How to Get Contract Phones With Poor Credit History
- 1). Visit a cell phone provider's local store to get a quote for a cell phone contract. The provider will need to check your credit history to give you an accurate quote for a contract. If it cannot approve you because of poor credit, ask how a substantial deposit or a co-signer may qualify you for a contract.
- 2). Visit several other cell phone providers to receive quotes for service. Find out what type of contract each provider can offer you with a deposit or co-signer. If a provider offers you a contract based on your poor credit history without a deposit or co-signer, ask for a copy of the terms of the contract. The fine print of the contract may include some undesirable terms, such as limitations on usage, higher than standard termination fees and exorbitant late fees. The contract may also restrict you from sending text or picture messages, making international calls or accessing the Internet for a period of time. Some contracts may charge additional deposits for each additional line of service.
- 3). After you have visited several cell phone providers, compare each of the respective offers. The terms you should review are the amount of the deposit, co-signer requirements and length of the contract.
- 4). Before signing a contract, you will need to have the deposit money. The amount of the deposit will depend on your credit and the provider, but typically the provider can request three to six months payment in advance as a deposit. Depending on the usage plan you select and how poor your credit history is, the deposit may range from $400 to $1,000. Qualifying for a deposit of less than $400 is desirable but may not be possible. Take as much time as you need to save up for the deposit.
- 5). If any of the cell phone providers quoted a contract to you that required a co-signer, find a friend or family member who would be willing to co-sign for your contract. Your cosigner should be financially responsible and have a good credit history. Also, if your cosigner already has a contract in good standing with the cell phone provider, it is more likely he will be able to successfully cosign on your behalf. Check the terms of the contract to see if the co-signer can be released from liability after a certain amount of time.
- 6). Select the best cell phone contract that fits the amount you can afford for a deposit. If you do not have a co-signer, do not select a contract that requires one. After you select your contract, go back to the provider's store to sign a contract based on the terms you were quoted.
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