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While price may be the most important factor when it comes to choosing a plan, there are other things to think about when comparing plans to find the right one for you. Consider:
Data
Most prepaid plans sell you a flat amount of data to use within the expiry period. Once you're out, you're out. Anything that offers you data at a rate of $1 or less per 1GB is great value, although lower value is fine if you aren't going to use much data to begin with.
Expiry period
Typical expiry periods range from 28–30 days, but always check the provider's definition of a "month" if that's the listed period. Some might have longer recharge periods, meaning fewer recharges in a year which can help you save. 90- to 365-day expiry plans can be economical by allowing you to pre-purchase all your usage for several months to a year, just be careful you don't burn through it all too quickly.
Data banking/rollover
A very useful feature offered by providers like ALDImobile,Telstra or Boost. Unused data rolls over from month to month, meaning you won't get caught short and leftover data doesn't simply vanish. Perfect for users who have variable data usage month to month.
International inclusions
Not for everyone, but great if you're planning to make frequent traditional calls overseas, which are otherwise quite pricey. If you're comfortable with voice chat apps like WhatsApp or Viber for overseas communication, purchasing slightly more data is a good alternative.
Data-free streaming
Some providers will let you stream music or video off certain platforms without consuming plan data, such as free music streaming on Apple Music with Telstra. Optus will give you bonus "streaming data" that's only spent on a few platforms, including Netflix and Stan. Either way, these are useful extras to save data if you use these platforms frequently.
If you're still unsure whether a prepaid plan is right for you, we'll explain the ins and outs of prepaid plans and break them down side by side against SIM only plans in the following guide.
Prepaid phone plans allow you to purchase a certain amount of credit or data upfront, which you can then use freely until it expires. Once all your credit has been used up or expired, you'll have to recharge your plan to get more.
This is different to a postpaid SIM only plan, where excess calls and data charges are simply added to your monthly bill, but your service isn't cut off.
The cheapest prepaid plan will always be the ones that come with the least amount of data. Generally, the cheapest option you can go for is around $10 for 1GB of data, or $15 for 3-8GB, depending on the provider.
This table lists the average amount of data you'll get at $10 price points so you can get an idea of prices and inclusions for prepaid plans.
| Cost of prepaid plan | Average data allowance | Average dollar per data value |
|---|---|---|
| $10/month | 0.8GB | $12.5 per 1GB |
| $20/month | 11.66GB | $1.72 per 1GB |
| $30/month | 29.29GB | $1.02 per 1GB |
| $40/month | 40.25GB | $0.99 per 1GB |
| $50/month | 54.16GB | $0.92 per 1GB |
Last updated 5 January 2021.
As you can see from the table above, the cost per GB of data decreases the more data you buy each month. But just because the cost per GB gets cheaper, it doesn't mean you should just grab a big data prepaid plan, especially if you're not going to use up the data allowance within the month. Don't pay for more than you need.
If you're not planning to use any data, a PAYG plan with a long expiry period is probably your cheapest option, since you only pay for the calls and text you use (but data is pretty expensive so steer clear if you're a data-hungry customer). This is an excellent choice if you keep your mobile for emergencies, or want to keep your number for a long time without really using it.
To find a prepaid plan that suits your needs, use the filters on our table above, using the highest price you're willing to pay per month as your guide.
A prepaid plan suits someone who doesn't use their phone very often, has different usage habits month to month or wants control over how much they spend on mobile bills.
If you have a younger child, a prepaid plan is an excellent way to make sure they don't end up getting slammed with excess usage charges. With unlimited talk and text on most prepaid mobile plans, you'll always be able to get in touch with them. You can choose a data cap that works for both of you.
If you don't use your mobile phone very much, prepaid plans are perfect. Consider springing for a long expiry mobile plan so that your credit stretches out a long way and you don't have to worry about monthly recharges.
Looking for a specific prepaid plan for your needs? We update the following guides each month with our top picks.
Whether a prepaid plan is right for you really depends on your mobile usage habits. We've down a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of prepaid plans below.
SIM only plans are what most people think of as a "regular" phone plan, since they're billed at the end of the month like a credit card or Internet bill. The main similarity between them and prepaid plans is that neither require you to buy a new mobile handset when you sign up.
Here are the two laid out side by side:
| Prepaid | Postpaid | |
|---|---|---|
| Bill is paid | At the beginning of the month | At the end of the month |
| Excess usage charges | Never | Yes |
| Available as a contract | No | Yes |
| Data/credit expires | Anywhere from 7 days to a year, frequently 28- or 30-day periods | Monthly |
| Bring your own phone? | Yes | Yes, or phones can be purchased as part of the plan |
| Bonus features | Rarely | Frequent promotional deals |
Not really. In practice, unlimited data phone plans don't exist at all, though Telstra and Vodafone promise "endless data" on their SIM only options. All these plans do is throttle your download speed when you reach your limit without charging you for excess usage – something that won't happen on a prepaid plan, anyway.
The only thing that could be considered "unlimited data" is Optus's 24-hour Unlimited Data add-on. This lets you have unlimited data for 1 day on its $30 or greater prepaid Epic Data plans for an extra $5. You can purchase this add-on by logging in to your online Optus account or through the My Optus app.
We've outlined the prepaid mobile plans offered by the three major mobile network providers below.
Telstra offers two main prepaid options:
Find out more about Telstra's prepaid plans here.
With Optus, you can choose from four different kinds of prepaid mobile plans:
All of Optus' prepaid options can be customised with extra options at purchase, including Optus Sport and data roaming. Get the full details on Optus prepaid plans here.
Vodafone prepaid plans come in two types:
Some Prepaid Plus plans include international minutes, and all of them have a 200GB data bank between recharges. Find out all about Vodafone prepaid mobile plans and deals here.
If you're looking for a prepaid plan outside of the big 3 providers, take a look at these MVNOs below. While these providers may not be as common a household name as Telstra, they're more likely to offer you competitive prices if you're just after solid data inclusions and don't need any fancy extras on top of your plan.
Yes, if you'd like to keep the number you currently have, you can transfer your existing number to a new plan. This is called porting your mobile number. Make sure you don't cancel your previous service or else you'll lose your number.
Typically, prepaid phone plans are cheaper because they provide fewer features and lower data value (though not always). By dropping all the fancy inclusions that SIM only plans from providers such as Telstra or Optus might provide, prepaid plans work out to be consistently cheaper than their SIM only equivalents.
You can't explicitly get a new handset to pay off as part of a prepaid plan, but some providers like Telstra or Optus sell cheap prepaid phones to go with what they offer. These phones are network-locked, so you'll have to pay to unlock them or wait until a particular length of time passes before you can use a different provider's service with them. The phones on offer tend to be cheap or older models, so don't expect to get the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. Alternatively, you can buy a new phone outright and then find a prepaid plan to use with it.
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Pay as you go mobile plans are a great way to save money if you don't use your phone very often.
Whether you're looking for a basic talk-and-text service or a data-packed deal, we've rounded up the cheapest prepaid plans for you to compare.
You could save money with these 365-day and other long-expiry prepaid plans, especially if you don't need to use lots of data.
You can score yourself a whole lot of data on prepaid mobile plans these days, but which of the three big telcos offers the best deals?
Get no excess data charges on these unlimited data mobile plans.
Save money with these top no-contract deals.
Avoid bill shock and control your spending with the best-value offers.
Easily compare every Australian iPhone plan.
What is the cheapest prepaid plan for 28-35days, small amount of data unlimited calls & texts?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for getting in touch! The cheapest prepaid plan that is within the 28-35 days period with, minimum date of 4GB + unlimited call and text is the Catch Connect 4G 40GB $49.90 30 Days. To get started with your application, click the GO TO SITE button.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
I am on long term prepaid 365 plan.Is my data being used even if idon’t make any
calls?
Hi Frank,
Thanks for getting in touch!
Your data is not being used when you make regular outgoing calls, however, if you make other calls that uses internet such as Viber, Whatsapp or other apps that need internet to be able to work, this will use up your data.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
Best,
Nikki
Actually I don’t have a valid visa, I want to register my number in Lyca, is it possible??
Hi Harry,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you wish to activate your new number Lycamobile, please visit their official page and follow their step-by-step guide on this matter. You just need a proof of identification like your passport to register online.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Husband needs a prepaid plan to call and receive the odd call and perhaps the odd text. Currently has $20 Telstra prepaid every month he has used minimal. I acknowledge this can get credited to the next month but he just doesn’t use it.
Is there a better/cheaper option than what he currently has?
Hi Sheryl,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Yes, there are cheaper prepaid mobile plans available for you to choose from. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you read through the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I am a prepaid Telstra mobile customer since 2012 but unfortunately last week I change to prepaid plan to Telstra prepaid Max. This plan is very good for the people who use the internet continually because it gives a lot of gigabytes which is helpful. Also it gives a free standard national voice calls in Australia. Now, because I go overseas I need cheaper international voice calls which is not provided by Telstra. So I am thinking that I need to return back to my old plan which I were happy with it from 2012 til last week.
Could you please help me in this matter?
Hi Dr. Abdulhadi,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may refer to our list of cheap international calls from Australia. If you are travelling abroad and would be staying long in the said country, I suggest that you use the country’s mobile service as using your Telstra SIM or any Australian mobile service abroad would cost you roaming charges on top of your phone calls and data usage.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni