flip phones only) | $79.99 | $71.99 | 90 days | 450 minutes for talk, text, and web |
|
| Basic $99.99 Plan (for flip phones only) | $99.99 | N/A | 365 days | 400 minutes for talk, text, and web |
|
| Smartphone $15 Plan | $15 | $10 | 30 days | Unlimited talk and text 1 GB of carryover data |
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| Smartphone $20 Plan | $20 | $15 | 30 days | Unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 4 GB data |
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| Smartphone $25 Plan | $25 | $20 | 30 days | Unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 6 GB data |
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| Smartphone $30 Plan | $30 | $25 | 30 days | Unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 10 GB data |
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| Smartphone $40 Plan | $40 | $35 | 30 days | Unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 20 GB data |
|
Tracfone Plan Details
Below, we’ll cover some of our top Tracfone plan picks for seniors.
Basic $19.99 and $29.99 Plans for Seniors on a Budget
Cost
We’re recommending only two of Tracfone’s many basic plans based on their low monthly service costs. The others simply aren’t that great of a value compared to Tracfone’s Smartphone plans.
The $19.99 basic plan basically costs $6.66 per month ($5.99 with auto-refill), and the $29.99 plan is essentially $9.99 per month ($8.99 with auto-refill). It’s hard to find cell service for that little money, so it’s a solid option for seniors who want a mobile phone for emergencies.
Plan Features
Tracfone is one of the few carriers that lets customers pay for minutes. Most other plans, like Xfinity’s cell phone plans, include unlimited talk and text. The $19.99 Tracfone plan includes 60 minutes for talk, text, and web for a 90-day service period. The $29.99 plan includes 120 minutes. Minutes carry over. You can also place basic international calls at the same rate you’d make domestic calls.
Smartphone $20 Plan for Big Talkers and Texters
Cost
Despite being labeled the Smartphone $20 plan, you can land this plan for $15 per month when you sign up for auto-refill. Your card on file will be charged $15 for every 30-day service cycle. A similar plan from Consumer Cellular that we reviewed costs $20. The savings from auto-refill are crucial if you want the best deal.
Plan Features
The plan includes unlimited talk and text, plus 1 GB of data every 30 days. Plus, data carries over to your next service cycle as long as your Tracfone service is active. We like that you’re not losing out on something you’ve already paid for. This plan is best for older adults with smartphones who want to look at Google Maps occasionally or check email on the go but don’t plan on streaming videos.
Smartphone $40 Plan for Heavy Data Users
Cost
The newest plan from Tracfone, the Smartphone $40 Plan, costs $40 per month or $35 with auto-refill. At $35, you get double the amount of data that you get with Consumer Cellular’s $35 plan, which includes 10 GB, while Tracfone’s plan comes with 20 GB.
Of course, if you’re willing to pay the full $40 each month, you may want to check out T-Mobile's 55+ Unlimited plans, which come with unlimited talk, text, and data.
Pro Tip: Choosing Tracfone’s auto-refill option saves you money on select plans. It also means one less monthly bill to pay manually and no accidental service interruptions.
Plan Features
If you enjoy being out and about but don’t go overboard with video streaming, this smartphone plan may be for you. This plan includes 20 GB of data and mobile hotspot capabilities, as well as unlimited talk and text.
FYI: Need more help deciding on a plan and phone? Check out our cell phone buyer’s guide for seniors to learn more.
This plan also makes you eligible for Experian’s IDnotify identity theft protection service. It includes access to identity restoration services, lost wallet services, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. We like this feature, considering that more than 400,000 seniors were reported victims of identity theft in 2020.1
Tracfone Customer Reviews
Like many cell phone companies, reviews for Tracfone are mixed, with many saying they’re happy with their service, but some reporting, for example, that it took too long to receive a replacement phone in the mail when they needed one. Other customers wrote in online reviews that they had connectivity issues or that Tracfone didn’t provide as much data as they thought they’d be getting. We should note that some of the poor online reviews were because customers received phones that were damaged or not working, which might be a manufacturer problem and not Tracfone’s fault.
In positive reviews, customers cited great service with Tracfone and others praised customer service representatives as professional, courteous, and helpful. Some online reviewers mentioned that they appreciated Tracfone’s many affordable plans that let you choose the number of minutes or amount of data that works best for customers and their budgets.
Tracfone vs. the Competition
Tracfone is best for older adults who prefer a prepaid plan with many customization options. You can choose to pay for phone service for just one month or even up to a year at a time, with no credit checks or long-term contracts. Plus, with nearly 40 different phones to choose from, you’re sure to find a fit for your needs. One aspect of Tracfone that customers often cite as a positive in online reviews is that Tracfone rolls over unused minutes and data as long as your service is active.
It might be overwhelming to choose between so many plans, however. Consumer Cellular keeps things simple with just four phone plans. All of Consumer Cellular’s plans were created with seniors in mind and they offer lots of add-ons that might appeal to seniors, including emergency response systems, along with fall detection and roadside assistance plans. Check out our Consumer Cellular and Tracfone comparison guide to learn more. Lively plans also offer emergency alerts. If that feature is of interest to you, read our hands-on Lively review.
Tracfone might not be the best choice if you have other family members you’d like to add to your plan, because there are no multiline discounts. If you’re looking for multiline discounts, check out Consumer Cellular, which offers additional lines for $15 each, or plans with AT&T or Verizon, which have solid multiline discounts. To learn more about our experience testing these providers, read our AT&T review and Verizon review.
Like Mint Mobile, Tracfone doesn’t have brick and mortar stores, so it’s also not the best choice if you would rather talk to salespeople and test phones in person. If you’re an AARP member, you might want to check out Consumer Cellular or AT&T, which offer AARP members discounts on cell service.
One of the biggest factors that determine how happy you’ll be with your service is which cell phone towers serve your area, so make sure to check Tracfone’s availability map before switching. It’s also a good idea to make sure your current phone is compatible with Tracfone service if you plan to bring it to a new carrier.
Our Methodology
To help older adults make informed purchasing decisions, our team of experts thoroughly researches and tests each product we review. To review Tracfone, we spent dozens of hours evaluating the carrier’s plans, phones, pricing, and customer service. Below is more about the criteria we used to review Tracfone.
- Senior-friendly features: We looked at Tracfone’s plans, phones, and features to gauge whether they were senior-friendly. Senior-friendly plans may include affordable pricing, senior discounts, or add-on options such as emergency alerts or fall detection. We also look for design features that make phones easy and accessible for older adults, such as large buttons, bright and easy-to-read screens, loud and adjustable speakers, hearing-aid compatibility, and a lightweight but durable, easy-to-grip design.
- Purchasing process: Because some cell phone carriers don’t have brick-and-mortar stores, we carefully consider how easy companies make their buying process online as well as in person. Part of that evaluation involves talking to customer service agents to gauge how helpful they are in making the buying experience smoother.
- Contracts: Like anyone else, seniors might prefer not signing a long-term contract to get cell phone service. We appreciate when companies offer month-to-month options that allow you to cancel your service any time. In our review process, we note whether a cell phone carrier requires customers to be locked into service contracts.
- Price vs. value: We make sure to include both budget-friendly cell phones and higher-priced, higher-tech devices so you can find the phone and carrier that works best for your needs. We consider all costs, including monthly rates, hidden fees, and any discounts available.
- Coverage and reliability: We research nationwide availability, service reliability, data speeds, and throttled speed policies for every carrier we review. Our team researches online customer reviews to learn more about each company’s coverage across the nation.
- Customer service: High-quality customer service is essential for a senior-friendly phone plan. We spoke with Tracfone’s customer service team multiple times (via chat, email, and phone) to assess average wait times and quality of assistance.
Compare Tracfone to Other Providers
The Bottom Line on Tracfone
Tracfone may not cater exclusively to seniors, but it offers plans and phones to connect older adults without breaking the bank. Not every plan is a stellar value, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another carrier that gives you service for as little as $6.66 per month or offers a flip phone for as little as $29.99.
Overall, if you want a bare-bones phone plan for emergencies, we think you’ll be pleased with Tracfone. If you want unlimited data, however, you’ll need to look elsewhere, like T-Mobile’s 55+ plans or Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tracfone
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Can I bring my phone number to Tracfone?
Yes, you can bring your phone number to Tracfone. Your number must be active, so do not cancel your existing phone service before switching to Tracfone.
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Is there an unlimited plan for Tracfone?
Tracfone offers several plans with unlimited text and talk, but they don’t have a plan with unlimited data. For that, check out plans from Mint Mobile.
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Can I use my own phone with Tracfone?
Yes, you can bring your own 4G LTE phone to Tracfone. Make sure to check compatibility first.
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Does Tracfone have contracts?
No. Tracfone is a pay-as-you-go carrier. There are no contracts.
Federal Trade Commision. (2021). Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book.