What plans we offer

Thrive Mobile has four plans. Which one is available to you depends on your eligibility and the program you enrolled through.

Essential — free with Lifeline

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5 GB of high-speed data, then slower unlimited data
  • $0/month when you apply your Lifeline benefit to Thrive
  • Bring your own phone (free) or buy a Schok phone ($90)

Essential (Tribal) — free with Lifeline

For members who live on Tribal lands (confirmed during enrollment).

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 6 GB of high-speed data (or 10 GB in Oklahoma), then slower unlimited data
  • $0/month with Lifeline
  • Same device options as Essential

Unlimited

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 10 GB of high-speed data, then slower unlimited data
  • $10/month — you pre-pay 3 months ($30) at signup to fund your wallet
  • Available to all members; Lifeline still required

Healthcare+ — free with select health plans

For members enrolled through one of our health-plan partners.

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 10 GB of high-speed data, then slower unlimited data
  • $0/month
  • Free smartphone (TCL K32) with weekly health check-ins and preloaded apps

How data works

  • Your plan includes a high-speed data amount (5, 6, or 10 GB depending on the plan).
  • After you use that, you still have unlimited data — it just runs slower (about 128 Kbps). That's fine for messaging and light browsing, slower for video.
  • You can buy a high-speed top-up any time:
    • 3 GB for $10
    • 5 GB for $15
  • Buy a top-up in the Account tab of the Thrive Mobile app, or at link.thrivemobile.com/wireless/topup.

Switching plans

  • Upgrade to Unlimited: load your Thrive wallet with a credit or debit card, then pick Unlimited in the app. The change is immediate.
  • Downgrade to Essential: free, any time from the app. Your wallet stops being charged, and the change takes effect at the end of your current Unlimited month.

What's included

  • Calls and texts inside the US
  • Mobile data (high-speed + unlimited slower data)
  • Voicemail
  • One-on-one US-based support

What's not included

  • Mobile hotspot — not available on any plan.
  • International calls and texts — not available on any plan. We recommend using WhatsApp or Wi-Fi calling for international.
  • Premium services like roaming or premium short codes.

Common questions

Why is the Essential plan free?

You bring your federal Lifeline benefit to Thrive. Lifeline is a government program for people who qualify based on income or certain federal programs. Your benefit pays for the service.

Why do I pay $30 upfront for Unlimited if it's $10/month?

We pre-charge 3 months ($30) so you never lose your Unlimited data after a single month. You'll have a $30 balance in your Thrive wallet to start.

Can I bring my own phone?

Yes. Your phone needs to be unlocked from any other carrier and run Android 12 or newer. iPhones aren't supported today.

Can I bring my phone number?

Yes. See How to transfer your number to Thrive Mobile. You'll need your previous carrier's account number, transfer PIN, and billing ZIP code.

Are there any hidden fees?

No.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Thrive Mobile is SOC2 Type 2 certified and HIPAA compliant. See Your privacy with Thrive Mobile for details.

What if I run out of money in my Thrive wallet (Unlimited)?

You'll see a low-funds notice in the app. Load more funds in the Account tab using a credit or debit card. If you don't want to keep paying for Unlimited, you can downgrade to Essential any time — it's free.

Can I use the phone as a hotspot?

No, hotspot is not available on Thrive Mobile plans.

Quick links

When to contact support

  • You're not sure which plan you're on
  • You'd like to switch plans and need help
  • A charge looks wrong
  • You don't see the right top-up options in the app