What is the best deal for Pre-Paid?

You do know that this question has been asked oh, I'd say a jillion times Seriously, you need to do some research. It's going to depend on a bunch of things. Do you want cheap minutes right away? Do you want something that's going to last a long time before you have to refill with new minutes? Do you want data or just voice minutes?

Many people swear by Page Plus (a CDMA provider who uses Verizon's network.) Other people swear by T-Mobile (a GSM network) especially if you opt to immediately deposit $100 in the account you get a per minute rate of 10¢/minute and discount PINs/refill cards can be found on line or on eBay to make it even less than $100. With that $100 you're good for a year and each renewal will only cost $10 (though your rate per minute gets diluted by buying the minimum to renew.) Other people like AT&T (GSM) or one of the "virtual" networks that uses it. Oh and BTW, for T-Mobile you can buy other lesser amounts ($10. $25 or $50) but they don't give as good a per minute rate and have 90 day expiration until you've deposited $100 after which it's a 365 day expiration.

Oh, and a credit card is not required though you can probably buy minute refills with a credit card.