After reviewing some of the big names in no-contract, prepaid wireless plans, where can you go to view an array of options and buy? That’s why we’ve built this list of our nine recommended stores that offer a great selection of prepaid wireless plans.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is one of the most compelling prepaid wireless options on the market. Mint Mobile is worth switching to.

From $15/month at Mint Mobile

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Leaders in the MVNO industry – like Mint Mobile and Cricket – have a great online store to build a plan and checkout. Others, not so much. But just because some of these carriers don’t have an incredible web presence doesn’t mean they can’t compete.

Top 9 Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans

Amazon
Walmart
Target
Best Buy
Staples
Newegg
Dollar General
Carrier Online Store
Carrier Storefront

What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Prepaid Wireless Plans

There are a few different ways to buy your prepaid plan. At some stores, you can choose among prepaid phones, SIM cards, and prepaid cards. If you’re bringing your own device or already own a prepaid phone, there’s no need to find a new phone (unless you want to).

Here are a few pointers to help you make the right purchase.

Prepaid Phones

If you want a new phone or do not own the kind of phone you want, you should look for prepaid phones. They come with a set amount of call minutes, texts, and data. If all you want is to make calls and send texts, you can save a few bucks by sticking with a flip phone.

When buying your first prepaid phone, remember that you will be able to add more minutes, texts, and data later on if you need to.

Prepaid Cards

If you already have a phone that is compatible with the wireless carrier, you can buy prepaid cards for more minutes, texts, and data. This is especially handy if you are purchasing for someone else.

It is also handy to get a prepaid card if you prefer not to set up an auto-refill or auto-payment plan directly with the carrier.

SIM Kits

If you already have a smartphone from another carrier, you can purchase a SIM kit and replace your SIM card. Many people do this if they want a no-contract carrier that allows them to call/text internationally.

1. Amazon

The most significant advantage of buying from Amazon is the massive depository of customer reviews. Therefore, if you enjoy combing through thoughtful reviews from real users, Amazon is for you.

You can easily find SIM kits, prepaid phones, and cards. If you are looking for something specific, you can take advantage of Amazon’s filter and sort features.

Trickut - The 9 Best Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans - Hello — Source: Amazon

If you are a Prime member, you also have the benefit of making a purchase and returning it if you are not satisfied. For investigative and picky customers that prefer to “try it out first,” Amazon provides the most flexibility.

2. Walmart

By venturing into the electronics section of Walmart, you can find a nice variety of prepaid phones, cards, and SIM kits. If you can’t find what you need in the store, check online for the product or carrier that you are looking for.

Without a doubt, Walmart will have the widest selection of all stores that sell prepaid wireless plans and accessories. By downloading the Walmart app, you can also view customer reviews for the products you browse in-store.

3. Target

If you prefer the shopping experience of Target over Walmart, you will still find a decent selection of SIM kits, prepaid phones, and cards. Many prefer to shop online before visiting a store.

Trickut - The 9 Best Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans - sim kit — Source: Target

Target.com and the Target app allow you to access customer reviews, as well as find out the selection at your nearest store. If a phone or carrier you’re looking for is not available at your location, you can order online and pick up at a store nearest you.

4. Best Buy

When it comes to big stores carrying an excellent selection of prepaid wireless carriers, Best Buy is almost as good as Walmart. Where Best Buy outdoes Walmart is in its customer service, expert advice, and online selection.

At Best Buy, you’ll find knowledgeable staff able to help you find the best phone, card, or SIM kit for your lifestyle. If you find that you are having difficulty setting up your new phone or with an existing device, there are many knowledgeable tech experts on-site to help.

Trickut - The 9 Best Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans - - Shop By Carrier — Source: Best Buy

Amazon lovers find that they enjoy Best Buy’s similar online marketplace, along with an IKEA-style showroom of “stores-within-stores.” What’s more, Best Buy also price matches should you find a better deal on Amazon.

5. Staples

At Staples, you can find most prepaid carrier brand prepaid cards. Also, Staples has a decent selection of unlocked phones (that is, phones that are ready to work for any carrier as long as you have a SIM card).

Ironically, Staples’ selection of SIM kits is dismal. If you’re shopping at Staples, you’ll fare much better if your phone is already set up with your carrier of choice. That being said, there are a few prepaid phones to choose from.

6. Newegg.com

While Newegg is better known as a computer hardware online store, you’ll find a decent assortment of prepaid phones and SIM kits. If you’re only interested in flip phones, Newegg is a great place to start.

7. Dollar General

Surprisingly, Dollar General holds its own among stores that sell prepaid wireless plans. If your miles from a Walmart, Best Buy, or Target, you’re likely to find Dollar Generals in most remote towns and communities around the U.S.

Trickut - The 9 Best Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans - map states — Source: Dollar General

While a bit short on SIM kits, you can find a respectable collection of prepaid phones and cards. If your device is carrier-ready, Dollar General is just as good a place as any to refill your minutes/texts/data.

8. Carrier Online Store

Nearly all prepaid carriers have an online presence of their own, but not all of them are very user-friendly. However, if you’ve gotten by with a prepaid carrier and are considering setting up auto-refill or auto-pay, you might go straight to that carrier’s website.

Of all the prepaid carriers discussed, the three listed below – Republic Wireless, Tell, and Metro – have a great website with easy-to-access information. Also, they offer customers mobile apps wherein they can adjust their refills/usage/subscription at will.

9. Carrier Storefront

If you still prefer the in-store experience offered by the big names in wireless, you can find some of these prepaid carriers in a storefront of their own.

Cricket, Metro, and Boost Mobile display available smartphones and provide helpful sales staff to answer your questions in person. Should you want a more white-glove experience picking your carrier and phone, you can begin at these storefronts and purchase prepaid cards, as needed.

If you choose this approach, understand that storefront sales staff are primarily there to get you to sign a subscription. Even if a salesperson pressures, you are not required to get a subscription with your purchase.

Final Thoughts on Stores that Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans

We hope you found this guide helpful. The growth of MVNO carriers – prepaid wireless providers that lease coverage from leading cell carriers – means that customers have more variety. You can save money and find an arrangement to matches your specific needs.

Stores that sell prepaid wireless plans allow you to see what is available, and in some cases, speak with knowledgeable staff. And instead of maintaining auto-pay relationships with a carrier, you can simply use and refill minutes/text/data as needed while shopping at these stores.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is one of the most compelling prepaid wireless options on the market. Mint Mobile is worth switching to.

From $15/month at Mint Mobile

The 9 Best Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans

Shopping for No-Contract Carriers is Easier Than Ever Before

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile – IRFREESHIP

Top 9 Stores That Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans