|
October 25, 2022
The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Click here to learn more about our editorial review process and click here to learn more about how we are compensated.
Affinity Cellular uses Verizon’s network through an exclusive agreement that allows them to offer cell service without managing network hardware. They pass their savings to their customers, offering plans as low as $10 per month.
Additionally, retired AAA members receive perks from their Affinity Cellular plans. With practical plans that let you keep your old phone and reap the benefits of your existing AAA membership, Affinity Cellular is a great option for no-frills, budget cell phone plans.
Pro Tip: To learn more about our favorite providers for seniors, be sure to check out our rundown of the best cell phone plans for seniors.
| Plan | Starting Monthly Price | Talk and Text Allowance | Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 month/line | $10 | 350 minutes, 350 texts | None |
| $20 month/line | $20 | Unlimited | 1 GB |
| $35 month/line | $35 | Unlimited | 7 GB |
| $55 month/line | $55 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Affinity Cellular does not offer specific discounts for seniors. However, their cheapest plans are perfect for seniors who want to use their phone to speak with family or in case of emergencies but don’t want to pay for expensive data plans.
While they offer more expensive plans that include data, including one unlimited plan, these no-data plans are our favorite part about Affinity Cellular. They offer a no-frills approach to cellular service that allows you to get access to a phone and a plan without buying data and other extra features you don’t need.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a provider with affordable data plans, check out our rundown of T-Mobile senior plans.
To get started with Affinity Cellular, visit their website and click “plans” to search their offerings. They offer seven plans, including two no-data plans, which are great for those who want to use their phone sparingly or as an emergency device.
Next, you’ll need to input your ZIP code. This is to confirm that Affinity Cellular has coverage in your area. You will then be asked to choose a phone to go with your plan, from an iPhone 7 bundle that costs $114.99 down to an Affinity-brand flip phone that costs $34.99, with many in-between. Each device contains different storage levels and features and is priced accordingly.
You can also click “use my phone” to add the Affinity service on the phone you already have. In that case, they will send you a memory chip to put in your phone when your service becomes active. After that, you can click “go to cart” and pay for your new service.
Affinity Cellular offers seven no-contract plans that are priced according to the number of minutes or the amount of data you receive. The five data plans cost from $20 up to $55 per month, while the two no-data plans cost $10 or $15.
Overage rates apply if you exceed your monthly text, talk, or data limits. Affinity Cellular’s overage rates are $0.10 for every extra minute of talk, $0.02 for every extra text, and $0.03 for every MB of data. Their customer account page provides a readout for your convenience where you can see your current plan’s limits and your usage rate.
On the day you purchase your plan, you will pay for the phone and any accessories you choose at checkout. You will then be billed each month for your service, and can set up Autopay for your convenience. If not, you can make payments manually at the start of each billing cycle, though Affinity charges a $10 late fee for missed payments.
FYI: Not all networks charge overage fees. To learn about our favorite provider with no overage charges, check out our Consumer Cellular review.
Affinity Cellular’s network coverage is unique. Since they piggyback off Verizon’s network, they do not have the same level of coverage as the major carriers. This is why they check your ZIP code at checkout to make sure you’re in their network.
This also means that 5G availability can be spotty, depending on your area. They offer up to 4G everywhere, but you’ll have to check for 5G coverage in your area. Their plans are also deprioritized, meaning data speeds can become slower if the network becomes congested. Note that since Affinity Cellular caters mostly to low- or no-data users, this has not significantly affected their reputation.
Affinity Cellular is definitely cheaper than T-Mobile, another popular provider of senior cellular service; however, if you want data, T-Mobile’s plans might offer the better option.
| Affinity Cellular Plan | T-Mobile Essentials 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $10 per month | $27.50 per month |
| Price Increases | Never | Never |
| 5G Access | Partial | Yes |
| Long-Term Contracts | None | None |
| Age Requirement | None | Must be 55+ |
Affinity Cellular offers some of the cheapest starting prices around, with their lowest no-data plan available at $10 per month. They cannot always offer coverage that competes with the major carriers or provide 5G access to all their consumers. However, their low-cost practicality makes Affinity a major asset to seniors looking for no-frills plans at low prices, so long as they don’t plan on using too many extra features.
To learn more about our favorite phones and plans for seniors, check out our helpful guides:
Affinity Cellular does not have a plan for seniors, though their marketing is specifically tailored to seniors’ needs.
Affinity Cellular is a trusted provider whose partnership with Verizon gives them access to one of the country’s largest networks. They also partner with AAA to offer exclusive benefits.
The main downside is that as a secondary provider, Affinity Cellular’s network can be deprioritized in favor of Verizon’s users. The service is also only available to those with AAA insurance plans.
