Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
Some phone companies that offer free phones when you sign up for their network. We didn’t have the opportunity to talk about the particular devices at the time. We’ll be looking at the free cell phone with no deposit, no activation fee, and no credit check. This is what we’re going for.
Unfortunately, most phone providers will require you to pass a credit check before they approve you for the free phone promotion, and maybe free phone bills for low-income families. Given the current state of #COVID, chances of qualifying for the free phone are low. Nevertheless, this article is a compilation of at least seven phone deals for you with no deposit or credit check.
What’s the Best Free Cell Phone with No Credit Check, Deposit, or Activation Fee?
The best cell phones are free with no deposit, credit check or activation. These phones are not only premium brands, but also feature the most recent technologies such as 5G and NFC payment. Continue reading to find out how you can get these free phone promos with no deposit or credit check.
What You Should Be Aware Of About Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee?
The free touchscreen government phones, which are available all year, are the best. You can apply for lifeline plans without a credit check, deposit or activation fee, as they are only available to the poor. Unfortunately, the downside to these government phones is that you cannot choose which device you want, so you will have to wait to see what comes in the mail, however as long as they are free, who would say no to getting a free government phone?
However, the free cell phones offered by prepaid and postpaid operators are often limited-time deals. T-Mobile and Verizon have up to 12 of these $0 deals right now. Tomorrow or the next day, you’ll find four of those deals or none. Second, free phone deals with paid carriers can be offered without a credit check, deposit, activation fee, or both.
Credit Check Requirement For Mobile Phones
Your credit history is an important part of your financial health. This is important for both when you apply for a loan or cash advance, but also when you apply to join a phone service. All three major carriers, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, conduct credit checks for postpaid service activation. This applies to all new products, including mobile phones.
The purpose of a credit check, similar to the buy-now-pay later financing programs, is to determine your creditworthiness. This is your ability to manage your money, or trustworthiness. The credit check that carriers do is not a hard pull and will not affect your credit score or remain on your credit report for very long.
While prepaid services do not require credit checks, the benefit will be applicable to the majority of phone plans. Nevertheless, there are two carriers that offer device financing without a credit check.
- Boost Mobile – On the BoostUP! Program which is only for royal customers
- T-Mobile – The smartphone equality program which is only for royal customers
Deposit Requirement For Free Mobile Phones
The phone companies may ask for a downpayment when you apply for device financing. They won’t also make it clear why they might approve or deny you for the no deposit agreements. The wireless phone service works just like other businesses, and your financial health will determine the privileges that you receive.
The wireless provider will conduct a credit check before authorizing your contract account (postpaid). They may also ask you to make a refundable security deposit depending on your credit score. If you have excellent credit, you will not be required to pay the deposit. If you have bad or no credit, however, you might need to pay $100-$400.
Your security deposit for the service contract will be extended to device financing. Except for prepaid providers, carriers don’t see the need for charging again. Yes, indeed. A prepaid carrier such as Boost Mobile charges a small deposit and then allows you to finance the remainder in monthly installments. It’s an acceptable deal considering that they don’t require any particular credit score or credit checks.
However, there are other carriers that do not require a deposit to finance their phones:
- Google Fi
- T-Mobile
- Verizon prepaid
- AT&T prepaid
Activation Fee Requirement For Cell Phones
The activation fee is charged by cell phone companies, but not all, when you activate your line and buy your device. The activation fee is typically one-time, and more compensation is offered to pay for expenses incurred by the cell phone company to set up your new service. However, do not confuse activation with upgrade fee.
The provider will charge you an upgrade fee if you move your existing line to a different device. You can also get a refund for the activation fee if your device is returned within the 30-day period. You can ask the carrier to waive the fee or you can opt for the upgrade by activating your phone yourself.
While the majority of carriers will offer free phones, both postpaid and prepaid, there will be an activation fee. To qualify for the promotion, you will need to add a new phone line to your account. Google Fi and Boost Mobile don’t usually charge activation fees. The activation fee for other services varies depending on whether you activate online yourself or through an agent. These include:
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Cricket Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
Government Assistance for Free Cell Phone with No Credit Check, Deposit, or Activation Fee?
American Assistance
American Assistance offers qualified applicants a free touch-screen government smartphone and a new monthly plan. This program is available to subscribers in 21 US states and Puerto Rico.
American Assistance works with California Premium Lifeline. This state-based program offers cell phone assistance plans starting at $14.95 per monthly. American Assistance can help you determine if there are any benefits or availability.
Assurance Wireless
Customers of ACP Assurance Wireless and/or New Lifeline can receive a free Android smartphone. The Assurance Wireless Lifeline plan offers unlimited text and data as well as 1,000 minutes per month. You can get unlimited data, text, minutes, and 10 GB hotspot data with the ACP Assurance Wireless Unlimited plan.
Assurance Wireless provides low-income services to residents of 42 states. Use your zip code to apply for Assurance Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless will provide you with a free touch-screen smartphone from the government and a monthly free cell phone service. But if you are eligible for Lifeline or Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). FeelSafe Wireless is available throughout California, Kentucky and Mississippi, Mississippi, New York City, New York, Ohio. Oklahoma. Pennsylvania. South Carolina. Call anyone in the United States, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Voice, text and data amounts can vary from one state to the next. FeelSafe Wireless offers a variety of plans.
Life Wireless
Lifeline may offer a free touchscreen phone for eligible people and a discounted or free monthly plan for those who qualify. Life Wireless is available in 32 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands.
While plans vary, most offer 500 minutes per month and unlimited text and talk. EBB allows you to get as much data as you need per month, up to 30GB with unlimited text and talk. Register for Life Wireless to discover the benefits available to you.
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a partnership between EBB and Lifeline. It operates in all 50 states and territories and is one the largest low-income phone service providers in the country. You might be eligible to receive a Safelink phone free of charge as a new customer. This includes unlimited calls, texting and data. SafeLink Wireless can also transfer existing phones to you and you will still receive free service.
You can find different plans depending on where you live. To see the available plans, apply for SafeLink Wireless using your zip code.
SafetyNet Wireless: Free cell phone and plan
SafetyNet Wireless offers discounted, prepaid and free smartphone plans. Through its participation in Lifeline, EBB, and California Lifeline, this company offers cell phones to low income to very low-income individuals. SafetyNet Wireless is available throughout California, Colorado and Georgia, Georgia, Kentucky. Michigan. Oklahoma. Pennsylvania. New York. Missouri.
California Lifeline plans are available at a cost of $0 to $25 per monthly and include unlimited talk, text, and up to 12GB data. The cost of a California Lifeline plan is free or as low as $15 per month in other states.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless partners with EBB and Lifeline to offer a discounted or free government smartphone via mail. You can activate it yourself with unlimited talk, text, and 10GB data per month.
StandUp Wireless provides nationwide 5G coverage and allows you to bring your compatible smartphone. Find out if the service is available in your region by entering your zip code.
TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile is a participant in Lifeline and EBB, and uses Verizon wireless and T-Mobile networks. It is available in 19 states, and 11 cities in California. California residents can receive a free smartphone that allows unlimited text and talk, and up to 8GB data per month. TAG Mobile offers a monthly free plan in other states with unlimited text, 1,000 minutes and 4.5GB of data.
Participants can bring their compatible phone and transfer it to the program. You can also choose from prepaid or monthly plans. Get your TAG Mobile benefits by enrolling with us
TruConnect
TruConnect gives you a free Android phone and unlimited text. You can also get up to 12.5GB monthly data and international calling for certain countries. TruConnect is available in 33 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands.
TruConnect provides cell phone plans, broadband services, and hotspots. They offer more options for Android and iPhone government phones than other programs. It also offers steep discounts. To get started, simply enter your zip code in TruConnect.
The 6 Best Providers of Free Cell Phone (No Credit Check, No Deposit No Activation Fee Deals)
Verizon Carrier-Locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee Plan
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE smartphone is among the most expensive high-end phones available with 5g connectivity. Verizon offers the device online at no cost and there is no need to trade it in if you add or switch lines.
You can ask your account holder to pick up the device for you. This assumes that you will be able to keep unlimited postpaid plans within the next 30 month.
The Galaxy phone has some of the most amazing features, including:
- Both 4G LTE and 5G networks supported
- Makes use of a powerful Snapdragon 865 mobile processor
- Protected with IP68 dust and water protection
- Superior pro-grade camera featuring 3x optical zoom
- Supports both fast & reverse wireless charger
- Included an NFC tag to allow contactless payments and other
- It has a large, cinematic screen with a 120Hz refresh speed
- A Fingerprint reader is also available for quick unlocking and access.
- It can store up to 1TB of internal storage and 1TB SD cards.
Verizon Branded Apple iPhone 12 Mini
You can also get the iPhone 12 Mini 5g-capable phone for free from Verizon. You don’t have to trade it in as long as you sign up or add a new account line.
Galaxy FE 5G is similar in that promo requirements require you to activate the line on either an unlimited or postpaid plan. You’ll then have to stay on the plan for the next thirty months.
The iPhone 12 Mini has some of the most amazing features:
- It can be connected to either 5G LTE or 4G LTE.
- The highest IP68 dust/water protection
- Utilizes the powerful Apple A14 bionic processor
- A dual 12MP camera system includes 2x optical zoom.
- Video recording in 4K @60fps
- Slo-mo video support available for 1080p at 120fps and 240fps
- Included NFC chip to make it easy and secure to use Apple pap
- Dolby Vision & HDR10 enable HDR10 support for video playback
- Siri also allows hands-free control via Siri
T-Mobile Carrier-Locked Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee Plan
T-Mobile Ultra Capacity data speeds can be accessed through the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, which is one of few mid-range phones. It is being given away by the provider for free. You can also add another line of service at any rate on the postpaid plans. Keep the line active and make payments on time for the next 24 months.
These are the seven most important features and pros of the Galaxy smartphone:
- It can be connected to up to 5G networks
- A 6.5-inch edge to edge HD display
- Operates on MediaTek Mt6853 Dimensity: 720 5G
- You can record full 4K@30fps and 1080p@120fps videos
- It has a 64GB built-in storage capacity and a dedicated Micro SD slot
- For quick access, the rear-mounted Fingerprint reader allows for easy use
- It comes with an NFC tag to allow Android Pay & other contactless payments
T-Mobile-Branded Motorola Moto One 5G Ace
A Motorola phone that you could get for free if you activate a new T-Mobile line. This Motorola Moto One phone falls within the mid-range category, but it has some amazing features and functionalities that will make you smile.
These include:
- It supports both 4 and 5G LTE networks
- It uses a powerful Snapdragon 5G 750G processor
- Features a 6.7-inch Full HD LCD display with HDR10
- Design with IP52 dust and water protection.
- Captures decent photos & videos in full 4K@30fps
- Rear-mounted Fingerprint sensor allows for quick access
- Included 128GB built-in storage and up to 512GB SD cards
- It supports NFC for digital payments and content sharing
Boost Mobile Network Motorola Moto G Power has Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee Plan
Although the Motorola Moto G Power may be considered an entry-level phone, it still offers a number of useful features and functions. The best part is that it can be yours free of charge if you fulfill the few requirements by Boost Mobile.
First, you need to visit your nearest Boost dealer. The prepaid operator will have the device in its limited catalog. Will the phone be worth the effort?
Here are some features:
- It only works with 4G LTE
- The MediaTek Helio G37 processor runs.
- Features a HD+ 6.5-inch HD+ display at a 90 Hz refresh.
- Wireless charging and NFC support are not available.
- You get 64GB of built-in storage and up to 512GB MicroSD Card
- Supports both Fingerprint & face unlock for quicker access
- It features a 50MP triple lens camera that records 1080p@30fp
Factory Unlocked Motorola Moto G Play (2021 Edition)
Google Fi still offers factory unlocked phones. The Moto G Play (2021), for example, is one such example. It is currently available on a limited-time basis. You can receive a $120 discount and a $50 credit rebate. This should net you a savings of $170, which is approximately the retail price.
Before you are eligible for the promo, activate a new line with a full-service plan. Keep your device connected to the network (Google Fi), for at least 90 days.
You should also know that the Moto G series falls under the entry-level phone category. It has the following key features:
- It can be used by other carriers as well.
- Max Vision HD Display – 6.5 inches
- Utilizes SM4250 Snapdragon 460 processor
- Uses 13MP dual-camera system for 1080p@30fps
- Supports only NFC and wireless charging functions
- Protects against spillages with a water-repellent construction
- It comes with 32GB of storage and up to 512GB MicroSD cards.
Cricket-Locked Samsung Galaxy A12 32GB Android has Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee Plan
Cricket wireless offers this Samsung Galaxy A12 for $0 on limited-time deals. You can also go to the website and check it out if your search for a cell phone free of charge is still on.
AT&T’s prepaid brand requires that you add a line to activate your $60 Cricket More unlimited plan. Activate your Samsung device and keep it on Cricket for six months.
These are the seven key features of the Galaxy A12:
- It only works with 4G LTE
- Features a large 6.5-inch HD+ screen
- Video recording support in 1080p@30fps
- Features a fingerprint scanner and face unlock
- Runs on the MediaTek Helio P3 chip MT6765 Helio
- It has 32GB of built-in storage and up to 1TB SD cards
- It supports NCF digital payment and content sharing
Final Thoughts About Free Cell Phone with No Deposit, or Activation Fee Plan
Living without phone services is a personal decision. As we have seen, upgrading an old device can still be a choice, even if you don’t want to spend money. The best way to get your phone is by financing it. Many of the deals that we offer today include high-end gadgets.
