Getting a phone if you have a bad credit score can be very tough. No company is willing to risk their services since you may not be able to pay for the phone which could affect the company’s finances. This has led to many people opting for free lifeline programs which have some restrictions compared to getting a phone on credit. If you are wondering how to get a cell phone with bad credit and no deposit, this article is for you.

Many institutions have created new ways for people with bad credit scores to get almost anything ranging from cars to phones. Using options like co-signer or paying a security deposit can enable users to get a cell phone despite having bad credit. This article aims to offer a productive way in which you can get a cell phone despite having bad credit.

We will look at the best places to get cell phones with bad credit and also dive into some prepaid phone plans which can be convenient in such cases. Let’s get started.

How to get a phone with a bad credit score?

If you have a bad credit score, here are some of the best things you can do:

i) Go for a prepaid plan

Prepaid plans do not require you to pay any deposit for you to get a phone from your service provider. If you have cash-at-hand, you can easily get the best phone depending on your budget. The prepaid plans are also the best option since you will not undergo any credit checks because they will be in a pay-as-you-go format.

Below are some of the best service providers to get a prepaid phone and plan:

a) Boost Mobile prepaid

Boost Mobile is an MVNO running on T-Mobile network and they offer the best deals when it comes to prepaid phones. They offer a wide range of smartphones from big brands like LG, Motorola, Samsung, Apple, and other types of phones. All their phone plans come with unlimited talk and text. The 3 GB data costs $35/mo while the unlimited data costs $50 and includes a 12 GB hotspot. You can also consider Ultimate unlimited that offers unlimited data, a 50 GB mobile hotspot, and HD quality streaming.

b) Cricket Wireless

Cricket wireless is one of the top-ranking MVNOs in the US and it currently operates in almost all the States. The service provider offers a wide range of phones and has affordable plans. The plan starts at $30/mo for 2 GB, unlimited talk, text, and data; $40/mo offers 10 GB of data and unlimited talk and text; cricket core plan offers Unlimited data capped at 8 Mbps and unlimited talk and text going for $55/mo; Cricket more, the ultimate plan comes with Unlimited everything plus Mobile hotspot and 5 GB access and it goes for $60/mo.

C) Google FI

Google FI is a product of Google and they sell prepaid phones ranging from the Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy A71, Moto G Stylus, Moto G Power, and many more. The Google FI plans offer unlimited talk and text but the data plans may vary. You can get 1 GB data for $30, $40 for 2 GB, $50 for 3 GB, $60 for 4 GB and $70 for 5 GB.

d) Republic wireless

Republic wireless is a leading service provider that offers affordable talk, text, and data units. They also sell prepaid phones at an affordable price. You can find Moto, Google Pixel, and Samsung phones in their online/retail store. All their plans have unlimited talk and text. The first plan offers $15/mo for unlimited talk and text; $20/mo gives you 1 GB and Unlimited talk and text; $25/mo offers 2 GB data and unlimited talk and text. The plans also allow you to have unlimited extended home phone service and you can also use your phone’s data as a mobile hotspot.

d) Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is a leading service provider offering the best deals on both phones and prepaid plans. You can get affordable deals on prepaid plans starting at $15/mo with no contracts or deposits required. $15/mo plan offers 5 GB data and Unlimited talk and text; $25/mo plan comes with mobile hotspot, 15 GB data, and unlimited talk and text; $35/mo plan offers unlimited everything and includes 5 G ultra Wideband; lastly, the $60/mo plan gives you unlimited everything and includes 5G connectivity and also talk, text and data to and from Canada and Mexico.

Which are the 5 best places to buy a cell phone with bad credit?

If you want to buy a phone with bad credit, then you will need to visit a store that allows you to pay for the device either with a debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. Here is a list of the five best stores to consider:

1) Amazon

Amazon is the biggest online retail shop around that sells some of the best phones from the best manufacturer around the world. They do not do any credit checks on their customers hence if you have a bad credit score you can still get a phone. The buying process is simple and you can pay for the device with a debit or gift card. The buying process is fast and secure plus they offer fast shipping to any State in the US.

2) Best Buy

Best Buy is a leading retailer that sells a wide range of products within the US. They offer affordable phones without a need for credit checks or deposits. Best Buy has reliable customer care and sells smartphones ranging from midrange to flagship. They also have a fast delivery service by leveraging some of the best couriers in the country. Disputes are also settled quickly compared to other platforms. Best Buy also offers discounts on selected devices.

3) Walmart

Walmart is a leading retailer that sells a wide range of devices without the need for credit checks or deposits. You can buy a phone of your choice through debit cards or cash at hand. They have a well-established online store and you can also buy the phone from their retail stores that are located around the State. Walmart has good customer service and a reliable shipping process.

4) eBay

eBay is one o the largest person-to-person online stores. You can use eBay to buy a phone from selected dealers who you find to offer the phones at the best prices. eBay also offers a secure way to buy the phone and you can always claim a refund if you have not received the device or it is in faulty conditions. They have a fast shipping process but it all depends on the type of courier you have chosen. To get started, visit ebay.com

You can also buy a phone from your local store if you have cash at hand. Make sure the store is authorized to sell the device since you might bump into fake phones.

How to find a co-signer if you have a bad credit score?

If you want to buy a phone from a specific service provider, then it is recommended to find a co-signer. This person should have a good credit score and the account with the service provider will be in the co-signers name.

Once the account is created, you can wait for a period of 1 month after which the so-signer can move the account to your name. This may however trigger a credit check with your service provider but nothing will happen since the account was already created. You can then use that account to buy a phone of your choice.

Can you get a cell phone on a family plan if you have a bad credit score?

Yes, this is possible if the main account is not in your name. You can easily get a phone but you will be required to pay for the full amount of the device. However, some service providers may give you a phone based on the credit score of the main account holder hence you will not be required to pay any amount.

Bottom line

There are many ways in which to get a cell phone if you have a bad credit score and no deposit. This article has listed some service providers which you can opt for through their prepaid plans. We also listed the best retail stores you can opt for if you wish to get started with the prepaid plans. Lastly, you can consider using a free government cell phone service provider if you have run out of options. The lifeline providers may give you a phone based on your income or if you have participated in any federal assistance programs.