Does this phone come with minutes already on or do you have to buy minutes when you purchase it?
1306908
You have to buy minutes, Unless you are transfering from another trac phone then any minutes you have left will transfer
2264227
Several months ago I too was interested in purchasing this phone. I read other reviews and did what they said. I purchased a used one so that it would already have been activated (and just hoped it would be for the amount of time necessary, i.e. 6 months). I had no problem adding it to my existing contract and number.
11110
In the package it will have a phone number (& website) for Tracfone you can call that number to buy some minutes and begin your service. In case you're wondering how the Tracfone service works, usually you buy minutes (20-200) and it will give your phone a certain amount of service time (several months - a year). If you want an active phone but don't want to buy anymore minutes they have a maintenance option (which I don't remember the name). Basically it will keep your working for a monthly fee.If you already have a Tracfone you can move your unused minutes over to your new Tracfone. In the package it will have a phone number (& website) for Tracfone you can call that number to buy some minutes and begin your service. In case you're wondering how the Tracfone service works, usually you buy minutes (20-200) and it will give your phone a certain amount of service time (several months - a year). If you want an active phone but don't want to buy anymore minutes they have a maintenance option (which I don't remember the name). Basically it will keep your working for a monthly fee.If you already have a Tracfone you can move your unused minutes over to your new... » Read More In the package it will have a phone number (& website) for Tracfone you can call that number to buy some minutes and begin your service. In case you're wondering how the Tracfone service works, usually you buy minutes (20-200) and it will give your phone a certain amount of service time (several months - a year). If you want an active phone but don't want to buy anymore minutes they have a maintenance option (which I don't remember the name). Basically it will keep your working for a monthly fee.If you already have a Tracfone you can move your unused minutes over to your new Tracfone. « Show Less
1903472
The phone is made to use as a "Pay as you go" phone that you can just purchase minutes for, but I purchased it for my daughter and added her to our AT&T account (different SIM card). So you can do either.
224860
You buy minutes as you need them and no monthly plan is needed unless you want one. You can buy as little as $10 at a time or more if you want to. As far as minutes go, it works pretty much the same way as any other Tracfone except that the talk, text and data minutes are deducted separately. So if you text, the minutes will come off your text minutes only. Triple minutes on this phone makes a big difference.
2250172
No it does not. But it comes with double minutes for life so when you buy minutes you get double for life.
297137
You get double the minutes you add. They do expire, but when depends upon what kind one buys. One can buy minutes plus a year of service.
938146
Minutes that you've purchased do carry over until you have used them; you will not lose any minutes. But you also have to maintain your days of service. You can purchase minutes through your phone or you can review the minutes/days of service options at Tracfone's website. You can enroll in a monthly plan to purchase minutes, or you can purchase minutes/service as needed. https://www.tracfone.com/direct/Purchase?payGo=true&app;=TRACFONE〈=en
1420506
You have to buy a EX431 that comes with triple minutes. Some of these phones come with just double minutes. When you buy minutes, they are automatically tripled - you don't have to do anything special.
1348556
I have gotten this phone from Safelink, but from what I can understand is that most likely not...I think if you purchase minutes through tracfone, I think that you don't have time constraints on using minutes
138671
Louise, did you buy this phone? I think it's a good buy. Once you bought this phone it comes with the 400 minutes already. You don't have to buy any more minutes for one year. Then if your Mom needs more minutes the second year, then she can buy it either at amazon or tracfone.com -- Gloria
1726234
You can purchase minutes "in the form of a card" on-line (including Amazon.com) or if there is one nearby you can stop in at a BestBuy and pick it up. The card comes with instructions and a code that will apply them to your phone. You can also purchase minutes using your phone to access them with "Buy Airtime."
806513
1200 minutes is the total you get with the phone, but when you buy future minutes they are tripled!
1696579
No, you don't have to buy a service contract, but you do have to buy additional minutes before they run out and/or before your days expire. I think all no-contract phones quit working after their time/days are exceeded but some may have ways to get service back without losing/changing your phone number. This phone comes with only 10 minutes, so my suggestion would be to purchase the $19.99 Airtime card (60 minutes/90 days, 120 minutes for your phone) and add the time immediately after charging and activating the phone. My reasoning for this step is 10 minutes isn't much time...it can easily be used in one call, and your dad can evaluate his usage and buy minutes accordingly. No, you don't have to buy a service contract, but you do have to buy additional minutes before they run out and/or before your days expire. I think all no-contract phones quit working after their time/days are exceeded but some may have ways to get service back without losing/changing your phone number. This phone comes with only 10 minutes, so my suggestion would be to purchase the $19.99 Airtime card (60 minutes/90 days, 120 minutes for your phone) and add the time immediately after charging and activating the phone. My reasoning for this step is 10 minutes isn't much time...it can easily... » Read More No, you don't have to buy a service contract, but you do have to buy additional minutes before they run out and/or before your days expire. I think all no-contract phones quit working after their time/days are exceeded but some may have ways to get service back without losing/changing your phone number. This phone comes with only 10 minutes, so my suggestion would be to purchase the $19.99 Airtime card (60 minutes/90 days, 120 minutes for your phone) and add the time immediately after charging and activating the phone. My reasoning for this step is 10 minutes isn't much time...it can easily be used in one call, and your dad can evaluate his usage and buy minutes accordingly. « Show Less
1420507
It is a triple minute phone. Every minute you buy whether online or with a card will be three minutes.
2225698
You have to buy the AT&T; sim card and then you have to purchase either a plan or minutes.
142322
i bought as a prepaid only phone. Then added minutes through a prepaid card I got at Walmart. Can also add time onine. No activation fee.