When you find a cheaper cell phone plan and are ready to make the switch, you’ll want to avoid a costly mistake that many people learned about the hard way.

Before you sign up with a new carrier, see when your billing cycle ends with your current provider.

Read more: The #1 wireless network in America is…

Read this before you switch cell phone carriers

You need to do this because the major cell phone companies generally won’t prorate your final bill, even if you’re not breaking a contract and are currently paying month-to-month.

Here’s an example

Let's say that the billing cycle with your current carrier resets on the 1^st of the month and you activate service with a new provider on the 5^th.

Think the company you're leaving will refund you for unused days? Think again. 

The cell phone provider that you’re firing will likely charge you through the end of your billing cycle, and you’ll have to pay prorated charges with your new company as well.

Here are the policies for the Big 4 cell phone companies:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile

"It's completely Clarkrageous for companies to pick your pocket that way," Clark said on the radio show.

Clark’s solution

Clark recommends that you sign up for your new cell phone service and port your number four days before the end of your billing cycle with the carrier you're dropping.

It usually only takes a few minutes to transfer a number, but give yourself a few days cushion.

Although switching cell phone carriers takes some planning, it’s well worth the effort because the deals on cell phone service continue to get cheaper and the coverage is getting better.

“If you have not shopped your cell phone plan in the last 18 months or more, that’s Clarkrageous. You’re wasting money,” Clark said.

Click here for the best cell phone plans and deals right now!

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