In this technological era, a cell phone is a must-have device, but sometimes affordability becomes the major constraint in purchasing the device. However, some phone companies provide free cell phone no deposit no activation fee when you sign up for their network. In this case, you have to pay any deposit or activation fee and entirely own the device for free.
Unfortunately, most cell phone providers will conduct a credit check before approving you for the free phone offer. Other carriers will need some form of commitment to sign up for a cell phone plan to qualify for free phone discounts. Notably, many providers do not allow you to join their network without paying the activation fee. For instance, buy now pay later financing programs to run a credit check and demand an activation fee from customers.
However, you can benefit from specific special deals, which provide free cell phones without any deposit and an activation fee. Additionally, you can get free touch screen government phones through Lifeline Program, which are available for eligible low-income families. You can apply for lifeline benefits without any deposit or activation fee. On the downside, you cannot decide which device you want with free government phones, so you will have to accept what comes in the mail.
Different Ways To Get A Free Cell Phone
i) Buy One Get One Free
Some companies run promotions during certain sales seasons, including a buy one get one (BOGO) free promotion. These promotions enable customers to afford two expensive new devices. However, after you’ve paid for the first device in full, you can receive the second one for free.
Moreover, to enjoy the full benefit of this offer, you must top up a new service line to your plan and remain connected for the entire contract months. Notably, the second device credit gets applied to your cell phone bill in monthly installments.
ii) Free Phones on Contract
You must enroll in a two-year service contract with your preferred wireless carrier to receive such a free cell phone. Then, after signing up for a contract, you will get a brand-new phone for no deposit, no activation fee, and no further payments. However, for the next 24 months, you will pay a set monthly amount of cash for the phone’s total cost.
Interestingly, your data, talk, and text are featured in the monthly fee. If you purchase cell phone plans with free phones, on the other hand, you will spend less on your mobile device than you would for your cell phone plan in two years. Besides, it’s also beneficial because you receive the device with no deposit when you purchase it in payments over 24 months.
iii) Free Cell Phone from the Government
The US government’s Lifeline Assistance program is another avenue to receive a free cell phone with no deposit no activation fee. Through this program, you will get a free cell phone plus a discounted cell phone plan. In this case, don’t expect to get the latest Apple or Android flagship smartphones, but you can still get a midrange free smartphone.
To enjoy the benefits of the Lifeline Assistance program, you or your household must either attain the low-income conditions or be a participating member in one of the federal assistance programs. Eligibility for free government phones is as follows:
There are two methods to qualify for Lifeline Assistance Program:
a) Based on your income level
According to the Federal poverty guidelines, you can obtain Lifeline if your income is 135% or below. The guideline depends on your household size and state. Besides, you need to submit proof of income, including three consecutive pay stubs or a tax return, when applying for Lifeline.
b) Based on program participation
You can benefit from Lifeline if you (or a member in your household) participates in one of the below federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
c) Tribal Programs (and reside on federally-recognized Tribal lands):
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households attaining the income qualifying requirements)
- Tribal TANF
However, you need to show a letter, card, or official document, to prove that you participate in one of these programs when applying for Lifeline.
Carriers That Offer Free Cell Phone No Deposit No Activation Fee
Several carriers in the United States provide free phones through the government’s Lifeline program. These carriers include:
1) Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a US-based provider that provides a free smartphone to its Lifeline and ACP subscribers. Additionally, customers eligible for the Lifeline and ACP program also enjoy a free unlimited monthly mobile plan, plus a free 4G/5G smartphone with no deposit and no activation fee.
Again, Cintex offers free smartphones from high-end brands such as iPhones, Pixels, Galaxies, etc., and even provides upgraded models with enormous discounts. Cintex Wireless also allows them to bring their own device with the carrier’s free unlimited monthly cell phone plan.
2) Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a proud Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that offers low-income services to residents of 42 states. However, you can use your zip code to apply for Assurance Wireless. ACP Assurance Wireless and New Lifeline customers can get a free Android smartphone.
The Assurance Wireless Lifeline plan also provides unlimited text and data plus 1,000 minutes per month. You can enjoy unlimited data, text, minutes, and 10 GB of hotspot data if you qualify for the ACP Assurance Wireless Unlimited plan. Also, you can get a free android smartphone from this carrier with no deposit or activation.
3) Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a Lifeline provider that may provide a free touchscreen phone for eligible low-income people. Besides, you will get a discounted or free monthly plan for those who qualify. Life Wireless coverage is available in 32 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
However, plans vary by state; most offer 500 minutes per month and unlimited text and talk. The Affordable Connectivity Program allows you to receive as much data as you want per month, up to 30 GB, with unlimited text and talk. Apply for Life Wireless and receive a free cell phone without a deposit or activation fee.
4) SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a renowned provider of the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline. However, the carrier operates in all 50 states and territories and is one of the US’s broadest low-income free phone service providers. You can qualify for a Safelink phone free of charge as a new customer.
Safelink Wireless features unlimited calls, texting, and data. You can also bring your existing phones to use with Safelink free service. Perhaps, you can get different plans based on where you live at the Company’s website using your zip code.
Steps To Get A Free Cell Phone No Deposit No Activation Fee
Below are the steps to take to get a free cell phone with no deposit and no activation fee:
- Identify a Lifeline and ACP provider near you in your state.
- Proceed to your appropriate provider website to begin your application. Fill out and submit your application with all required information and proof of eligibility.
- Wait until the review process ends.
- Receive your free smartphone without a deposit and activation fee in your mail.
Summing Up
Wireless providers offering free cell phones, no deposit no activation fee have enabled many users to afford cell phones despite the high initial cost. However, such offers require some eligibility criteria to get the phone free of charge. Some companies offer free cell phones from the Lifeline program, and others offer deals that allow customers to get a free device when switching carriers.