Prepaid phone plans in Canada have never been better. After an intense price war through early 2026, carriers like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and Fizz are offering more data at lower prices than most Canadians realize, often on the exact same networks as the Big 3, but without the contracts, credit checks, or overage fees.
This guide covers every major prepaid carrier in Canada with verified April 2026 pricing. Whether you want the cheapest possible plan, the most data, travel-friendly coverage, or simply zero billing surprises, there is a prepaid plan here for you.
What is a prepaid phone plan?
A prepaid phone plan means you pay for your service before you use it, typically at the start of each month. There is no credit check, no 2-year contract, and no risk of a surprise bill at month-end. If you run out of data, it slows down rather than triggering automatic charges (on most modern prepaid plans).
Prepaid plans in Canada are offered by dedicated prepaid carriers (Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Chatr, Fizz, PC Mobile) as well as prepaid tiers from larger brands (Koodo Prepaid, Freedom Mobile Prepaid). Almost all run on the same network infrastructure as the Big 3, Telus, Bell, or Rogers, but at significantly lower prices.
Our top picks at a glance
Prices verified as of April 16, 2026. The Canadian prepaid market moves fast, always confirm on the carrier’s website before signing up.
Which type of prepaid user are you?
Different prepaid carriers excel in different areas. Know your usage profile before choosing.
The Canadian prepaid market changes rapidly. Unlike postpaid plans that stay locked for 2 years, prepaid pricing shifts month to month. The plans below reflect verified pricing as of April 2026, some may have already changed by the time you read this, so always check the carrier’s site for today’s offer before activating.
Best prepaid plans reviewed (April 2026)
Each plan below has been verified from primary sources. Note that many prepaid carriers require Automatic Top-Up (AutoPay) to unlock the best data amounts.
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited text
Telus network
Public Points rewards
No contract
Public Mobile is Telus’s fully self-serve prepaid brand, and this $35/80GB 5G plan is the standout value in the Canadian prepaid market right now. You get 80GB of 5G data on the same Telus network that powers Koodo and Telus’s own postpaid plans, nationally ranked among Canada’s most reliable. Public Mobile runs entirely online and through its app, which keeps costs low and plan prices competitive. The Public Points rewards system lets you earn credits toward future bills simply by being a subscriber. Note: this plan is Canada-only; for US and Mexico coverage, see the $40/100GB CAN-US-MEX plan below.
- 80GB of 5G data, best volume at this price in Canada
- Telus network: top-rated nationwide reliability
- Public Points rewards lower your bill over time
- eSIM activation, no SIM card needed
- No contracts, cancel anytime
- Online-only, no in-store support or retail locations
- Canada-only (US/MEX requires separate plan)
- Plan pricing changes frequently with promos
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited international text
Bell network
No contract
Lucky Mobile is Bell’s dedicated prepaid brand and currently offers 25GB of 4G LTE data for $25/month, the most data at this price point among the Bell-network prepaid options. The plan runs on Bell’s nationwide 4G LTE network, which is particularly strong in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. International texting from Canada is included, useful for staying in touch with contacts abroad. Lucky Mobile requires Automatic Top-Up to be set up at registration. Plans are noted as new activations only. Data throttles to 128 Kbps after the monthly allowance is used rather than cutting off entirely.
- Most data for $25 on any Bell-network plan
- International texting included at no extra cost
- Bell 4G LTE nationwide coverage
- No credit check, no contract, no overages
- 4G LTE only, no 5G access
- New activations only at this price
- Online management only, no in-store support
- No US roaming included
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited text
Videotron network
Data rollover
No contract
Fizz is Videotron’s prepaid brand and stands apart from the competition with one key feature no other major prepaid carrier offers: data rollover. Unused data carries forward to the next month, so you never lose the gigabytes you’ve already paid for. Combined with 5G access and competitive pricing, Fizz is an excellent choice for users whose data consumption varies month to month. Coverage is strongest in Quebec and Ontario urban centres, with partner towers extending reach elsewhere. Fizz also lets you try the network free for 15 days before committing.
- Data rollover, unused data carries forward
- 5G access at a competitive price
- 15-day free trial on the network
- Highly customizable plans
- Strong reviews and community support
- Coverage weaker outside Quebec and major Ontario cities
- Online-only management, no in-store support
- Videotron network smaller than Telus/Bell/Rogers
Unlimited CA calling
US + Mexico included
Telus network
Public Points rewards
This is the best prepaid cross-border plan available in Canada right now. At $40/month you get 100GB of 5G data usable across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, no roaming add-ons, no daily charges. This plan is ideal for frequent US travellers, snowbirds who want to keep their Canadian plan active all year, or anyone who regularly crosses the border. The plan runs on Telus’s 5G network in Canada and connects to partner networks in the US and Mexico. Data throttles after the 100GB allowance rather than cutting off.
- 100GB usable in Canada, US, and Mexico
- Best value 3-country prepaid plan in Canada
- 5G on Telus network, top-tier reliability
- No roaming add-ons required
- Online-only carrier, no in-store support
- Plan pricing subject to promo changes
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited text
Telus network
Shock-Free billing
Koodo Prepaid runs on the Telus network and carries forward the Shock-Free billing model that Koodo is known for: when you exhaust your 80GB of monthly data, your internet simply slows down, no overage charges, ever. With AutoPay (Automatic Top-Up) enabled, the base plan of $34/60GB becomes $39/80GB with an extra 5GB bonus included. Koodo Prepaid is managed online or via the Koodo Self Serve portal. In-store support is available through Koodo retail locations, Best Buy, and Walmart, giving it a support advantage over most prepaid-only brands.
- Shock-Free, zero overage charges guaranteed
- In-store support at Koodo, Best Buy, Walmart
- Telus network reliability nationwide
- 15-day money back guarantee
- 4G LTE only on prepaid, no 5G access
- AutoPay required for the best data amounts
- Wi-Fi calling not available on prepaid
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited international text
Bell network
PC Optimum points
PC Mobile is owned by Loblaw Companies and runs on Bell’s nationwide network, giving it one of the wider rural and urban footprints among prepaid brands. The $25/25GB 5G plan (with AutoPay bonus) is a standout for Canadians who shop at Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, or other Loblaw-owned grocery stores, as top-ups earn PC Optimum points. New customers also receive a 20,000-point welcome bonus after two months. PC Mobile plans include unlimited Canada-wide calling, unlimited international texting, voicemail, call display, and three-way calling. SIM cards are available at Loblaw grocery checkout counters across the country.
- 5G at $25/month, rare at this price point
- PC Optimum points earned on top-ups
- 20,000-point welcome bonus (new customers)
- SIM available at thousands of grocery locations
- Bell nationwide network
- AutoPay required for maximum data amount
- No dedicated telecom retail stores
- Less competitive for heavy data users vs. Public Mobile
Unlimited Canada-wide calling
Unlimited text
Rogers network
No contract
Chatr is Rogers’s prepaid brand and recently matched Lucky Mobile’s $25/25GB offer, updated as of April 14, 2026. Running on the Rogers nationwide network, Chatr provides strong coverage across urban Canada. Chatr is available at some physical retail locations in addition to online activation, which gives it a slight edge over fully online-only carriers for those who prefer in-person help during setup. Chatr also offers an annual plan at $159/year for 40GB (equivalent to about $13.25/month), which is worth considering for extremely light users who want the absolute lowest annualized cost.
- Rogers network, strong in major cities
- 25GB at $25/month matches competitors
- Annual plan option for ultra-light users
- Some in-store retail availability
- 4G LTE only, no 5G access
- Limited plan options compared to rivals
- Plans change frequently; pricing may vary by province
Unlimited talk (on $129/$159 plans)
Freedom network
5G+ access
Pay once yearly
Freedom Mobile offers three annual prepaid tiers, each paid upfront once a year and running on Freedom’s 5G+ network. The $99/year plan (~$8.25/month) includes unlimited talk and incoming texts, with outgoing texts at $0.05 each and data purchasable as add-ons. The $129/year plan (~$10.75/month) includes 20GB of data for the year (~1.67GB/month) with unlimited talk and text. The $159/year plan (~$13.25/month) includes 40GB of data for the year (~3.33GB/month) with unlimited talk and text. These are ideal for very light users or as a backup line, but are not suitable as a primary plan for regular data users.
- Lowest annualized cost of any Canadian plan
- Pay once, no monthly renewals to manage
- 5G+ network access
- Perfect for backup lines or light users
- Very limited monthly data, not for regular use
- Freedom’s network weaker in rural areas
- Annual commitment, no mid-year changes
Full carrier comparison table
All major prepaid carriers compared side by side. Data amounts reflect amounts with AutoPay/Automatic Top-Up where applicable. Pricing as of April 2026.
| Carrier | Best plan | Price/mo | Data | Network | 5G | No overages | In-store | US/MEX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Mobile | 80GB 5G | $35 | 80GB | Telus | Yes | Yes | No | Add-on ($40) |
| Lucky Mobile | 25GB 4G | $25 | 25GB | Bell | No | Yes | No | No |
| Fizz | 35GB 5G | $35 | 35GB + rollover | Videotron | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Koodo Prepaid | 80GB 4G | $39 | 80GB | Telus | No | Yes | Yes | Add-on |
| PC Mobile | 25GB 5G | $25 | 25GB | Bell | Yes | Yes | Grocery stores | No |
| Chatr | 25GB 4G | $25 | 25GB | Rogers | No | Yes | Limited | No |
| Freedom Mobile | Annual $159/40GB | $13.25 | 40GB/yr | Freedom | Yes 5G+ | Yes | Yes | No |
Prices and data amounts reflect AutoPay/AutoTopUp bonuses where applicable. As of April 2026. Always confirm on the carrier’s website before activating.
Prepaid vs. postpaid: which is right for you?
For most Canadians who don’t need a subsidized device, prepaid is the better value. Here’s why.
| Prepaid | Postpaid | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | None, cancel anytime | Often 2-year commitment |
| Credit check | Never required | Usually required |
| Bill surprises | None, pay upfront | Possible overage charges |
| Device subsidies | BYOD only | Financed devices available |
| Data value | Often better per GB | Often higher price per GB |
| In-store support | Limited (varies by carrier) | Widely available |
| Best for | BYOD users, newcomers, budget seekers, flexible users | Those financing a new device or wanting in-person support |
The main reason to choose postpaid over prepaid is device financing, if you want the latest iPhone or Samsung financed over 24 months, a postpaid plan from Fido, Koodo, Rogers, Bell, or Telus makes sense. If you already own your phone (BYOD), the prepaid market almost always offers better data-per-dollar value with no contract risk.
How to switch to prepaid without losing your number
Switching from postpaid to prepaid (or between prepaid carriers) is straightforward under Canada’s CRTC number portability rules. Your number belongs to you.
- Do not cancel your existing plan first, your number must still be active on the old carrier when you port it.
- Sign up with the new prepaid carrier, most allow online activation in minutes. Have your current account number and billing name ready.
- Request a number port during activation, tell the new carrier you want to bring your existing number.
- Wait for porting to complete, usually a few hours to one business day. Your old service will stop working and your new SIM or eSIM will activate with your existing number.
- Your old account closes automatically, once the port is confirmed, you do not need to call your old carrier.
There are no fees to port your number in Canada. If you are switching from a postpaid plan with a remaining device balance, you are still responsible for paying off the device. The plan itself, however, can be cancelled as part of the porting process. For complaints about a failed port or carrier misconduct, contact the CCTS at ccts-cprst.ca.
If you are on a 2-year postpaid contract with a subsidized device, check your agreement for early termination fees before switching. Under CRTC rules, early termination fees are capped based on how far into your contract you are. If you have already paid off your device or are out of contract, there are typically no fees to switch.
Frequently asked questions
The cheapest monthly prepaid plan is Lucky Mobile’s $19/month plan with 500MB of data and unlimited Canada-wide calling on Bell’s network. For annual plans, Freedom Mobile’s $99/year plan (about $8.25/month) is the lowest-cost option available, offering unlimited talk and incoming texts for light users.
Public Mobile’s $35/month 5G plan with 80GB of data on the Telus network offers the best data value for a Canadian prepaid plan as of April 2026. For cross-border use, Public Mobile’s $40/month 100GB Canada-US-Mexico 5G plan delivers the most data with 3-country coverage at the best price available.
No. All prepaid phone plans in Canada, including those from Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Chatr, Fizz, PC Mobile, Koodo Prepaid, and Freedom Mobile, do not require a credit check. Because you pay in advance each month, there is no credit risk for the carrier.
Yes. Under CRTC rules, your phone number belongs to you, not your carrier. Sign up with the new prepaid carrier and request a number port during activation. Do not cancel your old plan before the port is complete or you risk losing the number permanently.
With prepaid plans you pay in advance each month with no credit check, no long-term contract, and no risk of surprise overage bills. Postpaid plans are billed monthly after use, often require a credit check, and may include a 2-year contract tied to a subsidized device. For Canadians who already own their phone, prepaid almost always offers better value per gigabyte.
Public Mobile and Koodo Prepaid run on the Telus network, which covers over 99% of the Canadian population and is consistently rated among Canada’s most reliable. Lucky Mobile and PC Mobile run on Bell’s nationwide network, which is strongest in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Chatr runs on the Rogers network. Fizz runs on Videotron’s network, strongest in Quebec and major Ontario cities. Freedom Mobile has its own urban-focused network with some rural gaps.
It depends on your priority. Public Mobile offers better data value and 5G access on the Telus network, and is the stronger choice for most Canadians. Lucky Mobile offers lower entry-level pricing (starting at $19/month vs. Public Mobile’s $25) and runs on Bell’s network, which is stronger in some regions. Both are fully prepaid with no credit checks, no contracts, and no overages.
On most Canadian prepaid plans, your data slows to a reduced speed (typically 128 Kbps) rather than being cut off or triggering overage charges. Koodo Prepaid’s Shock-Free model explicitly guarantees this. Fizz additionally offers data rollover, so unused data carries forward rather than being lost at month-end. Always confirm the throttling policy with your specific carrier before signing up.
Yes, prepaid plans are ideal for newcomers to Canada because they require no Canadian credit history, no credit check, and no long-term commitment. You can activate online in minutes with just a SIM card or eSIM. Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Fizz, and Koodo Prepaid are popular choices for new arrivals. PC Mobile SIM cards are also available at Loblaws grocery stores nationwide, making activation convenient across the country.
Most do, but it varies by carrier and plan. Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, PC Mobile, and Koodo Prepaid all include voicemail and call display on their standard plans. Fizz and Chatr include these features on most plans as well. Always confirm which calling features are included when reviewing a specific plan, as entry-level tiers may exclude voicemail on some carriers.
Page last updated: April 16, 2026. Plan prices, data amounts, and availability change frequently in the Canadian prepaid market, sometimes weekly. Always verify current pricing and terms directly on the carrier’s website before activating. Data amounts listed reflect AutoPay/Automatic Top-Up bonuses where applicable. PlanGenius.ca is an independent comparison platform and does not accept payment from carriers to influence plan rankings or recommendations. Learn how we make money.
