How to Buy a Cricket Prepaid Cell Phone

With its jazzy, modern phones and flexible, generous calling plans, Dallas-based Cricket continues to gain popularity as a prepaid cell phone service provider. With no credit check or contract to sign, you're free to use your Cricket cell phone as much or as little as you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check out the various phones and plans offered by Cricket. This brand is available at most big-box stores, and select retail outlets.
2. Browse the prepaid options available to you. There are five different plans, from basic unlimited calling in your local area for a low monthly rate to full-service plans with roaming capabilities and Internet access.
3. Choose the plan that best suits your need, pay for your plan and activate your phone. You will be charged a modest activation fee when you initiate service. However, part of it will be applied as a discount when you buy service for the next month in advance.
4. Select your preferred billing option. Cricket can arrange to charge your debit or credit card month by month, you can call in your payment each month or you can purchase additional minutes at a licensed retailer. Convenience fees may apply to credit card or in-person payments made through retailers.
5. Choose a personal ringtone or download wallpaper screen savers for your phone's LCD for a small additional fee.
6. Use directory assistance only when absolutely necessary. You will be charged each time you call, unless you purchase a plan that allows you unlimited directory assistance access for a monthly rate.
7. Remember that Cricket includes voicemail, caller ID and call waiting with each of its plans, except the least-expensive option. Even then, you have the option of paying an additional premium for access to those features.
8. Cancel use of your prepaid Cricket cell phone at any time by calling a customer representative to nullify your service, or by simply allowing your minutes to expire. If you signed up for automatic billing, you'll have to let Cricket know you want your service terminated or your debit or credit card will continue to be charged.

Tips & Warnings

• Cricket includes text and picture messaging with all their prepaid plans. There is no additional fee for these services.
• You may be able to score the best deal on your new phone and prepaid plan by purchasing both directly from the Cricket website (see Resources below).
• Check to make sure that Cricket can cover your service area. As a newer company, Cricket does not yet feature nationwide service.

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