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Best Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors January 2021

Whether you're an infrequent mobile user or a streaming enthusiast, we’ve narrowed down the options to help you find the best mobile plan for your needs.

Sam Baran
Sam Baran

Updated . What changed?

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Best mobile phone plans for seniors: January 2021

How did we choose our best picks?

333

Mobile plans compared

45

Mobile providers

6

Expert picks

Every month, our team of experts dig through the hundred of plans available in our Mobile Plan Finder™ to find the best deals in the market. We find ones that we think are best suited for you across a number of categories. None of our picks are sponsored - we also take into account mobile providers and plans that we aren't partnered with - so that our winners for each category are chosen without bias.

We take these factors into account when choosing our winners:

  • Price per month (and whether promotional pricing is involved)
  • Data allowance
  • Plan length and contracts
  • Other notable features such as data banking, network coverage and international inclusions


Keep in mind: The plans we've chosen as the best might not always be the best one for you. We encourage you to compare your options and choose the one that best suits what you're looking for.

Best mobile plan for seniors:

TPG Super Value Small 8GB $19.99 1 Month

SIM-only - Prepaid

TPG's plan comes out as the best cheap mobile plan option thanks to its three-month promotional discount. With other providers, you're likely to get only 1GB for $10 a month, but TPG's comes with 8GB which is handy to have.

Keep in mind that the price is only for your first three months, so if you're not happy to pay the normal $19.99 from your fourth month onwards, you'll need to look for another mobile plan to switch to.

  • 8GB per month
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Vodafone network
  • $10 per month
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Best cheap mobile plan:

Optus My Prepaid Daily Plus $30 186 Days

SIM-only - Prepaid

Optus' Daily Plus plan works differently to most - you'll only get charged for days where you make a call or use data, with credit lasting up to 186 days. For an extra $2 a day, you can get 500MB of data and unlimited domestic calls.

This is a great plan for those who aren't looking for a lot of data, and just want unlimited calls and texts for half the year.

  • 0.5GB per 186 days
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Optus network
  • $30 per 186 days
Learn more

Next best cheap plan:

amaysim 4G Prepaid SIM-only 2GB $12 28 Days

SIM-only - Prepaid

If you're just after a smidge of data to use on the side, amaysim does a nice $12 plan that comes with 2GB of data to use each month, together with unlimited standard national calls and texts. There's nothing fancy about the plan, but then again, do you need any flashy extras?

Until January 31, this plan is just $6 for the first renewal, then $12 for the next recharges.

  • 2GB per 28 days
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Optus network
  • $12 per 28 days
Learn more

Best mobile plan with no data:

Dodo Mobile SIM-only $5 1 Month

SIM-only - Postpaid

If you don't need any data at all, look no further than Dodo's $5 plan. It's a unique mobile plan, with no other providers offering anything like it. It comes with unlimited standard national calls and texts, rather than a specific dollar amount which other plans will limit you to.

You also have the option to add 100 international minutes to your plan for an extra $5/month, if that's also something you need.

  • No data included
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Optus network
  • $5 per month
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Best 365 day prepaid mobile plan:

amaysim 4G Prepaid SIM-only 120GB $200 365 Days

SIM-only - Prepaid

amaysim is the biggest mobile provider outside of the major networks, so it's no surprise that its plans are pretty well priced with decent data chunks.

You'll get this 365-day plan for $145 instead of $200 if you sign up before January 31. Just remember that this price is for your first year on the plan only. If you want to keep it afterwards, you'll need to go back to paying the original price of $200 for a year.

  • 120GB per 365 days
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Optus network
  • $145 per 365 days
Learn more

Next best 365 day plan:

Catch Connect 4G 60GB $120 365 Days

SIM-only - Prepaid

Catch also has a great deal on for its lower data 365 day plan. If you don't need a bunch of data over the course of a year, Catch has lowered the price of its 60GB plan to $89. That means you'll get about 5GB to use each month for just over $7 a month. That's a pretty good bargain to kick off 2021.

Again, this is a promotional price for new customers only. After your first year on the plan, the price will revert to its original price of $120 per 365 days.

  • 60GB per 365 days
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Optus network
  • $89 per 365 days
Learn more

Best 180 day prepaid mobile plan:

Lebara 4G Large 180GB $180 180 Days

SIM-only - Prepaid

If you don't want to commit to a year long plan, a 180-day prepaid mobile plan can still help you save. Lebara's plan will last you about six months, and only cost you $30 a month.

You'll also get data banking on this plan, which means if you choose to renew it for the last six months of the year, any unused data from your first six months will be passed onto the next period.

  • 180GB per 180 days
  • Unlimited calls & texts
    Vodafone network
  • $180 per 180 days
Learn more

Mobile plans with a no-fuss phone

While smartphones are everywhere, not everyone needs the ridiculous overabundance of features that such phones have. These plans come with phones that won't break the bank but are still more than capable of making calls, sending texts and browsing the Internet. We've preselected a couple of easy-to-use phones in the table below, and you can click the 'filter results' button to customise your budget and inclusions.

Mobile plans with a smartphone

It's not just tech-obsessed teenagers who want the latest and greatest when it comes to phones. These plans will let you get your hands on a good smartphone with all the capabilities that your heart desires. We've chosen the three most popular phones according to user activity on Finder, but you can choose your own phones by clicking the 'filter results' button.

What to consider when looking for the best mobile plan for you

There's a couple things to keep in mind when you're hunting for the right mobile plan for your needs:

  • Useful extras. Many phone plans come with features like free streaming and music that you might not use. Make sure that you're not paying for features that you won't take advantage of.
  • Price. If your needs are rather modest and you mostly need a phone for calls or you simply don't use it very often, you can secure a very cheap phone plan, perhaps close to $10 a month. Make sure you're not paying way more than you need to.
  • Data. When you don't need a lot of data out and about, you can usually save a heap by purchasing a low-data plan, since data is usually the most expensive inclusion. Alternatively, you might look for a higher data plan so that you can watch your favourite shows or stream with your grandkids.
  • Recharge options. Some prepaid phone plans come with multiple ways to pay. If you prefer calling up or recharging in person, make sure your mobile plan supports it.
  • Included handsets. If you're happy with your current phone, then go for a SIM-only plan. Otherwise, you can get a plan that comes with a new phone that suits what you're looking for, whether it's the latest smartphone or a much simpler, cheaper handset.
Promoted
Over 20% off for 12 months - pay $30 for 100GB of data per month. Plan reverts to $38 for 100GB per month after 12 months. T&Cs apply.
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Seniors discounts on mobile phone plans

Of the three major providers, Optus and Telstra don't provide any discounts to seniors or pensioners for their mobile plans.

However, if you hold a Seniors Card, you can save 10% on monthly plan fees with Vodafone's Red Plans, SIM-only plans and Data-only plans when you sign up.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a prepaid and postpaid plan?

With a prepaid plan, you purchase all your credit and usage ahead of time. When you've used it all up, or you reach the end of the expiry period, your service gets cut off. However, you won't be able to go over the limits and get charged for excess.On a postpaid plan, you sign up for a certain amount of monthly usage and data and are charged for any excess if you break the limit. This can lead to bill shock, but your service won't be cut off.

Can I keep my old mobile phone number?

Absolutely. Just make sure you don't cancel your old phone plan until you've secured a new one. When purchasing your new phone plan, select the option at the checkout that lets you port your old number over, and wait until this process is complete before you cancel your old plan. Check out our guide on number porting to get more detailed information.

Should I get a long expiry plan or a monthly plan?

This mostly depends on how frequently or intensely you use your phone. Long expiry plans have the benefit that your credit will last ages, but they tend to give way less value per dollar than a monthly plan. These plans also mean you don't have to worry about topping up your plan every month, but if you're frequently making calls, sending texts and browsing the Internet, you'll burn through your credit quickly and the long expiry won't matter.Monthly plans will end up being cheaper in the long run for heavy mobile use. You can always give a long expiry plan a go and see how long your credit lasts, then switch to a monthly plan with no penalty if you run out too soon.

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LuffyOctober 18, 2018

    what plan and Iphone would you recommend for my 83 yr old dad

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JohnOctober 19, 2018Staff

      Hi Luffy,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      The plans that are offered to Seniors are of different categories. You may want to check first how to maximize the value of the plan you wish to take based on how you would be using it. Will you be using it more on data? Text and calls perhaps? Please include these factors when choosing a plan that suits your needs. As per the Iphone, Depending on your budget, you may want to check the newest flagship of Apple which is the iPhone X. But if you are not into getting the newest version, most of the older iPhones have most of the features present in the new flagship. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    MaggieApril 26, 2018

    I have a 94yo friend and want to get her a very cheap (no data or internet) phone with large numbers – where can I find a comparison?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      JoelApril 26, 2018

      Hi Maggie,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      We have outlined everything you need to know in our article above. If your friend is careful with her money or surviving only on a simple pension, she does not have the money to splash around on high-end mobile plans. For her, a mobile phone is a calling tool first and foremost, with a strong focus on a lower overall cost of usage. She can check out Amaysim As You Go or ALDImobile PAYG

      You can also check out our homepage for mobile plans so you can personalize your needs when it comes to it.

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    RayJuly 5, 2017

    I am just on 64, almost retired & have a 2G mobile phone . I’ve received emails & texts saying that I have to upgrade to a 3G or 4G mobile phone by August 1st. I don’t use the phone very much. I usually get $30 Virgin credit & it lasts me for about 6 months. I would like to get a replacement (probably 4G) mobile with similar conditions. Can you advise a phone & will it still be possible to get the $30 credit so that I only get charged on the calls or texts that I make?

    Regards
    Ray

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      JonathanJuly 6, 2017

      Hello Ray!

      Thanks for the comment. :)

      Please be advised that you have reached finder and we provide generic advice.

      Whether buying it outright or checking your telco provider if they offer this on a cheap mobile plan is your choice. Getting into a plan may give you bigger calls and texts value, not to mention, you may qualify for some Senior’s Discount! :)

      Good Luck with your choice! I know you want this to keep connected to your loved ones.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    JuliaMarch 28, 2017

    I am about to transfer my number to another person and need a new number. Am I able to have a choice of numbers and pick a favorite?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayMarch 28, 2017Staff

      Hi Julia,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      There are providers that will let you choose a mobile number. In order to request this, please contact your chosen mobile plan provider directly.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
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