| Our Score | 5.27/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | AARP members only |
| Price Range | $20-$55/month + taxes |
| Networks | AT&T and T-Mobile |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
Consumer Cellular markets heavily to seniors through its AARP partnership. But behind the friendly branding lies concerning security gaps: no two-factor authentication and a history of data breaches. For a carrier targeting vulnerable populations, these failures are inexcusable.
Bottom Line: Consumer Cellular scores 5.27/11 due to missing 2FA, data breach history, and poor customer service ratings. While they offer multi-network flexibility, the security gaps put customers at risk. Seniors—and everyone else—deserve carriers that take security seriously. Visible offers simpler pricing, full security features, and no breach history at comparable prices.
- Dual network options (AT&T + T-Mobile)
- AARP member discount available
- Low starting prices
- SIM PIN protection available
- Simple plan structure
- No contracts required
- US-based customer service
- NO TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
- HAS HAD DATA BREACHES
- Poor customer service ratings
- Taxes and fees NOT included
- Limited data (30GB cap)
- No true unlimited option
- No build-your-own plans
The Security Disaster
Consumer Cellular has two critical security failures that should concern every customer:
1. No Two-Factor Authentication
In 2026, not offering 2FA is a stunning oversight. Two-factor authentication protects your account from:
- Unauthorized access
- SIM swap attacks
- Account takeovers
- Identity theft
Without 2FA, your account is protected only by a password. If that password is compromised—through a data breach, phishing, or weak password practices—your account is exposed.
2. Data Breach History
Consumer Cellular has experienced data breaches, meaning customer information has been compromised. Combined with no 2FA, this creates a dangerous situation:
- Attackers may already have your credentials
- You have no second layer of protection
- Your account is more vulnerable than at other carriers
Who This Affects Most
Consumer Cellular specifically targets seniors—a population often targeted by scammers. Providing weak security to this demographic is particularly irresponsible.
Visible and Tello offer both 2FA AND have no breach history. There's no reason to accept Consumer Cellular's security gaps.
Consumer Cellular Plans and Pricing
Consumer Cellular offers tiered plans:
| Plan | Price | Data | Talk/Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talk & Text | $20/mo + tax | 0 | Unlimited |
| 1GB | $25/mo + tax | 1GB | Unlimited |
| 5GB | $30/mo + tax | 5GB | Unlimited |
| 10GB | $40/mo + tax | 10GB | Unlimited |
| Unlimited | $55/mo + tax | 30GB | Unlimited |
AARP "Discount"
AARP members get 5% off—a minimal savings that doesn't offset the security concerns.
Hidden Costs
After taxes, plans cost $3-6 more than advertised:
| Advertised | Actual (with tax) |
|---|---|
| $25/month | $28-31/month |
| $40/month | $44-47/month |
| $55/month | $60-64/month |
The Data Cap
Consumer Cellular's "Unlimited" plan caps at 30GB—lower than most competitors. For $55+/month, this is poor value compared to Visible's true unlimited at $25.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Consumer Cellular | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Barely (before tax) | 0.5/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | No (30GB cap) | ❌ 0/1 |
| Premium data quality | 30GB cap | 0.27/1 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | ✅ 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | ❌ 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | ✅ 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | NO | ❌ 0/1 |
| Network coverage | Good (dual network) | ✅ 1/1 |
| No data breaches | NO - HAS HAD BREACHES | ❌ 0/1 |
| True unlimited option | No (30GB cap) | ❌ 0/1 |
| Good customer service | Mixed reviews | 0.5/1 |
| Total | 5.27/11 |
Consumer Cellular's score reflects fundamental security failures that can't be overlooked.
Network Coverage
Consumer Cellular offers network choice, which is genuinely useful:
AT&T Option
- Good nationwide coverage
- Strong rural performance
- Reliable in most areas
T-Mobile Option
- Fast 5G in cities
- Good urban coverage
- Some rural gaps
This flexibility is Consumer Cellular's one real advantage—you can pick the network that works best in your area.
However: US Mobile offers the same multi-network choice with better security (2FA included, no breaches).
Customer Service
Consumer Cellular's customer service gets mixed reviews:
What They Get Right
- US-based call centers
- Senior-friendly approach
- Simple explanations
What They Get Wrong
- Long wait times reported
- Billing issues can drag on
- Limited online self-service
The "senior-friendly" approach is appreciated, but actual service quality varies significantly.
The AARP Partnership Problem
Consumer Cellular's AARP partnership gives it credibility it may not deserve:
What AARP Provides
- Marketing reach to millions of seniors
- Implied endorsement
- Small member discount (5%)
What AARP Apparently Overlooked
- No two-factor authentication
- Data breach history
- Below-average security practices
AARP members trust the organization's recommendations. A carrier with missing security features and breach history shouldn't have that endorsement.
Consumer Cellular vs. The Competition
Consumer Cellular vs. Visible
| Feature | Consumer Cellular | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 5.27/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Visible |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Visible |
| Price (unlimited) | $55 + tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
| Data cap | 30GB | Unlimited | Visible |
| Simplicity | Moderate | Very simple | Visible |
Verdict: Visible is better in every category—including being simpler for seniors.
Consumer Cellular vs. Tello
| Feature | Consumer Cellular | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 5.27/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Tello |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Tello |
| Networks | AT&T/T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Consumer Cellular |
| Price | Higher | Lower | Tello |
| Customization | Limited | Full | Tello |
Verdict: Tello wins on security, price, and flexibility.
Consumer Cellular vs. US Mobile
| Feature | Consumer Cellular | US Mobile | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 5.27/11 | 9.5/11 | US Mobile |
| 2FA | No | Yes | US Mobile |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | US Mobile |
| Networks | 2 options | 3 options | US Mobile |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | US Mobile |
Verdict: For multi-network flexibility with actual security, US Mobile is the better choice.
Who Should Get Consumer Cellular?
We struggle to recommend Consumer Cellular, but:
Possibly Acceptable For:
- Users who absolutely need phone support for everything
- Those locked into AARP discount programs
- People unwilling to try online-only carriers
Not Recommended For:
- Anyone concerned about account security
- Users who value 2FA protection
- Budget-conscious customers
- People who want more data
- Most seniors (despite their marketing)
Better Alternatives for Seniors
Seniors deserve simple, secure carriers. Here are better options:
Visible (Recommended)
- 10/11 score
- Has 2FA and SIM PIN
- No data breaches
- Simple $25/month pricing
- True unlimited data
- One plan, no confusion
Tello
- 9.5/11 score
- Full security features
- No breaches
- Low prices (from $10/mo)
- Simple interface
- Good phone support
US Mobile
- 9.5/11 score
- Full security
- Multiple network options
- Can match Consumer Cellular's flexibility
- Better value
Helping a Senior Switch
If you're helping a parent or grandparent switch from Consumer Cellular:
- Check their phone - Verify it works with the new carrier
- Don't cancel first - Port the number to keep it
- Set up Visible or Tello together - Simple signup
- Port the phone number - Keep their existing number
- Enable all security features - Set up 2FA and SIM PIN
- Save login credentials securely - Help them manage access
- Set up autopay if desired - Consistent billing
The switch takes about an hour and saves money while improving security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Consumer Cellular safe?
Consumer Cellular has security concerns: no 2FA and a history of data breaches. This makes it less safe than carriers like Visible or Tello.
Does Consumer Cellular have 2FA?
No, Consumer Cellular does not offer two-factor authentication—a significant security gap.
Has Consumer Cellular had data breaches?
Yes, Consumer Cellular has experienced data breaches where customer information was compromised.
Is Consumer Cellular good for seniors?
Consumer Cellular markets to seniors, but their security gaps put this vulnerable population at risk. Visible offers simpler, more secure service.
What network does Consumer Cellular use?
Consumer Cellular offers both AT&T and T-Mobile network options.
Is Consumer Cellular cheaper than Visible?
No. Consumer Cellular's unlimited ($55 + tax) costs more than Visible's unlimited ($25 all-in).
Does Consumer Cellular include taxes?
No, Consumer Cellular's prices don't include taxes and fees.
Is the AARP discount worth it?
The 5% AARP discount is minimal and doesn't offset Consumer Cellular's security concerns.
Does Consumer Cellular have unlimited data?
Their "Unlimited" plan caps at 30GB—not truly unlimited.
Is Consumer Cellular customer service good?
Mixed reviews. They try to be senior-friendly but have long wait times and billing issues.
Can I use my own phone with Consumer Cellular?
Yes, most unlocked phones compatible with AT&T or T-Mobile work with Consumer Cellular.
Does Consumer Cellular have 5G?
Yes, 5G is included on compatible devices where network coverage is available.
Should I switch my parents from Consumer Cellular?
Yes, especially given the security concerns. Visible offers simpler, more secure service.
What's wrong with Consumer Cellular?
Missing 2FA, data breach history, and poor value compared to alternatives like Visible.
Can I keep my number leaving Consumer Cellular?
Yes, port your number to the new carrier. Don't cancel Consumer Cellular first.
Final Verdict
Consumer Cellular scores 5.27/11—one of the lowest scores we've given. The failures are serious:
Critical Security Issues:
- No two-factor authentication
- Data breach history
- Targeting vulnerable seniors with weak security
Value Problems:
- 30GB cap on "unlimited"
- Taxes not included
- Better options exist at lower prices
Our Recommendation:
Consumer Cellular's AARP partnership gives it undeserved credibility. A carrier that can't offer basic security features like 2FA—while having already experienced breaches—shouldn't be trusted with your personal information.
For seniors or anyone else:
- Visible: $25/mo, truly unlimited, full security
- Tello: From $10/mo, flexible, full security
The switch is simple and protects your loved ones from security risks. Don't let friendly marketing hide real problems.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings. Learn more about our methodology.