| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | Those who can prepay 12 months and don't need SIM PIN |
| Price Range | $15-$30/month (3-12 month prepayment required) |
| Network | T-Mobile 4G LTE & 5G |
| Contract | 3-12 month prepaid commitment |
| Taxes & Fees | NOT included |
| Owner | T-Mobile (acquired 2024) |
| Founded | 2016 |
Mint Mobile is the most recognizable MVNO in America. Ryan Reynolds turned a budget phone carrier into a cultural phenomenon with irreverent ads and celebrity star power. But when you strip away the comedy and the marketing machine, what remains is a carrier that scores just 4.75 out of 11 in our testing -- one of the lowest scores we have given to any major MVNO.
The product does not match the hype. Not even close.
Bottom Line: Mint Mobile scores 4.75/11 because it lacks SIM PIN protection, forces 3-12 month prepayment with no refunds, has no true unlimited data (50GB cap), offers poor customer service, and charges taxes on top of advertised prices. The same T-Mobile network is available through Tello with full security features, monthly billing, and build-your-own plans. Ryan Reynolds is funny. Your phone security is not a joke.
Pros
- Low advertised pricing (with upfront prepayment)
- T-Mobile 5G network access
- 2FA available for account login
- No data breaches on record
- Decent data allotments (40-50GB)
- Free 7-day trial available
- Strong brand recognition
Cons
- NO SIM PIN PROTECTION (critical security gap)
- Must prepay 3-12 months upfront
- Taxes and fees NOT included in price
- Poor customer service ratings
- No true unlimited data (50GB hard cap)
- No build-your-own plan options
- No refunds on prepaid balance
- Inflexible billing structure
The SIM PIN Problem
This is where the Mint Mobile story falls apart. In 2026, with SIM swap attacks rising every quarter, Mint Mobile still does not offer SIM PIN protection. This is not a minor oversight. It is a fundamental security failure.
What Is a SIM PIN?
A SIM PIN is a 4-digit code that locks your SIM card to your device. Without it, anyone who gains physical access to your phone -- or convinces Mint to transfer your number -- can:
- Remove your SIM and insert it into another phone
- Receive all your calls and text messages
- Intercept SMS-based two-factor authentication codes
- Reset passwords on your bank accounts, email, and social media
- Drain cryptocurrency wallets tied to phone verification
SIM Swap Attacks Are Real and Growing
The FBI reported over $68 million in SIM swap losses in a single year. Criminals do not need to physically steal your phone. They call the carrier, impersonate you, and convince a support representative to port your number to their device. With no SIM PIN as an additional authentication layer, Mint customers have one fewer barrier protecting them.
Yes, Mint offers 2FA for logging into your account. That is not the same thing. Account 2FA protects your Mint login. SIM PIN protects your actual phone number from being hijacked across all services that rely on it.
How Mint Compares on Security
| Carrier | SIM PIN | 2FA | Data Breaches | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | Yes | Yes | None | 9.5/11 |
| Visible | Yes | Yes | None | 10/11 |
| US Mobile | Yes | Yes | None | 9.5/11 |
| Mint Mobile | No | Yes | None | 4.75/11 |
Every major competitor we recommend offers SIM PIN. Mint is the outlier, and not in a good way.
The Celebrity Marketing Effect
Ryan Reynolds did not just endorse Mint Mobile. He co-owned it, starred in its ads, and turned the brand into a household name before T-Mobile acquired the company in 2024. The marketing is genuinely brilliant -- self-aware, funny, and impossible to ignore.
But here is what celebrity marketing actually delivers versus what it does not.
What the Marketing Gets You
- Entertaining commercials you might actually watch
- Brand awareness that dwarfs every other MVNO
- A sense that you are buying something cool and different
- Social media buzz and cultural relevance
What the Marketing Does Not Get You
- SIM PIN protection for your phone number
- Good customer service when something breaks
- Flexible monthly billing options
- True unlimited data without a hard cap
- Refunds when you want to leave mid-term
- Taxes included in the advertised price
You are not subscribing to Ryan Reynolds. You are buying phone service. And the phone service, measured on its own merits, scores below average. The gap between the brand perception and the actual product is wider at Mint than at any other carrier we have reviewed.
Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing
All Mint plans require prepayment of 3 to 12 months. There is no monthly billing option.
Plan Lineup
| Plan | 3-Month Price | 12-Month Price | Data | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | $15/mo ($45 due) | $15/mo ($180 due) | 5GB | Unlimited |
| 15GB | $20/mo ($60 due) | $20/mo ($240 due) | 15GB | Unlimited |
| 20GB | $25/mo ($75 due) | $25/mo ($300 due) | 20GB | Unlimited |
| Unlimited | $30/mo ($90 due) | $30/mo ($360 due) | 50GB* | Unlimited |
*"Unlimited" includes 50GB of premium data. Speeds reduced after that.
The Fine Print Nobody Reads
- Upfront payment required: The 12-month unlimited plan costs $360 due today -- not $30
- Taxes are extra: Expect $3-5/month added to every plan depending on your state
- Renewal pricing varies: Promotional rates may not carry over
- No refunds: If you leave after month 2 of a 12-month plan, you lose 10 months of payment
- No plan flexibility: You cannot build a custom plan or adjust mid-cycle
Mint Mobile's Prepaid Trap
Mint's entire pricing model depends on locking you in. The longer you commit, the better the per-month rate looks. But this structure creates real problems that monthly carriers simply do not have.
Why Prepaid Billing Hurts Consumers
No leverage with customer service. When you pay monthly, poor service means you can leave. When Mint already has $360 of your money, they have less incentive to resolve your issue quickly. You are stuck either way.
No flexibility for life changes. Move to an area with poor T-Mobile coverage? Lose your job and need to cut expenses? Find a better deal elsewhere? Too bad. Your money is gone.
No trial period at scale. Mint offers a 7-day trial, but a week does not reveal how a carrier performs during network congestion, in your specific building, or when you need customer support. By the time you discover the problems, you have already paid.
Real Annual Cost Comparison
| Carrier | Monthly Payment | Annual Cost | Billing Type | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Unlimited | $30 + tax | ~$396-$420 | 12 months upfront | Extra |
| Tello 35GB | $25 | ~$300-$348 | Monthly | Extra |
| Visible Basic | $25 | $300 | Monthly | Included |
| US Mobile Unlimited | $25 | ~$300-$348 | Monthly | Extra |
Visible and Tello both cost less per year with monthly billing and no upfront commitment. The supposed savings from Mint's prepaid model evaporate under scrutiny.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
We score every carrier on the same 11 objective criteria. Here is how Mint performed.
| Criteria | Mint Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes (with 12-month prepay on 20GB plan) | 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | Yes (40-50GB on Unlimited) | 1/1 |
| Premium data quality | 40-50GB cap | 0.75/1 |
| Unlimited talk & text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | No -- NOT AVAILABLE | 0/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | 1/1 |
| Network coverage quality | Good (T-Mobile) | 1/1 |
| No data breaches | Yes (clean record) | 1/1 |
| True unlimited data | No (50GB cap then throttled) | 0/1 |
| Good customer service | No (poor ratings) | 0/1 |
| Total | 4.75/11 |
The missing SIM PIN alone is disqualifying for security-conscious users. Combined with no build-a-plan, no true unlimited, and poor customer service, Mint fails four of eleven criteria outright.
Network Performance
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network. The coverage is identical to what Tello, Metro by T-Mobile, and other T-Mobile MVNOs receive.
Speed Test Results
| Location Type | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban (low congestion) | 80 Mbps | 13 Mbps | 28ms |
| Suburban | 55 Mbps | 9 Mbps | 33ms |
| Urban (rush hour) | 18 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 42ms |
| Rural | 15 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 62ms |
These speeds are fine for everyday use. But here is the critical point: Tello uses the exact same T-Mobile towers and delivers the same performance. You are not getting faster speeds or better coverage with Mint. You are getting the same network with fewer features and worse security.
T-Mobile Network Strengths
- Excellent urban and suburban 5G coverage
- Fast mid-band 5G in major metro areas
- Improving rural footprint with extended range 5G
T-Mobile Network Weaknesses
- Rural gaps persist, especially in the Mountain West
- Building penetration can be inconsistent
- Not as reliable as Verizon in truly remote areas
Customer Service Problems
Mint Mobile receives consistently poor customer service ratings across independent review platforms. Common complaints paint a clear picture.
Top Customer Complaints
- Long wait times for chat and phone support
- Unhelpful or scripted responses that do not resolve issues
- Account and billing problems that take weeks to fix
- Porting difficulties when moving to or from Mint
- Near-impossible refund process for prepaid balances
- Automated systems that loop without reaching a human
The Prepaid Problem Magnified
With monthly carriers, bad service is annoying but survivable -- you leave at the end of the month. With Mint, you have already paid for months of service you may not want. When an issue arises and support cannot resolve it, you are trapped with a carrier that has your money and no urgency to help.
Mint Mobile vs. The Competition
Mint Mobile vs. Tello
| Feature | Mint Mobile | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | Tello |
| 2FA | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Payment | 3-12 month prepaid | Monthly | Tello |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Excellent (4.5/5 Trustpilot) | Tello |
| True unlimited | No (50GB) | No (35GB) | Tie |
| International calls | Extra cost | Free to 60+ countries | Tello |
Verdict: Tello wins in every measurable category except brand recognition. Same T-Mobile network, full security features, monthly billing, plan customization, and free international calling. There is no rational reason to choose Mint over Tello.
Mint Mobile vs. Visible
| Feature | Mint Mobile | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Network | T-Mobile | Verizon | Depends on location |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | Visible |
| True unlimited | No (50GB cap) | Yes | Visible |
| Payment | Prepaid only | Monthly | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| Price (unlimited) | ~$33-35 with tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
| Customer service | Poor | Good (chat-only) | Visible |
Verdict: Visible offers true unlimited data, included taxes, monthly billing, and better security -- all for less money. The only consideration is whether you need T-Mobile or Verizon coverage in your area.
Mint Mobile vs. US Mobile
| Feature | Mint Mobile | US Mobile | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 | US Mobile |
| Networks | T-Mobile only | Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T | US Mobile |
| SIM PIN | No | Yes | US Mobile |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | US Mobile |
| Payment | Prepaid only | Monthly available | US Mobile |
| Flexibility | Low | High | US Mobile |
Verdict: US Mobile gives you access to all three major networks, full security features, and monthly billing. Mint cannot compete on flexibility or security.
Who Should Get Mint Mobile?
We recommend Mint Mobile to almost nobody. But in the interest of fairness, here are the narrow use cases where it might make sense.
Possibly Acceptable For
- Users who genuinely do not care about SIM PIN security
- People who received Mint gift cards and need to use them
- Those who can afford to prepay 12 months and never need support
- Users who specifically want to support a T-Mobile-owned brand
- People who have already tried Tello and Visible and prefer Mint for personal reasons
Not Recommended For
- Anyone concerned about SIM swap attacks or phone security
- Users who prefer monthly billing flexibility
- People who value responsive customer service
- Those who might need to switch carriers mid-term
- Budget-conscious users who compare actual annual costs
- Anyone who needs true unlimited data
- Users who want to customize their plan
Better Alternatives
For T-Mobile Coverage: Tello (9.5/11)
Tello uses the same T-Mobile network as Mint with SIM PIN protection, monthly billing, build-your-own plans, free international calling to 60+ countries, and excellent customer service. Plans start at $10/month with no commitment.
For True Unlimited: Visible (10/11)
Visible delivers truly unlimited data on Verizon's network for $25/month with taxes included. Monthly billing, full security features, and no data cap. The highest-scored carrier in our database.
For Network Choice: US Mobile (9.5/11)
US Mobile offers plans on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks. Full security features, build-your-own plans, and monthly billing. Maximum flexibility for power users.
How to Leave Mint Mobile
If you are currently on Mint and want to switch, follow this process to minimize losses.
- Check your prepaid expiration date in the Mint Mobile app or account settings
- Time your switch to align with the end of your prepaid period -- any remaining balance is forfeited
- Research your new carrier and confirm your phone is compatible (Tello uses the same T-Mobile bands)
- Sign up with your new carrier (Tello or Visible) a few days before your Mint service expires
- Port your number during signup with the new carrier -- you will need your Mint account number and transfer PIN
- Activate your new SIM or eSIM and verify service
- Enable SIM PIN immediately on your new carrier -- the feature Mint never gave you
Important: If you leave before your prepaid period ends, Mint does not issue refunds. Plan your exit carefully to avoid losing money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mint Mobile safe to use?
Mint Mobile does not offer SIM PIN protection, which makes your account more vulnerable to SIM swap attacks than carriers like Tello and Visible. If account security matters to you, alternatives with SIM PIN are strongly recommended.
Does Mint Mobile have SIM PIN protection?
No. Mint Mobile does not offer SIM PIN protection. This is a significant security gap that prevents them from scoring above 5/11 in our methodology.
Is Mint Mobile owned by Ryan Reynolds?
Ryan Reynolds was a co-owner and the face of Mint Mobile's marketing. T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile in 2024. Reynolds remains associated with the brand but T-Mobile now owns the company.
Is Mint Mobile actually cheap?
The per-month pricing looks attractive but requires 3-12 month prepayment. After adding taxes ($3-5/month), the real cost of unlimited service is $33-35 per month. Visible offers truly unlimited for $25 with taxes included and monthly billing.
Does Mint Mobile include taxes in its pricing?
No. All advertised Mint Mobile prices exclude taxes and fees. The actual cost is higher than what is shown.
What network does Mint Mobile use?
Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network. This is the same network used by Tello, Metro by T-Mobile, and other T-Mobile MVNOs.
Is Mint Mobile better than Tello?
No. Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with SIM PIN protection, monthly billing, build-your-own plans, free international calling, and better customer service. Tello scores 9.5/11 compared to Mint's 4.75/11.
Is Mint Mobile better than Visible?
No. Visible offers true unlimited data, included taxes, SIM PIN protection, and monthly billing at $25/month on Verizon's network. Visible scores 10/11.
Does Mint Mobile have good customer service?
No. Mint Mobile receives consistently poor customer service ratings with common complaints about long wait times, scripted responses, and slow issue resolution.
Can I pay Mint Mobile monthly?
No. Mint Mobile requires prepayment of 3, 6, or 12 months. There is no monthly billing option. This is a major downside compared to Tello and Visible which both offer monthly billing.
Does Mint Mobile have truly unlimited data?
No. Mint's "Unlimited" plan includes 50GB of premium data. After 50GB, speeds are reduced for the remainder of the billing cycle.
Does Mint Mobile have 5G?
Yes. Mint Mobile includes T-Mobile 5G access on all plans at no additional cost.
Can I get a refund from Mint Mobile?
Mint's prepaid model means refunds are extremely difficult to obtain. If you prepay for 12 months and want to leave after 2 months, you forfeit the remaining balance.
What happens when I hit the 50GB data cap?
After using 50GB of premium data in a billing cycle, Mint reduces your speeds. You can still use data, but at significantly slower rates until the next billing period begins.
Should I switch away from Mint Mobile?
If security, flexibility, or customer service matter to you -- yes. Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with SIM PIN protection and monthly billing. Visible offers true unlimited on Verizon with taxes included.
Can I keep my phone number when leaving Mint?
Yes. Port your number to your new carrier during signup. Time it near your prepaid expiration to avoid losing paid service time.
Does Mint Mobile work internationally?
Mint offers international add-ons at extra cost. Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries on every plan.
Is Mint Mobile's free trial worth trying?
The 7-day trial gives you a taste of T-Mobile's network, but it is not long enough to evaluate customer service, billing practices, or network performance during congestion. If you want to test T-Mobile coverage, Tello offers monthly billing with no commitment.
How does Mint Mobile compare to Metro by T-Mobile?
Both use T-Mobile's network. Metro offers in-store support and monthly billing but costs more. Neither offers the value proposition of Tello, which has the same network with lower prices and full security features.
Final Verdict
Mint Mobile scores 4.75/11. That is a below-average rating driven by real, measurable failures -- not subjective opinion.
The Security Problem: No SIM PIN protection in 2026 is inexcusable. Every major competitor offers this basic security feature. Mint's refusal to implement it puts customers at unnecessary risk.
The Value Illusion: Prepaid pricing creates the appearance of savings that monthly carriers like Tello and Visible match or beat -- without requiring hundreds of dollars upfront or locking you into a commitment.
The Marketing Gap: Ryan Reynolds built one of the most recognizable brands in wireless. But brand recognition does not equal product quality. Funny commercials cannot protect your phone number from being stolen, refund your prepaid balance when service disappoints, or answer the phone when you need customer support.
Our Recommendation: The same T-Mobile network is available from Tello with SIM PIN protection, monthly billing, build-your-own plans, free international calling, and excellent customer service -- at a lower annual cost. For Verizon coverage, Visible offers true unlimited data at $25 per month with taxes included.
Do not let marketing override security. Choose a carrier based on what it delivers, not who endorses it.
Disclosure: This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Mint Mobile earned its 4.75/11 score through the same objective criteria applied to every carrier we review. Learn more about our methodology.