What credit score do you need to get a cell phone plan?
Here's what they may check:
There's no minimum credit score to get a phone contract. Every network operator scores you differently—so even if one network won't give you a contract, you might have more luck elsewhere. Having bad credit doesn't stop you from getting a phone contract, but it might make it harder.
There's no minimum credit score to get a mobile phone contract. But your contract provider will look at your credit report to make a decision on whether they will accept you as a customer.
AT&T may require a deposit for credit scores below 600. Options for getting a phone line with bad credit include prepaid plans, buy now pay later plans, joining a family plan, or using a cosigner. Prepaid plans offer advantages such as no deposit, lower monthly bills, flexibility, and affordability.
It's important to note that while Verizon Wireless does not specify a minimum credit score requirement, having a higher credit score may increase your chances of being approved for certain plans and device financing options.
The easiest phone companies to be approved for are those not requiring credit checks, as you'll automatically qualify – as long as you can afford the deal. These are mostly the lower-cost networks that offer SIM-only deals like giffgaff, SMARTY, Asda Mobile, Lycamobile and Lebara.
- giffgaff. You won't need to pass a credit score check to sign up to one of giffgaff's SIM only deals, as they essentially work like a pay-as-you-go deal. ...
- VOXI. VOXI has a range of affordable SIM only deals that you can sign up to on rolling 30-day contracts. ...
- Smarty. ...
- Lebara Mobile.
There's no standard minimum credit score needed for a cell phone contract. The guidelines for a good or bad credit score rating are typically: 600 and above is good; 700 and above is great. A number of factors can impact your credit score, either negatively or positively, and your score is always subject to change.
What types of contracts can I get if I have bad credit? If you have bad credit, you are more likely to be accepted for short-term, usually one-month Sim-only contracts or pay-as-you-go deals than you are for pay monthly deals, especially those that include a handset.
- your ID number.
- proof of address.
- a three-month bank statement or recent paycheck(s), to prove you can afford the deal.
- your bank details (to set up a debit order).
- Plus, additional provider-specific requirements.
Does AT&T check credit score?
If you are unable to process your request online, you may be able to go in store to complete set up of new service. Keep in mind the requirements as well for a Credit Evaluation: AT&T requires a credit check when ordering new products (Wireless lines, U-verse TV, Internet and Phone).
Yes, a credit check will be required in order to get wireless service with AT&T. This is required of all of our postpaid customers. If this is a concern, you can start an AT&T PREPAID account. These accounts do not require a credit check.
Verizon Wireless does not specify a particular credit score threshold for approval. However, your credit score plays a significant role when Verizon evaluates: Whether to approve you for postpaid service or device financing. The amount of any potential security deposit.
Based on the information gleaned from the credit report, Verizon will make a decision regarding the applicant's eligibility for the desired service plan.
With AT&T Prepaid wireless service for your phone you get: no annual contract, no credit check, easy activation, great plan and phone choices to fit your needs—all on the nation's most reliable network. (AT&T awarded Most Reliable Network by GWS OneScore 2022.
We run a credit check to verify your identify and determine eligibility for service financing.
Prepaid cell phone plans don't require a credit check. That's because you pay in advance for your service, usually on a monthly basis, so there's no risk for the cell phone provider. The three major carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T — offer prepaid plans, often for less than their traditional plans.
Prepaid cards come in various prices and offer unlimited talk, text, and data. If you have a low credit score, you may prefer the convenience of a prepaid plan. You don't need to undergo a credit check to get a new phone. While the cost of a new phone with prepaid plans may be cheaper, they may offer fewer features.
Lifeline can help pay for your landline, cell (wireless) phone, or internet service. You may be eligible for Lifeline based on your income and household size or if you receive benefits from a federal assistance program. See how to qualify for Lifeline.
Your cellphone carrier will likely perform a credit check to determine your eligibility for financing and the terms of the plan. This credit check can cause a temporary hit to your score, though hard inquiries only make up a small part of your score calculation and fall off completely after 24 months.
What is considered a bad credit score?
What is a bad FICO credit score? A bad FICO credit score may fall in the fair or poor FICO range. FICO considers a credit score to be fair if it's between 580 and 669, and poor if it's below 580. According to FICO, borrowers with a FICO score in a lower range tend to be viewed as a credit risk.
In the U.S., only about 1.7 percent of the scorable population had a perfect 850 FICO credit score in April 2023, according to FICO data. This suggests that for most people, a perfect score is simply too hard to reach — but it also suggests that it's not really necessary, either.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850.
If you're considering getting a new phone, check your credit first. If you plan to apply for financing, the retailer may check your credit. This kind of check is a soft inquiry which won't affect your credit score. Make your payments on time.
One popular option is opting for prepaid service plans. Prepaid service allows you to pay in advance for your cell phone usage, eliminating the need for a credit check. Many carriers offer prepaid plans that include free iPhones as part of their promotions.
References
- https://forums.att.com/conversations/apple/bad-credit-down-payment/5df0118fbad5f2f6064bcfc9
- https://www.stilt.com/credit-scores/how-to-get-approved-for-a-cell-phone-with-bad-credit/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/credit/trying-get-perfect-credit-score-worth-it/
- https://stellarfi.com/answer/what-credit-score-do-you-need-for-t-mobile
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-often-credit-score-update/
- https://www.creditrepair.com/blog/mortgage-and-housing-information/buy-home-california/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/articles/raise-credit-score-30-days/
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/paying-bills-can-affect-credit-score/
- https://victra.com/blog/does-verizon-do-credit-checks/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/get-cell-phone-plan-no-credit-check
- https://www.loqbox.com/en-gb/blog/can-a-phone-contract-improve-my-credit-score
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-get-approved-by-Verizon-if-you-have-a-bad-credit-rating
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/score-basics/what-is-a-good-credit-score/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-buy-a-house
- https://www.mintmobile.com/blog/average-phone-bill-per-month/
- https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/how-to-get-a-mobile-phone-deal-with-poor-credit-history/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/th%D0%B5-pros-cons-buying-mobil%D0%B5-phon%D0%B5s-onlin%D0%B5-vs-in-stor%D0%B5-mahak-garg
- https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/improving-credit
- https://moneygenius.ca/blog/finance-or-buy-cell-phone
- https://www.usa.gov/help-with-phone-internet-bills
- https://mymortgageinsider.com/new-fha-policy-for-low-credit-home-buyers-7494/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/what-is-a-fico-score/
- https://www.credit.com/blog/how-maxing-out-a-credit-card-can-hurt-your-credit-even-if-you-pay-it-off-127881/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/credit-score-drop/
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/trim-down-your-cell-phone-bill
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cs/how-to-raise-credit-score-70-points-1000518-2140810279/
- https://cred.club/check-your-credit-score/articles/how-fast-does-a-credit-score-go-up-after-paying-off-debt
- https://www.paveapp.com/blog/what-credit-score-do-you-need-for-a-phone-contract
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/when-is-the-best-time-to-pay-my-credit-card-bill/
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/build-credit/cell-phone-financing
- https://moving2canada.com/living/utilities/cell-phone-plan-in-canada/
- https://russellcellular.com/buy-phone-online-vs-in-store/
- https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/cell-phone-plans/tmobile
- https://support.creditkarma.com/s/article/Why-hasn-t-my-score-changed-US
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/does-paying-bills-build-credit/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit/i/credit-score-drop
- https://www.investopedia.com/best-cell-phone-providers-5093726
- https://www.verizon.com/shop/consumer-guides/tips-for-saving-money-on-your-phone-bills/
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/does-financing-a-phone-build-credit/
- https://www.quora.com/How-much-is-your-monthly-iPhone-bill
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/news/about/creditscope/cell-phone-bill-on-credit-report-creditscope/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/650-credit-score-good-or-bad
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-to-do-when-credit-score-drops/
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/can-i-get-a-cell-phone-with-bad-credit/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/what-is-a-good-credit-score/
- https://www.capitalone.com/creditwise/cell-phone-shopping/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/credit/can-cell-phone-bill-build-credit-score/
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/why-is-my-credit-score-so-low-if-i-have-no-debt/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-cheap-cell-phone-plans
- https://www.komando.com/devices/phone-buying-mistake/862252/
- https://www.t-mobile.com/business/credit-check/consumer-credit-check-form
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/credit-card-deadbeat/
- https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-best-price-on-a-cell-phone
- https://www.transunion.com/article/why-getting-a-cell-phone-may-depend-on-your-credit
- https://www.slashgear.com/1543619/ways-to-save-money-on-att-bill/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/credit/when-does-old-debt-fall-off-credit-report/
- https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/cell-phone-plans/att-vs-verizon
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/should-i-pay-off-my-credit-card-in-full
- https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/smartphone-equality-program
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/credit-score-fall-after-paying-loan/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/raise-credit-scores-fast/
- https://www.self.inc/blog/how-much-is-phone-bill-for-one-person
- https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/long-collections-credit-report
- https://www.newamericanfunding.com/loan-types/fha-loan/state/arizona/
- https://www.credit.com/blog/what-is-609/
- https://www.reviews.org/mobile/verizon-vs-att-cell-phone-plans/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/can-paying-off-collections-raise-your-credit-score/
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-improve-your-credit-score-4590097
- https://www.billshark.com/blogs/u-s-mobile-plans-expensive
- https://www.cusocal.org/does-paying-off-car-loan-early-hurt-your-credit-score
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/will-paying-off-my-credit-card-balance-every-month-improve-my-score-en-1293/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-a-bad-credit-score/
- https://www.cabletv.com/att/wireless
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/easy-tips-to-help-raise-your-credit-score/
- https://forums.att.com/conversations/apple/credit/6328a6a8eb3c8e382dcf6be2
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/average-cell-phone-bill-per-month/
- https://www.fastcompany.com/91058859/heres-how-to-save-money-by-negotiating-monthly-fees-with-your-service-providers
- https://mobilestore.co.za/blog/view/all-you-need-to-know-about-phone-contracts
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-boost-your-credit-score-fast/
- https://www.myknowledgebroker.com/blog/personal-insurance/how-to-raise-your-credit-score-by-100-points-in-45-days/
- https://www.rogers.com/support/mobility/everything-you-need-to-know-about-financing-your-device
- https://www.androidauthority.com/unlocked-phones-vs-carrier-phones-1023517/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/average-credit-score
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/why-credit-scores-may-drop-after-paying-off-debt/
- https://www.creditstrong.com/how-to-raise-credit-score-by-200-points/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/zero-credit-card-balance-pay/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-I-purchase-a-new-phone-on-Monday-according-to-astrology
- https://www.lightreading.com/5g/t-mobile-s-premium-pricing-passes-at-t-verizon
- https://www.lloydsbank.com/understanding-credit/why-has-my-credit-score-gone-down.html
- https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/when-different-generations-think-kids-should-start-paying-their-own-bills
- https://www.yournavi.com/posts/free-phone-when-you-switch
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-access-free-iphone-credit-check-get-government-grants-and-help-ium5c
- https://www.att.com/prepaid/
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/get-a-mortgage-with-bad-credit/
- https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-pros-cons-prepaid-vs-postpaid-cellular
- https://www.quora.com/If-I-started-paying-for-a-phone-24-every-month-for-24-months-what-happens-after-I-finish-my-payments-Do-I-keep-the-phone-with-me-or-not
- https://poe.com/p/What-is-the-required-credit-score-for-Verizon-Wireless-services
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/15-3-credit-card-payment/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/credit-score-drop-pay-debt
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/paying-credit-card-early/
- https://www.creditninja.com/blog/how-to-get-a-cell-phone-with-bad-credit-and-no-deposit/
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/15-3-credit-card-hack/
- https://www.lendingstream.co.uk/blog/minimum-credit-score-for-mobile-phone-contract/
- https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/phone-contracts-poor-credit/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/should-i-pay-off-my-credit-card-debt-immediately-or-over-time/
- https://www.yournavi.com/posts/average-phone-bill-one-person
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/why-did-my-credit-score-drop
- https://singledebt.in/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-credit-score-from-500-to-700
- https://www.cheddar.com/media/how-often-should-you-upgrade-your-phone/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit-cards/articles/-/learn/should-i-pay-off-my-credit-card-in-full-each-month/
- https://forums.att.com/conversations/account-features/how-to-lower-my-bill/6577bf4674e6ff44331a1853
- https://borrowell.com/blog/i-have-a-zero-credit-score-now-what
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-verizon-plans/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit-cards/articles/-/learn/how-many-credit-cards-should-i-have/
- https://www.investopedia.com/800-plus-credit-score-how-to-make-the-most-of-it-4685008
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/score-basics/what-affects-your-credit-scores/
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/report/articles/-/learn/how-long-does-information-stay-on-credit-report/
- https://www.creditstrong.com/raise-your-credit-score-100-points/
- https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/cell-phone-plans/verizon
- https://www.moneysupermarket.com/mobile-phones/bad-credit-phones/