How to Keep Your Phone Number for Less: Choosing a Low-Cost Talk & Text Plan

Here's the short answer: if all you need is to keep your phone number active, a low-cost plan with just calls and texts usually costs far less than a full plan with lots of data. You can also split the job in two. Keep your number on a cheap talk-and-text plan, and get your data from a data-only eSIM. This makes it easier to cut your monthly phone bill, whether you're traveling, studying abroad or staying somewhere for a long time. This guide shows what to look for in a plan that keeps your number, and how to pair it with Bloomy, a data-only eSIM. It's written for first-timers. For the basics on phone numbers and SMS, see our phone number & SMS guide.

Plan names, prices, data allowances and terms are different in every country and with every carrier, and they can change. Please check current details with your carrier and confirm Bloomy pricing when you buy.

The bottom line: a talk-and-text plan can keep your number for very little

Many people want to keep their number but don't want to pay for a full plan. If your line only handles calls and SMS (including one-time verification codes), a budget plan with talk and text is often enough. Two things matter most:

• You don't have to change your number. In many countries you can move your current number to a cheaper plan or carrier (number porting), so your contacts and accounts are unaffected.
• Data can live somewhere else. You don't need to put heavy data use on your phone-number plan. A data-only eSIM can handle it.

Below, we sort the common types of number-keeping plans and give an honest take on who each one suits.

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Types of low-cost plans for keeping your number

None of these is the single right answer. The best choice depends on whether you want the lowest possible cost or the least hassle. Availability and pricing vary by country and carrier.

Plan type	Typical cost	Monthly data	Calls	Best for
Low-cost fixed plan with a small data allowance	Low and predictable; check current pricing	A small amount, often around 1GB	Usually pay per minute	People who want a set-and-forget plan with a little backup data
Budget plan with low call rates	Low base fee; the total depends on how much you call	Minimal	Lower per-minute rates	People who still make a fair number of calls
Ultra-low-speed "number keeper" plan	Among the cheapest; watch for setup or SIM fees	Very slow speeds only	Pay per minute	People who only need calls and SMS verification codes
Entry-level plan from a major carrier	Usually a bit higher	Small allowance	Varies by plan	People who want the reliability of a major network
Pay-as-you-go or zero-base-fee plan	Potentially the lowest, but activity rules apply	Add-ons as needed	Pay per minute	People who will keep track of top-ups or activity requirements

Pay-as-you-go and zero-base-fee plans often require regular top-ups or account activity to keep the number. If you miss them, the line may be suspended or the number released. Read the terms carefully, and check your carrier's latest information before you sign up.

How each plan type works and who it suits

Low-cost fixed plan with a small data allowance

You pay a small, fixed monthly fee and get a modest amount of data. Look for plans with no minimum contract or cancellation fee. Because you're billed automatically, your number is less likely to lapse even if you forget about it. This is a good balance if you want your number plus a little data for emergencies.

Budget plan with low call rates

If you still make regular calls, the per-minute rate can matter more than the base fee. Compare call rates, not just the monthly price. For frequent callers, a plan with cheaper minutes often works out better overall.

Ultra-low-speed "number keeper" plan

These are some of the cheapest options, but data is so slow that you can't really use the internet on them. They suit people who only need calls and SMS verification. Check for one-time setup or SIM fees before signing up. They pair well with a separate data eSIM, as described below.

Entry-level plan from a major carrier

Usually a little more expensive, but some people value the reliability and support of a major network. Prices can change, so check the carrier's current pricing.

Pay-as-you-go or zero-base-fee plan

The draw is a very low or zero base fee, which makes it one of the cheapest ways to keep a number. The catch is that you usually need to top up or use the line within a set period to keep it active, so you have to track it yourself. It suits people who will put up with a little admin to save money.

Lowest price or set-and-forget: how to choose

If you're unsure, these questions can help:

• Want the absolute lowest cost? Consider a pay-as-you-go or zero-base-fee plan, as long as you're comfortable keeping track of activity rules.
• Want a plan you don't have to think about? A low-cost fixed monthly plan. Automatic billing lowers the risk of losing your number.
• Make a lot of calls? Pick a plan with low per-minute rates.
• Only need calls and SMS verification? Use an ultra-low-speed number-keeper plan and get your data from an eSIM.

To make sure your phone supports the setup you choose, see our compatible devices page.

Keep your number, lower your data costs: using two lines

These plans are great for keeping a number, but heavy data use can push costs up quickly. That's why many people split the job: calls and SMS on a cheap plan, data on a data-only eSIM. This is called dual SIM.

That's where Bloomy, a data-only eSIM, comes in. To be clear about what it does and doesn't do:

• Bloomy is a data-only eSIM. It doesn't include a phone number, SMS or regular calls.
• Your phone number and SMS verification stay on your existing plan, and your number doesn't change.
• Calls and messages through internet-based apps such as WhatsApp may work as long as you have a data connection.
• Bloomy plans are subject to a fair use policy. Speed and coverage depend on the local network, your device and your location.

Bloomy offers a range of data sizes and validity periods. Here are some example options. Availability and pricing vary by destination, so please check the price when you buy on our comparison page.

Data	Validity	Price
1GB	7 days	Check at purchase
3GB	30 days	Check at purchase
10GB	30 days	Check at purchase
20GB	30 days	Check at purchase
50GB	30 days	Check at purchase

What would two lines cost you each month?

Your monthly total is simply your number-keeping plan plus your data eSIM. It depends on your current contract and how much data you use, and it won't be cheaper for everyone. Here are two common setups:

• Set-and-forget: a fixed low-cost plan for your number plus a mid-size data plan such as 20GB/30 days. Your number is less likely to lapse even if you forget about it.
• Minimalist: a number-keeper plan for calls and SMS only, plus a smaller data plan such as 10GB/30 days. You pay only for the data you need.

When comparing with your current plan, match data allowances and terms so you can see the real difference. Prices and terms change, so check the latest details with each provider.

What to check before you set up and switch

Check these points first to make the switch go smoothly:

1. Does your phone support dual SIM? You'll need a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs (for example, iPhone 13 and later). Check our compatible devices page.
2. Assign each line its role. Set your default voice line to your number plan and mobile data to the eSIM (Bloomy). For eSIM installation steps, see our setup guide.
3. Receive SMS codes on your number plan. Verification texts from your bank back home or other apps go to the line that has SMS. Bloomy's data eSIM can't receive them.
4. Keep your number when you switch. If you move to a new carrier, ask about number porting so you keep your current number. Follow the new provider's official instructions.

The small data allowance on your number plan can also work as a backup if your eSIM connection has problems.

Summary: which setup is right for you?

If you just want to keep your number, a pay-as-you-go plan is often the cheapest, though it takes some tracking. A low-cost fixed monthly plan is the easier option. Splitting the job, with your number on a cheap plan and your data on a data-only eSIM, can make your monthly bill easier to manage. Bloomy is data-only (no phone number, SMS or calls), and the upside is that you can pick just the amount of data you need. Compare data sizes, validity and prices on our comparison page, and see our phone number & SMS guide and FAQ to find the setup that fits you. Prices and terms can change, so check each provider's latest information before you sign up.