Optimizing Verizon Plan

[Sandi_k]

Just checking in for advice on how to optimize our Verizon plan.

We have been longtime Verizon customers, and do not want to switch, given coverage areas. But I know that we're not optimized.

- We have a low-data plan.

- We have three lines on it - mine, DH's, and his iPad.

- We do an auto-pay with DH's credit card, but he's never opted for the pre-paid discount, even though I've asked repeatedly.

- The account is in DH's name.

- We are still using phones we bought nearly 5 years ago, but the batteries are waning, and we're looking for possible new phones with larger HDs.

- Verizon offers new customers better options than those to existing customers.

What I am considering:

- Changing the account to my name (does this count as a new account?)

- Upping to an unlimited plan with the pre/auto-pay option, which is about the same cost as what we're paying now.

- That would get us free new phones.

- We would also get a bundle for Disney+, which we're currently paying for.

All of this hinges on swapping me out as the account holder = new account. Any ideas as to whether that is an acceptable definition for the account benefits?

TIA!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I know you mentioned you don't want to switch, but I recently switched from Verizon to Google Fi, and have been very happy with the coverage. Can you ask to see if anyone local you know has Google Fi, and see if that's an option with solid coverage for you? Doesn't solve the new phone issue, but thought I'd toss it out there.

[terran]

You can get a SIM card that runs on the Verizon network from https://www.redpocket.com/ (referred to as the CDMA network). The annual plans offer the biggest savings if you have low usage (especially data).

[Catbert]

Look at Verizon credit card.  Points earned can go to bill.  4x on groceries.  Most other (all?)  credit cards don't get you a auto pay discount. 

[HipGnosis]

You can get a SIM card that runs on the Verizon network from https://www.redpocket.com/ (referred to as the CDMA network). The annual plans offer the biggest savings if you have low usage (especially data).

The annual plans are sold on RedPocket's Ebay store;  https://www.ebay.com/usr/redpocketstore.
I just bought one.   I've been on RedPocket (AT&T network for me) for years.
I like that they don't run out of data, just 'fast' data.  Slow data is WAY better than no data. 
Not just for low data usage; they have up to 20GB / mo (30 days).

[Old Ball Coach]

I just switched up my Verizon plan about a month ago. We went from a very old plan that is no longer offered to the unlimited plan. While switching they actually told me that if I switched my autopay from my credit card to my debit card that it would save me $40/month. Not sure why they never told me that before but it was a nice switch. Actually paying about $30 less per month on the unlimited plan than my old plan. Maybe check on that if you are autopaying by credit card.

[LD_TAndK]

USMobile is an MVNO and their "Super LTE Network" is the Verizon network. I haven't noticed any coverage difference from the premium Verizon service.

If you did want to go unlimited it looks like it's $25 per line when you do 3 lines.

If you're fine monitoring data, pooled plans cost about $9 per line with an additional $2 per gig of pooled data across all lines.

[jim555]

I used to switch back and forth every year, otherwise they punish you and give you a higher rate over time.  Once you cancel you will get flooded with special offers.