TracFone Wireless is a subsidiary of America Movil, Mexico’s largest telecommunications company. The company functions as a mobile virtual network operator, holding agreements with different large network operators like Sprint and Verizon to provide nationwide service coverage for its customers. Established in 1996 as Topp Telecom in Miami, Florida, TracFone now has over 90,000 retail locations nationwide.
TracFone is "America's #1 National No-Contract Wireless service provider." They offer no contract, bills, daily or monthly fees, with nationwide coverage on America's best and most dependable networks, like Sprint. TracFone is a pay-as-you-go wireless phone service, which means you can pay month-to-month or as needed. They have various customer service options offering live chat, email, and phone service, from 8 AM to 7 PM EST.
TracFone products and services are easy to understand. Each prospective customer follows the same three steps prior to enrolling in the service:
TracFone has unlimited carryover, which means your unused minutes, texts, and data never expire as long as your service is active and in use within each six month period.
The carrier also triples everything, which means that when you buy a 60-minute Airtime Card, you'll get 180 minutes, 180 Texts, and 180 MB of data at no extra charge.
Some international service is included with every TracFone account. You can purchase a $10 global calling card to cover additional calls to Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Colombia.
Pricing is something that has also caused concern amongst the TracFone consumer base despite the overall affordability of the business model. The minutes are pretty expensive, and because you have to purchase them upfront, you may end up spending a lot more on minutes than you would on another unlimited plan. The tradeoff is that minutes carry over from month to month so if you buy more than you need, you can use them next month.
Despite having several customer service options like live chat, text message, email, and phone availability to address a problem or complaint, many PureTalk reviews describe challenges understanding customer service reps or getting the help they need.
TracFone is a good option for prepaid phone service, but customers should be aware that minutes tend to add up and are quite expensive to buy in bulk and there are no unlimited data or unlimited texts plans. Read customer reviews for more details about the customer experience and compare TracFone's service plans to determine if it's a good service provider for your needs.
TracFone customers can expect the following:
Star Rating
142 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Phoenicia Cloud
This is a great phone to have in a pinch. The phone that I had was not the best quality but in all fairness, it was quite inexpensive as well.
Dan S
Great deal. Best value for the money. Great coverage. I get better coverage then I had with Verizon
TracFone's review score is 1.3% lower than the average review score of the top recommended Cell Phone Providers Company
M L
just got them on one of my phones and they use the tmobile towers love how cheap it is a month and that the phone was cheap and decent too. great signal and service
RAR
I have been with TracFone for a number of years, with two accounts. The quality of the phone and service is great, and at a outstanding price.
41BUICK
Customer service and rates are awesome. Always ready to help if a problem. Treat you like a customer, NOT a number. ONLY complaint: when switching from Straight Talk to Tracfone, I couldn't keep my #. Don't understand this, since they are the same company!
cher612
Tracfone has the best customer service of all the wireless carriers. Has helped me through a lot and I would highly recommend it to all consumers.
Natalie M.
What I didn't know was that TracFone was Straight Talk or vice versa. Until I just received my new phone and it says TracFone.I have had one of the BEST experience with Straight Talk. I will not go back to any other company.
Vic
I liked tracfone. I used it for a long time when I still depended on my landline. And it was dependable; you knew what to expect, as it was a pay as you go, and there was no contract, so it was convenient for what I used it for at the time. It's good for people who exclusively use landlines, and only need a mobile phone for emergencies (when they're out of the house), and don't want a recurring monthly bill.
Sdianas
TracFone provides great service, especially for people who have a landline home phone and use the cell phone for short calls. I get better reception on my LG Tracfone than I do on my CenturyLink home phone. At $22 for 120 minutes (after doubling), or 140 minutes (with a special code I sometimes receive) and 90 days, it is very affordable as as second phone. Starting in January they are switching to 4G only, and I hope my new phone sounds as wonderful as my current one! (I am using the one I have as long as possible.)
David
We recently upgraded out Tracfone to a smartphone and could not be more pleased with the company. No problems with the process and we still are enjoying great customer service. Thanks!!
Mia Salem
It could not be better. There's always some promo even thru Walmart on line and so far the best deals are tracfone. I'm frugal too.
A. Taylor
Trac Fone has been a fallback system for me at times. A great filler between other systems contracts. The best thing is the flexibility of the TracFone platform and the ability to choose a minutes/serviceplan that suits your own needs.
Matt Markin
I have found TracFone it in Miss depending on who you can talk to for customer service and if you can get the right APN settings dialed in, if not you never have service and you are paying for a reoccuring headache!
Alaskan Bev
A little over two years ago, my two-year-old Tracfone wore itself out so I replaced it with a new Tracfone. I had used Tracfones for over a decade and had no major problems with them. My new phone had an incredible Triple Your Minutes for Life offer (TML), published on the front of the box and verified by the counter technician. I used the phone, was happy with it, ordered 1,500 minutes and received my expected 4,500 minutes, and all was well. When I used up most of my time and was down to perhaps 200 minutes, I went online to order more time but could not figure out how to be sure the connected TML would take effect. I ordered the 1,500 minutes anyway and the bill was for nearly as much as I normally pay for my 4,500 minutes - but was only for around 1,000 or 1,200 minutes. I tried the Chat line feature for the Tracfone website and was initially told that my order would be corrected. It was not. I called the Tracfone live conversation and was told that "This offer is no longer being honored." I was irate. "My Tracfone box says right on the front, 'Triple Your Minutes for Life.' Life means the life of the phone! My phone is only a couple of months old! It still works fine. I want the offer I have paid for and expect." I received the same explanation as before. I looked up the CEO's name and address online and wrote to him explaining the issue. No response. I decided I was done with Tracfone and went to Straight Talk. They deduct a certain amount from my credit card on autopay, I have excellent service, and the phone is fine. Straight Talk is connected to Tracfone, but the service and phones are much more satisfactory. Just be aware that what Tracfone offers may not be what you expect or receive.
Jincey
The Bring Your Own Phone works with the newest iPhone models and is very economical for those who don't use their phone a lot so need unlimited minutes, etc. No contracts, just pay as you go, and the coverage uses major cell phone towers. Pay for what you use only.
John
I grew up using TracFone. I always sought the lowest prices and TracFone couldn't be beat. 60 minutes and 90 days of service for $20. I rarely needed to use my phone and largely kept it for emergencies. That was outstanding. When my peers were paying a lot more for service, I was paying almost nothing. The only drawback is for those who make far more calls and texts. Then, TracFone might not be the best. Though, they do have other service plans, aside from minute cards, that you can check out. I never really used anything other than the minute cards, so I can't really comment on that. Overall, though, great option for those who just want a cheap phone and service. Highly recommended.
Barbara Cell Stuckman
They don’t send emails like promised when I need to add airtime. Not good customer service
Brittany Alshawy
Basic phones and basic service. Good for a starter phone for kids, or a good phone for elderly parents who don't use technology that much. They do offer more options now, but the service is sub-par. But are worth the value.
Freddie McCain, Jr.
I've had TracFone for ten years. After I retired, I realized that my previous plan was a waste of money because of un-used roll over minutes plus extra fees. I also realized that I did not use the cell phone as much. TracFone was the right plan for me because I only pay for what I use.
Anne Gago
I've bought my last 6 phones from TracFone and I've had no problems with the cell phone. The only drawback is the buying of minutes.
clare wengert
I like that you pay as you go and don;t have to sign anything. We've had it for at least 10 years.
Charlene Devine
I had TracFone from many years. It is a good phone company for a child to have to keep track of there calls.
Chai'el Ma'etheius
I have been using TFW Straight Talk for over 3 years or so and in a way the price is fair, data once in a while has its quirks and calls has once in a while an echo or static, but it has no contracts or hidden fees.
DrippGang
Good. Free. Or no cost for the use of the phone. Though the TracPhones do have limited access/ability.
Patti Miller
The phone was for 84 year old Mother. She is not up to date on modern devises but I managed to teach her to use the phone. The model I chose was very basic. A good choice for her needs.
Ray Reyes
I use TracFone one time for an emergency and I really I can count on there service I never had a complain against them I will recommended to anyone.
Trena Sturges
Horrible phones, horrible customer service both online & on phone. Not easy to set up. Not good service
Richard Baker
long time customer best service for the money. strongly recommend. all is well in our home
Amanda Malega
If you are needing an emergency phone for your kids or an elderly person this is a good deal. The service is not bad either.
NG
Service is really poor, I mostly had to go outside to have the call connect. Sometimes I had to go into the street. Giving 2 stars, not 1 since usually once I got the call connected it wouldn't drop. Also, during COVID they were more stable then other carries (I'd guess since they are the least overloaded).
Tina Taylor
Tracfone is the only cell phone brand that I have had, I am on my 4th one. Also, my sons and husband have them. You can't beat the value. It also takes great pics. There is no need to spend a fortune on a phone. I am able to get service in many places that people with expensive phones can't get. The speaker quit on my son's phone, they had a new one in the mail to him in a week.
Bob Benzing
I pay a single price for a year of time on my phone and days which is very reasonable for people who use the phone for emergency's or on a trip by car. It figures out to about $6 a month. Can't beat the price !
PJWILEY
I live in a very rural area where cell service is very difficult. TracFone comes through.
ROCKY WENDROCK
For my purposes being retired I do not need a busy phone any more. I pay for a year and just use it when I leave the house. At home I have a land line so it suits my needs.
Timmy K
Great customer service from set-up through 3 years of service now. Always there to help and assist with ALL aspects of the phone.
Adam Jensen
Not the greatest customer service. Somewhat difficult to change phones and it seemed like there was always an issue with my account.
Andrew
I love the payment plans and how easy they are to use
Sunny
Reliable service, cost effective, have used Tracfone for 20 years with very few issues.
Evelyn Muegge
inexpensive and reliable and available all over
Anonymous
Low cost user friendly and international calliing
Natalie Brown
TracFone was alright. They were cheap which was a major plus but that was about it. The phones are made cheap and it shows. I went through two phones in a year because of how cheaply they are made.
Leonard Elbon
Great company, great concept- buy what you use
Azrienne
extremely reliable company and my calls never drop!
Hunter Brister
TracFones are cheap and reliable phones for people on a tight budget. I can personally say that the phones work very well.
Msindoni
My mom has been using TracFone for a while now because the prepaid plan works best for her lifestyle. It's simple to set up, and instead of buying more minutes I just buy her a new phone.
Hownowbrowncow
Great prepaid plans with decent coverage. Most people that I know that have tracfone get better service them most people in woody areas.
Sparky 8 pez
Tracfone gives me the best value for my money. Customer service could use a bit of improvement, but overall, I'm happy with the company.
Sandra Douglas
Love the easiness of purchasing minutes. Great phone for my mom while in the nursing home.
Camille
We use TracFone for our family phone so kids can call parents in emergency or for any need. Great affordability for this purpose!
Katie evans
Not great but neither is the cost , a good choice for those on a budget and low data needs