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If you've ever been turned down for a phone plan because of your credit or if you simply want to avoid handing over your financial history - no credit check phone plans are the way to go.
The best part? You don't have to pay more just because you want to skip the credit check. Low-cost carriers offer the same coverage as the big 3 at a fraction of the price, with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no credit checks.
To ease your search, I've thoroughly reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid phone plans.
To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:
- Only offer unlimited data plans
- Only advertise multi-line prices
- Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
- Lure customers with "free" phones
- Constantly try to upsell additional lines
- Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
- Need loads of small print to explain their offers
- Want you to go to a store
- Need a commission-based salesperson
- Reward customer loyalty with increased prices
Best no credit check phone plans by network
Low-cost carriers use the same networks you're used to; AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile - so you get the coverage you already know and trust. Here are the best cheap no credit check plan and best unlimited no credit check plan on each network.
Best no credit check plan on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$60 for 3 Months | *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $630/yr |
Best no credit check plan on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Twigby Mobile phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby Mobile offers free international calling to 80 countries.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- eSIM compatible
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Great pricing
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Taxes & fees included in price
- User-friendly website
Cons
- Only 2 plan choices
- Data speed is capped at 5 Mbps
- Limited phone compatibility
- App-based service
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best no credit check plan on AT&T
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
What no credit check plans from low-cost carriers offer
For most people, a credit check isn't necessary, especially when you're bringing your own phone or signing up for a simple prepaid plan.
Here's why more people are switching to no credit check plans with low-cost carriers:
- The same coverage you already have at a lower price
- No contracts or long-term commitments
- No credit checks, so anyone can qualify
- Flexible plans that let you adjust or cancel anytime
With a no credit check plan, you get complete control over your service and you won't pay more just because of your credit history.
Common misconceptions about no credit check phone plans
Here's what you need to know about no credit check plans with low-cost carriers:
1: Myth: No credit check means worse coverage
Truth: Low-cost carriers use the exact same networks as the big 3 - same towers, lower prices.
2: Myth: You need a credit check to get 5G
Truth: Prepaid plans with no credit check offer full-speed 5G access, just like postpaid plans.
3: Myth: No credit check plans are only for people with bad credit
Truth: Plenty of people with great credit choose prepaid because it's cheaper and more flexible.
4: Myth: Switching to a no contract plan is complicated
Truth: Switching to a no credit check plan takes about 10 minutes, and you can keep your phone and number.
5: Myth: Prepaid plans have hidden fees
Truth: Low-cost carriers plans are transparent in pricing and features - with no activation fees or sneaky charges.
Compare bad credit cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20/mo* | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$60 for 3 Months |
| Tello | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $270/yr | $630/yr | See at Tello *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Check out our no contract cell phone comparison to find the best deal.
Other low-cost carriers on T-Mobile's network
Tello stands out for its low prices and flexibility, but I also reviewed:
- Mint Mobile: Great priced plans, but only if you ay upfront for multiple months
- Boost Mobile: Competitive plans, but customer service complaints are common
- Ultra Mobile: Good for international calling, but more expensive than Tello
For true no credit check flexibility with low prices, Tello is the clear winner on T-Mobile's network.
Other low-cost carriers on Verizon's network
There are a few other Verizon-based no credit check options, but many come with conditions:
- Total Wireless: Now rebranded under Verizon their pricing has increased significantly compared to other carriers
- Xfinity Mobile: Good pricing if you have Xfinity internet, but excludes non-Xfinity customers completely
- US Mobile - Excellent customization, but can get expensive when adding premium data or perks
If you want true no credit check flexibility with Verizon coverage, Twigby and Visible offer the best value.
Other low-cost carriers on AT&T's network
Red Pocket offers the best mix of pricing and flexibility, but I also reviewed:
- Pure Talk: Veteran-owned, but pricing is slightly higher than Red Pocket for similar plans
- Cricket Wireless - Good coverage and support, but pricing is higher than other carriers
- Good2Go Mobile: Cheap, but with fewer plan options and less visibility
For no credit check plans on AT&T, Red Pocket offers the best pricing, international perks, and easy plan management.
Bad credit phone plans FAQs
Yes, you can easily port your existing number across to your new carrier. Just don't cancel your old plan until the transfer is complete.
Yes, it's possible to get cell phone service with bad credit. Many low-cost carriers offer prepaid cell phone plans, which do not require a credit check.
Yes - as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier's network.
Final thoughts: No credit check, no hassle, big savings
If you're tired of carriers judging you by your credit score, switching to a no credit check plan from a low-cost carrier gives you the same coverage for half the price. All with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no hoops to jump through.
Why you can trust me
I've dedicated over 15 years to assisting people in reducing their phone bills in both the UK and the US. For the past 8 years, I've run MoneySavingPro, helping more than 50,000 people transition to more affordable and efficient phone plans.
I've personally reviewed over 100 prepaid phone plans and evaluated dozens of no credit check carriers, including Tello, Mint Mobile, Visible, and Red Pocket, assessing their pricing, coverage, and customer service.
If there's a way to save you money without the hassle of a credit check, you'll be the first to know right here.
Find the best phone service in your area
How I choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, I evaluated over 30 different carriers.
I rate carriers in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. I then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: I compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: I look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. I use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: I take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: I assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. I examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: I evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
I regularly update the content so that we're always recommending the latest and best value plans and do my best to ensure the information is accurate.
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