I don't know about US, but I use a KPN (biggest carrier in the Netherlands) prepaid SIM. Their credit don't expire, as long as I make a call/SMS every six mont

I don't know about US, but I use a KPN (biggest carrier in the Netherlands) prepaid SIM. Their credit don't expire, as long as I make a call/SMS every six months. If I lose the SIM, I can order one for €5 us shipping if I keep my PUK code. When KPN starts eSIM, that would solve that issue as well. Many countries have prepaid services with longer credit validity. Choose a bigger carrier because they have better roaming arrangements. Incoming SMS are free (boo SMS 2FA), and I spend ~€1 a year to keep the number alive.