Cell Phone Plans for Bad Credit
Having a cell phone is often considered a modern-day necessity. Whether you need it for work or need to give one to your kids to stay in touch, having a cellphone can make your busy life much easier. If you have poor credit, though, and don't qualify for one from a major company, you do have options. There are a variety of ways to get a cell phone no matter what your credit history. Before deciding on a cell phone plan, however, research the company and make sure you'll get good coverage.
Other People Are Reading
-
Shop Around
-
While the cell phone company you initially chose might not offer you a phone, someone else may. Different companies have different criteria for determining credit-worthiness. If you have a good-paying job and are improving your credit overall, you may still qualify with one company. If not, consider asking someone to cosign for you. This can help you build your credit and get a cell phone at the same time.
Prepaid
-
Prepaid phones are a good option for those with poor credit and no one to cosign for them. You simply buy the phone outright and then buy a card with a certain amount of minutes on it. TracFone, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile and many other companies all offer up-to-date, popular phones with prepaid options. Going prepaid is also a good way to keep tabs on your cell phone expenses. Some prepaid cell phone providers also offer monthly plans without a contract. You pay for your plan, which could be a certain number of voice minutes plus unlimited texting and data (like Web access and email), for a certain amount each month. The bonus here is if you don't have enough money to pay for the plan one month, your credit isn't penalized.
-
High Deposit
-
If you prefer a contract and a plan so you can get certain benefits or hook in to a company or family plan, you may be able to override your poor credit history with a high deposit. The argument can be made that getting a free phone in exchange for a high deposit may not be worth it. However, if you are looking to build your credit, this could be the best option. Talk with a salesperson at a local store or go online and fill out an application for a new phone. You will often have the option to get on the plan if you submit a deposit of between $200 and $500.
SafeLink
-
SafeLink is a program created by the federal government with TracFone. It provides income-eligible people with a cell phone in the same way that Lifeline provided income-eligible families with a home phone. This service enables many people to have the safety of a phone with a certain number of minutes each month. The phone comes free and preloaded with a certain number of minutes each month. If your household income is below poverty level guidelines set by your state, you already receive housing assistance, Medicaid or food stamps and you do not already receive Lifeline service, you may qualify.
-
References
- Photo Credit cellphone image by PETER LAKOMY from Fotolia.com
