What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid mobile plans?

Prepaid: You pay in advance for talk time, data, and SMS by recharging your account. Postpaid: You use the services first and pay at the end of the billing cycle.

Difference Between Airtel Prepaid and Postpaid

In this article, you will explore the key differences between Airtel postpaid and prepaid. We will compare their features and help you understand which is the best fit for you.

Difference between Airtel prepaid and postpaid connections

Airtel offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans to match diverse needs. Prepaid plans are flexible and come with affordable recharges, unlimited calls, and data packs. Postpaid plans offer the ease of monthly billing, family-sharing options, OTT subscriptions, and priority support. Both provide reliable Connectivity and great network coverage across the country.

Airtel makes it simple to recharge your mobile or pay your bills. While there are many online platforms for this, it is best to stick to trusted BBPS platforms. With Bajaj Pay on Bajaj Finserv, you can quickly recharge or pay your postpaid bills. Plus, every transaction is encrypted to keep your details safe.

Benefits of Airtel prepaid connections

Flexibility: Users can recharge as needed without long-term commitments.
Cost control: Easy management of expenses by selecting plans based on usage.
Variety of plans: Multiple options available for data, talk time, and validity.
Promotions: Frequent offers and discounts are offered.

Benefits of Airtel postpaid connection

Convenience: Monthly billing simplifies payment processes.
Additional features: Options for family plans and international calling.
Credit facility: Users can enjoy services without immediate payment.
Consistent connectivity: Reliable Service with fewer disruptions.

Key differences between Airtel prepaid and postpaid plans

Feature	Prepaid plans	Postpaid plans
Payment method	Pay in advance	Monthly billing
Flexibility	High; recharge as needed	Low; fixed monthly charges
Commitment	No long-term contracts	May require a contract
Usage control	Users manage their expenses	Fixed charges regardless of usage

Which is better for you: Airtel prepaid or postpaid

Choosing between Airtel prepaid and postpaid depends on individual preferences. Prepaid might be the better option if you prefer flexibility and control over your spending. Conversely, a postpaid plan could be more suitable if you value convenience with consistent billing and additional features.

Airtel prepaid features

No monthly commitment
Variety of recharge options
Promotions are available regularly

Airtel postpaid features

Monthly billing cycles
Family plan options
Additional Services like international calling

Comparison of Airtel plans for prepaid and postpaid

Airtel offers competitive pricing across both prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid plans range from basic packages to comprehensive data bundles, while postpaid plans often include additional features like family-sharing and international calling at competitive rates. Users can compare specific features such as data limits, call rates, and validity periods to find the best plan for their needs.

Steps to recharge your Airtel number on Bajaj Finserv App or website

Follow these steps to recharge your Airtel number on Bajaj Finserv:

1. Access Bajaj Finserv: Visit the Bajaj Finserv website or open the Bajaj Finserv mobile app (download it if you have not already)

2. Log in: use your account credentials to log in

3. Navigate to mobile recharge: go to the ‘PAYMENTS’ section and select ‘MOBILE RECHARGE’

4. Select Service Provider: choose ‘VI’ as your provider

5. Enter details: input your mobile number and pick a recharge plan

6. Make payment: complete the payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or other available options

7. Confirmation: you will receive a confirmation message from both Bajaj Finserv and Airtel once the payment is successful

Steps to pay your Airtel postpaid bill on Bajaj Finserv App or website

Follow these steps to pay your Airtel postpaid bill on Bajaj Finserv:

1. Access Bajaj Finserv: Visit the Bajaj Finserv website or download and open the Bajaj Finserv App from the Google Play Store or App Store

2. Log in or register: log in with your account credentials or register if you are a new user

3. Navigate to mobile postpaid payments: under the ‘PAYMENTS’ section, click on ‘VIEW ALL’ and select ‘MOBILE POSTPAID’

5. Enter mobile details: input your 10-digit ‘VI’ mobile number and tap on ‘FETCH YOUR BILL’

6. Select payment method: choose a payment option, such as credit card, debit card, UPI, e-Wallet, or net banking

7. Complete the payment: enter the payment details, review the information, and click on ‘PAY NOW’

8. Confirmation: you will receive a confirmation message from both Bajaj Finserv and Airtel once the payment is successful

Fees and charges

Depending on the transaction amount and payment mode, a nominal fee of up to Rs. 5 (inclusive of applicable taxes) will be charged. For more information on fees, click here.

Note: For failed transactions, the total amount, including charges except taxes, is reversed.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Bajaj Finserv App for All Your Financial Needs and Goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online.
Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Frequently asked questions

Prepaid: You pay in advance for talk time, data, and SMS by recharging your account.
Postpaid: You use the services first and pay at the end of the billing cycle.

Yes, you can recharge anytime. Depending on the operator's policy, the new plan will either queue to start after the current plan expires or overwrite it.

You can pay your bill using third-party platforms, such as Bajaj Finserv.

Your outgoing services will be deactivated first, followed by incoming calls and messages. Eventually, the number may be deactivated if no recharge is made within the operator’s grace period.

Yes, most operators allow you to switch between prepaid and postpaid plans. You will need to Visit a store or apply online to change your plan.

Show More Show Less