Among the low-cost plans I mentioned (TextNow, Tello Mobile, US Mobile, and Tracfone), here's a breakdown of which ones support cash payments at physical outlets, partners, or stores—specifically focusing on availability in Chicago's North Side (areas like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Uptown, Rogers Park, Edgewater, etc.). These are based on common retail partnerships and store presence.

• Tracfone: Yes, this is the strongest option for cash payments in person.
  Tracfone refill cards (for airtime/minutes/talk/text plans) are sold at many major retailers where you can pay cash. Common spots include Walmart, CVS, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, Target, and some independent phone shops.

  • On the North Side, you'll find plenty: Multiple Walmart locations (e.g., near North/Clybourn or further north), CVS pharmacies everywhere (e.g., on Clark St., Broadway, Sheridan Rd.), 7-Eleven convenience stores scattered around, and even some dedicated Tracfone-authorized spots or cell phone repair shops that carry them.
  • You buy a physical or digital refill card with cash, scratch off the PIN, and add it to your Tracfone account (online via public Wi-Fi/library, by phone, or sometimes in-store assistance). Their basic talk/text plans can fit under $10–$15/month equivalents with bundled minutes. Tracfone has a store locator on their site for exact nearby retailers.

• TextNow: No direct cash payment at outlets for the service itself.
  The core $0 unlimited talk/text plan is free (ad-supported), with no monthly bill to pay. Upgrades or add-ons (like premium data passes) require a credit/debit card or prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift card (which you can buy with cash at stores like CVS, 7-Eleven, Walmart on the North Side). But there's no "refill" card system or in-store cash payment for TextNow plans—it's all app/online-based. If you buy a TextNow SIM (one-time ~$4), that's cash-possible at some retailers, but ongoing service doesn't involve cash refills.

• Tello Mobile: No.
  Fully online-only with no retail partners or in-store payment options. Payments are credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, etc.—no cash accepted directly, and no physical refill cards sold anywhere in Chicago or elsewhere.

• US Mobile: No widespread cash/in-store refill support.
  It's primarily online/digital payments (cards, etc.). No major retail partnerships for cash refills like Tracfone has. Some users mention workarounds like Walmart's CheckFreePay for other carriers, but not standard for US Mobile. No specific North Side outlets for cash payments.

Best cash-friendly pick for your needs (just talk/text, $10 or less equivalent): Go with Tracfone—head to a nearby CVS, 7-Eleven, or Walmart on the North Side, ask for Tracfone refill cards or basic prepaid plans, pay cash, and set it up. Many of their low-usage bundles (e.g., minutes + texts) can stay very cheap monthly. If you're open to it, Tracfone often has promo deals for new activations too.

For the absolute cheapest ($0), stick with TextNow via app (buy a cash-loaded prepaid card for any small upgrades if needed). Check Tracfone's store locator online (tracfone.com/find-a-store) or just walk into a local CVS/7-Eleven—they almost always carry them. If you need help finding a specific address or have a phone already, let me know!