The average American cell phone bill is about $141 per month, or roughly $1,692 per year, according to industry data cited by T-Mobile.
With plans frequently priced even higher, many households are likely overpaying. If a monthly bill is hovering near $170 or more, there is a strong chance it is about $30 too high. That adds up to $360 per year in potential savings.
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Here are five quick ways to potentially lower it.
Check Actual Data Usage
Many consumers stay on premium unlimited plans even though their data usage does not justify the cost. Reviewing the past three months of usage inside a carrier account often reveals far lower consumption than expected.
Downgrading to a lower-tier plan that better matches actual needs can reduce monthly costs. Astound Broadband notes that unlimited plans often cost significantly more than limited data options.
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Remove Unnecessary Add-Ons
Small recurring charges can quietly inflate a bill. Device protection, insurance, hotspot access and cloud storage services may add $10 to $20 per month.
According to Boost Mobile, dropping phone insurance alone can save between $80 and $300 per year depending on the device and plan. Carefully reviewing line-by-line charges can uncover easy cuts.
Secure Available Discounts
According to AT&T, most major carriers offer autopay and paperless billing discounts of $5 to $10 per line each month. Additional discounts may be available for students, military members, seniors and employees of certain companies. Confirming eligibility takes only a few minutes through an online chat or customer service call.
Compare Lower-Cost Carriers
Prepaid carriers and mobile virtual network operators often operate on the same major networks but charge significantly less. Industry pricing comparisons show prepaid plans commonly range from $15 to $45 per month, depending on data limits and features, according to Goji Mobile.
Even without switching providers, competitor pricing can strengthen negotiating power when asking for promotions or loyalty discounts.
Review Device Payments
Financed smartphones frequently add $20 to $40 per month to a bill. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, buy now, pay later style installment plans and device financing agreements can significantly increase consumers’ recurring monthly obligations.
Once a device is paid off, confirm that the charge has been removed from the statement. Cell phone bills are not as fixed as they may seem. A quick review of usage, add-ons and available discounts can lead to meaningful savings starting next month.
Cutting $30 per month requires only a few simple adjustments and can free up hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Your Cell Phone Bill Is Likely $30 Too High — Cut It in 10 Minutes
