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Jitterbug Prepaid Cell Phone Service Review
Last updated: January 19, 2022 by the Prepaid Reviews Staff
Our Editorial Rating
Overview
GreatCall, formerly known as Jitterbug, is a cellular service provider focusing on active aging customers who want cheaper rates, simple phones and health-focused apps and add-ons for security and peace of mind.
Pros: The service features a simple phone design and a number of service tiers along with plenty of additional apps focused on health and safety for seniors.
Cons: The health add-ons are useful, but cost an additional monthly fee.
Detailed Provider Information
Plans: GreatCall offers a basic plan which includes 50 minutes for $15. Additional minutes can be added: 150 minutes for $5, 650 minutes for $15, 1450 for $25, and unlimited (or 2450 for a basic plan) for $45. Text messages cost extra and can be added to any plan for an additional fee. Data is available in increments of 20 MB, 100 MB, 200 MB, 500 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB with prices ranging from an additional $2.50 to $45.
Customer Service: Customer service can be reached via toll-free number during regular business hours, email or snail mail. Extensive help articles can be found on their website for each phone type and other frequently asked questions.
Free Nights: No
Credit Check: None
Free Weekends: No
Contract: None
Daily Access Fee: No
Payment Options: Jitterbug phones and minutes can be purchased online or at retail outlets.
Text and Picture Messaging: Text messages can be added to any plans and cost an additional fee. You can purchase 300 texts for $2.50, 700 for $6 or 1250 for $15. picture messages will cost $0.25/message, to a max of $10 per month.
Data Plans: If you purchase a touch phone, then you may have the option to add data to your plan. Data can be added to any plan in the following increments: 20 MB for $2.50, 100 MB for $5, 500 MB for $15, 1 GB for $25, 2GB for $45. The data will renew at the beginning of each month.
Downloads: GreatCall offers several health-related apps as optional downloads on compatible phones at no fee. Other apps can be downloaded via a data connection or Wifi connection.
International Calling: International calling is available as an add-on service.
Text Messaging Available: Text messages are available in four monthly packages: 300 texts for 3 dollars, 700 texts for 6 dollars, 1,250 texts for 10 dollars, and 2,500 texts for 15 dollars. Overages are billed at 10 cents each. Photo messaging is available for 25 cents per message, capped at 10 dollars per month.
Roaming Charges: Jitterbug phones will not work while roaming.
Shop Phones and Plans: Shop for Jitterbug
Text Messaging Charge For Incoming: No
Calling Features: All plans include call waiting, caller ID and free national long distance. Go Plans also include Voicemail.
Unlimited Text Messaging Plan Available: No
Activation Fee: 35 dollars.
Nationwide Long Distance: Nationwide long distance is included at no extra charge
Unlimited Plan Available: No
411 Calls: 5 minutes will be deducted for operator-assistance in addition to the actual length of the call.
Earliest Minute Expiration: All plans expire in 30 days
911 Calls: Yes.
Phones: GreatCall offers two handset models. One is their signature Jitterbug5 flip phone which comes in red, white and blue and is designed for the less tech savvy consumers. The other is a candybar touch screen phone from Samsung that offers affordability, simplicity and a more smartphone-like experience.
Standard Calling Features: call waiting, caller ID
Some Available Cell Models: The Jitterbug5, GreatCall Touch3
Coverage Map: View the Jitterbug coverage map
Cheapest Phone Model: The Jitterbug5
Latest News: See the latest news about Jitterbug
Average Rating By Users
Most Recent Reviews
Consumer Review
I had planned on buying 2 JB. But now, after reading these reviews. I have decided not too. How said. It sounded great.
Consumer Review
love my Jitterbug phone. I don't have to learn any complicated procedures for it. It's so easy to operate. I think that this particular review site must have been rigged by SVC!
Consumer Review
Don't Buy!!! My father-in-law is 96. Last year he decided he didn't want the phone. We called Jitterbug to donate it, but they said hold on to it we could reactivate it later. Well yesterday, 1 year later, was the later and we were told – that even though they still have many customers with the same phone they would not reactivate dad's – that he would have to spend $99 for a new phone plus the shipping and activation fee. They lied and refused to activate this phone for there own profit! A prepaid phone will be cheaper. Guess dad's $30/month service plan wasn't enough money for them!
Consumer Review
I've tried multiple, less expensive options for a cell phone for my mom. Even though these phones claim to have features for seniors, they do not. You can see that Jitterbug is better just by looking at the phone. Plenty of stores have Jitterbug so do a comparison on the phone, not the price. You get what you pay for and Jitterbug takes care of my mom-can't put a $ on that.
Consumer Review
The customer service was terrible, worst investment I made in my life. My parents think the phone is ugly and they never use it. Total waste of money.
Consumer Review
I am SO thankful I read these reviews before buying a Jbug due to the ads. I am definitely NOT buying one and will find something else. I don't need the hassle!