Best cell phone plans for bad credit in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 22, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Fed up with the big three's limited options, perplexing bills, and steep prices?

Boasting about their record profits and unveiling plans for yet more price increases, it's clear big wireless has not fully grasped the needs of all consumers, especially those with less-than-perfect credit.

With over a decade of experience in the wireless industry, I've seen the gap between high costs and accessible service widen dramatically.

However, if you're worried about your credit, it's easier than ever to get a cell phone bill at an affordable price.

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

What might come as a surprise is the abundance of options available, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks at a fraction of the cost.

So if you're concerned about credit checks and are seeking a flexible, affordable plan, I've compared the best value carries across all three major networks, tailored to suit a range of needs and budgets.

The best value no contract phone plan will depend on the network you prefer and your cell phone usage, but rest assured that there are plenty of options available.

Best no credit check plan on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Tello 2GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$10/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/mo*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Best no credit check plan on Verizon

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$5/mo*

$15/mo

See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4

Read our Twigby Mobile review

$750 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$20/mo*

$25/mo

See at Visible

*$5 Off for 25 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best no credit check plan on AT&T

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.

Cheap AT&T plan

Red Pocket 1GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

1GB

data

$10/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$15/mo*

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$555 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value plan for Bad Credit

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

The average phone bill is $155 per month, and while 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes.

So, big wireless continues to raise prices, and the government drops assistance to those in need. However, you do have options, so the power is in your hands.

Take back control of your phone bill

A big wireless unlimited plan will cost you $1,600 extra over the next 3 years compared to getting the same service from an MVNO.

A big wireless unlimited data plan will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would cost only $900.

So, buying directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T is now 3 times more expensive for the same coverage. This does not include fees and taxes or future price hikes.

Why is it so much more expensive to buy the same service directly?

With big wireless, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these expenses get passed onto you to maximize profits and dividend payouts.

With this next generation of MVNOs, you switch online and just pay for phone service.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

These low-cost carriers offer a great alternative with transparent pricing, a range of data plans to customize to your needs, and more highly rated customer service.

You can keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

Even better, it's quick and easy. You can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

So, now is the time to re-evaluate your options, take back control of your phone bill, and free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest bad credit cell phone plans

Check out our no contract cell phone comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best value carrier for bad credit

• Preferred network: If you've got bad credit and are looking for a cell phone plan, network coverage remains a top priority. Thankfully, low-cost carriers offer the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks on their no-contract plans.
• Data allowance: Contrary to the push for unlimited data plans by the big three, your actual data needs might be lower, as the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB due to most of us having Wi-Fi access at home and work.
• Hotspot data: Data usage through tethering may be limited based on the carrier and chosen plan. Some MVNOs also provide data-only plans, ensuring you can stay connected on devices like tablets or laptops even without Wi-Fi if this is important to you.
• Monthly price: While unlimited plans from the big three can be costly, MVNOs offer more budget-friendly options, with plans starting from $5-35 per month without compromising on coverage and there are no contracts. Always check for hidden fees and taxes as some carriers are more transparent than others.
• How many lines: Big wireless often advertises lower prices for bundling multiple lines, but MVNOs provide transparent, competitive pricing even for single lines. This is great if you're managing their expenses closely due to credit concerns, but if you need a plan for the whole family, most MVNOs also offer discounts for additional lines added.
• Bringing your own phone: With low-cost carriers, you can bring your own phone. This can help cut your monthly costs by bringing your current device with you. Just make sure it's compatible if you're switching networks.
• Promotions: While promotions from the big three might appear attractive, they often entail long-term commitments and hidden costs. In contrast, many MVNOs offer straightforward, transparent promotional pricing for new customers, an appealing option if you're seeking clear and manageable expenses.
• Perks: Be wary of "free" subscription offers. These are mostly with big wireless, but some MVNOs offer these perks. Is it something you really need, or are you just adding unnecessary extra costs to your bill?
• International calling: If you have loved ones abroad, there are a number of low-cost carriers that offer free international calling with their plans. Make sure to check that the countries you need are included.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.

Find the best phone service in your area

Bad credit phone plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best bad credit cell phone plan?

The major networks continue to signal their intention to escalate prices, a move that seems more about boosting their profits in a crowded market than addressing any real economic necessity.

This strategy places an undue burden on all consumers, particularly those with bad credit who are already navigating financial challenges.

But there's good news. You can get access to the same cell phone service at a significantly lower cost, potentially saving up to $600 annually per line.

If you have bad credit and are looking for a new cell phone plan, I recommend exploring our cell phone plan comparison to help you find the best phone plan with no contract and start saving today.

How we choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: We 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.
2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: We 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.
4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
5. Range of choice: We 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.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.