How much does a SIM card cost?

The cost of a SIM card depends on why you’re getting it — if you’re staying with your carrier but just need a new SIM, it’s often free or has a minimal cost (think $5 or so). If you’re switching phone plans, the cost will vary by the plan you choose.

Why do I need a new SIM card?

Here are common scenarios where you would buy a new SIM card and how much the SIM might cost:

When changing carriers

To access a new network, you typically need to get a new SIM card from the carrier or activate an eSIM with it. Use the company’s website to see if your phone is compatible, and make sure your phone isn’t locked to your current carrier (check your settings or call the provider). You’ll be able to keep the same phone number if you want to, even with a new SIM.

Prepaid plans: These may bundle the SIM cost into the first payment period of a new plan, or they may sell you a SIM activation kit and have you choose the plan afterward. That’s why you’ll see a broad range of prices online or on gift-card-type displays in stores. Read the details to discover if you’re buying a SIM only or service as well, and whether activation will cost extra.

If the price is $10 or lower, that’s typically a SIM activation kit. Look for phrases like “bring your own phone,” “activation kit” or “SIM kit.” Or go on the provider’s website to see details about bringing your own device, such as SIM card cost and activation fee. For example, AT&T’s website for prepaid service says “get an eSIM or SIM card for $4.99 when you sign up ... the $15 activation fee is on us.”

If the price is $15 or $60 or even more, that’s for a period of service as well as the included SIM card. The packaging will offer plan specifics like how many days of service you get, how much data, etc. Be sure you understand what you’re signing up for, and whether you have to pay for activation.

Postpaid plans: On the other hand, postpaid service typically includes the cost of the SIM in the plan’s overall price. A quick check of the big 3 networks shows:

AT&T SIM card cost: $0 when signing up for a postpaid plan

T-Mobile SIM card cost: SIM cards “as low as $0”

Verizon SIM card cost: $0

After installing, you will have to activate the SIM.

When changing plans on the same carrier

It’s possible your carrier may require you to get a new SIM if you want to change from a prepaid plan to a postpaid one, or vice versa. Contact your service provider to find out details.

When in another country

To avoid roaming charges while traveling internationally, you can buy a SIM card or activate an eSIM for a local provider when you arrive in your destination country. The cost will vary; do some research before your trip to learn about reliable services and what they charge. If you travel outside your home country frequently, having an eSIM makes this even easier — no need to go to a store, you just activate online.

Replacing a damaged or lost SIM card

Physical SIM cards can get damaged or become worn, which might lead to coverage or service issues. If resetting the SIM doesn’t work, contact your plan’s customer service to see if they recommend a new SIM and if so, how much it costs (it should be free or very low cost).

Your SIM has been hacked

In a “port-out” or SIM-swap scam, hackers switch an existing phone number to a SIM under their control to gain access to sensitive accounts and two-factor authentication messages. If you suspect this has happened, immediately contact your service provider and then secure important things like financial accounts and email.

Frequently asked questions about SIM cards

Can you just buy a SIM card?

Can you replace a SIM card?

What happens if you take out your SIM card and put it in another phone?

Moving your SIM card from one phone to another can transfer your phone number and service to that phone, depending on a few factors. Here’s what to check to make sure it’ll work:

Go to your carrier’s website and use its compatibility checker to make sure the new phone model will work with its service.

Check whether the new phone is either unlocked or locked to the carrier you use. If it’s locked to a different carrier, you’ll have to request an unlock from them before you can use it with your service. Or you could simply request a new SIM from your carrier.

Check online whether the SIM you want to move is the right size of SIM card for the new phone.

If you move the SIM card into the new phone and it doesn't connect to your carrier — or you can’t make calls, send texts and use data — seek help from your carrier.