Prepaid vs Postpaid Mobile Plans in Canada
The words sound similar, but the billing style is different. Here’s the plain-English comparison, and who each option is best for.
What “prepaid” means
- You pay before you use the service (top-ups).
- Often easier to start (usually minimal or no credit check).
- Great for tight budgeting because there’s less chance of surprise charges.
What “postpaid” means
- You use the service and pay later (monthly bill).
- More plan options, and often easier to finance a phone.
- Sometimes includes better roaming add-ons or account features.
Which one is better?
It depends:
- Choose prepaid if you want strict cost control, are buying your own phone, or want a simpler setup.
- Choose postpaid if you need phone financing, want a premium plan feature set, or prefer one monthly bill for everything.
One thing to watch: “extra charges”
Regardless of plan type, always check the fine print for roaming, international calling, and data overage rules.
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