The Top 7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Phone Plan (and How to Avoid Them)

Choosing a phone plan should be simple… but with hundreds of options, fine print galore, and ever-changing deals, it’s easy to end up with something that’s overpriced, underpowered, or just plain wrong for your needs. Let’s break down the 7 most common mistakes people make when picking a phone plan—and more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Not Checking Local Coverage First

The mistake: You sign up for a great-sounding plan… only to realize you have no bars at home or work. Yikes.

How to avoid it: Always check the local coverage map for your area—not just the nationwide coverage claims. A provider might brag about “99% coverage,” but that doesn’t help if your zip code is the 1%.

Why Goji’s map is better:
With the Goji app, you can search your exact address and instantly see how the top carriers stack up. Whether you’re in a major city or a rural area, the map shows real-world signal strength.

Pro tip: Use it before switching—or when traveling—to make sure your new plan works where you actually live your life.

2. Overpaying for Data You Don’t Use

The mistake: You’re on an unlimited plan… but your average monthly data use is under 5GB. You’re basically throwing money away.

How to avoid it: Check your past 2–3 months of data usage in your phone’s settings. Then choose a plan that fits your actual usage, not what the carrier wants you to buy.

Pro tip: If you're usually on Wi-Fi, a lower data plan could save you big.

3. Underestimating Family Plan Savings

The mistake: Everyone in the house is on their own plan, racking up multiple bills, multiple accounts, and zero savings.

How to avoid it: Most carriers offer steep discounts for 2+ lines. Even if you’re just a duo, switching to a shared plan can cut your costs.

Want a traditional family plan? Check out our blog: Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2025

Want a family plan with friends or roommates? Visible’s Inner Circle lets you build a group and share the savings—with no shared account required.

4. Falling for the Big Carrier Hype

The mistake: You assume only Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can offer reliable service.

How to avoid it: Explore MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators)—these are smaller carriers that run on the same towers as the big guys but offer cheaper prices.

Pro tip: Some MVNOs even have perks like free international calling or streaming data that rivals the big names.

5. Missing the Fine Print

The mistake: That “$25/month” plan sounds amazing—until you find out it jumps to $60 after three months, or deprioritizes your data during peak times.

How to avoid it: Always read the fine print or, better yet, use comparison tools that spell out the hidden terms.

Pro tip: Look out for trial periods, extra fees, contract lengths, and whether taxes are included.

6. Ignoring Perks That Actually Matter

The mistake: Choosing a plan with flashy perks (like streaming bundles you don’t use) instead of one with practical features (like hotspot data or international calling).

How to avoid it: Make a list of what matters most to you—then find a plan that checks your boxes, not theirs.

Pro tip: Some plans give you free cloud storage, roaming in Canada/Mexico, or premium customer support—if you’ll use it, it’s worth it!

7. Not Switching Often Enough

The mistake: You've been on the same plan for years and assume it's still the best option.

How to avoid it: The phone plan market changes fast. New carriers pop up, promos expire, and your needs evolve. Re-evaluate your plan every 6–12 months.

Pro tip: Don’t waste hours comparing tabs and carrier websites.

With Goji, you can:

• See all major carriers in one place
  
  
• Compare based on your needs, habits, and budget
  
  
• Find the best value in just a few taps

It’s like having a personal phone plan assistant in your pocket.

FAQs

How do I know if I’m overpaying for my phone plan?

Check your monthly data usage and compare it to what your plan offers. If you’re paying for unlimited but only use 3–5GB per month, you could save with a cheaper plan. Tools like Goji help you find better options based on your real usage and habits.

What if I want to stay on my current network?

No problem! Goji shows you plan options across multiple carriers—including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and MVNOs that run on the same towers. You can find a more affordable plan without switching networks.

What’s the difference between a regular carrier and an MVNO?

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are smaller carriers that lease network access from the big guys (like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T). They offer the same coverage in most areas but at lower prices. Many MVNOs also skip retail overhead, which is how they keep costs down.

Is it safe to switch phone plans online?

Yes! Switching plans online is easier and safer than ever—especially if you bring your own phone. Most carriers support eSIM activation or mail you a SIM card. Goji walks you through the process and helps you find trusted carriers with transparent pricing.

Can I keep my number if I switch plans?

Absolutely. Number porting is standard practice, and most carriers make it quick and easy. Just don’t cancel your current plan before activating the new one, or you risk losing your number.