Most people aren’t maximizing their benefits.
For example, did you know that you can get hotel deals with AAA? Or that many credit cards come with perks like rental car insurance, travel insurance, and more?
Many people aren’t aware of these benefits—and thus, they often go unused. According to a 2024 Bankrate survey, nearly one in four reward card holders did not redeem any benefits in the past year. Similarly, AAA itself says that only around 40% of its members used membership discounts in the past year.
Now, a woman has the internet talking after claiming that one everyday subscription comes with a host of benefits of which the average customer is likely not aware. That subscription? Your cellphone plan.
Does T-Mobile Come With This Many Benefits?
In a video with over 805,000 views, TikTok user Renee Alyse Bell (@mommyhasntshowered) says she recently discovered that the mobile carrier T-Mobile—allegedly—offers a variety of benefits for its customers.
“Did y’all know T-Mobile gives a $2,500 cruise credit annually?” Bell asks.
Not only that, but Bell says an internet user sent her a message detailing the various benefits T-Mobile customers allegedly received.
“You get 40% off of hotels, 40% off car rentals, 30% off of theme parks,” she says. “You also get five-star status through Hertz Rentals; you get a AAA membership on them. Then, if you have the AAA membership, you can have a Choice Hotels account and you get an even bigger discount.”
Other benefits include $5 movie tickets once a month, 30 cents off every gallon of gas at Shell, and more.
“If you have T-Mobile, please get on, let me know, because I will go open an account tonight,” Bell concludes.
Is This True?
Bell’s video is a mix of truth, misunderstandings, and exaggerations or misstatements.
To start, in all of these cases, one must have a qualifying plan from T-Mobile. After one has signed up for such a plan, they are entitled to certain benefits. Though some of these benefits are not as glamorous as they seem on the surface.
For example, the $0.30 off gasoline at Shell is only valid up to 20 gallons. This amounts to a savings of $6.
Another example is the alleged hotel savings. While some have found deals on the site, users have reported issues. And the 40% discount does not apply to every hotel booking, just bookings of certain hotels made through the site.
A similar logic applies to the aforementioned “cruise credit.” This is not a credit applied to any cruise booking one makes. Instead, it is supposed to be a savings on cruises booked through T-Mobile. In practice, users have reported savings on cruises booked through T-Mobile—but not as dramatic as the “$2,500 cruise credit” title might suggest.
That said, there are numerous, more straightforward benefits. For example, many T-Mobile customers are entitled to free streaming service subscriptions, so long as the terms are met.
Thankfully, these benefits and their limitations are explained fully on T-Mobile’s website. If one is interested in potentially using these benefits, they can explore the site or reach out to a T-Mobile representative to learn more.
A Follow Up
In a later video posted to her TikTok account, Bell admitted that the deal was not as good as it initially seemed.
In this video, Bell goes through the process of what it would actually cost to buy a phone and switch to T-Mobile.
Throughout the process, she notes high prices for several items. For example, a cable for the phone is $29, and a screen protector is $59.
By the end, she says that the cost of moving all of her lines would be substantial.
“One line is $100 a month. If you go up to two lines, it’s $170 a month,” she explains. “To be honest, it’s not really looking like this is gonna be a great deal.”
Commenters Have Thoughts
In the comments section, users shared their thoughts on these benefits.
“I have T-Mobile cell phones and internet. We get free Paramount+, Hulu and Netflix along with our AAA. And, if you have a 7-11 you get free icees,” wrote a user. “Lots of other T-Mobile Tuesday deals.”
“Yes! Thats how I got my AAA to begin with, it’s free the first year and movie tickets are certain movies,” noted another. “You just purchase them for $5 on ATOM but can use them at AMC, I also have free NETFLIX with Tmobile.”
That said, some had gripes about the carrier.
“My service was HORRIBLE like my phone didn’t even ring! The only way I got calls is if someone FaceTimed me,” claimed a user.
@mommyhasntshowered The 2,500 cruise credit alone would make switch my phone service . Who doesn’t want cheaper travel , gas and dining ? Someone from T mobile come forward neooooow #cheaptravel #cruiselife🚢 #tmobileperks #aaamembership #savemoneytips
BroBible reached out to T-Mobile via email and Bell via Instagram and Facebook direct message.