Do I need credit to get a cellphone?

[LivinLaVivaPollo]

I'm currently a college student in a pretty remote part of california, Santa cruz. The only full fledged cell phone service around here is Verizon and I'm thinking about getting their regional west promo deal with the LG 510 phone. Do I need credit to get a plan? I have about five thousand in savings/checking, but I've been spending money through my check card because I keep getting rejected for a credit card: Blue for Students, and Discover for Students. Will they do a credit check? Any one know any places cheap online to get the V60 or LG510 with the same plan?

 

[Superdoopercooper]

Generally for anything other that prepaid... YES!

EDIT: not sure you need a credit CARD per se, but you do need at least moderately decent credit. I don't think its as stringent as a credit card, becuase I see some dudes with cell phones that look like they probably should be able to afford them.

 

[pulse8]

Generally, yes.

Unless you get some sort of prepaid plan.

 

[Viper GTS]

They almost certainly will do a credit check, unless you get a pre-paid plan.

Viper GTS

 

[RossMAN]

Yes they will do a credit check, unless you get a prepaid calling card - which is a ripoff.

I would still apply for a calling plan and it sounds like you won't be approved. They'll probably ask you for a deposit which is the route I would go. After 6 - 12 months you get your deposit back. With a regular calling plan it's A LOT cheaper if you plan on using your cell phone frequently.

Since I've been with VoiceStream Wireless, have 2 lines (my sister and I) and have paid all my bills on time they refer to me as a "preferred customer". So today when I opened a 3rd cell phone account for my wife I got the Nokia 3390 for $33.90 which usually retails for $129 plus they switched all 3 of my accounts to the "get more" plan which is 600 weekday free long distance minutes roam anywhere and UNLIMITED weekend roam anywhere call anywhere minutes for $39.99 per month per phone.

Jamie Lee Curtis isn't that bad looking for her age.

 

[Thegonagle]

They might require a refundable deposit, but I doubt that you won't be able to get service. Just go to the Verizon store and see what they can do for you. The LG-TM510 is a pretty good choice, BTW. It?s not perfect, but for the price, it?s wonderful.