Another bill, another surprise increase from Total Wireless. It’s infuriating, and you’re right to be at your limit. This isn't just a feeling, it's a pattern. After the Verizon acquisition, things seem to have gone downhill for many longtime customers. You're not alone in this. A quick look online shows a sea of frustrated users. Total Wireless holds a dismal 1.3-star rating on TrustPilot, with countless recent reviews slamming their sudden price changes and nonexistent customer support. Over on Consumer Affairs, the story is the same, with customers complaining about being overcharged and hitting brick walls when trying to get answers. It feels like they're banking on you just giving up and paying the new, higher price. It’s time to fight back.
Best Ways to Lower Your Total Wireless Bills
| Lowering Bill Method | Ease of Action | Why use this method |
|---|---|---|
| Enroll in Auto-Refill | Easy | This is their most advertised discount. You can usually save 5% just by setting it up on their website or app. |
| Downgrade Your Plan | Easy | If you're not using all your data, switching to a cheaper tier is the fastest way to guarantee a lower monthly cost. |
| Remove Add-Ons | Easy | Check if you have any recurring add-ons like extra data or global calling passes that you don't need anymore. |
| Call and Complain | Difficult | Time-consuming and often frustrating, but it's the only way to potentially get a discretionary credit or special offer. |
Step-by-step Guide on Lowering Your Total Wireless Bill After Complaining
1 Identify and review the bill
You've complained, now get specific. Pinpoint the exact line item that went up. Was it a 'plan change' or a new 'regulatory fee'? Knowing the enemy is half the battle. Don't let them get away with vague explanations.
2 Consider downgrading your plan
Seriously, check your data usage in your account settings. If you're paying for 15GB but only using 5GB, switch to a cheaper plan. It's a guaranteed way to pay them less money without having to argue with anyone.
3 Removing add ons
Dig through your account for any old, forgotten add-ons. That $10 international calling pass you bought for a trip last year might still be active. It's these little vampires that drain your wallet. Cut them off.
4 Look for promotions and offers
This is a long shot for existing customers, but check their main website. Sometimes they offer a better deal on a plan identical to yours just to attract new people. Use this as leverage when you call them back.
5 Check for Low-Income Discounts
Total Wireless participates in the federal Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If you qualify, this can provide a significant, government-subsidized discount on your service. It's worth a quick check to see if you're eligible.
6 Enroll in Auto-Refill
If you haven't already, this is the one guaranteed discount they offer. It's usually 5% off. It’s not much, but it’s something, and it requires zero negotiation. Just set it and forget it for a slightly less painful bill.
🔍 How to Negotiate for a Lower Bill with Total Wireless
Your Goal:
Get a service credit or be switched to a better, non-advertised plan.
The Script:
Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I've been a customer for [Number] years. I'm calling because my latest bill increased by $[Amount] and I don't understand why. This new price is not what I agreed to. I've been looking at other carriers, and I see that Mint Mobile is offering a similar plan for much less. I'd prefer to stay with Total Wireless, but I can't justify this price hike. What can you do to lower my bill back to its original price or offer a competitive rate?
Key Phrases to Use:
- "This price increase is unexpected."
- "I'm considering switching to a competitor."
- "What can you do to keep me as a customer?"
- "Is this the best rate you can offer?"
- "Can I speak to your loyalty or retention department?"
If They Say No
- Ask to speak to a supervisor. The first agent often can't do much.
- Hang up and call again later. You might get a more helpful agent.
- Ask for a one-time 'courtesy credit' to cover the recent increase.
- If all else fails, ask for your account number and PIN to port out. Sometimes this triggers a last-ditch retention offer.
Best Alternatives to Total Wireless
Sometimes, no amount of negotiating is worth the headache. If you've had enough of Total Wireless's price hikes and poor service, you have options. Here are a few of the top competitors people are switching to:
| Competitor | Why it's Better Alternative to Total Wireless | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | For users who want to save money by paying for several months upfront. It operates on the T-Mobile network. | Offers some of the lowest prices in the industry if you're willing to buy service in 3, 6, or 12-month blocks. Pricing is very transparent. |
| Visible | For heavy data users who want a simple, no-fuss unlimited plan. It's owned by and runs on the same Verizon network. | Offers truly unlimited data (no high-speed cap, just potential deprioritization) for a low, flat monthly rate. Taxes and fees are included. |
| US Mobile | For users who want customizable plans and better customer service. You can choose between the Verizon or T-Mobile network. | Highly flexible 'build-your-own' plans and pooled plans for families. They are widely praised for having responsive and helpful customer support. |
Consider the following before leaving Total Wireless
- Unlock Your Phone: Make sure your phone isn't locked to Total Wireless. You typically need to have service with them for at least 12 months for them to unlock it. Request an unlock before you cancel.
- Get Your Account Info: You will need your Total Wireless account number and Number Transfer PIN to port your phone number to a new carrier. Get this before you initiate the switch.
- Check Network Compatibility: If you're bringing your own phone, ensure it's compatible with the new carrier's network (e.g., T-Mobile for Mint, Verizon for Visible).
- Don't Cancel Manually: Let your new carrier handle the cancellation. When you successfully port your number out, your Total Wireless account will be closed automatically. If you cancel it first, you will lose your phone number.
Let Pine AI Help Lower Your Total Wireless Bill
Feeling drained from just thinking about calling Total Wireless? We get it. It’s a whole song and dance designed to make you give up. Instead of spending an hour on hold just to get a 'no' from a customer service rep, let Pine AI handle it. Our AI-powered negotiator knows all the right things to say to get through to the retention department and secure the discounts you deserve. We’ll deal with the hold music, the scripts, and the runaround. You just sit back and wait for the email confirming your lower bill. It’s time to turn the tables and let technology fight the frustrating battles for you. Give it a try and see how much you can save without lifting a finger.
Frequently Asked Questions When Trying to Lower Your Total Wireless Bill
Robert O’Connor
Home Services & Bills Content Manager
Robert O’Connor is the Home Bills & Services Content Manager at Pine AI, where he researches and produces practical, step-by-step content on managing utility bills, negotiating service contracts, and cutting household costs. Whether it's your Xfinity mobile plan needs cutting or you need to find a hack to improve your Verizon internet connection without spending more, he's your guy. With over two decades of experience in consumer advocacy, Robert specialises in helping readers understand the fine print, avoid unnecessary charges, and secure better deals from service providers. Robert’s mission is to empower households to take control of their recurring expenses and make informed decisions that protect their budget.
