Pay as you go cell phones are a great solution for folks with modest airtime requirements and a limited budget. In these situations, plans that allow you to pay solely for airtime can conserve cash when compared to standard plans with yearly commitments. Why pay a high monthly minimum when you need a cell phone just for emergencies or special occasions? Unfortunately, the pay as you go cell phone market is confusing …

Some pay as you go plans will cost more than a standard plan … even if you aren’t making calls.

The key is to read the fine print.

I was all set to pick up a Verizon Inpulse pay as you go cell phone last week … until I read their fine print. I had a conference to attend and I was caught in-between cell phone plans. A pay as you go phone would have fit the bill.

I initially was taken in by Verizon’s free in-network calling; their offer sounded quite compelling. But I was absolutely stunned when I read the details. In addition to charging per minute, Verizon charges on a per-day basis.

I have no problem with a cell phone provider charging a per-day fee on days when I actually use their phone. The kicker is that Verizon’s Inpulse pay as you go cell phone plan charges a per-day fee whether you use the phone that day or not.

Ouch.

When taken on a monthly basis, Verizon’s 99 cent per day fees are no bargain.

Related: Prepaid Cell Phone Plan Thoughts