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For the past decades, cell phones have become important in our daily life. It’s quite an essential gadget, which is not only for communication, but also for education, entertainment, and more. There are two types of cell phones: locked and unlocked. The unlocked cell phone is a popular choice for those who want the freedom to choose carriers, models, or service plans. Also, an unlocked cell phone doesn’t require a contract. You may find yourself in need of a cell phone but unfortunately, you’re on a tight budget or lacks money at all.
Besides, you may don’t have a chance to get a locked phone because you have bad credit or no credit. So, what you should do? There’s no need to panic! There’s a solution to someone who has bad credit, no credit and lacks a deposit to get an unlocked cell phone. Keep reading for more information about unlocked cell phones with no credit check no deposit.
What Is an Unlocked Cell Phone?
A locked cell phone is fixed to a single carrier. Usually, customers buy the phone with a subsidy and a two-year contract or buy the device at full price. On the other hand, an unlocked cell phone has no network restrictions. It can be used on any carrier that supports that cell phone. Besides, you’re not tied to a contract. An unlocked cell phone allows a compatible device to use the SIM card from any carrier of your choice. This way, you won’t have any questions like can you put Assurance Wireless Sim Card in another phone.
Benefits of Unlocked Cell Phone
Unlocked cell phones have benefits, especially for those who assume that bad credit or no credit disqualifies themselves from obtaining wireless service. Here are some of the advantages:
Saving cost
One of the main benefits of an unlocked cell phone is that it can save you money in the long term. You may need to pay a higher up-front cost compared to a locked cell phone. However, you’re able to choose any service plan and carrier of your choice. Plus, you can make changes without penalties. Sometimes, when you plan to upgrade and sell your cell phone, your unlocked phone is worth a bit than an equivalent locked cell phone.
More selection
As people have become more aware of the advantages of unlocked cell phones and more eager to buy them, more manufacturers offer their cell phones in an unlocked version. Nowadays, you can easily find unlocked phones from high-end manufactures, such as Apple and Samsung.
Flexible
Having unlocked cell phones allows you to get a local SIM card and a service plan when you travel internationally. You will be able to use the unlocked phone as normal. However, you should keep in mind that CDMA phones like cell phones on the Sprint or Verizon network won’t work overseas. Some GSM devices, such as AT&T and T-Mobile will work in most countries.

How to Get Cell Phones with Bad Credit or No Credit
If you have bad credit or no credit, it’s difficult to get a cell phone from mobile providers. However, it’s possible to get unlocked cell phones with no credit check no deposit. Here are some ways you can get a cell phone even if you have a bad credit score:
Get a prepaid plan
Getting a prepaid plan means you will be paying for your text, voice, and data packages in advance. Thus, the carrier will not have to do any credit check. A prepaid plan can be the easiest way to get a cell phone with bad credit and no deposit.
Also, you’re able to buy your cell phone anywhere to get the best price. What’s more, you can change to any carrier for excellent data, text, and talk packages that really suit you. You’ll find some major companies offer great prepaid plans. Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are amongst the few.
Go for Family Plans
The family plan is another way to get an unlocked cell phone without a credit check and deposit. Usually, the family plans allow the primary account to add extra lines, but only need the primary account holder to have good credit. It means the other people are not required for a credit check. It’s also cheaper than single plans. Both you and the account holder need to make monthly payments on time.
Look for a co-signer
Similar to the family plan, a co-signer serves as your guarantor and must have good credit. So, the carrier company will offer you the cell phone. Thus, the account will be under the name of your co-signer. If you fail to make the payment, he or she will be the one to pay. So, keep in mind to always pay timely.
However, after some time, it’s possible to transfer the account from your co-signer to you. Generally, the carrier will run a credit check on you when that happens. Note that terms and conditions may differ from one company to the other.
Buy now pay later unlocked cell phones
Despite not having any cash and your credit score is not good enough, you can look for buy now pay later financing. It allows you to get an unlocked cell phone first and pay for it in the future without a credit check and any deposit to pay. Plus, some companies offer installments for up to 24 months.
However, keep in mind that a buy now pay later doesn’t include a service plan. So, you will have to pay the service plan you choose, plus the monthly installment for buy now pay later. Also, the prices may be higher than if you buy in cash.
If it’s your only option, you only need to look for a website that offers this financing. Make sure you read the terms and conditions.
Best Providers for Unlocked Cell Phones with No Credit Check No Deposit
Even if you don’t have a stellar credit score, it’s still possible to get unlocked cell phones from mobile providers. There are several major service providers in the US, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. They have service plans that enable you to get a mobile phone with no credit check. To get an unlocked cell phone from any mobile service provider, you can either:
- Come with your existing unlocked cell phone
- Buy an unlocked cell phone from the service provider
Once you’ve received your cell phone, you have the freedom to choose the service plan that you want from several providers.
Here are some of the best providers:
AT&T
AT&T is one of the largest network companies that offer unlocked cell phones along with prepaid plans. You will find several cell phones on their website with various prices. LG Phoenix 5, Samsung Galaxy A11, and iPhone 7 are amongst other cell phones. You can also get a prepaid plan as low as 30 USD. You’ll get unlimited text, talk, and 5GB of data every month.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is an excellent choice for those looking for unlocked cell phones with no credit check no deposit. They offer great network coverage and recently expanded their prepaid devices to include nearly all of its best flagships. These include Motorola Moto E, Samsung Galaxy S20 series, iPhone 12 series, and much more. Get T-Mobile prepaid plans, starting at only 15 USD per month. You’ll get unlimited text, talk, and 2GB of high-speed data.
Verizon
Without a credit check and deposit, you can get Verizon unlocked cell phones no matter your credit score. Verizon offers a wide selection of prepaid cell phones, including iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy A21, Google Pixel 5, and LG Stylo 6. They also offer prepaid plans, start at 40 USD/month. It includes unlimited talk and text in the US, unlimited text to 200 international destinations, plus 5GB of data.
Best No Credit Check No Deposit Unlocked Cell Phones
Unlocked cell phones are not tied to any specific carrier. Mostly they work on CDMA and GSM networks. Before you buy unlocked cell phones, always check with the phone carrier or manufacturers for compatibility. Here are some of the best unlocked cell phones:
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5 is another excellent camera phone from Google with an affordable price. It features a single rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The camera is equipped with an ultra-wide lens, with a 12.2MP and 16MP rear camera, while the front camera is 8MP. Runs on Android 11 (Pie), Google Pixel 5 also comes with Snapdragon 765G and 8GB RAM for smooth and fast performance. The 128GB internal storage allows you to keep applications, photos, videos, and music.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
With an ergonomic and attractive design, Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus is a powerful phone with new features. These are 5G-ready, the 120Hz, and upgraded rear cameras. Besides, this unlocked Android cell phone features a sharp and vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display with WQHD+ resolution. It’s equipped with a 12MP main camera plus 12MP ultra-wide. There’s also 64MP telephoto, which allows for 30x digital zoom. Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus is available in two internal storage options: 128GB and 512GB. For great performance, it comes with a Snapdragon 865 chipset and 12GB of RAM.
OnePlus 8
OnePlus 8 offers 5G support and good battery life with 4,300 mAh. It also features impressive specs, like a bright, responsive 90HZ display. With a sleek design, this unlocked cell phone works on Snapdragon 865 and 8GB of RAM. Snap some pictures and video using its 48MP + 16MP + 2MP main camera and 16MP front camera. Then you can keep them in the internal storage, which is available in 128GB and 256GB.
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 is one of the best Apple’s best devices at an affordable price. It features a fantastic 12MP + 12MP main camera and 12MP front camera. Besides, it comes with an excellent Night Mode and ultra-wide angle. Runs on iOS 13, it’s also equipped with a powerful 3,110 mAh battery. It’s available in a range of color options, including purple, yellow, green, white, black, and red.
Moto G Power
As one of the unlocked cell phones that run on Android, Moto G Power allows you to choose a variety of providers. This budget phone offers a 5,000 mAh battery for longer life. Also, Moto G Power is among the best camera phones. It’s equipped with a 16MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and 2MP macro lens. Meanwhile, the front camera is 16MP. It runs on Android 10 and has a Snapdragon 665 processor, plus 4GB of RAM for great performance. You will have enough storage, thanks to its 64GB storage. And it’s expandable up to 512GB with a microSD card.
Unlocked Cell Phones Online Stores
Aside from the carriers’ website, you’re also able to buy unlocked cell phones with no credit check no deposit in online stores. Here are some of them:
Amazon
You’ll find plenty of unlocked cell phones on Amazon, from basic phones to smartphones. There’s also a wide range of prices you can choose from. Moto G, Google 5, Samsung Galaxy, and iPhone are amongst the options.
Luther Sales
Not only offer unlocked cell phones, but Luther Sales also offers a buy now pay later option. It’s perfect for those who have a tight budget and bad credit or no credit. There’s plenty of a new collection of unlocked cell phones. Besides, they offer budget-friendly for up to 36 months of installments and free delivery. What’s more, you can choose the payment weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. It’s indeed one of the best companies which offer cell phones with no credit check.
Finger Hut
You’ll find lots of exclusive unlocked cell phones collection in Finger Hut from several manufactures. These include Samsung, Apple, and Nokia. They also offer a store credit with instant approval. It’s good for those who are starting up to build credit. Plus, they report to three credit bureaus. What’s more, they offer free shipping on orders of 200 USD.
Conclusion
Having bad credit or no credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a cell phone. From the discussion above, it’s clear that there are some options you can get a cell phone, including unlocked cell phones with no credit check no deposit. Since a cell phone is a crucial device, lack of cash or credit shouldn’t stop you from owning an unlocked cell phone. Also, an unlocked cell phone gives you many advantages, like saving money. On top of that, you have the freedom to choose the carrier and service plan that really best for you. You can purchase unlocked cell phones directly from the carriers or several online and offline stores.