Lucky Mobile, Chatr, or Public Mobile: Which Prepaid Plan is Best for You?

If you’re shopping for a prepaid mobile plan in Canada, three names are going to keep popping up: Lucky Mobile, Chatr, and Public Mobile. Each of these carriers is backed by a major network, each claims to offer budget-friendly service, and each has loyal users who swear they’ve found the best deal. But when you're trying to pick one, how do you know which is actually the right fit for you?

Let’s break it down—without the jargon, without the fine print, and definitely without getting too techy.

Why Prepaid Still Makes Sense in 2025

Before we dive into the plans themselves, let’s get one thing clear: prepaid mobile phone plans are no longer just for backup phones or temporary users. They’re a smart, flexible, and increasingly popular choice for Canadians who want full control over their monthly expenses.

There’s no credit check. No contract. No surprise overages. You pay for what you need, and that’s it.

And here’s something many people miss—when you use a cashback platform like Telco Rewards, even prepaid plans become an opportunity to earn. So your mobile top-up isn’t just an expense anymore. It’s part of a reward cycle that actually gives something back.

The Case for Lucky Mobile

If reliability and simplicity top your list, Lucky Mobile might be your best friend. Powered by the Bell network, Lucky Mobile offers steady nationwide coverage—even in rural areas.

The plans are simple: unlimited Canada-wide talk and text, and data at 3G speeds. Their $35 plan, for example, gives you 5GB of data, which is perfect for everyday needs like maps, email, and a bit of streaming. If you're not the kind of person who constantly checks data usage or obsesses over phone settings, Lucky keeps it all clean and predictable.

You can even add international calling add-ons without dealing with any long-distance confusion. And when you top up your Lucky Mobile plan through Telco Rewards, you earn cashback on every recharge—something most people overlook but absolutely should take advantage of.

Chatr Mobile: Built for the City

Next up, Chatr. This one’s under the Rogers umbrella, and it’s built for people who spend most of their time in major cities. Why? Because Chatr uses something called zone-based pricing. If you’re in a designated “Chatr Zone” like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary, you can get more for your money.

For example, with $40/month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and a decent chunk of data—as long as you’re in one of those zones. It’s a great value if your daily life happens in urban areas and you’re not venturing too far into remote regions.

The catch? If you travel outside of those zones frequently, things can get a little less efficient. But if you're a city commuter, student, or someone who rarely leaves your home base, Chatr makes a strong case for itself.

And just like the others, Chatr top-ups through Telco Rewards help you earn cashback, turning your routine mobile recharge into something that pays off—literally.

Public Mobile: Rewards That Actually Mean Something

Finally, there’s Public Mobile, part of the Telus family. What makes Public different isn’t just the coverage (which is excellent, by the way, thanks to Telus’ national network), but their approach to loyalty.

With Public, you don’t just get a set price—you get the opportunity to reduce your monthly cost over time. Stick around long enough, and you’ll start seeing $1/month loyalty discounts. Refer a friend? That’s another $1 off. Contribute to the Public Mobile community forums? Yup, there’s a reward for that too.

That means the $29 plan you start with could become a $26 or even $22 plan over time. Combine that with Public Mobile top up cashback from Telco Rewards, and you’re looking at serious long-term value for staying loyal.

It’s a rare model in a world where most companies forget your name after sign-up.

So… Which One’s Best?

Well, that depends on what you care about most.

If you want straightforward national coverage and minimal fuss, go with Lucky Mobile. It’s easy, affordable, and reliable—especially for folks who just want to stay connected without overthinking it.

If you live in a city and want the best value inside urban zones, Chatr might be your perfect match. It gives you great features for less—as long as you stay within their network zones.

If you love a good rewards system and are planning to stick with one carrier long-term, Public Mobile is a great pick. The more engaged you are, the less you pay. Plus, you’re on one of the strongest networks in the country.

And remember, whichever one you choose, you can top up your prepaid plan through Telco Rewards and earn cashback. It’s the kind of bonus that takes 30 seconds to set up but continues rewarding you month after month.

Final Thoughts

In a world of complicated contracts and expensive postpaid surprises, prepaid plans offer a breath of fresh air. And among the many options available, Lucky Mobile, Chatr, and Public Mobile consistently stand out for their value, reliability, and flexibility.

There’s no single winner—they each serve a different kind of user. The smart move is figuring out which type of user you are. Do you travel often? Stay close to home? Prefer simplicity or enjoy being part of a loyalty program?

Once you know the answer, your decision becomes a lot easier. And once you’re set up, don’t forget to top up through TelcoRewards and start getting rewarded for something you were already going to do anyway.

After all, saving money shouldn’t be complicated. With the right prepaid plan and a cashback partner, it isn’t.