




Finding the best mobile plans for seniors
Very few providers offer seniors discounts on mobile plans. The good news is you can easily find a great deal on a regular mobile plan to keep the costs low.
We've compared over 300 mobile plans from 48 mobile providers in Australia and curated 4 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis.
If these don't quite fit, check out our comparison table below for some of the cheapest mobile plans on Finder that cost under $30 a month - including yearly options that work out to the same price.
Why you can trust our research
326 SIM-only plans analyzed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Best value mobile plan for seniors
iiNet Small Plan
Calls & Text
data
per month
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- iiNet’s offer will save you $75 over 6 months.
- The plan includes 100 international minutes and as many texts to 31 selected countries.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- The price reverts to $25 a month after 6 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
Why we chose it
To find the best value mobile plan for seniors, we looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $30 per month. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best mobile plan for seniors on the Telstra network
Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM
Calls & Text
data
per month
$14.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $58 over 4 months with Tangerine’s offer.
- You can bank up to 1000GB of unused data for future use.
- Save 10% on your mobile bill when you bundle with one of Tangerine's broadband plans.
- Unlimited calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- You can sign up for Tangerine’s 12GB plan for $22 a month now or switch after four months if you want to save on ongoing costs and don’t need that much data.
- There's a $3.50 charge for non-direct debit payments.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $290
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $30 per month and run on the Telstra wholesale and full network. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best 365-day mobile plan for seniors
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$139 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Use promo code FLASH10. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.2.25
Pros & cons:
- Get this plan for only $139 instead of $149 on your first recharge when you use the promo code ‘FLASH10’ upon checkout.
- This is a great bargain. You’re essentially paying $12 a month for 16GB of data which stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- Catch offers a handy mobile app to help you track data usage and manage your plan.
- The price of the plan reverts to $200 from the second recharge onwards. However, you can always switch providers once your 12 months are up.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $139
Why we chose it
We compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $150. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best mobile plan with international calls
TPG Medium
Calls & Text
data
per month
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You’ll get unlimited standard international minutes and texts to 31 selected countries including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, USA, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico and Germany.
- Save $105 over 6 months with the current offer.
- Pay $30 instead of $35 ongoing after 6 months if you bundle with TPG’s internet plan.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps but this is still fast enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 per month and offer international calls and texts for free. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Compare cheap mobile plans for seniors
How do I find the best mobile plan for seniors?
Finding the cheapest mobile plan will require you to consider a few things:
- How much are you willing to pay? There are plenty of options for different price ranges starting as low as $5. Make sure you compare your options before deciding on one.
- Do you need extra features? While some plans come with features such as data-free streaming and data rollover, consider whether you'll actually use these. Plans with fewer bonus features will usually still offer unlimited national calls and texts, with better value for data if you need it.
- How much data do you need? If you don't use your phone a lot or only occasionally use the "Find My Phone" or weather app, you'll likely only need as little as 1–2GB of data a month. If you don't have a smartphone, you won't need any data at all.
- Are you willing to sign up long term to save? Long-expiry options exist which can give you enough features to last 6–12 months. This means you won't need to top up your plan every month, as long as you haven't run out before the expiry period. These plans are usually better value over time compared to month-to-month plans since you're paying upfront for a longer period of use.
Do seniors get a discount from Telstra?
Telstra offers a $19 a month discount on its Starter mobile plan if you have a valid Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs card.
It'll end up costing $31 a month for 5GB which is fairly poor value compared to regular mobile plans that run on the Telstra network. Only consider it if you need to sign up with Telstra directly.
Otherwise, check out our top picks for mobile plans that run on the Telstra network.
Vodafone seniors discount on mobile plans
Vodafone offers seniors card holders 10% off monthly plan fees on its SIM-only plans that start at $49 a month for 50GB.
Again, this is fairly expensive compared to other mobile plans in our database, including our top picks in this guide.
In fact, the starting cost of a prepaid plan from Vodafone is cheaper at $35 per 28 days for 25GB.
Does Optus have a seniors discount?
Optus doesn't offer a seniors discount. If you want to sign up, the cheapest option is its prepaid plan - $35 per 28 days for 20GB.
Or, you can check out our top picks for mobile plans that run on the Optus network instead.
TPG mobile plans for seniors
While there are no seniors plans for TPG, its plans still offer great value for money, especially for the first 6 months with prices being discounted by 50%.
Prices start at $25 a month for 25GB without any promos.
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I want to know which providers allow you to pay with Paypal?
Hi Catherine, it’s rare that a provider offers Paypal as a method of payment. You can check here which places offer you to pay via Paypal https://www.paypal.com/au/webapps/mpp/shop-with-paypal. Telstra used to but it may have gotten rid of the option. It’s best to verify with the provider directly before signing up.
what plan and Iphone would you recommend for my 83 yr old dad
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
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?
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 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 list of mobile plans so you can personalize your search. Once you have chosen a particular plan, 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 your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Cheers,
Joel
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
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
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?
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