What is the primary phone company partnered with AARP?
For over a decade, Consumer Cellular has held a prominent partnership with AARP, making it the most direct answer to what phone company AARP officially recommends. The provider focuses on budget-friendly, no-contract plans and has tailored its services to the 55+ demographic. This long-standing relationship has yielded numerous benefits for AARP members, including exclusive discounts and enhanced guarantees.
Exclusive AARP member benefits with Consumer Cellular
- Monthly service discount: AARP members receive a 5% discount on their monthly service charges.
- Accessory discounts: Members get a 30% discount on select accessories.
- Extended guarantee: The standard 30-day money-back guarantee is extended to 45 days for AARP members.
- Shared line deals: Exclusive offers, such as two unlimited lines for a bundled price, are often available to AARP members.
- Simplicity and support: Consumer Cellular is known for straightforward plans and high-rated, U.S.-based customer support, which is often a priority for seniors.
Are there other carriers offering senior discounts?
While Consumer Cellular has a special relationship with AARP, it is important for consumers to know that AARP members can also access discounts through other major carriers. Moreover, many companies offer their own age-specific plans and promotions that are competitive with, or in some cases, better than the Consumer Cellular offer, depending on individual needs.
Major carriers with senior and AARP discounts
- T-Mobile: This carrier is well-known for its 55+ Unlimited plans, which are available nationwide. Plans start at competitive prices for one or two lines and often include extras like Netflix subscriptions. T-Mobile provides good value for seniors who are heavier data users and want more modern perks, though it is not specifically endorsed by AARP.
- AT&T: The company offers its 55+ Unlimited plan at a reduced rate for eligible customers. This includes unlimited talk, text, and data within the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Some AT&T promotions may also offer bundling deals with home internet for additional savings. AARP members can save on eligible plans and waived activation fees, but AT&T's senior plan has different requirements.
- Verizon: The Unlimited 55+ plan from Verizon offers unlimited talk, text, and data, but it is currently limited to new and existing Florida residents. For those outside of Florida, Verizon has other senior-friendly options like prepaid and basic unlimited plans, though the exclusive 55+ perks are not available. Unlike Consumer Cellular and AT&T, Verizon does not offer an AARP member discount.
- Lively: Focused entirely on the senior market, Lively (formerly GreatCall) offers simple devices and safety-focused plans. Their Jitterbug phones feature large buttons and medical alert features, and their plans can be very affordable, especially for minimal data users. AARP members can get discounts on certain Lively products.
Comparison of AARP-friendly cell phone plans
| Feature | Consumer Cellular (with AARP) | T-Mobile (55+ Plans) | AT&T (55+ Plan) | Verizon (55+ Plan - FL Only) | Lively (with AARP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best all-around option for AARP members; balance of value and simplicity | Seniors who want unlimited high-speed data and perks like streaming services | Those seeking major carrier coverage and bundled internet options | Florida residents needing unlimited data on a reliable network | Seniors prioritizing extreme simplicity and safety features |
| AARP Discount | Yes (5% off monthly, 30% off accessories) | No direct AARP discount; uses 55+ plans | Yes (10% off eligible plans, waived fees) | No direct AARP discount; Florida-specific 55+ plan | Yes (discounts on select products/services) |
| Contract Required | No long-term contract | No annual contracts | No long-term contract | No long-term contract | No contracts |
| Data Options | Flexible, tiered data plans | Unlimited data plans with different premium data tiers | Unlimited data (may be slowed during congestion) | Unlimited data (4G LTE or 5G based on plan) | Tiered or unlimited options depending on phone |
| Coverage Network | AT&T or T-Mobile network depending on location | America's largest and fastest 5G network | Reliable nationwide coverage | Extensive nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network | Verizon network |
| Customer Service | Highly-rated, U.S.-based customer service | Dedicated customer care with scam protection | AT&T ActiveArmor security features | Highly-rated customer service | Safety services like Urgent Response |
What to consider when choosing a senior-friendly phone company
Choosing a phone provider should always be based on your personal needs. For seniors, considerations often extend beyond just cost and into areas of simplicity, reliability, and support. AARP's endorsement of Consumer Cellular is a good starting point, but exploring other options is vital to finding the right fit.
Prioritize your personal needs
First, consider how you use your phone. Are you a frequent data user who streams movies and browses the web constantly? Or are you a light user who mostly texts and makes calls? This will determine whether a plan with unlimited data from a major carrier or a more affordable, tiered plan from a provider like Consumer Cellular is more suitable.
Examine network reliability
While Consumer Cellular and Lively use the major cellular networks (such as AT&T and Verizon), network performance can vary in rural or congested areas. If you live in an area with known coverage issues for certain networks, it's wise to research the best carrier for your specific location. Major carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T operate their own networks, which can offer greater stability.
Factor in customer support
Customer service is a major consideration for many seniors who prefer straightforward, patient, and easy-to-access help. Consumer Cellular is highly regarded for its U.S.-based, customer-focused support team. However, T-Mobile and other carriers have also invested in customer care features specifically for their senior plans.
Consider exclusive perks and bundled services
Beyond just the core cellular service, some carriers offer attractive bundled deals or exclusive perks. For example, AT&T offers internet bundles for 55+ customers, while T-Mobile often includes streaming subscriptions. Look at these added benefits to see if they provide extra value for services you already use or might be interested in.
Conclusion: Which phone company is the best choice?
While the official answer to what phone company does AARP recommend is Consumer Cellular due to its long-standing partnership, the best choice depends on individual needs. For those prioritizing straightforward, no-contract plans with exclusive discounts tied to their AARP membership, Consumer Cellular is an excellent fit. However, seniors who desire unlimited, high-speed data and modern perks like streaming subscriptions may find T-Mobile's 55+ plans more suitable. Meanwhile, AT&T and Verizon offer competitive senior plans, with the caveat that Verizon's specific 55+ deal is limited to Florida residents. Ultimately, researching the best plan for your usage, location, and desired features is the most reliable way to make an informed decision.
The best choice depends on usage and perks
- For AARP members seeking the best value: Stick with Consumer Cellular to maximize your exclusive monthly and accessory discounts.
- For heavy data users: Consider T-Mobile's 55+ Unlimited plans for robust, high-speed data without significant slowdowns.
- For those who need comprehensive bundles: Look into AT&T's 55+ plans, which offer the potential for internet bundling.
- For Florida residents prioritizing network reliability: The Verizon 55+ Unlimited plan, while geographically restricted, offers unlimited data on a highly-rated network.
- For simplicity and safety: Lively's services with its Jitterbug devices are ideal for seniors who want straightforward phones with built-in safety features.
By comparing these options, seniors and AARP members can find a phone plan that perfectly aligns with their needs and lifestyle.
