Best Cheap
Under $250
Under $350
Telstra Network
We compared 51 long-expiry prepaid plans from 16 mobile providers across Australia and picked 6 top plans based on price, data and expert analysis. We've also included a 6-month option if you're not ready to commit to a full year. Not every plan will suit everyone, so weigh up your options before choosing one.
Our top picks were reviewed by senior utilities editor Mariam Gabaji.
Long-expiry prepaid plans last between 90 and 365 days.
They’re well-suited for people who don’t mind paying upfront, know which network coverage works best for them and are fairly certain of how much data they need.
Here’s a quick pros and cons list if you’re still unsure:
Apart from the cost of the plan itself and your willingness to pay it upfront, you should consider some other key points before committing to a long-term plan:
Figure out which network offers the best reception in your area before committing long-term. Telstra offers the widest coverage, and you're less likely to deal with reception issues than if you were to go with Optus or Vodafone. Plans on the Telstra network tend to cost a little more.
Think about how long you're willing to commit to, whether that's for 90, 180 or 365 days. The longer you commit to it, the fewer times in the year you'll need to worry about recharging. Just keep in mind that if you choose to leave before your expiry period ends, you'll lose the money you paid upfront.
Choose a data limit that matches your needs. Look at past bills or your account to see how much data you're currently using each month. When in doubt, add some extra gigs on to how much data you think you'll use. You don't want to get stuck with not enough data after committing to a plan long term. Also keep in mind that some plans allocate monthly data limits. Read the fine print before signing up.
"I used to be lazy and just top up my phone each month. I then realised that the monthly cost for a 365 day plan worked out to be far cheaper and I wouldn't exceed the data limit. The savings was $16 per month less than what I was paying, which meant I was able to reduce my phone bill by $192 a year."
Around 16 mobile providers in our database offer long-expiry prepaid plans.
Some popular ones include Everyday Mobile (Woolies), Coles Mobile, OnePass Mobile (formerly Catch Connect), amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Kogan Mobile, Boost Mobile, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
Here’s a full list of mobile providers with long-expiry plans:
Want options beyond our curated selection of top picks? You'll find mobile plans with expiry periods between 90 and 365 days in the comparison table below.
We've scored over 290+ mobile plans on everything from cost to data allowance and important features.
Our experts give each plan a score out of 10 - totally fair, with no commercial strings attached.
Genuine phone addicts. Unlimited scrolling and streaming, we got you. We track all offers daily so you can stay online all the time.
Cause we all hate caps. Our goal is to bring you all the good stuff, and surface any hidden fees. So you can get back to the fun stuff, like gaming.
Tried and tested. We give these plans a run for their money and listen to the feedback of the millions of Aussies who have used our plans comparison.
Pay as you go mobile plans are a great way to save money if you don't use your phone very often.
I am an older lady with not a lot of understanding re my mobile phone. I am with Optus pre paid. But it keeps running out of money. I usually pay $30 at a time. It doesn’t seem to last out the month. I rarely use my phone. It’s more for an emergency, when I’m away from home, as I can’t get coverage at home. Which plan would suit me best?
Hi Roslyn, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your mobile plan. You can take a look at our guide to cheap plans under $20 https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/cheap-mobile-plans or if you’re after better coverage at home you can also check out these plans from Telstra MVNOs https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/best-mvno-plans-on-the-telstra-network or prepaid plans from Telstra itself https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/telstra-mobile.
I’m looking for a long term data only plan, preferably 5 years if possible. Data usage is low, just monitoring power at a site with no internet access.
Hi Dean,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Currently, long expiry prepaid plans are up to 365 days which is for a year. Kindly contact your chosen provider if they may provide a modified mobile plan for your needs.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I intend to buy a prepaid mobile plan for 365 days. My present plan will end on 25/04/2019. Can I buy now and activate the SIM card nearer to the end date of my present plan?
Hi John,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
There are SIM providers that may allow you to buy a SIM now and then activate on a later time. You may need to check this with the specific SIM provider whom you are considering to buy a prepaid SIM so you can be advised accordingly. This is normally applicable if you are to get a new mobile number. If you intend to port your number, you need to let the incoming provider know that you are planning to move your number and check their porting time frame so you can consider and check your options.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Mai
Hello, great article, but it seems as though none of the pre-paid plans listed allow calls to be received when roaming internationally? What prepaid long expiry plans allow you to receive calls internationally?
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Our company finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers to make a better decision. Please note we do not represent any company we feature on our pages.
On this article, you may need to contact the providers to inquiry if they have an offer to receive a call from overseas.
Cheers,
Harold
Can these SIM cards be used in a Telstra mobile phone?
Hi Aldimobile,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You can use any of the SIM cards featured on this page if you have an unlocked mobile phone, however, you can only use a Telstra SIM card on a Telstra locked phone. You can get in touch with Telstra for assistance in unlocking your Telstra locked phone.
Cheers,
Jason