Prepaid SIM Cards Vs. Postpaid SIM Cards: A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is the heart of your cell phone. Without this small computer chip, you won’t send text messages or make phone calls. The SIM card contains relevant information, including the carrier that you use, your phone number, and the services’ rates. Often, the SIM card also stores your phone directory and the recent calls that you’ve made. Although the SIM card’s purpose is to identify the subscriber, it is often sold as postpaid or prepaid.
When you purchase SIM cards, they are attached to plastic cards, similar to credit cards. These SIM cards are packed inside larger cards to refrain them from getting damaged. You have to detach this before you can use them.
SIM cards are usually placed inside a specific compartment in your cell phone, often located at the back of the device.
Difference Between Prepaid SIM Cards and Postpaid SIM Cards
A prepaid SIM card comes with a specific amount of credit, but it can be topped up when needed. It can store connection information and permits cell phones to make a connection with a wireless mobile network.
On the other hand, a postpaid SIM card allows you to make a call and talk as long as you want. It will log the calls you’ve made, and you will be billed monthly for the talk time and for the other services you used. These services include making outgoing text messages, purchasing ringtones, and others. Postpaid SIM cards usually require a credit card since the carrier provides you with a service in advance of payment. If you are not careful, then this amount could easily reach hundreds of dollars.
Prepaid SIM cards are purchased with a fixed amount, your credit balance with your provider. As you make calls and use other services, the company will deduct these charges from this credit amount. In case the credit suddenly drops to zero, then it will discontinue the service right away. Be sure to reload your card so you can continue using the service.
Generally, a prepaid SIM card has a time restriction on how long you can use the credit amount. Once it expires, the balance is gone unless you reload your account. Usually, if you reload in advance, your previous balance will be carried over and added to your new credit amount.
Some SIM card providers offer unlimited talk time without any charges on weekends or between certain hours, similar to standard postpaid accounts. Aside from the fact that prepaid SIM cards are paid for in advance, typically, it works the same with postpaid SIM cards.
Why Choose Prepaid SIM Cards?
Prepaid SIM cards are the economical, smart option for people who are on a budget, for people who have credit problems, and those who have children. Since you can only make phone calls as long as you have a credit balance, then it would seem impossible for you to go over budget. Purchasing prepaid SIM cards do not require good credit standing or a credit card. Aside from this, prepaid SIM cards are available almost anywhere. You can buy them in grocery stores, department stores, and even pharmacies. Most major service providers offer a variety of prepaid options.
Choosing between prepaid SIM cards and postpaid SIM cards will likely depend on your budget as well as your preference.