No more 365 day servive only add-on?

[ultrarunner2015]

Hey guys;
I almost let my TF service lapse! Had only 3 more days left.
So I went on their website (in Firefox browser on Windows 11) to renew my plan.
I have lots of airtime (texts, data, minutes) so normally I would buy a 30 day airtime plan then add 365 days of service only for $50.
But now, I don't see that add-on. The only 365 day plans I did see include airtime, and cost $150.

I tried to chat with TF, but after about 5 minutes the agent said he would have to call me back later today.
So I just bought a 60 day plan for $25, so that I have time to consider my options.
I'm thinking of dumping TF and going with Verizon, but that would cost me a lot more $$, as I don't use much airtime; mostly just texts and some data.

TF website is dysfunctional; It doesn't work at all with Firefox, so I used MS Edge, and was able to purchase the plan.
It is very frustrating, so maybe it's worth the extra $$ to go with an unlimited plan with VZW.

Ultrarunner

[hpham]

Is your phone TF-branded or BYOP? The 365-day add-on is only available to TF-branded phones. I just tested by adding a $9.99 card and it showed me the add-ons.

[PaulCrawhorne]

I always use cheap QVC / HSN flip phone bundles.

Going rate lately has been $30-40

includes $12-15 worth of data, so even if you toss the phone and T&T has no value for you it's only ~$2 a month for calendar time.

You can buy them anytime sit on the shelf over a year if you like

[Mr_K]

Is your phone TF-branded or BYOP? The 365-day add-on is only available to TF-branded phones. I just tested by adding a $9.99 card and it showed me the add-ons.

I guess one can move service to a TF phone, buy the extension - move it back to you BYOD sim.

[hpham]

I guess one can move service to a TF phone, buy the extension - move it back to you BYOD sim.

Yes one can.

[ultrarunner2015]

My phone is a Pixel 6, unlocked; not a TF branded phone.

[hpham]

My phone is a Pixel 6, unlocked; not a TF branded phone.

That's why you don't see the 365-day add-on offer.

[robbyrobby]

I guess one can move service to a TF phone, buy the extension - move it back to you BYOD sim.

or go with Paul's suggestion get a cheap HSN or QVC bundle that includes a year of service, swap to that device(which will add the bundled service) and than the next day switch back to your main phone.

cheaper and you gain an extra backup phone

[PL1]

or go with Paul's suggestion get a cheap HSN or QVC bundle that includes a year of service, swap to that device(which will add the bundled service) and than the next day switch back to your main phone.

If you could just clarify, is it ok to do this transferring from a smart phone to an HSN or a QVC flip phone? Then back to a smartphone? I've always been hesitant to do this.

[hpham]

If you could just clarify, is it ok to do this transferring from a smart phone to an HSN or a QVC flip phone? Then back to a smartphone? I've always been hesitant to do this.

As long as both phones use the 3-bucket (talk/text/data) system, it's no problem transferring between phones, whether they're a smartphone or flip phone. It's problematic transferring between a 3-bucket phone and an OLD one that uses the single-bucket system (with balance and exp date stored in the phone), but I don't think they're in use anymore.

[PL1]

As long as both phones use the 3-bucket (talk/text/data) system, it's no problem transferring between phones, whether they're a smartphone or flip phone. It's problematic transferring between a 3-bucket phone and an OLD one that uses the single-bucket system (with balance and exp date stored in the phone), but I don't think they're in use anymore.

Perfect. Thanks!

[melman]

As long as both phones use the 3-bucket (talk/text/data) system, it's no problem transferring between phones, whether they're a smartphone or flip phone.

This phone (which I was thinking about when it was $150, not so much now that it's $250) is NOT 3-bucket, is that correct?
https://www.qvc.com/Tracfone-65%22-S...t.E319400.html

[hpham]

This phone (which I was thinking about when it was $150, not so much now that it's $250) is NOT 3-bucket, is that correct?
https://www.qvc.com/Tracfone-65%22-S...t.E319400.html

That phone uses the 3-bucket talk/text/data system. Almost all TF-branded phones sold in the last 5 years use the 3-bucket system.

Below is a picture of an OLD Tracfone phone that used the single-bucket system. The exp date and balance are stored on the phone and prominently displayed. Talk minutes are deducted in whole units, texts and data usage are deducted by fractions of a unit. You add time to the phone by bringing up a "Code Entry" screen then typing in strings of cryptic codes. Oh, the (not so) good old days .

[ultrarunner2015]

I always use cheap QVC / HSN flip phone bundles.

Going rate lately has been $30-40

includes $12-15 worth of data, so even if you toss the phone and T&T has no value for you it's only ~$2 a month for calendar time.

You can buy them anytime sit on the shelf over a year if you like

In one respect, I'm surprised that TF hasn't 'gotten wise' about this 'loophole' with buying a cheap phone and swapping back and forth.
But I wouldn't be surprised that someone actually did the math, and found that they would lost more customers than money they would make by dis-allowing it.

However, there may be a big catch here:
If I purchase a TF branded phone with 365 days service included for $40, then transfer my account to that phone, will TF transfer my account back to my Pixel 6 - which is NOT TF BRANDED?
Perhaps by purchasing an unlocked phone, I have lost the perks gained by owning a locked TF branded phone.

[PaulCrawhorne]

There is a marketing manager getting credit for acquiring lots of new customers.