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Budget 101

​​Best Phone Plans for Two Lines on a Budget

This guide is your cheat sheet for saving money without sacrificing coverage or speed.

By Liz Hund

9/11/25

7 min. read

Two People Looking at each other over their phones.

If you’re paying more than $60 a month for two phone lines, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying. Many families and couples want to stay connected without breaking the bank, but confusing fine print and endless plan options make it hard to know where to start. 

This guide is your cheat sheet for saving money without sacrificing coverage or speed. We'll show you how to mix and match options, claim benefits you've already earned, and switch with confidence.

How to Find the Best 2-Line Plan on a Budget

Final Tips

It is possible to reduce your cell phone costs with a few simple swaps. Here’s how:

  • Choose based on your needs: Heavy data? Go unlimited. Just talk and text? Pick a cheaper plan.

  • Check for eligibility: Qualify for Lifeline? Stack it with prepaid for even lower costs.

  • Use perks: Combine referral credits (like Mint) for extra savings.

  • Port smartly: Don’t cancel your old plan until your number transfer is complete.

  • Bring your own phone: Use the carrier’s compatibility tool before switching.

With the right plan and timing, switching can take less than an hour and save you hundreds per year.

About the Author

Liz Hund

Liz Hund

Liz Hund is a personal finance writer and editor with a passion for helping people make smarter money decisions. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, she’s contributed to outlets like CNN Underscored, Bilt Rewards, Bankrate, and The Points Guy. Whether she’s breaking down budgeting strategies or spotlighting the best financial tools, Liz makes complex money topics feel clear, approachable, and actionable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my current phone with a prepaid plan?

Yes! Most prepaid carriers let you bring your own device. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible by checking the carrier’s online tool.


How long does number porting take?

In most cases, porting your number takes a few minutes to a few hours. Rarely, it can take up to 1 business day. Don’t cancel your old plan until the transfer is complete.


What’s the best way to test coverage before I switch?

Check the carrier’s coverage map, search for Reddit threads or local reviews, or try a low-cost trial plan (some start under $10/month). Testing your SIM in your area is the most reliable method.


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  1. Know Your Real Needs

    Questions to Ask Yourself

    Why It Matters

    How much data do I really use?

    Streamers/gamers need more data than light users

    Do I travel or need international calling?

    Look for roaming or global call options

    Where do I live?

    Rural areas may need strong nationwide networks

    Am I okay with paying annually to save more upfront?

    Annual prepay saves more, but monthly offers flexibility

  2. Watch Out for Common Pricing Traps

    Pricing Pitfall

    What to Watch For

    Intro offers vs. long-term pricing

    What’s the price after 3–6 months?

    Taxes and fees

    These will vary depending on your state

    AutoPay discounts

    $5–$10/month off—but only if AutoPay is enabled

    Referral bonuses

    These are a great way to save and can often be stacked

  3. Choose Your Plan Type

    Plan Type

    Key Features

    Best For

    Postpaid

    Credit checks, perks, highest cost

    Users who want top-tier perks

    Prepaid

    No credit checks, pay upfront, affordable

    Budget-conscious households

    Govt-Assisted

    Lifeline covers 1 line (or nearly free)

    Low-income or fixed-income

  4. The Stack-and-Save Strategy

    Lifeline + Prepaid Combo (Under $20 Total)

    The Lifeline program offers subsidized phone service for qualifying low-income households. Pairing it with a low-cost prepaid plan means you can get two lines for less than $40/month.

    • Lifeline covers one line: $9.25 monthly discount depending on the provider and state.

    • Second line with Mint Mobile or Ultra Mobile: As low as $15/month with referral credits.

    • BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) means no hidden phone costs.

    • No credit checks or long-term contracts.

    Example: A grandma qualified for Lifeline, getting her Mint Mobile line for about $5/month. Her grandson used referrals and paid $15/month. Together, they pay just $20/month for 2 lines.

    Prepaid Multi-Line Bundles (Around $50–$60 Total)

    For middle-income households who don’t qualify for Lifeline but still want to save, prepaid bundles are the way to go.

    • Mint Mobile: As low as $15/line when you pay for a 3-month plan. Use referrals to get deeper discounts. 

    • Visible: Unlimited plans around $30/line with Party Pay.

    • Cricket Wireless: Offers group discounts and loyalty perks.

    Example: A couple switched to Mint, used referral codes, and paid $0 for their first month and just $60/month total for unlimited plans. Setup took just one lunch break.


    Easy steps to switch phone carriers

  5. Feature Comparison: Which Plan is Right for You?

    Plan Type

    Monthly Total

    Data per Line

    Video Quality

    Roaming

    Perks

    Mint

    ~$15

    15 GB

    SD only

    US only

    BYOD, no credit check

    Visible

    ~$20

    Unlimited

    SD

    Canada/Mexico

    Party Pay

    Cricket

    ~$35

    Unlimited

    SD/HD

    Mexico/Canada

    Loyalty discounts

  6. Tips to Switch Without a Headache

    Switching carriers doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to make it smooth and painless:

    • Port Your Number
      Want to keep your current phone number? You can! Just don’t cancel your current plan until the number transfer is complete. You’ll need:

      • Your current account number

      • Your PIN or transfer code (ask your current carrier if you're unsure)
        The new carrier will handle the transfer for you once you provide these.

    • Bring Your Own Phone
      Save money and keep the phone you already love. Just use the new carrier’s online compatibility tool to make sure your phone works with their network. Most unlocked phones are compatible with prepaid plans like Mint, Visible, and Cricket.

    • Avoid Downtime
      While switching is usually quick, allow a little buffer time just in case. Plan to do it:

      • During a lunch break

      • On a weekend

      • Or when you don’t have urgent calls coming up

    • SIM or eSIM?
      Some carriers like Mint and Visible support eSIM, so you may not need to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive. You can often activate service immediately.


    Pro Tip: Use Wi-Fi During Setup. If your data connection drops during the switch, being connected to Wi-Fi can help speed things along, especially when activating your SIM or eSIM.


  7. Which Plan is Right for Your Household?

    Do you stream, scroll, and use a lot of data?

    Yes - You need a data-heavy plan.
    - Consider Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Plan – as low as $15/month with 3-month prepay and referrals.
    - Also check out Visible for truly unlimited data and hotspot use – around $30/month.

    No - You’re mostly using talk & text, with light data use.
    - Try Ultra Mobile’s talk & text plans, perfect for seniors or light users.
    - Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan is also a great value for basic use.

    Do you travel or need international roaming?

    Yes - Look for plans with roaming and international calling.
    - Ultra Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries and roaming add-ons.
    - Mint Mobile also has affordable add-ons for international roaming.

    No - Skip the extras and save with domestic-only plans.

    Can you pay upfront (3–12 months)?

    Yes - You’ll unlock the lowest rates.
    - Mint Mobile gives you bulk savings – the more you prepay, the cheaper your monthly rate.
    - Great for couples or families who can pay ahead.

    No - You need monthly flexibility.
    - Consider Ultra Mobile monthly plans with no long-term commitment.
    - Cricket Wireless and Visible also offer month-to-month options with no credit checks.

    Do you qualify for Lifeline?

    Yes - You can get a plan for $0–$10 per month! Check your eligibility and apply through approved carriers like AirTalk, Q Link, or Assurance Wireless.

    No - Don’t worry—prepaid still offers serious savings. Use referral credits, family bundles, and seasonal promos to cut costs.


    Pro Tip:
    Mix and match! Grandma can get a Lifeline discount, while the rest of the household uses a discounted Mint bundle—all on the same plan dashboard.


  8. Hidden Perks and Savings to Watch For

    Unlock even more value with these often-overlooked savings tips:

    Tax-Inclusive Pricing

    Some carriers (like Visible and Cricket Wireless) include taxes and fees in the listed price. That means $30/month really means $30/month, not $36+ after hidden charges.

    Referral Credits

    Many prepaid carriers reward you for bringing in friends or family. Example is with Mint Mobile: Earn $15–$90 in credits per referral. Credits are automatically applied to your next renewal.

    Pro Tips: Use this to stack discounts and extend your plan for free.


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