| Our Score | 4.75/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | Those who can prepay 12 months |
| Price Range | $15-$30/month (prepaid) |
| Network | T-Mobile |
| Contract | 3-12 month prepaid |
| Taxes Included | No |
Mint Mobile has arguably the best marketing in wireless—Ryan Reynolds brings humor and visibility that most carriers can only dream of. But funny commercials don't make a good carrier. Beneath the celebrity sheen, Mint Mobile has a critical security gap: no SIM PIN protection.
Bottom Line: Mint Mobile scores just 4.75/11 primarily because they don't offer SIM PIN protection—leaving customers vulnerable to SIM swap attacks. While their prepaid pricing seems attractive, you're locking in for 3-12 months without basic security features that Tello and Visible offer standard. For the same T-Mobile network with full security, Tello is the clear winner.
- Low prepaid pricing (if you pay upfront)
- T-Mobile 5G network
- 2FA available for account security
- No data breach history
- Good data amounts (40-50GB)
- Free trial available
- Strong brand recognition
- NO SIM PIN PROTECTION
- Must prepay 3-12 months
- Taxes and fees NOT included
- Poor customer service
- No true unlimited option
- No build-your-own plans
- Inflexible payment structure
The SIM PIN Problem
Let's talk about Mint Mobile's biggest failure: they don't offer SIM PIN protection.
What is SIM PIN?
A SIM PIN is a 4-digit code that locks your SIM card. Without it, someone can:
- Remove your SIM and use it in another phone
- Receive your calls and texts
- Intercept 2FA codes sent via SMS
- Access accounts that use phone verification
Why This Matters
SIM swap attacks are real and growing. Criminals convince carriers to transfer your number to their SIM, then:
- Reset your bank passwords
- Access your email
- Drain cryptocurrency wallets
- Take over social media accounts
With no SIM PIN, your Mint Mobile account has one less layer of protection against these attacks.
Carriers That Get This Right
| Carrier | SIM PIN | 2FA | Data Breaches | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Yes | Yes | None | 10/11 |
| Tello | Yes | Yes | None | 9.5/11 |
| US Mobile | Yes | Yes | None | 9.5/11 |
| Mint Mobile | No | Yes | None | 4.75/11 |
Mint is the only carrier in our top tier that lacks SIM PIN protection.
Mint Mobile's Prepaid Trap
Mint's pricing requires prepayment:
Pricing Structure
| Duration | 5GB/mo | 15GB/mo | 20GB/mo | Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $15/mo | $20/mo | $25/mo | $30/mo |
| 12 months | $15/mo | $20/mo | $25/mo | $30/mo |
Sounds great, right? Here's the catch:
The Fine Print
- You pay upfront: 12-month unlimited = $360 due today
- Taxes not included: Add ~$3-5/month
- Renewal prices vary: Promotional pricing may not continue
- No refunds: Prepaid means prepaid
- Locked in: Can't easily switch mid-term
Real Cost Comparison
| Carrier | Monthly | Annual Cost | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint (12mo prepaid) | $30 + tax | ~$400 | $360 upfront |
| Tello 35GB | $25 all-in | $300 | Monthly |
| Visible | $25 all-in | $300 | Monthly |
Tello and Visible offer better value with monthly payments—no upfront commitment.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Mint Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes (with 12mo prepay) | ✅ 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | Yes (40-50GB) | ✅ 1/1 |
| Premium data quality | 40-50GB | 0.75/1 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | ✅ 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | ❌ 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | NO | ❌ 0/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | ✅ 1/1 |
| Network coverage | Good (T-Mobile) | ✅ 1/1 |
| No data breaches | Yes (clean record) | ✅ 1/1 |
| True unlimited option | No (50GB cap) | ❌ 0/1 |
| Good customer service | No - poor ratings | ❌ 0/1 |
| Total | 4.75/11 |
Mint's missing SIM PIN is a critical failure that drops their score significantly.
Network Coverage
Mint uses T-Mobile's network:
T-Mobile Strengths
- Excellent urban coverage
- Fast 5G in major cities
- Good suburban coverage
- Improving rural reach
T-Mobile Weaknesses
- Rural gaps in some areas
- Building penetration varies
- Not as rural-strong as Verizon
Here's the thing: Tello uses the exact same T-Mobile network with better security and monthly billing. You're not getting better coverage with Mint—just less security and prepaid commitments.
Customer Service Problems
Mint Mobile's customer service receives poor ratings:
Common Complaints
- Long wait times
- Unhelpful responses
- Account issues take weeks to resolve
- Porting problems
- Refund difficulties
The Prepaid Problem
When you've paid $360 upfront and have an issue, you're stuck. Monthly carriers give you leverage—you can leave. With Mint's prepaid model, they already have your money.
The Celebrity Marketing Effect
Ryan Reynolds' ownership and marketing has made Mint the most visible MVNO. But consider:
What Marketing Gets You
- Funny commercials
- Brand awareness
- Celebrity endorsement
What Marketing Doesn't Get You
- SIM PIN protection
- Good customer service
- Flexible billing
- True unlimited data
You're not buying Ryan Reynolds—you're buying phone service. The service itself doesn't justify the hype.
Mint Mobile vs. The Competition
Mint vs. Tello
| Feature | Mint | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | Tello |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| Payment | Prepaid only | Monthly | Tello |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Tello |
Verdict: Tello wins in every category except brand recognition.
Mint vs. Visible
| Feature | Mint | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.75/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | Visible |
| Network | T-Mobile | Verizon | Depends |
| True unlimited | No | Yes | Visible |
| Payment | Prepaid | Monthly | Visible |
| Price | ~$30 + tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
Verdict: Visible offers better security, true unlimited, and simpler pricing.
Mint vs. US Mobile
| Feature | Mint | US Mobile | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 | US Mobile |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | US Mobile |
| Networks | T-Mobile | All 3 | US Mobile |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | US Mobile |
| Flexibility | Low | High | US Mobile |
Verdict: US Mobile offers more networks and better security.
Who Should Get Mint Mobile?
Mint makes sense for a very narrow audience:
Possibly Acceptable For:
- Users who don't care about SIM PIN security
- Those who can afford to prepay 12 months
- People who won't need customer service
- Users locked into Mint gift cards
Not Recommended For:
- Anyone concerned about SIM swap attacks
- Users who prefer monthly billing
- Those who value good customer service
- People who might need to switch carriers
- Anyone comparing actual value
Better Alternatives
For T-Mobile Coverage: Tello
- 9.5/11 score
- SIM PIN + 2FA included
- Monthly payment options
- Same T-Mobile network
- Build-your-own plans
- Taxes included
For True Unlimited: Visible
- 10/11 score
- Full security features
- $25/month (taxes included)
- No prepayment required
- Truly unlimited data
For Network Choice: US Mobile
- 9.5/11 score
- Full security
- All three networks available
- Monthly or prepaid options
How to Leave Mint Mobile
If you're currently on Mint:
- Wait for prepaid period to end (or accept losing remaining time)
- Check phone compatibility with new carrier
- Sign up with Tello or Visible near your expiration
- Port your number during signup
- Activate new SIM/eSIM
- Enable SIM PIN immediately on new carrier
Note: If you leave mid-term, your prepaid balance is forfeit. Time your switch to minimize loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mint Mobile safe?
Mint Mobile lacks SIM PIN protection, making it less secure than competitors like Tello and Visible. This leaves you more vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.
Does Mint Mobile have SIM PIN?
No, Mint Mobile does not offer SIM PIN protection—a significant security gap.
Is Mint Mobile owned by Ryan Reynolds?
Ryan Reynolds is a co-owner and the face of Mint Mobile's marketing. T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile in 2024.
Is Mint Mobile really cheap?
Mint's prices require 3-12 month prepayment. When compared to monthly options like Tello and Visible, the savings are minimal or nonexistent.
Does Mint Mobile include taxes?
No, Mint's advertised prices don't include taxes and fees.
What network does Mint Mobile use?
Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's network.
Is Mint Mobile better than Tello?
No. Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with SIM PIN protection, monthly billing, and taxes included.
Is Mint Mobile better than Visible?
No. Visible offers true unlimited data, full security features, and monthly billing at $25/month.
Does Mint Mobile have good customer service?
No, Mint Mobile receives poor customer service ratings, with complaints about long waits and unresolved issues.
Can I pay Mint monthly?
No, Mint requires prepayment of 3, 6, or 12 months. There is no monthly billing option.
Does Mint Mobile have unlimited data?
Mint's "Unlimited" plan caps premium data at 50GB, then speeds may be reduced.
Does Mint Mobile have 5G?
Yes, Mint includes 5G access on T-Mobile's network.
Can I try Mint Mobile free?
Mint offers a trial period, but you'll still need to evaluate whether the missing security features matter to you.
Should I switch from Mint Mobile?
Yes, especially if account security matters. Tello offers the same network with full security.
Can I keep my number leaving Mint?
Yes, port your number to your new carrier. Time it near your prepaid expiration to avoid losing paid time.
Final Verdict
Mint Mobile scores 4.75/11—one of the lowest scores we've given. The core problem is simple: missing SIM PIN protection.
Security Failure:
- No SIM PIN puts customers at risk
- Only major MVNO without this basic feature
- Inexcusable in 2026
Value Problems:
- Prepaid-only billing is inflexible
- Taxes add to advertised prices
- Poor customer service
The Marketing Gap: Ryan Reynolds is great, but marketing doesn't make up for missing security features. Funny commercials can't protect your phone number from being stolen.
Our Recommendation:
For T-Mobile coverage with actual security:
- Tello: Same network, full security, monthly billing
- Visible: Verizon network, true unlimited, full security
Mint Mobile's celebrity status doesn't change the facts. Don't let marketing override security.
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.