Can I get an AT&T phone with no credit?
Buying a mobile phone usually requires a credit check, hence it may be rather difficult if one has poor credit or none at all. Still, there are various methods to get an AT&T phone without having a credit check run. These are a few avenues for investigation.
Prepaid Plans
The most basic method of obtaining an AT&T Internet phone without credit is to purchase a prepaid plan. AT&T has a section that provides phone services that are not tied to any credit checks. You only pay for the phone and service subscription at the initial stage without any hidden charges. AT&T’s prepaid brands are AT&T PREPAID and Cricket Wireless.
Using your suitable device or purchasing a phone via the AT&T PREPAID scheme is made possible by AT&T. For five GB of data, pricing starts at thirty bucks a month. Cricket Wireless, another mobile service provider with reasonably priced prepaid plans and a selection of phones, should also be taken under thought. Prepaid has the drawback in that, should you want the newest models, it may become a bit expensive and you typically have to pay the whole amount for the phones at the beginning.
AT&T Next Installment Plans
AT&T Next is an installment plan through which you can pay for a new phone in installments. Like most other AT&T plans, AT&T Next still offers a soft credit check and you can even be approved even if you have little or no credit history if you are willing to make a huge down payment. AT&T Next is an installment plan where you make monthly payments towards the retail price of the device over 12, 24, or 30 months as opposed to purchasing the device directly.
The remaining amount equals the cost of the phone; thus, after paying for all the devices, you own the phone. AT&T Next is normally cheaper than prepaid when one wants to purchase high-end phones. All you need to remember regarding this is that not making the payments might affect your credit score.
AT&T Certified Pre-Owned Devices
Another way to bypass credit checks when subscribing to AT&T cell phone service is by buying a used phone. As for the main type of its offer, AT&T offers certified pre-owned/ reconditioned smartphones at considerably lower prices via both the Internet and brick-and-mortar stores. You may not be able to get hold of a particular model, but you should be able to get a premium phone for a few hundred dollars less than a new model.
Used devices bought from AT&T are tested and brought back to as new as possible with a 12-month limited warranty attached. It is cheaper depending on the model but most of the phones are very much cheaper than new phones in the market. Also, getting a second-hand device enables you to enroll the gadget in a basic postpaid contract where you do not need to pass through any credit checks.
Authorized Retailers
Besides the AT&T corporate stores, there are hundreds of authorized dealers that deal in AT&T phones and internet service plans across the country. Some of these are carriers, dealers, and non-traditional stores such as Walmart and Best Buy. A few stores selling unlocked AT&T phones will help activate a cell phone on a prepaid plan without a credit check. However, the policies may differ from one retailer to another.
But if you have no credit or bad credit, the only way to apply is through an AT&T retailer that offers plans for non-qualified applicants. They target customers who are not in the good credit bracket thus making the industry very competitive. There is nothing wrong with it but it is recommended that the credit check policy should be discussed before signing the contract or buying any device.
Adding a Co-Signer
Another way to acquire an AT&T mobile phone with terrible credit is to register for the service with a friend or relative with excellent credit acting as a co-signer. Stated differently, should you be unable to make your account payments, the co-signer steps in to guarantee them. This gives the creditor more protection as well as somewhat more likelihood of loan approval.
However, it should only be attempted if the co-signer comprehends the responsibility and agrees to the same. Please remember that non-payment of the loan would reflect on both of the credit scores of the concerned persons.
To summarize, it is quite possible to get an AT&T phone without credit by choosing the right activation option. Choosing to use a service that is prepaid with AT&T or purchasing a secondhand phone will eliminate any credit checks and instead allow you to pay as you use the service. But be ready to pay more at the beginning than when you would go to a regular postpaid plan to finance a new phone. Of course, always consult a lawyer and read the small print before entering into service delivery contracts or device financing agreements.
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