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GUIDE · SAVE MONEY

Cut Your Phone Bill

Save hundreds a year without losing coverage.

Photo: Cvmontuy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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§ 1 · SAVE MONEY

Read Every Line

Old add-ons, extra fees, unused lines and expired promos hide on many bills.

Photo: Audrius Meskauskas (Audriusa) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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§ 2 · SAVE MONEY

Check Your Data Use

Many people on unlimited plans use far less data than they pay for. Check your app.

Photo: Edho Pratama edhoradic / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 3 · SAVE MONEY

Is It Unlocked?

A paid-off, unlocked phone makes switching carriers simple.

Photo: JESHOOTS.COM jeshoots / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 4 · SAVE MONEY

Same Towers, Less Money

Budget brands like Visible, Cricket, Metro and Mint run on the big networks.

Photo: Nikolai Bulykin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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§ 5 · SAVE MONEY

Test Before You Switch

Check coverage maps, ask neighbors, and use a trial before moving your number.

Photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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§ 6 · SAVE MONEY

Call Retention

Ask for loyalty deals, autopay credits, and employer, military or AARP discounts.

Photo: Chuck Kardous / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

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§ 7 · SAVE MONEY

Never Cancel First

Start the new service and move your number first. Canceling first can erase it.

Photo: Bidouille82 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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§ 8 · SAVE MONEY

Lifeline Can Help

Eligible households can get up to $9.25 off a month through the federal Lifeline program.

Photo: Erin Lee Ries / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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§ 9 · SAVE MONEY

Real Savings

One example family cut a $227 bill to about $110. Your results will vary.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Thanks for Reading

Nine ways to save, plus how to switch without losing your number, in our full guide.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each page)