Finding the best cell phone plans is a great way to rein in your monthly costs. However, getting top-notch plans with a bad credit score might pose a big challenge, making the process a bit more lengthy and troublesome.
Since many carriers carry out credit checks to avoid perpetually delinquent customers, a majority of customers assume that bad credit or no credit disqualifies them from obtaining wireless service. But fortunately, that’s not always the case. There are plenty of carriers, that offer several phone plans, both prepaid and postpaid without running a credit check.
Is your credit history questionable? Turn to the best bad credit phone plans and stay connected with your near and dear ones, there is no money down for these cell phone plans. Scroll down the page to the bottom and run through the 5 ultimate plans with no credit checks.
Cheapest No Credit Check Phone Plans
Carriers that don’t perform the credit checks mostly offer prepaid phone plans to avoid any hassle later on. Here, we have pulled together the 5 best and cheapest no-credit-check / bad-credit cell phone plans. All of them are MVNOs, who piggyback their signal off the towers of major network carriers. Let’s have a look.
1. Tello – starting from $5/month
Tello is the perfect phone plan hack with prices, from $5 to $25. This MVNO lets you enjoy the most affordable plans without running any credit checks. The best thing about Tello is that it doesn’t include any activation, maintenance, or early termination fees, making it an ideal choice for budget-savvy customers.
Pros
- T-Mobile network
- No credit check
- Excellent coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free hotspot and Wi-Fi calling
- No contract
- Data rollover to next month
- No extra cost per line
- Downgrade or upgrade the plan for free anytime
Cons
- Not the fastest data speed
Tello Mobile Deals
Get 10% off any phone plan on your first order with Tello.com for any plan above $10/month. When check out, input the coupon code 10OFFAFF to get the discount. Click the link to get this discount.
Furthermore, you are free to stay as long as you like. Tello never believes in long-term contracts and lock-in strings. It offers you the absolute freedom to cancel the plan at any point in time, without offering any reason or explanation.
The cheapest Tello Plan starts from $5/per month and includes No Data and 100 minutes + Free Text. Customers can either go for ready-made deals, starting from $9 per month, or custom-build the plans, based on their monthly needs and budget.
Tello Mobile Plans
Data | Minutes | Texts | Price |
1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $9/ month |
2GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10/ month |
5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $14/ month |
10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $19/ month |
15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $24/ month |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25/ month |
Tello is a customer-friendly cell phone provider, offering 24/7 human customer support to deal with your queries. Users can connect with them at any time and get a human to answer their questions.
What’s more, Tello offers budget-friendly family plans with no extra cost per line. Bring your family to Tello and create designated talk, text, and data phone plans for each member. The cheapest family plan at Tello starts at $5 per month and goes up to $25 per month.
Say goodbye to dropped calls, slow data speeds, and loading issues, as Tello Mobile offers coast-to-coast wireless coverage to ease the users. It has partnered with T-Mobile to offer 5G and 4G LTE services. The data speed has also improved and the carrier is now offering a download speed of 40Mbps.
Furthermore, this provider allows hotspot tethering for free so you can share your data allowance with others at no extra cost. While a of lot obvious benefits come with Tello, the two biggest come down to pricing and flexibility. It can get you some of the cheapest prices in the US, especially, if you don’t require much data.
With Tello, you can easily save on your cell phone bills without giving up high-end service. Opt for this no credit check cell phone service and see how their advantages stack up.
2. Gen Mobile – Starting from $9/month
The next best carrier offering the bad credit phone plans is none other than Gen Mobile. A prepaid MVNO, this carrier is specialized in low-cost talk and text plans with some data. It primarily runs on T-Mobile and ATT network and starts offering phone plans from $9 per month.
Pros
- No annual contract
- No credit check
- T-Mobile network
- Excellent nationwide 4G LTE/ 5G network coverage
- Free mobile hotspot
- Self-service mobile app
- 7-day money-back guarantee
- The unlimited USA and international text
- 15-day text freebie
- Free unlimited calling to 100+ countries
- Super affordable plans
Cons
- Ideal for lower data users only
- Doesn’t offer new devices for sale
Gen Mobile is introduced to provide quality cell phone service for affordable prices. It offers multiple 3-month plans, ranging from $9 to $38 per month, and runs no credit check, which is an added advantage. However, the price range increases a bit if you opt for monthly plans. Monthly plans at Gen Mobile are available at $10/ month.
All the plans come with unlimited USA minutes and texts. Most of these plans allow you to send international texts at no extra cost. These super affordable options are renewable month to month, so you can cancel, upgrade, or downgrade the plan without costing additional charges.
Gen Mobile Plans
Data | Minutes | Int’l Minutes | 1-Month Cost | 3-Month Cost | |
1GB | Unlimited | No | $10/month | $9/month | View Plans » |
4GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $20/month | $18/month | View Plans » |
7GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/month | $26/month | View Plans » |
16GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40/month | $34/month | View Plans » |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $50/month | $38/month | View Plans » |
Customers can also choose to add minutes and data for additional charges if needed. It gives you premium wireless service at a fraction of the usual cost. Don’t worry if you are not satisfied with the plan, as Gen Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. They will give you a refund within 7 days from the date you received your phone or plan if you are not happy with their services.
In addition to the pocket-friendly no-credit-check plans, Gen Mobile also offers you access to nationwide 5G/ 4G LTE services on the country’s largest 5G GSM network, so you won’t experience slower speeds, network fluctuations, and dropped calls.
All Gen mobile plans include multiple additional services, including call id, call waiting, 3-way conference calling, caller id block, international direct call, and voicemail. It also allows you to connect with your near and dear ones who reside in over 100 countries across the globe.
Customers can also download Gen mobile care app to track usage, make payments, and add international credit at any time. The app is easy to use and available for free.
However, keep in mind that the network provider is suitable for low-data users only. So, if you are looking for an unlimited data allowance, then Gen Mobile might not be the best option for you.
3. US Mobile – Starting from $8/month
Looking forward to the no credit check cell phone service that offers the fastest 5G connectivity without costing a fortune? Turn to the US Mobile and enjoy excellent speed and nationwide coverage.
Pros
- No contract
- No credit check
- Verizon and T-Mobile network
- Cheap and affordable plans
- Cutting-edge warp speed
- Round-the-clock customer support
- Nationwide coverage
- Tax and fees included
- eSIM allowed
- Family plans available
Cons
- Data deprioritization
This carrier offers the cheapest unlimited talk and text plan with 2GB data at $8 per month. All mobile plans come with High Speed 5G so you can stay in touch with your near and dear ones without any hassle.
Data | High Speed Data | Minutes & Texts | Price |
2GB Light Plan | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. $8/mo. ( pay annually) |
By the Big 2GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. |
By the Big 10GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 10 GB | Unlimited | $20/mo. |
Unlimited Flex | 10 GB | Unlimited | $17.5/mo. |
Unlimited Starter | 35 GB | Unlimited | $25/mo. $22.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
Unlimited Premium | 100 GB | Unlimited | $44/mo. $32.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
They offer the best-unlimited plans with maximum benefits. These plans are available in Flex, Starter and Premium, and you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Their unlimited premium plans also offer free international data and perks.
Moreover, you can also build your own plan by adding minutes, texts, and data allowance based on your requirements. You can easily mix and match the options to find something just right for your needs. Custom plans come with hotspot tethering and warp 5G speed.
US Mobile understands how difficult it is for customers to trust the new network; hence, it offers a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can check whether investing in this phone carrier is worth it or not. This 30-day risk-free trial includes unlimited talk, text, and data for 30 days.
They provide shared data plans By the Big, ideal for families and businesses of any size. All lines come with unlimited talk and text, and you have to pay $10 for first line with $8/extra line . It also offers international roaming for free and local rates in 180 countries.
This no credit check phone carrier has nothing to do with your previous credit scores as they don’t run any credit checks before finalizing the deal.
US mobile relies on two of the country’s big carriers for its service. While these carriers arent’s actually disclosed anywhere on the US mobile website, it is more than certain that they are none other than T-Mobile and Verizon. Both offer excellent coverage and faster LTE speeds; however, it finally comes down to how poorly or well T-Mobile and Verizon have you covered in that area.
Yet another best thing about this MVNO is its excellent customer service. Connect with them at any point in time and they will resolve all your issues quickly. So, what keeps you waiting now? If you are looking for the best and cheapest no-credit-check service, this provider might be the best bet for you.
4. Visible – Unlimited Data Plan $25/month
Yet another compelling option for those looking to save a bit of cash is Visible Wireless Plans. This new prepaid carrier is a subsidiary of Verizon and is widely known for offering bad or no credit phone plans. Since it is a prepaid option, it gives you the flexibility you’ll need to a line without being tied to a lengthy contract.
Pros
- No contract
- No credit check
- Good coverage Verizon network
- Low price for unlimited data
- Exciting discounts on multiple lines
- Hostspot is allowed
- Unlimited talk & text to Mexico & Canada
Cons
- Verizon has a right to de-prioritize visible data speeds at peak time.
Visible Deals
Join the Visible plan today and score 2 years of service for only $20/mo. Use code SAVE24.
Try Visible for FREE for 15 days before you switch. No commitment or credit card needed. Terms apply.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ now available on Visible. Get up to a $200 gift card when you switch. Click to get now!
The Visible plan is available at as low as $25 per month and includes unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, minutes, and text. It also allows you to enjoy unlimited hotspot tethering so you can share your data without any restrictions.
Visible now offers two unlimited data plans: Visible and Visible+.
Visible | Visible+ |
---|---|
$25/mo (Taxes and fees included) | $45/mo (Taxes and fees included) |
Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE | Unlimited Talk, Text & data 50 GB/mo of premium data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE 5G Ultra Wideband Save $10/mo on Verizon Home Internet Smartwatch service included. Save $10/mo. |
Unlimited Mobile Hotspot | Unlimited Mobile Hotspot at twice the speed as Visible plan |
Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico & Canada | Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico/Canada Unlimited Talk, Text & Data Roaming in Mexico/Canada (2GB of data per day) International Calling from US to 30+ Countries International Texting from US to 200+ Countries One Global Pass day per month included |
View the plan> | View the plan> |
Now you do not need to join Party Pay to get the above price. Each single line can enjoy the unlimited data plan as low as $25/mo.
This single-line plan includes a Wi-Fi calling facility on compatible devices so you’ll never run out of network coverage. The best thing about the plan is its no annual contract policy, which means that you can cancel the plan anytime without giving any explanations.
The visible price is pretty generous compared to other low-cost carriers. Moreover, it is one of the few networks in the USA that offers cheap unlimited data plans without any frills or contracts. Remember that the price for Visible plans reduces when you add more lines.
Since Visible is powered by Verizon, it offers a massive 99% overall 3G+ population coverage. It is combined with 70% 4G coverage, which puts this carrier ahead of T-Mobile and AT&T. And it also supports 5G National wide.
Still, confused about whether the Visible Wireless is the best no credit check cell phone service or not? Wait no more and try visible for free and make an informed choice. You will be glad to find that Visible Wireless offers a 15-day free trial to the new customers so that they can make an appropriate decision.
In addition to the phone plans, Visible has a plan for your Apple watch too. Bring your Apple Watch and get started with zero activation fees. Opt for the Apple Watch Plan, powered by Visible, and enjoy unlimited data for only $5 per month.
All and all, Visible Wireless plans will be going to appeal to anyone who has a bad credit record but still wants speedy wireless data without breaking the bank.
5. Twigby – Half price for the first 3 month
Let’s wrap up the list of the no credit check cell phone service providers with yet another affordable option, Twigby. It is a low-cost cell phone provider, that offers customizable plans with no credit check hassle.
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Verizon network
- No contract
- No credit check
- Zero activation fee
- Wifi calling and texting
- Free international texting to over 180 countries
- Free international calling to 80+ countries
- Also offers a no-data plan
- Super affordable
- Can also create customizable plans
Cons
- It offers online services only with no retail locations.
- No phone-based customer support is available
- There’s no unlimited data plan.
Twigby Deals
$30 OFF FOR FIRST MONTHS
Save up to $10/month for 3-months on a new Twigby plan, then get the regular low price after 3 months.
- 2GB + Unlimited Talk & Text = $5/mo. instead of $15/mo. for first three months.
- 5GB + Unlimited Talk & Text = $10/mo. instead of $20/mo. for first three months.
- 10GB + Unlimited Talk & Text = $15/mo. instead of $25/mo. for first three months.
- 20GB + Unlimited Talk & Text = $25/mo. instead of $35/mo. for first three months.
The cheapest plan offered by Twigby is available at $5 per month, including unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data. Once you are done with the data allowance, the speed will be reduced to 2G data. The mobile hotspot is also available so you can share your data with others at no extra price.
Plans | Minutes | Texts | First 3 Months | Then |
---|---|---|---|---|
2GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $5/month | $15/month |
5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10/month | $20/month |
10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $15/month | $25/month |
20GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25/month | $35/month |
Are you not satisfied with the deals? Worry not, as Twigby lets you create your own plan, based on your requirements and budget.
Now all Twigby’s plan come with unlimited minutes and text. However, there’s a vast choice in data allowance, You can opt for 2GB, 5GB, 10GB and 20GB Data.
The cheapest customized plan is available at $5 per month ($10 after three months), including 2GB data and unlimited minutes. However, the cost of the customized plan varies depending on your choices. No credit check will be carried about the Twigby and you can opt for any of these prepaid deals even with bad or no credit.
Be it a ready made deal or a customized offer, all Twigby plans include international calling and texting at no additional charge free tethering, choice of English or Spanish voicemail, and plenty of other features like 6-way conference calling, caller id, call waiting, and call forwarding.
Since Twigby is powered by Verizon, there’s no need to worry about the call and text performance. Verizon is the highest ranking network in the country, according to RootMetrics; hence, covers almost all rural and urban areas. However, it is still recommended to check the network coverage in your area before making the final choice. Use the coverage map online for a complete picture of 5G/ 4G LTE coverage.
Keep into account that Twigby is an online-only company, which means that there’s no store you can visit for manual customer support. Your queries will be dealt with the online chat feature only, which might not be enough for some of the customers.
What credit is considered bad or poor credit in the USA?
“Bad credit” refers to a person’s credit history or credit score that reflects a less favorable financial track record. It indicates that an individual has had difficulties in managing their credit obligations in the past. Factors that can contribute to bad credit include late or missed payments, high credit card balances, loan defaults, or a history of bankruptcy.
Credit scores in the USA typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. A low credit score, typically below 600 or 650, is often considered indicative of bad credit. Lenders and service providers, including phone carriers, may use credit scores as a factor in assessing an individual’s risk and determining eligibility for loans, contracts, or services.
Having bad credit can potentially impact one’s ability to obtain certain financial products or services. It may result in higher interest rates, stricter lending requirements, or the need for a co-signer or security deposit to secure credit or services. However, it’s important to note that creditworthiness criteria can vary among lenders and service providers, and not all providers may base their decisions solely on credit history.
If you don’t have a credit history or have a poor credit score, what phone plans you can get?
If you don’t have a credit history or have a poor credit score, you may still be able to find phone plans that don’t require a credit check. Here are a few options to consider:
- Prepaid plans: Prepaid plans are a good option for individuals without credit or with poor credit. These plans typically do not require a credit check because you pay for service in advance. You can find prepaid plans from major carriers and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that offer a range of talk, text, and data options.
- MVNOs: MVNOs are alternative wireless providers that use the networks of major carriers. Many MVNOs offer prepaid plans without requiring a credit check. They often provide affordable options and flexible plans that can fit various budgets and usage needs.
- Pay-as-you-go plans: Pay-as-you-go plans allow you to pay only for the minutes, texts, and data you use. These plans often do not require a credit check, as you pay for services upfront. Pay-as-you-go plans can be a good choice if you have minimal usage requirements or want more control over your spending.
- Family plans: If you have family or friends with established credit, you can explore joining their family plan. Many carriers allow the account holder to add additional lines without requiring a credit check for the new lines.
When researching and selecting a phone plan, be sure to review the terms and conditions, including any potential fees or limitations. It’s also important to note that while these options do not typically require a credit check, they may have other eligibility requirements or restrictions.
Things to consider when choosing no credit or bad credit phone plans
Got bad credit and are wondering how to get a phone plan? Well, don’t freak out as there are plenty of phone carriers out there that offer bad credit phone plans without running any credit checks or penalties.
However, choosing the best option that suits your requirements and fits your budget is extremely challenging. Since the market is packed with loads of no-credit-check phone services, customers often end up choosing the wrong one, which further creates trouble for them.
Therefore, to cut through the clutter, we have compiled some essential things you should keep in mind before opting for the no credit or bad credit cell phone plans.
Contract Length
Bad credit plans are mostly available in the prepaid form, where you have signup for the deal and pay first to enjoy the services. That’s why you must check the total contract length, before proceeding further. Sometimes, phone carriers provide only long-term options to those with bad or no credit. Hence, be careful and avoid signing up for lock-in deals.
Cost of the plan
It is essential to narrow down your cell phone plan boundaries to get a more manageable set of options. Check the contract length and the cost of the plan to evaluate whether the deal is worth considering or not. Do not forget to compare different plans available within your budget to make an informed choice.
Network Coverage
Since bad credit phone plans are often provided by MVNOs, it is vital to check the network coverage and data speed before making any choice. Opt for the phone carrier, which is powered by a strong network provider to avoid slower speeds and poor call performance.
Other Factors
In addition to all other factors, do not forget to check the extras included in the group and make sure the carrier is not charging extra for the privilege. These extras might include, hotspot tethering, international calling and texting, WiFi calling, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, definitely. There are plenty of no credit check cell phone service providers available on the market that let you enjoy exciting deals and plans without running any credit checks. However, it is advised to compare these plans first and then make the appropriate decision.
A wide range of phone companies that don’t perform any credit checks before offering service. Some of the popular names include Tello, US Mobile, Twigby, Visible, and many more to count. They all offer prepaid monthly phone plans and don’t require any credit information.
Several phone carriers promise to offer excellent bad credit plans, but unfortunately, not all of them live up to the hype. Out of all the available options, Tello, Gen Mobile, and US Mobile are worth giving a thought to. They all offer the cheapest plans for those with bad credit so they can enjoy services without breaking the bank. Their plans boast plenty of extra perks at no additional charges.
The best way to get a phone plan without credit is to buy a prepaid phone plan. The carriers who provide prepaid phone plans do not check your credit score. And another way is to join a family plan, The main account holder has to pass a credit check to get approved by the carrier, while those using the additional lines do not.
Summary
So, the list of the best bad credit phone plans concludes here. We hope our research and guide would help you make an appropriate choice. Having poor or no credit history can put a damper on many aspects of life, but fortunately, getting a cell phone plan isn’t one of them.
There are plenty of carriers available on the market that lets you enjoy the cheapest prepaid options without running any credit checks. To save your time and effort, we have compiled the best options for you in this guide. You can check the details associated with all of them and pick the option that best fits your needs and budget.
Article Updates
- Aug 29, 2024: Update Visible plans
- Aug 2, 2024: Update Gen Mobile, US Mobile plans