If you use your phone regularly, a mobile plan is usually cheaper than prepaid. Prepaid rates stay high for frequent use. Scarlet plans like Red, Berry, Cherry or Hot are clear, comfy and you never need to top up.
Prepaid or mobile plan?
Discover the key differences and choose what suits you best
Not sure whether to go prepaid or get a mobile plan?
We’ve got you
Torn between a prepaid card and a mobile plan? Understandable. Per-minute rates, top-ups, data, roaming, invoices… it gets confusing fast.
This guide helps you understand the key differences, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the right option based on your usage and your budget. Because in the end, it all depends on how you use your phone.
Spoiler: Scarlet no longer offers prepaid cards. Why? Because a simple, no-surprise mobile plan makes all the difference. Needs changed? You can switch your plan anytime – just a click away via the app or MyScarlet.
What’s the difference between prepaid and a mobile plan?
What is a prepaid card?
A prepaid card (or top-up card) works with preloaded credit:
- You load a specific amount for calls, texts and data.
- You use the credit until it runs out.
- You need to top up regularly to stay reachable.
There’s no monthly bill, but per-minute or per-MB rates are often higher. And yes, your credit can run out right when you need your phone the most.
What is a mobile plan?
A mobile plan is simple and hassle-free:
- You pay a fixed monthly fee.
- You get a set amount of calls, texts and data.
- Within the EU Zone, your plan works just like at home in Belgium.
- No strings attached: cancel anytime, no penalties.
With Scarlet, you call, text, and surf on the Proximus network in Belgium. Transparent pricing, no surprises and all at a fair price.
Pros and cons of a prepaid card
Pros of prepaid
A prepaid card can be handy if you rarely use your phone:
No monthly bill: pay only when you top up.
No contract: ideal if you use your phone occasionally or have a second number.
Full budget control: you can’t spend more than you top up.
If your phone use is minimal, prepaid might work for you.
Cons of prepaid
If you use your phone more regularly, prepaid gets limited fast:
Often higher rates per minute or per MB.
You have to top up yourself, again and again.
If you use your smartphone daily (data, apps, GPS, music, social media…), a simple mobile plan is quickly more convenient. And cheaper.
Pros and cons of a mobile plan
Pros of a mobile plan
Use your phone every day? Then a mobile plan is a smart move. Why?
Fixed monthly fee: you always know what you pay.
More data than most prepaid cards.
No stress: no top-ups when you least expect it.
Top network: enjoy Proximus quality with Scarlet prices.
Cons of a mobile plan
A mobile plan isn’t for everyone:
You pay monthly, even if you barely use your phone.
Not ideal if your phone stays off most of the time.
But for most Belgians who use their phone daily, a mobile plan is more comfortable and often cheaper. Especially with Scarlet: simple, transparent and no fuss.
Does Scarlet offer prepaid cards?
No. Since 2019, Scarlet no longer offers prepaid cards or top-ups.
Why? Because we focus on simple, budget-friendly mobile plans: Red, Berry, Cherry and Hot.
We like to keep things clear: fixed monthly price, transparent offer, Proximus network in Belgium and roaming in the EU Zone.
So: prepaid or mobile plan? At Scarlet, the choice is easy. Only affordable mobile plans, ideal if you're smart with your money.
Which mobile plans does Scarlet offer?
Scarlet mobile plans are designed for different types of smartphone users. Always simple, affordable and no blabla.
For the light user
Use your phone mostly to stay reachable, call occasionally and use little data?
Solution: A prepaid card could work.
Scarlet alternative: Red, mobile subscription with 5 GB for €8/month
- 5 GB mobile data
- 300 minutes
- Unlimited texts
Perfect if you want a low, fixed monthly price and no top-up stress.
Regular use, low budget
You make calls regularly and use your smartphone for WhatsApp or emails on the go, but hate surprises on your bill?
What you need: a reliable plan with a fixed price.
Scarlet solution: Berry, mobile subscription with 10 GB for €10/month
- 10 GB mobile data
- 300 minutes
- Unlimited texts
Perfect if 5 GB isn’t quite enough, but you’re still keeping it budget-friendly.
Always mobile, still affordable
You call often, use WhatsApp, Waze, Spotify, YouTube… Your phone is always with you.
What you need: lots of data, no drama.
Scarlet solution: Cherry, the mobile subscription 20 GB for €13/month
- 20 GB data
- 600 minutes
- Unlimited texts
You call. You text. You surf. And that should stay affordable.
Always online, never out of data
You call a lot, scroll, post, stream and live online.
What you need: plenty of data, unlimited calls and peace of mind.
Scarlet solution: Hot, the mobile subscription with 50 GB for €18/month
- 50 GB data
- Unlimited calls
- Unlimited texts
For those who always need to stay connected, with more than enough data to match.
Why choose a mobile plan with Scarlet?
Strong mobile network
Enjoy the same reliable quality as Proximus, with 99.9% 4G coverage in Belgium.
No-strings-attached plan
Cancel or switch plans anytime. No exit fees.
Worry-free roaming in the EU Zone
Use your plan in the EU Zone just like at home: calls, texts and data included.
Everything at your fingertips
Track your usage and pay bills easily via the MyScarlet app or website.
Switching to Scarlet? Easy peasy!
Want to move from a prepaid card or another provider to Scarlet? Done in no time:
- Choose the Scarlet plan that suits you: Red, Berry, Cherry or Hot.
- Keep your number or pick a new one.
- Scarlet handles the cancellation with your previous provider.
- You'll get your Scarlet SIM card at home within 3 business days.
- Insert it. Activate. Go.
FAQs about prepaid and mobile plans
Yes! With Scarlet, you can track everything in real time via the app or MyScarlet online. You’ll stay in control of your data and minutes, without surprises or manual top-ups.
Absolutely! Scarlet mobile plans include roaming in the EU Zone. Call, text, and surf abroad just like at home.
Prepaid stops working when your credit runs out, which sounds safe, but it also means no service when you need it most. With Scarlet, you get clarity, control and quality, without top-up stress.
Of course! Just select the option during your order:
- Choose your Scarlet plan.
- Fill in your current number and provider.
- Scarlet takes care of the rest, no interruptions.
Result: same number, better rate, zero hassle.
Just follow these steps:
- Visit the Scarlet website, go to Mobile.
- Compare Red, Berry, Cherry and Hot.
- Choose to keep or change your number.
- Confirm your order: SIM arrives in 3 working days.
- Insert your SIM, activate… and done!
Scarlet keeps things simple and budget-friendly:
- Affordable monthly plans (Red, Berry, Cherry and Hot)
- Unlimited texting in every plan
- Roaming in EU Zone included: use your plan just like in Belgium
- Separate international rates apply for calls outside the EU Zone
Sarah - Digital web & mobile specialist at Scarlet
Curious about everything digital that makes life simpler. At Scarlet, I run Web & Mobile projects with one rule: keep it simple and useful. Always on the move! Yoga, travel and music keep me going. I love finding smart hacks to simplify life, for me and our customers.