AT&T Senior Plans: Phones and Discounts for Seniors
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November 5, 2024
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AT&T Senior Plans: Key Findings
- For people 55 and over, AT&T offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans for $40 per month per line; however, only Florida residents are eligible for these plans.
- For those who don’t live in Florida, we’d recommend one of AT&T's prepaid plans, which start at $25 per month and are eligible for additional AARP discounts.
- If you’re looking for more affordable unlimited plans, then we recommend checking out Consumer Cellular’s plans, all of which are available nationwide.
FYI: If you don’t need data, then you can find a cellular plan for $10 per month. To compare providers, check out our rundown of senior phone plans.
AT&T Senior Plans Video Rundown
AT&T for Seniors Pros and Cons
AT&T Pros
- Plans from $25.99 per month: Starting at under $30 per month, AT&T is one of the most affordable major wireless providers for seniors.
- Advanced devices: Being one of the nation’s largest cellular providers, AT&T offers just about any type of cell phone, from advanced iPhones to simple flip phones.
- Discounts for multiple lines: Nearly all of AT&T’s cellular plans come at discounted rates with each additional line of service you purchase.
- No data throttling: Unlike popular providers such as Mint Mobile, AT&T won’t slow your data speeds after meeting usage thresholds.
- Discounts for AARP members: Regardless of the state you live in, AARP members can get 10% off their monthly bill when signing up for AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan. Florida AARP members can switch from another network and get $100 in statement credits.
AT&T Cons
- Limited availability: AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plans are currently only available to those with a Florida billing address. Similar to Verizon, AT&T requires seniors living outside of Florida to select other more costly unlimited plans.
- Higher up-front costs: While they come at lower monthly costs, AT&T’s prepaid plans must be paid in full at the onset, driving up your initial costs.
- Activation fees: Though not listed in the monthly price, most of AT&T’s plans require hidden fees for activation. However, these fees can sometimes be waived for AARP members.
How To Shop with AT&T
AT&T’s website is a great place to get started in your search for a new phone or plan. You’ll find information on a variety of flip phones, smartphones, and different service plans online.
For heavy data users, there are unlimited plans starting at $30 per month per line, featuring 5G access, standard definition streaming, and unlimited talk, text, and data (when you get four lines).
There are also several affordable prepaid phone plans offered by AT&T for those who don’t spend a great deal of time on cellular usage. I’d recommend looking into their $25 per month for 8GB of data monthly prepaid phone plan with unlimited talk and text, and data.
AT&T, like Verizon and T-Mobile, offers plans tailored to older adults; however, with AT&T, these plans cannot be purchased online. You’ll need to visit the AT&T store in person and present proof of age to secure the offer.
Once the purchase is made, you may find detailed instructions on the website’s support page to help activate plans and unlock the phones. Alternatively, the company has a toll-free number for wireless support.
AT&T Plans for Seniors
| Plan | Monthly Price (per line) | Scam and Fraud Blocking | Unlimited Talk, Text and Data | 5G Access | Streaming Quality |
| AT&T Prepaid 8GB | $25 | Yes | Data limited to 8GB per month | Yes | High Definition |
| AT&T Unlimited 55+ | $40 (when you get 2 lines) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard Definition |
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | $35 (when you get 4 lines) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard Definition |
In addition to these plans, there is also AT&T Lifeline, a federal program that is perfect for older adults who have a fixed income or are dependent on government programs. Qualifying households get at a minimum of $7.25 per month discount on their phone bill, which can add up to significant savings over the course of a year.
Savings Tip: AT&T offers 10% discounts to AARP members and approximately 25% discount on unlimited plans for veterans. An additional $20 discount is applicable on choosing AutoPay and paperless billing.
AT&T Devices
AT&T retails almost every kind of phone there is, from the latest from Apple and Samsung to basic flip phones. Many of the devices can either be bought for a one-time-fee or via an installment plan, where the associated cost is added to your monthly cellular bill and is typically paid off within 30 months. Users may subscribe to AT&T wireless service by buying a new phone or exchanging the old phone for a discount on a newer model.
Here’s a selection of AT&T’s cell phones that are perfectly geared towards the needs of older adults:
SONIM XP5s
The average American is said to drop their phone at least four times a week. Fortunately, the SONIM XP5s is drop-proof, in addition to having oversized buttons and keys. Retailing at $339.99, it has AT&T’s Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) capabilities that makes for more simplified calling. This rugged phone is perfect for older users who use their device primarily for making calls and texting, and it can be used with any of AT&T’s plans. Additionally, it has a 3-year warranty and oversized buttons and keys for older adults with dexterity or vision impairments.
Cingular Flip IV
At $62.99, this lightweight device is ideal for the older adult’s everyday communication needs. What’s more, users can watch YouTube, get directions from Google Maps, and execute tasks via voice commands using the phone’s integrated Google Assistant. With long-lasting battery life, the AT&T Cingular Flip IV’s large keypad and navigation keys also make it really easy to operate, even for those struggling with arthritis and vision impairment. What’s more, it is completely hearing aid compatible, which is great for 50% of those older than 75 who have hearing loss.
iPhone XS Max
If you’re an older adult who enjoys user-friendly features, the iPhone XS Max is a great upgrade. With a large 6.5-inch retina display and advanced security features such as Face ID to unlock important applications and pay with Apple Pay, this device is a keeper. It’s also a great phone for taking photos of the family and grandkids, with impressive 12MP dual rear cameras and 7MP in the front. Plus, if your grandkid grabs your phone or accidentally drops it in water, this phone is fully water, splash, and dust-resistant. You can pay $31.95 per month for this device through an AT&T installment plan.
Additionally, thanks to its fast charge feature, users don't have to constantly worry about their device running out of power. All of these advanced features might seem intimidating, especially for those uninitiated to the world of smartphones, but my favorite thing about the iPhone XS Max is how intuitive its controls are. Learning the ins and outs of this device is a breeze.
Note: If the older user is comfortable with their existing device, they can switch to AT&T’s wireless service on the same phone and get a $250 reward card and a waiver on the activation fee.
AT&T Benefits for Seniors
Here are some other benefits of an AT&T plan for seniors.
- Mobile Security and Call Protect app: This free app helps users avoid spam and fraud calls. It also enables safe browsing, identity monitoring, and more. It's available with the AT&T Unlimited 55 & Over plan.
- Mobile Protection: For $14-$17 per month (the price depends on the device), you can get protection for one device, including same-day replacements, unlimited screen repairs, and even coverage for loss or theft. For $45 per month, you can cover up to 4 devices.
- Internet Bundles: You can save on your monthly bill by bundling an AT&T mobile plan with their internet. For example, by signing up for both AT&T Fiber and an AT&T Unlimited plan, you can save $20 per month.
Bottom Line
When it comes to finding cellular solutions that are suited to older adults in North America, AT&T really takes the cake. Granted, AT&T’s plans are a bit on the pricier end of the spectrum, especially compared to Consumer Cellular whose basic plans start at just $15 per month. Still, AT&T’s plans targeted at older folks are still about $10 cheaper than that of most competitors.
AT&T’s speed, coverage area, and reliability more than make up for this premium. I will admit though that it was a little disappointing that a mobile emergency response device that AT&T had launched in 2013, called EverThere, was conspicuously absent from the list of devices being sold on the website. So if you’re looking for a phone with medical alert capabilities, I’d recommend checking out the Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively.
On the flip side, it's quite refreshing to note that AT&T is one of the only players to still offer ‘no-frills’ call-only cell phone plans; for older adults who do not wish to use expensive (and sometimes frustrating to use) smartphones.
To learn more about our favorite phones and plans for seniors, check out our helpful guides:
FAQs
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Does AT&T offer a plan with just talk minutes?
AT&T no longer offers plans with purely talk minutes. Their most affordable plans provide a minimum of 8GB of monthly data, as well as unlimited talk and texting.
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With AT&T wireless, can I keep my existing cell phone?
With AT&T, you may keep your current device, even if it’s from another service provider, as long as it uses a SIM card. In exchange, typically, you get a free $250 reward card and the activation fee is also waived.
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How does AT&T verify the age of the applicant?
To qualify for one of the age-specific plans, you need to go to an AT&T store with some form of identification in order to verify your eligibility.
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Do both phone line users need to be over 55?
For AT&T’s 55+ plan, only the account holder needs to be over the age of 55. The user of the other line can be younger.
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How many lines can I add on an AT&T 55+ plan?
With AT&T, you may have up to two phone lines on the 55+ plan. You pay $40 per month for 2 lines.