Curious about the costs for Verizon SIM cards? No surprise there—the carrier is one of the leaders in providing mobile network technology in the United States. Moreover, they deliver a variety of SIM card plans, from prepaid to postpaid, and technologies, from 3G in rural areas to 4G LTE and 5G LTE where technology allows. The mobile network provider also has an incentive for users who switch from another carrier, such as getting free credits or a discount on a mobile device purchase. However, SIM provides the foundation of identity and authentication on the network. Thus, let’s answer what the Verizon SIM price is.
How high is the price of a Verizon SIM card?
We won’t waste your precious time and tell you that the Verizon SIM card is free, whether you buy it with or without a plan or also purchase a mobile device. Truthfully, the price is included in the price of the device and the accompanying plans or waived because Verizon can get users to sign a long-term contract. Similarly, Verizon SIM cards are free if you sign up for a prepaid SIM card plan with or without a smartphone or tablet. The SIM costs remain gratis whether you:
- Order the SIM online and schedule it to be mailed to you
- Preorder it and pick it up at the Verizon Retail store location on the same day
- Order the SIM and wait up to 3 days for arrival at the Authorized Retailer
Note that purchasing a SIM card requires the Account Owner or Account Manager on their website to be present during a pick-up, at the door, or the store. Only their still valid government-issued ID with a photo is necessary, even if you order multiple lines. The carrier tends to charge a $35 (at the time of publication) for a Verizon activation fee, unlike many other carriers.
In most cases, that covers the cost of manufacturing, then shipping of SIMs to the location, and even makes them profit. Likewise, Verizon charges the same price as an upgrade fee when you switch from one type of network to another, such as from 3G to 5G LTE. However, if you give the device you purchased with the SIM back within 30 days, the carrier refunds it.
Buying Verizon SIMs from third-party sellers
The explanation of Verizon SIM card pricing applied to purchasing the SIM from the carrier as a new or existing user adding a new line. However, due to activation/upgrade fees, the likely need to be a US citizen, and contract length, many users seek alternatives. One well-known alternative method to buy a Verizon SIM card is through third parties. There are several resellers and online stores, including eBay, Walmart, and Best Buy that sell 3-in-1 SIM card kits containing mini, micro, and nano SIM card.
The prices of only Verizon SIM cards without specific plans range from $3.99 to $9.99, and you’ll find them as “Bring Your Own Phone” kits. You may find those with limited-time offers or VIP SIM numbers going as high as $60. These include prepaid and postpaid plans, but note that you may have to pay upward of $5 for shipping to your address. You can arrange to pick up the SIM at the store in case of retail chains such as Best Buy and Walmart. Further, you can find sellers that sell kits with 10 SIMs for roughly $25 to $30 if you have a large family or interested friends.