Switching Break-Even Calculator
Are you trapped in a device contract? Find out exactly when you'll break even if you pay off your phone today and switch to a cheaper carrier.
Your Switching Costs
How much are you currently paying every month?
How much will your new cheaper plan cost? (e.g. Mint Mobile, US Mobile)
How much do you still owe on your current phone(s)? You will need to pay this off to unlock and switch.
Some carriers or employers offer gift cards or bill credits when you switch. Enter that amount here.
Your Financial Outlook
Months to Break Even
0 Mo
Any time you stay after this point is pure profit.
Total 2-Year Net Savings
+$0
This includes deducting the cost of paying off your phone.
No Savings
Your new bill is equal to or higher than your current bill. You will not save money by switching to this plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you buy a phone on a payment plan through a major carrier, they lock you into a 24 or 36-month agreement. While you might be getting monthly "bill credits" for the device, you are often overpaying for the wireless service itself by $30 to $50 a month. By paying off the phone entirely, you unlock the device and gain the freedom to move to a prepaid carrier (like Mint or Visible), where the monthly service savings quickly outpace the cost of paying off the phone.
You can find this inside your carrier's app or website. Look for sections labeled "Device Management," "Installment Plans," or "Upgrade." Your bill will outline exactly how much is left on your device installment plan. Once you pay this amount in full, you can request an "Unlock" so the phone will work on other networks.
Some carriers (like T-Mobile's "Keep & Switch" program) will explicitly offer to pay off your remaining phone balance (up to $800) if you port your number over to them. Other times, carriers offer $200 gift cards just for joining. If you are offered one of these incentives, input it into the 'Switching Credits' field to reduce your switching costs.