Does AT&T require a deposit for internet?
Some of the prominent internet service providers in the United States include the AT&T Internet. Some customers who require an ATT internet connection may be compelled to pay a deposit when subscribing to the service while others are not. In this article, I will highlight the factors that can be used in deciding whether AT&T needs to ask for a deposit for internet service.
What is a Deposit?
A deposit is an initial amount that an Internet Service Provider such as AT&T may ask from you on subscribing to a new service. It works more like an ‘‘insurance’’ for the company to cover your failure to pay the bills. The deposit amount of AT&T internet plans is within the range of $100-$150.
Providers release the deposit if you pay your bills on time and ensure that your account is in good condition within 12-24 months. But they will retain the deposit money if you are unable to pay as agreed in the special terms. In other words, it shields them from dishonorable subscribers who sign up for service but do not pay the service fee.
Although AT&T does not always demand a deposit for internet service, there are some circumstances when the company may require one.
In addition to this, it is evident that AT&T does not collect a deposit for all their customers. Whether they collect a deposit depends on a few factors, primarily your credit history and account status.
Poor Credit History
Another disadvantage of the program is that it targets customers with poor credit ratings and tends to charge them deposits. If you filed late payments to other service providers or have a very low credit score, AT&T considers you as a financial burden. This way they have some assurance when offering you the service that the deposit would help in case you are unable to pay back.
New AT&T Customer
Even if the credit rating is good, there will not be a way to escape a deposit. Sometimes this fee is charged to brand-new customers because AT&T has not had prior experience conducting business with you. Current AT&T mobile or TV customers, nevertheless, may sometimes have this fee eliminated.
Previous Unpaid AT&T Balance
If a consumer was a former AT&T customer and never paid a bill he received, then he would have to pay a deposit if he came back again. This also applies if you still have an outstanding balance you haven’t paid for earlier gas from this company.
Are There Exceptions?
In some cases, even customers with bad credit or no account history can appeal the deposit or get it waived:
Military Discount: Laying down the initial deposits is not an issue for military members and veterans with the various military discounts that are offered by AT&T.
Authorized User on an Established Account: Customers might also avoid the deposit by getting an authorized user status with somebody else’s active AT&T account instead of signing a new contract.
Business Accounts: It is worth knowing that multiple-account businesses are usually able to negotiate with the sales representative to have various deposits eliminated.
Payment Plans: Consumers who are against the deposit may be given the chance to pay it in installments of 2 to 3 monthly plans.
Is There an AT&T Internet Deposit Available & If So How Much Does It Cost?
But if indeed, AT&T has a deposit that is needed when offering internet services to its clients, the amount that one should expect to pay for the initial deposit should be? The standard deposit amounts are
- Internet service only: >$100
- Bundled TV & internet: The company plans to spend not more than $150.
Thus, if you have no intent to take TV service alongside fiber internet from AT&T, then the average deposit is $100. Add-ons and TV service customers normally get charged $150 deposits where needed.
Is it Possible to Get Back Your AT&T Deposit?
The good news is that the deposits for AT&T internet aren’t always going to be the kind of charges that stick with you indefinitely. If you maintain your account in good standing by paying all bills on time, AT&T will refund your $100-$150 deposit after 12 months: If you maintain your account in good standing by paying all bills on time, AT&T will refund your $100-$150 deposit after 12 months:
- In the case of At&T, the full deposit is returned in the form of a check or bill credit once the account holder has paid the required amount for twelve consecutive months without incurring late payment or any collection notice.
- Upon early termination of the service within the first twelve months, AT&T returns the deposit in your last statement.
Therefore, while giving the deposit is nothing but irritating, it is, in fact, a no-interest loan to the company. The only thing you should ensure is that each bill is paid on time and there is no way that AT&T could hold your money for long.
How To Lessen or Possibly Eliminate an AT&T Deposit
Not willing to pay $100 or more for a premium product? Here are some tips to reduce or eliminate your need to pay an AT&T deposit.
- Inquire about deposit installment so that you may be required to break the payment into two or three parts.
- It’s roughly $18 per month so you could try to bundle TV or mobile service and get the fee waived if you already use AT&T.
- It is also advisable to have another person who has a better credit record than you sign up for that service and include your account as an authorized user.
- If you have been declined by AT&T then wait for some time and build your credit score before applying for the service again.
- Supply records of payment or credit history with previous utility companies
- offering to set up an automatic monthly payment on this plan from your bank account.
Even though a company, such as AT&T may still need to take a deposit from its customers who have bad credit or no credit check history, the following steps can help reduce the overall deposit amount to the bare minimum.
Do people have to pay a deposit to use AT&T internet services? In short: it depends. New customers or those with a bad credit rating, may be forced to pay a $100-$150 deposit when they activate the service. However, sustaining timely payments guarantees that AT&T will reclaim this fee after one year of the service. This is to ensure that your account status is constantly checked so that you may avoid or minimize instances where you need to provide deposits when subscribing to the internet.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
