Our family switched to Wal-Mart’s Straight Talk 2 years so we could make our budget. I currently have 10 friends and family members that are using Straight Talks unlimited text, talk and Data plans. I’ve had to find answers to common and uncommon questions about Straight Talk phones and service. These are questions and answers I have received from Straight Talk customer service.
I have written other articles about Straight Talk including a review, setting up an unlocked smart phone and where to find the cheapest top up refill cards. Here are the links if you are interested in getting started with Straight Talk service.
Wal-Mart’s Straight Talk: Cheapest Unlimited Cell Phone Plans Review
Wal-Mart’s Straight Talk: Setting Up on Iphone 5 and Unlocked Phones Review
Wal-Mart’s Straight Talk: Cheapest Unlimited Refill Top Up Phone Cards Review
Cheapest No Contract Family Cellular Phone Plans Review
Do Straight Talk Top Up Refill Cards Expire
Straight Talk refill cards say they expire 1 year after purchase on the back of the card. This applies if you do not activate the pin on Straight Talk.com. I was concerned after reading complaints of minutes expiring. Considering I have 3 years of cards in reserve on two phones, I wanted to address this concern. I spoke with two Straight Talk representatives who assured me that cards in my reserve will not expire.
Is There a Limit to How Many Straight Talk Refill Cards are in My Reserve?
I’ve purchased several top up cards from Wal-Mart and EBay and currently have 12 three month Straight Talk refill cards in my reserve. I’ve read that Straight Talk could remove cards if they feel something is wrong, so they didn’t recommend having more than one card in reserve. I don’t feel Straight Talk is going anywhere soon and unless there is fraud won’t mess with my reserve.
Can I Transfer Cards in My Reserve to Another Phone?
I have more cards in reserve than expected due to transferring some over. I have transferred several cards, once when my daughter wasn’t using her phone enough to justify unlimited cards, also when we switched from the Straight Talk Samsung phone to an unlocked Iphone5 with a SIM card and last when a phone died completely and we stopped using it. I don’t like having to transfer cards personally because it is a bit of a hassle and being that most of my cards are purchased online I don’t have a pin #. Straight Talk will usually ask about the pin and I tell them that it was purchased digitally so I don’t have it. I only had trouble one time, but called back the next day and it was handled.
Does Straight Talk Really Have Unlimited Text, Talk and Web (Data)?
Straight Talk implements speed throttling past the first 2.5GB of data each month and is recommended for general users. There are restrictions, but average users shouldn’t have any problems and I have never had any problems
How Fast is the Straight Talk Network and What Kind of Coverage is There?
Internet speeds can vary according to area, phone, carrier and usage. Phones using AT&T SIM cards are on the 4G LTE network. My phone has a T-Mobile SIM who offers 4G, but only has 3G in my area. If you are over the 2.5GB usage your data will be slower for the rest of the month.
Straight Talk refers to itself as one of the largest tracfone and CDMA phone companies available with the most coverage. Like the internet you can get service almost anywhere, but based on the phone and carrier used can affect service quality greatly. When shopping at Wal-Mart ask what phones have better service in your area or do some research.
Problems Contacting Straight Talk Customer Service?
I’ve called customer service on several occasions now. From transferring refill cards, to warranty issues, service issues and technical issues with my APN programming, Straight Talk has always been courteous, helpful and have resolved our issues in a timely manner. In the last few years Straight Talk has strived to offer English operators who understand what you need and my wait times have never been long. Straight Talk call centers are open long hours daily, so operators are usually available to handle problems. If you don’t want to wait Straight Talk offers a call back when an operator comes available.
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