Are you prepared for the upcoming changes to your cell phone service? If you’re still using a 2G device, T-Mobile’s latest move could leave you disconnected.
As T-Mobile begins phasing out its 2G network (which will be completely shut down next month), customers who haven’t upgraded to a 4G-capable phone risk losing service. While the news might seem inconvenient if you have an old phone, it’s also an opportunity to take advantage of special deals.
To ease the transition, T-Mobile is waiving fees and taxes and might even offer a free phone to some of those making the switch.
Despite the service changes, it’s a good reminder to regularly check with your provider to see what upgrades and offers are available. You may be surprised to find out that your provider doesn’t just cover your data, texts, or phone calls. It also has plenty of deals and freebies for being a subscriber.
Read on for 10 things you can get from your cell service provider absolutely for free and more smart shopping hacks.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Streaming video services
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Some cell phone providers want to show you what you can stream from your phone or home as part of your contract.
So find out if your provider offers trial memberships for streaming services such as Hulu, Disney+, or ESPN+.
Streaming services vary by provider, so check with your plan to see which ones are available.
Streaming music services
![Woman listening to music](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/woman_listening_to_music.jpg)
You can also carry plenty of songs in your pocket with a streaming service for your favorite music.
Services like Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and others can be accessed for free if you have particular plans with T-Mobile, for example. You could also get Apple Music access with your Verizon account.
Check with your provider to see which options are available depending on your plan.
Food
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You may be able to get discounts, deals, and even free items from local restaurants through your cell phone provider.
T-Mobile has T-Mobile Tuesdays, which allows you to get free stuff if you download its app on your phone. The app includes items like free food from Little Caesar’s Pizza, tacos from Taco Bell, or other restaurants that you can take advantage of just for being a member.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
New phone
![Couple choosing a new phone](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/couple_choosing_a_new_mobile.jpg)
It’s a good idea to regularly check in with your cell phone provider if you’re looking to upgrade your device.
For example, AT&T may offer different free options if you trade in your device. You can get a new phone at a much lower cost or even free, depending on what you’re trading it for.
Deals can change, so watch for different options or check with your carrier on the latest models available and whether you need to trade in your old device for the upgrade.
Tote bags
![Woman with blank white tote bag](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/woman_with_blank_white_tote_bag.jpg)
T-Mobile Tuesdays can give you access to plenty of fun freebies just by being a customer.
One of the recent freebies you could grab from T-Mobile was a tote bag that is perfect for the summer. The bag — and other freebies — can be picked up using the provider’s app on your phone.
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Presale ticket access
![crowd at concert](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/crowd_at_concert.jpg)
If you’re a Verizon customer, check out your access to Verizon Up to see what extra entertainment perks you can get.
The program allows you free access to presale tickets for concerts, sports, and entertainment, so you’ll always have the best events to go to with your phone.
T-Mobile has a similar program for its customers, so check to see if your carrier participates in one of these programs.
If you’re a Verizon customer, check out your access to Verizon Up to see what extra entertainment perks you can get.
The program allows you free access to presale tickets for concerts, sports, and entertainment, so you’ll always have the best events to go to with your phone.
T-Mobile has a similar program for its customers, so check to see if your carrier participates in one of these programs.
In-flight Wi-Fi
![Airline passenger reading email](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/airline_passenger_reading_received_email.jpg)
You may want to check out your provider’s free perks if you travel a lot for work or business.
T-Mobile, for example, gives you free access to in-flight Wi-Fi, depending on the airline you use and your cell phone plan. So take advantage of streaming services or texting on your next flight.
Movie tickets
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Are you excited to go to the movies and watch the latest blockbusters? Then check out AT&T to see if you qualify for its Ticket Twosday program.
The plan allows you to buy a movie ticket and get a second one for free, so head out and see a movie with a friend or family member and take advantage of this deal.
Amazon Prime
![Woman shopping online](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/woman_shopping_online.jpg)
Want to take advantage of all the perks you can get from Amazon Prime? Check with your cell phone provider.
Metro gives customers free Amazon Prime, allowing them access to free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other exclusive perks for Amazon Prime customers. It’s a great Amazon hack that can save you money throughout the year.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Gas discounts
![Person filling up with gas](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/fuel_right.jpg)
Gas can get pricey when filling up your car, but your mobile carrier might have you covered.
Check out T-Mobile to get discounts on gas from Shell, giving you a $0.10 discount per gallon. That discount could add up quickly, depending on your tank size.
Bottom line
![Woman looking happy at smartphone](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/07/24/woman_looking_happy_from_streaming.jpg)
There are plenty of free perks to help you save extra cash depending on your cell phone carrier.
However, remember to compare the costs of different plans before you buy, as some of these free perks may only be available under specific plans.
And if you’re a senior or retired early, you may also be eligible for extra perks for customers over 55.
Choice Home Warranty Benefits
- First month free
- Protection for unexpected expense
- 24/7 claims hotline
- Network of over 15,000 technicians