Part 1: Options for Those Without a U.S. Credit History

Practical Tips

1. Stick to Prepaid Plans:
   • No credit checks, no contracts, pay upfront. Ideal for newcomers without an SSN.
   • Examples: Mint Mobile ($15/month for 5 GB), Visible ($25/month unlimited).
2. Use an Unlocked Phone:
   • Bring a compatible, unlocked phone to avoid financing. Check IMEI on provider sites.
3. Buy Phones Outright:
   • Purchase budget phones (~$100–$150) from Walmart or Amazon to bypass credit requirements.
4. Consider eSIM for Quick Setup:
   • Digital activation (e.g., Visible) is fast and requires no credit.
5. Shop at Accessible Retailers:
   • Target, Walmart, or Best Buy stock prepaid SIMs and phones. Cash or debit accepted.
6. Temporary eSIM Plans:
   • For short-term stays (e.g., tourists), use providers like eSIMUSA ($5–$20 for 1–5 GB, 7–30 days).
7. Government Programs:
   • Lifeline Assistance offers free/discounted plans (e.g., ~4.5 GB) for low-income individuals (e.g., Medicaid/SNAP recipients). Apply via Assurance Wireless or SafeLink.
8. Monitor Data:
   • Use provider apps to track usage, as prepaid plans have hard data caps.
9. Avoid Scams:
   • Buy only from official sites or retailers like Best Buy. Verify offers via provider contact numbers.
10. Build Payment History:
    • Consistent prepaid payments can help qualify for postpaid plans later.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess Device Needs:
   • BYOD: Use an unlocked phone (check compatibility on provider sites, e.g., Mint Mobile).
   • Buy a Phone: Purchase a budget phone (e.g., Motorola Moto G, ~$150) from Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. Consumer Cellular offers EasyPay for phones over $200 with prepaid plans, often without credit checks.
2. Choose a Provider and Plan:
   • Prepaid Plans:
     • Verizon: 5 GB for $30/month.
     • AT&T: 5 GB for $30/month.
     • T-Mobile: Connect 5 GB for $15/month.
     • UScellular: 5 GB for $30/month.
     • Boost Mobile: 5 GB for $15/month.
     • Consumer Cellular: 1 GB for $20/month, senior-friendly.
     • Mint Mobile: 5 GB for $15/month (3-month prepay).
     • Google Fi: Flexible, $20/month + $10/GB.
     • Cricket Wireless: 5 GB for $30/month.
     • Visible: Unlimited for $25/month.
   • Consider data (~10.8 GB/month average) and international needs (e.g., Boost Mobile offers Mexico roaming).
3. Purchase a SIM or eSIM:
   • Physical SIM: Buy from Walmart, Target, or provider sites ($0–$10). Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless offer free SIMs online.
   • eSIM: Activate via apps (e.g., Visible, Google Fi) or sites like eSIMUSA for temporary plans.
4. Activate Service:
   • Online: Visit the provider’s site (e.g., Boost Mobile), enter SIM/eSIM and IMEI, pay with debit/cash card (no SSN needed), and activate.
   • In-Store: Visit Target or a carrier store (e.g., T-Mobile). Bring ID (passport); cash/debit accepted.
5. Port Number (Optional):
   • Port a U.S. number with account details and ID. Otherwise, get a new number.
6. Test and Monitor:
   • Test connectivity. Use apps (e.g., Mint Mobile’s app) to track data and set alerts.

Example Scenario

Practical Tips

1. Choose Between Postpaid and Prepaid:
   • Postpaid Plans: Ideal for unlimited data, multi-line discounts, or perks (e.g., streaming subscriptions). You’ll receive a monthly bill, and credit checks are typically required.
   • Prepaid Plans: Pay upfront, no credit check needed, but still an option if you prefer cost control or flexibility.
2. Leverage Financing:
   • Carriers offer device installment plans (24–36 months) for premium phones (e.g., iPhone 16, ~$800). A good credit score reduces deposits or upfront costs.
3. Explore Bundled Deals:
   • Postpaid plans often include streaming services (e.g., Netflix with T-Mobile), international roaming, or home internet discounts.
4. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD):
   • Use an unlocked phone to avoid financing. Check compatibility with the carrier’s network (GSM/CDMA) using the IMEI (*#06#) on their website.
5. Maximize Discounts:
   • Ask about affinity discounts (e.g., 5% AARP with Consumer Cellular) or multi-line savings (e.g., Google Fi: $100 for four lines).
6. Set Up Auto-Pay:
   • Enroll in auto-pay for discounts (e.g., $5–$10/month off with Verizon or AT&T) and to maintain good credit.
7. Avoid Scams:
   • Purchase plans/SIMs only from official carrier sites or trusted retailers like Walmart or Best Buy. Ignore unsolicited offers claiming free phones.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess Device Needs:
   • BYOD: Use an unlocked phone (check compatibility on the provider’s site).
   • Buy a Phone: Purchase outright from Amazon, Best Buy, or carriers like Verizon. Alternatively, finance a phone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24, ~$30/month over 24 months with AT&T) if your credit qualifies.
2. Choose a Provider and Plan:
   • Postpaid Examples:
     • Verizon: Unlimited Welcome, $50–$80/month with streaming perks.
     • AT&T: Unlimited Starter, $50–$85/month with hotspot data.
     • T-Mobile: Go5G, $55–$90/month with Netflix.
     • UScellular: Unlimited Basic, $40–$70/month.
     • Google Fi: Flexible, $20/month + $10/GB or unlimited for $50/month.
   • Prepaid Options (no credit check, but available):
     • Consumer Cellular: 1 GB for $20/month.
     • Cricket Wireless: 5 GB for $30/month.
     • Visible: Unlimited for $25/month.
   • Select based on data needs (~10.8 GB/month average) and perks (e.g., international calling with T-Mobile).
3. Purchase a SIM or eSIM:
   • Physical SIM: Buy from carrier sites, Walmart, or Target ($0–$10). Mint Mobile offers free SIMs online.
   • eSIM: Activate digitally via provider apps (e.g., Visible, Google Fi) for compatible phones (iPhone 12+, Galaxy S21+).
4. Activate Service:
   • Online: Visit the provider’s site (e.g., T-Mobile), enter SIM/eSIM and IMEI, provide payment info (credit/debit card), and complete activation. Postpaid may require a credit check and SSN.
   • In-Store: Visit a carrier store (e.g., Verizon) or retailer like Target. Bring ID (passport, driver’s license) and proof of credit (e.g., SSN).
5. Port Number (Optional):
   • Port an existing U.S. number with your old account number and ID. New numbers are assigned otherwise.
6. Test and Monitor:
   • Test calls, texts, and data. Use the provider’s app (e.g., AT&T’s myAT&T) to track usage and manage auto-pay.

Example Scenario