How to Get a Cell Phone With Bad Credit
Getting a cell phone with bad credit may appear to be a difficult task. While it can take some research and effort, it is possible to get a cell phone with bad credit. The answer is prepaid cell phones, which help you avoid costly contracts and obligations. Four major cell service providers have them, and they resemble and work just like the phones on contracts. Depending on the provider, you can have various extras that can go with the phone as well.
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Instructions
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Pick a service provider. You can choose from Verizon, Virgin Mobile, Tracfone or AT&T. The reason you chose a provider first is because most often they have preselected phones that are already set up to use with their service. Nokia, LG and Motorola are the big three phones these companies use. Samsung is mainly used by AT&T.
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Research the coverage area for each provider. Not every provider goes to every area. Go to their websites, listed in resources, and go through the site. Get as much information as you need. Pick a provider that you like because you will need to change phones if you change providers; and you start collecting electronic paperweights if you start changing companies often because phones are almost never interchangeable with different plans.
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Go to a store that sells electronics such as Wal-Mart, Kmart or even Dollar General. These stores sell prepaid cell phones where you can buy the phone without buying a contract. Using this type of phone eliminates the credit check cell service providers will want with a calling plan.
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Pick out your phone. You will find a variety of phones and capabilities. If you researched the service providers, you already know what type of phones to expect. You may have a phone already picked out when you get to the store.
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Buy your phone. Take it home and unpack it. Find the booklet that comes with the phone; you will need to read this. Connect the battery to the phone as directed in the booklet. Then attach the power cord and plug your phone into an outlet. This will start the initial battery charge and power up your phone.
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Go to the website of the phone provider you chose. Activate your phone according to directions both in the booklet and onscreen. This should only take a few minutes to accomplish. The end result will be your new phone number and PIN (personal identification number) for security. Memorize the PIN and write down the phone number.
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Search the website again for payment options. All the major providers have a method where you can set up automatic payments at certain intervals. You can set up payments when minutes get low or for certain times of the month. Using this method allows you the ease of payment like a contract but without the obligations. Set up payment options and you have a cell phone, even with bad credit. The only way to not have time on the phone is to run out of minutes.
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