Best phone plans for Australian seniors
- Find a plan that suits seniors
- Find discounts for seniors with major telcos
- Consider low data and better call and text features
Frequently Asked Questions
What are senior Australians looking for in a phone plan?
Aussie seniors want the same phone deal as anyone else: something simple that doesn’t cost the earth. There are a wide variety of phone plan options to suit the way you want to use your phone, which can sometimes be confusing.
We’ve made it a little easier here by highlighting phone plans that present good value without going overboard on data.
If you have a Seniors card, you might be entitled to discounts with some of the major telcos. But, you might also find that some of the smaller brands have a better deal even without the discount.
I’m not sure where to start.
There can be a big difference in the way seniors use their phones. Some fully embrace the new technology (like my great-grandmother, who can Facetime better than I can) and others prefer to use the phone for calls only.
You can take a look at some of our starter guides, such as the guide below the comparison table here, which covers the features you’ll find on phone plans and the differences between prepaid, postpaid and long expiry plans.
What are the most basic type of phone plans?
For those who find phone plans confusing, the most basics thing look out for on this page is the phone plan type.
Postpaid plans (paid for after you’ve used them) are generally simpler to use once they’re set up – you simply get a bill each month and pay it. However, that convenience can mean they are a little more expensive than the alternative – prepaid.
Prepaid plans are paid for before use and require a little bit more attention. Users have to ‘recharge’ their service once a month (although you can automate that task.) You are unlikely to get a phone bill which is bigger than you’re expecting with prepaid plans.
I don’t have a smartphone, just one of the old Nokia’s. What’s the best plan for me?
PAYG (Pay As You Go) plans are usually best for this type of phone (in the industry, they’re called ‘candy bar’ phones.) PAYG plans only charge for what you use. We have a dedicated page for PAYG plans.
I have a Senior’s Card. Do I get a discount? How about Telstra Seniors Bundle?
You may get special discounts from Optus, Telstra or Vodafone for being a Seniors card holder. Pick a plan on our listings to check. There are more details on the specifics of this offer in the article at the bottom of this page.
Telstra and Vodafone offer special discounts to Senior card holders. Telstra for example, offers a $16 discount on their starter mobile plans. And Vodafone offers 10% off their Vodafone Infinite Plans, and 10% plans which are $20 or more. Unfortunately, Optus does not offer discounts to seniors, even those with the card.
There are more details on the specifics of this offer in the article at the bottom of this page.
I prefer to buy my SIM in a retail store. Where can I do that?
You can buy SIM cards at supermarkets and newsagents. But, you’ll find a much larger variety of plans online, which means you can get a cheaper and better deal.
When you buy a SIM card online, it’s typically mailed to you within a day or two (sometimes same-day, if you’re in a metro area). So there really isn’t a reason to buy instore!
What's good
- The best deals will come from smaller phone companies
- Calls and data probably cost a lot less than you think
- Options for older ('feature') phones as well as smartphones
- Retail options if it all becomes too stressful
What's bad
- Over 50 phone companies to choose from
- Bewildering array of plans and features
The best phone plan for Aussie seniors
Welcome! We’re going to make choosing a new phone plan as simple as possible. You’re in the right place!
Our first advice is that it’s ok to compare plans with the tech expert in your family first. Once you see how it’s done (and how easy it is), you’ll be ok with switching plans on your own.
Let’s start by quickly unpacking how the different plan types work, and what’s included.
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Some helpful facts to get you started
Phones, plans and how we communicate have changed so much even in the last few years. Here are some new things to know:
- Landline calls are not cheaper.
- Almost all phone plans include unlimited calls and SMS (text messages)
- The brand you know may not be the best brand
I’ll explain that last one. You probably know Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. But, their plans are not always the cheapest and often include data (internet access) and extras far bigger than you need. Other smaller companies have the same network coverage, loads of data and unlimited calls and texts for a much lower price.
Does my phone matter?
There are two types of mobile phone: smartphone, and a feature phone (or what Aussies affectionately call a dumbphone).
A smartphone (one that uses the internet, like iPhones, Google and Samsung phones) needs a plan with data.
A dumbphone (ones that mimic the first phones, such as a Nokia flip phones) doesn’t need data.
A huge majority of people have a smartphone and need data, and it’s very likely you do too. Smartphones have big touchscreens, whereas feature phones tend to have buttons like the first phones did.
A quick overview of plans for each phone
There are 3 main types of phone plan. Each plan will include a certain amount of data, and unlimited calls and texts. The main difference is the way you pay for it.
- Prepaid plans.
These plans are paid upfront, before it’s even active on your phone. Then each month when your plan renews, you’ll be charged the monthly fee again. Prepaid plans help prevent “bill shock” from extra charges. - Postpaid plans.
These plans are paid for after the month is up. You’ll receive a receipt of charges, including any extras you used during the month. - PAYG (Pay As You Go) plans.
These plans are more like a bar tab. You prepay a certain amount and “use up” your tab with calls, texts and any data you use. When the tab runs out you can top it up with a bit more money. It’s more expensive if you’re planning to use data, but if you just want a phone to make calls and send texts, PAYG could be a good option.
Choosing a phone plan
Now, a little look at choosing a plan.
How do you know how much data to choose?
If you only use your phone for scrolling social media and looking up recipes while you’re in the pasta aisle, you won’t need much data. You can start small, like 5GB per month. If you find you need more, just switch your plan to one with more data.
Is one brand better than the other?
Great question! While the Big 3 (Optus, Telstra and Vodafone) are household names, they’re also amongst the most expensive. Other smaller brands borrow the big networks and have their own plans, usually much cheaper. That means if you use a smaller company that borrows the Telstra network, you’re getting almost the same level of coverage as a Telstra user. Don’t be scared to check out all the brands.
How do I buy a new SIM plan?
When you’re ready to buy, click the blue button and purchase the SIM card. It’ll be mailed to you and you can follow the instructions to install it. From there, you follow the prompts to activate your new plan. During the process, you’ll be asked if you want to keep your number. Say yes and follow the prompts. That’s it!
Telstra's best phone plans for Australian Senior Citizens
Telstra provides pensioner discounts to it’s customers on phone plans. Sign up with Telstra on one of their regular plans, and, as a senior citizen, you’ll receive:
- Discounts on connection charges (in some cases)
- Discounts on home phone calls
- Fee waivers for credit card processing fee and paper bill fee
You can get a discount from Telstra if you have:
- A Centrelink Pension Card
- Veterans’ Affairs Pension Card
- An eligible Telstra Home Phone service or Home Broadband and Home Phone (bundle) service (please refer to your Critical Information Summary to see if your plan is eligible)
Optus' best phone plans for Australian Senior Citizens
Currently Optus does not offer any discounts for seniors. You can save money, however, by using one of the smaller phone companies we identify on this page, many of which use the Optus network.
Vodafone best phone plans for Australian Senior Citizens
Vodafone is leading the way out of the three major Telcos in Australia with regards to what it is offering their senior customers. Right now, senior customers can get 10% off any Vodafone Infinite Plans- these are plans that come with unlimited data. They also get 10% off any Vodafone Modem Plan worth $30 or more.awqw
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