How To Get Free Minutes On Your Phone And Save Your Bill
Most people want to reduce their phone bills. It could be because they want to save money for something, like a vacation, or just to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Whatever the reason, finding ways to get free minutes on your phone is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs.
How to get free minutes on your phone? The most obvious way for many is to upgrade to a cheaper plan or get a discount from their carrier. However, there are plenty of free options available, especially with the rise of apps and promotions that reward you for completing simple tasks or taking advantage of limited-time offers.
In fact, there are so many ways to get free minutes that this list isn’t comprehensive, despite having several options.
1. Lifeline Program: How to Get Free Minutes on Your Phone
This program has been around for years to help low-income households stay connected. Lifeline offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service. And if you live on Tribal lands, that benefit jumps to $34.25 per month.
Lifeline partners with approved service providers. Depending on the provider and plan you qualify for, these discounts cover your calling minutes, data, or even texting services. After applying for Lifeline and receiving your plan, you’ll likely get a set number of free minutes each month. If you need more free minutes, some phone providers also give out bonus minutes.
1.1. How to qualify for the Lifeline program
Let’s explore the two main ways you can qualify: income-based eligibility and program-based eligibility.
Income-based Eligibility
If your household’s income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you’re likely in the running for Lifeline. The Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated every year.
The table below shows the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Household size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $15,650 | $19,550 | $17,990 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $26,430 | $24,320 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $33,310 | $30,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $40,190 | $36,980 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $47,070 | $43,310 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $53,950 | $49,640 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $60,830 | $55,970 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $67,710 | $62,300 |
| Each Additional Member | $5,500 | $6,880 | $6,330 |
Program-based Eligibility:
If you or someone in your household participates in any of the following government assistance programs, you may also qualify for Lifeline:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you live on Tribal lands, you’ve got a whole extra set of programs that can help you qualify. These include:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
1.2. How to apply for the Lifeline program
AirTalk Wireless is one of the popular providers of the Lifeline program. One of its standout benefits is that AirTalk offers free international calling to over 200 countries and territories, with more than 80 countries allowing unlimited minutes, meaning you can talk as long as you want.
Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website
Head over to the AirTalk Wireless website. Once you’re there, you’ll be asked to enter your zip code.
Step 2: Choose your plan
AirTalk Wireless offers two great choices:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Keep using your current phone with the plan provided, and enjoy the same benefits of free talk, text, and data. This is the best option if you only want to get a new SIM card with data.
- Free Phone and Plan: Receive a discounted or free device, along with a service plan that includes free talk, text, and data.
Step 3: Select your device
AirTalk Wireless offers a variety of discounted or free devices, depending on what’s available in your area.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload important documents.
Step 5: Get approved
Once you’ve submitted everything, AirTalk Wireless will take a look at your application. If all goes well, you’ll receive confirmation of your approval.
NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
>>> Also read: How To Get A New AirTalk Wireless SIM Card
2. How to Get Minutes on Your Phone for Free Through Carrier Promotions
Some mobile carriers occasionally run promotional campaigns that offer free calling minutes or bonus credit to their users. These promotions are typically time-limited and may only apply to new customers or those who take specific actions during a designated promotional period.
These bonus minutes are not provided regularly like Lifeline. Instead, they serve as temporary incentives and can be earned in several ways:
- When users activate a new SIM card or join a carrier for the first time, they may receive a limited number of free minutes or bonus credit automatically added to their account.
- Some providers offer additional minutes or data when users recharge their accounts for the first time.
- When a customer refers someone who successfully activates a plan, both parties may receive a bonus – often in the form of additional minutes, data, or account credit.
- During certain times of the year, such as Christmas or back-to-school seasons, providers may roll out special promotions.
Carrier promotions are how to get minutes on your phone for free, easily allowing you to enjoy no-cost calling options.
>>> Read more: How To Get A Free eSIM Government Phone Service
3. How to Get Free Minutes on Your Phone Through Apps
Some users turn to survey-based or task-based applications as an alternative way to access calling minutes without paying directly. These platforms do not operate on traditional cellular networks.
Instead, they use VoIP, which allows users to make phone calls or send messages through an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data.
TextNow is a popular example of how to get free minutes on your phone. TextNow allows users to make free calls and send texts in the United States and Canada. They provide a dedicated phone number for each user and offer basic calling and texting functionality. Users can earn credits by completing in-app tasks like watching video ads and participating in surveys.
Similarly, platforms like Swagbucks, though not phone apps, allow users to earn points by doing things like taking surveys, watching content, or shopping through affiliate links. These points can later be exchanged for gift cards or prepaid phone credits, which can be used to top up minutes on prepaid services or VoIP apps.
While they do not offer the consistency of a paid plan or government-supported programs like Lifeline, they can be a useful backup for you who need to know how to get free minutes on your cell phone for occasional, no-cost calling options.
>>> Also check out: The Ultimate Guide On How To Lower Phone Bill Effectively In 2025
Conclusion
By exploring the methods mentioned, you can easily start getting free minutes on your phone without the hassle of expensive plans or contracts. There are plenty of ways to save on your phone bill. Choose the option that works best for you, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying free minutes while keeping your expenses low.
