Best Phone Plans for Newcomers to Canada (2026 Guide)

Getting a Canadian phone number is one of the first things you need to do after arriving.

It sounds simple, but there’s a catch:

Many phone plans in Canada require a credit check.

If you’re new to the country, you likely don’t have a credit history yet—which limits your options at the start.

This guide breaks down the best phone plan options for newcomers, what to avoid, and how to upgrade once you’re settled.

Last updated: April 2026.

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The Short Answer

• Best overall (no credit needed): Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile
• Best balance of price + reliability: Fido, Koodo
• Best premium networks: Rogers, Bell, Telus

If you are just arriving:

Start with a prepaid plan. Upgrade later.

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Prepaid vs Postpaid: What Matters

Prepaid (Best for Newcomers)

• No credit check
• No contract
• Pay upfront

This is the easiest way to get set up quickly.

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Postpaid (Better Later)

• Monthly billing
• Often requires credit history
• Access to better plans and device financing

Most newcomers switch to postpaid after 3–6 months.

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Best Prepaid Phone Plans (No Credit Required)

Public Mobile

• Uses the Telus network
• Competitive pricing
• Good nationwide coverage

Lucky Mobile

• Owned by Bell
• Simple, predictable plans
• Easy to set up

Chatr Mobile

• Owned by Rogers
• Good coverage in major cities

These are your easiest entry points if you have no credit history.

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Best Mid-Tier Options (After You’re Settled)

Fido

• Rogers network
• Frequent promotions

Koodo

• Telus network
• Strong value plans

These are often the best balance of cost and quality once you can pass a credit check.

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Premium Carriers (Most Expensive)

• Rogers
• Bell
• Telus

These offer:

• best coverage
• fastest speeds

But they are usually not worth it when you are starting out.

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Typical Monthly Costs

• Budget prepaid: $25–$40
• Mid-range plans: $40–$60
• Premium plans: $70–$100+

Canada has some of the highest mobile costs among developed countries.

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What You Actually Need at the Start

Keep it simple:

• Canadian phone number
• Basic data (10–20GB is usually enough)
• Reliable coverage

You do not need:

• the best plan
• the fastest speeds
• a long-term contract

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How This Fits Into Your Setup

Your phone plan connects to everything else:

• job applications
• banking verification
• rental applications

If you are just getting started, begin here:

First 10 Things to Do When You Arrive in Canada

Then set up your finances:

Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers to Canada

And start building credit:

How to Build Credit in Canada

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What Newcomers Often Get Wrong

• choosing expensive plans too early
• signing contracts without understanding terms
• waiting too long to get a number

The best approach is simple:

Start cheap. Upgrade later.

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The Mr. Thrifty Take

Your phone plan is not a long-term decision.

It is a short-term tool to get you set up.

Do not overthink it.

Get something that works, then optimise once everything else is stable.

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Bottom Line

• Start with a prepaid plan (no credit needed)
• Expect to pay $30–$60 per month initially
• Switch to a better plan once you have credit history

That is all you need to do.

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Related Reading

• First 10 Things to Do When You Arrive in Canada
• Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers to Canada
• How to Build Credit in Canada
• Cost of Living in Canada