Postpaid or prepaid? Six questions to ask when choosing a line

The first decision when choosing a mobile line is usually postpaid or prepaid. Both offer the same network quality; the differences are in payment method, flexibility and extra benefits. Ask yourself these six questions.

1. Do you want to control your monthly spending?

A prepaid line has no surprise bill risk because it is based on a pre-paid plan. On a postpaid line you can set spending limits and notifications for control, though extra service use may show up on the bill.

2. Do you want to commit?

Prepaid lines have no commitment. On postpaid lines Lavanta offers an uncommitted option; if you commit, the Plus plan is around 15% cheaper per month.

3. Will you buy a device in instalments?

Device offers depend on having a postpaid line. You can pay the line fee and device instalment on the same bill. Instalments of 24-36 months make the bill manageable for high-priced phones.

4. How much data do you use?

If you use up to 15 GB a month, the prepaid Medium plan is often enough and cheaper. If you use over 40 GB or a hotspot, postpaid Plus or Max is more economical.

5. Do you travel abroad?

For frequent travellers, the 5 GB of monthly roaming in the Max plan is more economical than buying a separate pack. For infrequent travellers a prepaid line and a roaming pack bought when needed is enough.

6. What is your payment method?

A postpaid line needs a credit card or direct debit. For those without a credit card or who do not want to share a card, a prepaid line proceeds with balance that can be loaded from shops and dealers without a card.

Summary

• Prepaid: no contract, no credit check, no surprise bills, lower data ceiling.
• Postpaid: high data, device instalments, family plan and roaming-included options.

If undecided, take our Plan Finder quiz; you get a recommendation in six questions. You can change the line type later in the app.

Two real-life profiles

Ayşe is a student who uses Wi-Fi heavily at home; she spends 6-8 GB a month and makes few calls. The prepaid Mini plan (149 TRY) is enough for her. Mehmet is a software developer who uses a hotspot for two to three hours a day, takes work calls and travels abroad twice a month. The postpaid Max plan (649 TRY) suits him far better on roaming and data; he can also buy his new phone in 36 instalments.

These examples show the right choice depends on usage profile; if your needs change in later months you can change the plan in the app at any time.

Remember: line type is not a permanent decision. You can start on prepaid and move to postpaid when your needs grow, or the reverse; your number does not change. What matters is to start with a plan that suits today's use and leaves you flexibility in the months ahead.