When considering the value of a Tracfone one-year card, the first question is “Why are you interested in buying a one-year card in the first place?” For most people looking at a one-year card, the reason is that they want to set up the phone with service for one year, and not have to worry about it for another 12 months.

This “hands-off” concept was more important in the past, when normal airtime cards added only 60 days of service, and the maximum service date extension was 120 days. Under those terms, the one-year card was the most hassle-free way to maintain your service for a year. However, recently Tracfone has changed their policy, so that standard “minute” cards add 90 days of service, and the 120 day limit has been eliminated. This means that you can buy and add 4 60-minute cards all at once, and your service will be extended by 360 days (4 x 90 = 360).

The other important development is that these 60-minute cards are frequently offered in a package that includes 2 of the 60-minute cards for $19.99, IF you know where to look for them. Tracfone will allow you to order 2 of these packages, for a total of 4 60-minute cards. At a cost of $19.99 each, plus $5 shipping per order, plus tax (varies depending on your state), 4 60-minute cards will cost you between $45 and $50. This price will get you 360 days of service, plus a minimum of 240 minutes. Compare that to the retail price of $100 + tax for a one-year card, and you’re saving $50 or more on your year of service.

You also might notice that in the last paragraph I said “a minimum of 240 minutes.” You can increase this amount by using a bonus code with each 60-minute card. I am currently aware of 3 codes for 60 bonus minutes each, and another code for 30 minutes. You can use each code once per phone, and one code per card, so the bonus minutes will add up to 210 (60 + 60 + 60 + 30 = 210). Add this to the 240 minutes from the stated number of minutes on the card, and you’ll get 450 total minutes and 360 days of service.

Now, there is a bit of a trick to finding the package that includes the two 60-minute cards for $19.99. It’s offered on Tracfone’s website, but only in certain zip codes. Also, I should point out that this package comes with a free phone. BUT, and this is VERY IMPORTANT, you DO NOT need to use the airtime cards on the phone that they come with.

Further, I’m going to share with you a website that will reward you with $10 plus a 5% rebate on your purchase through Tracfone.com (this site also offers savings on hundreds of other online retailers).

You can click here for step-by-step instructions on how to find the package deal, and how to get cash back in the process.

You will also want to remember the codes you will need to use in order to get the bonus minutes I describe above. Here are the current codes (as of Feb. 22, 2008):

• 53322, 58287, 50722 each for 60 bonus minutes with a 60-minute or larger card.
• 54626 for 30 bonus minutes with a 60-minute or larger card.

As I mentioned earlier, each of these codes can be used only once per phone. If any of these do not work, there are other codes available for 20 minutes each. For more on the codes, please check out HERE.

Thank you for giving me the chance to share my knowledge with you. I sincerely hope that I’ve helped to make an informed decision and, if at all possible, save money on your Tracfone service. If you liked this info, and haven’t yet read my Unofficial Tracfone User’s Guide, you can purchase a copy for $3.00.