Verizon charges $35 to $55 per month for a new line, depending on your plan and whether you bring your own phone

The cost of adding a line to Verizon depends on which plan you're on and whether you're buying a new phone or using one you already own. If you bring an existing phone, you'll pay the monthly line charge only. If you buy a new phone from Verizon, you'll also pay for the device itself — either upfront or spread across monthly payments.

The monthly line charge varies by plan type. On Verizon's most common plans (like Play More, Do More, or Get More), a new line costs $35 to $55 per month. The exact amount depends on how many lines you already have and which plan tier you choose. Verizon also offers prepaid options where you pay per gigabyte of data used, which can be cheaper if you use very little data.

You can add a line online through your Verizon account, in a Verizon store, or by calling 1-908-559-4899. The process takes about 15 minutes if you already have a phone ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • A new line on Verizon's postpaid plans costs $35 to $55 per month, with the exact price depending on your plan and how many lines you already have.
  • If you bring your own phone, you pay only the monthly line charge; if you buy a new phone from Verizon, you'll pay for the device separately or through monthly installments.
  • You can add a line online, in a store, or by phone without visiting a physical location.
  • Verizon's prepaid plans charge per gigabyte of data rather than a flat monthly fee, which may cost less if the new line uses minimal data.

Monthly line charges on Verizon's main postpaid plans

Verizon's postpaid plans (the ones where you pay a monthly bill) come in three tiers: Play More, Do More, and Get More. Each tier includes different amounts of data and perks, but the line charge itself is the same across all three. A new line on any of these plans costs $35 per month if you already have one line, $45 per month if you already have two lines, and $55 per month if you already have three or more lines.

This pricing structure means the more lines you add, the more each additional line costs. Verizon calls this "per-line pricing." The first line on your account is more expensive than the second, and the second is more expensive than the third. This is the opposite of some competitors' plans, where adding more lines becomes cheaper.

If you're adding a line to an older Verizon plan (like Unlimited or Beyond Unlimited), the cost may differ. Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 or check your bill to see which plan you're on, since older plans are no longer sold but still exist for current customers.

What you'll pay if you buy a phone from Verizon

When you add a line and buy a new phone, Verizon offers two ways to pay for the device: pay the full price upfront, or split the cost into monthly payments over 24 or 36 months. Most people choose monthly payments because the upfront cost is lower.

Phone prices vary widely depending on the model. A basic smartphone might cost $200 to $400 upfront, while a flagship phone like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy can cost $800 to $1,200 upfront. If you split the cost over 24 months, you'd add roughly $8 to $50 per month to your bill, depending on the phone.

Verizon also runs promotions where you get a discount on a new phone if you trade in an old one or if you're switching from another carrier. These deals change monthly, so check Verizon's website or ask in a store what's available right now.

Adding a line if you bring your own phone

If you already own a phone and want to use it on a new line, you pay only the monthly line charge — no device cost. This is the cheapest way to add a line. Your phone must be compatible with Verizon's network and either already unlocked or able to be unlocked by your current carrier.

To check if your phone works with Verizon, visit Verizon's compatibility checker on their website or ask in a store. Bring your phone's model number or IMEI (a unique identifier printed on the phone or in its settings). Verizon can tell you in minutes whether it will work.

Once you've confirmed compatibility, you can add the line online or in a store. If you add it online, Verizon will mail you a SIM card, which you insert into your phone to activate the new line. This usually takes 2 to 3 business days.

Verizon's prepaid plans as an alternative

If you want to avoid a long-term contract or a high monthly bill, Verizon offers prepaid plans under the name Verizon Prepaid. These plans charge you per gigabyte of data used rather than a flat monthly fee. You pay upfront for a certain amount of data, and if you use it all, you can buy more.

Verizon Prepaid plans start at $25 per month for 1 GB of data, $35 for 3 GB, $50 for 8 GB, and $70 for 15 GB. There's no contract, no line charge, and no monthly bill — you just pay for what you use. This can be much cheaper than a postpaid line if the person using the new line doesn't use much data (for example, someone who mostly uses WiFi at home and work).

Prepaid lines use the same Verizon network as postpaid lines, so coverage and speed are identical. The main trade-off is that prepaid plans don't include some perks that postpaid plans do, like international roaming or premium customer service.

How to add a line: the three methods

Online: Log into your Verizon account on their website, select "Add a Line," and follow the prompts. You'll choose a phone number, decide whether to bring your own phone or buy one, and confirm your billing information. The process takes about 10 minutes. If you're buying a phone, you'll see the upfront cost and monthly payment amount before you confirm.

In a Verizon store: Walk into any Verizon store with your ID and the phone you want to use (if you're bringing your own). A representative will add the line for you, activate the SIM card on the spot, and you can start using the new line immediately. This takes 15 to 20 minutes.

By phone: Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and tell them you want to add a line. They'll walk you through the options, calculate your new bill, and activate the line over the phone. If you're bringing your own phone, they'll mail you a SIM card. If you're buying a phone, they'll ship it to you and activate it when it arrives.

What happens to your bill after you add a line

Your monthly bill will increase by the line charge ($35 to $55) plus any device payment if you're buying a phone. Verizon will show you the new total before you confirm the addition, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

If you're on a plan with a monthly discount (for example, if your employer offers a Verizon discount), the discount applies to the new line as well. The same goes for any promotional credits Verizon is running.

Your bill will reflect the new line starting the month after you add it. If you add a line mid-month, Verizon will prorate the charge — meaning you'll pay a partial amount for the rest of that month, then the full amount starting the next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a line without going to a store?

Yes. You can add a line entirely online through your Verizon account or by calling 1-908-559-4899. If you're bringing your own phone, Verizon will mail you a SIM card. If you're buying a phone, they'll ship it to you and activate it when it arrives. You don't need to visit a store unless you want to.

What's the difference between bringing my own phone and buying one from Verizon?

If you bring your own phone, you pay only the monthly line charge. If you buy from Verizon, you pay the line charge plus the cost of the phone, either upfront or spread over 24 to 36 months. Buying from Verizon is more expensive but gives you a new device with a warranty.

Do I need a contract to add a line?

No. Verizon's postpaid plans don't require a contract. You can cancel a line anytime, though you'll still owe any remaining balance on a phone you're paying for in installments. Prepaid lines have no contract and no cancellation fee.

Can I add a line to an old Verizon plan I've had for years?

Yes, but the cost may differ from the current plans. Older plans like Unlimited or Beyond Unlimited have different line charges. Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 to find out what adding a line would cost on your specific plan.

What if I want to add a line but I'm not sure which plan is right?

Verizon's current plans (Play More, Do More, Get More) all include unlimited talk and text. The difference is in data: Play More includes 25 GB of high-speed data per month, Do More includes 50 GB, and Get More includes 75 GB. If you're unsure, start with Play More — you can always upgrade later if you need more data.