Unleash creativity into your cost-saving strategies with these five unique tips to reduce your cell phone bill:
#1 – Tap into Employee and Student Discounts
Many leading cell phone providers such as Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon extend exclusive discounts to employees of large corporations as well as university students. For instance, UPS staff members can snag a cool 20% off their monthly Sprint bill. These reductions are seldom advertised, so don’t hesitate to contact customer service and inquire!
#2 – Maximize Credit Card Perks for Wireless Discounts
Though general cashback credit cards provide around 1% in rewards, some offer up to a 5% payback on wireless services, inclusive of cell phone bills. Let’s consider the AT&T Universal card, which grants 5 points for every dollar spent on AT&T products and services. Yet, the standout of the pack is the American Express Simply Cash, providing a 5% payout on all wireless services, irrespective of the provider. These are just two examples, so conduct a quick online review search to discover more such credit card offers.
#3 – Embrace 1-800-GOOG-411 for Free Directory Assistance
With most providers charging $1.99 per call for directory assistance, it can inflate your monthly bill if used frequently. Here’s a solution – dial 1-800-GOOG-411, Google’s free directory assistance service. An added benefit? They can text you the number, a convenient feature when a pen and paper are not within easy reach.
#4 – Switch to Skype Mobile, if Verizon is Your Provider (Sprint, soon!)
Holding a Verizon-powered smartphone? Huge bill cuts might await you simply by using Skype Mobile. This enables you to make calls through a nominal monthly subscription, substantially reducing the rate of your phone plan’s minutes. Rumour has it that Sprint is set to offer Skype Mobile on their Evo 4G phone later this year as well.
#5 – Reconsider the Utility of Roadside Assistance
Opting for roadside assistance from your cell phone company can cost from $4 to $6 per month (amounting to $48 to $72 annually). Although it’s certainly a beneficial service, the reality is, it’s probably redundant! If your vehicle is covered under full insurance, it’s likely that roadside assistance is already included. Alternatively, you can avail a year of AAA coverage for under $50, offering not only roadside assistance but discounts at hotels, amusement parks, and more. Lastly, most premium cards, such as American Express Platinum, include complimentary roadside assistance, so check your card benefits!
This helpful post is brought to you by Michael from CreditCardForum – a site curated for all things credit cards. Along with comprehensive card reviews, Michael delivers personal finance advice on the forum. In this piece, he uncovers five creative approaches to cut down on cell phone expenses.
