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Popular Plans


Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Text
Unlimited
Data
$360.00
per year
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Text
Unlimited
Data
$210.00
per 180 days
-
Minutes
-
Text
20GB
Data
$35.00
per month
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Text
Unlimited
Data
$50.00
per month
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Text
5GB
Data
$30.00
per month

Popular Phones



What You Need to Know


Owned by AT&T, Cricket Wireless is known for its outstanding coverage and affordable multi-line rates. In operation since 1999, they’re one of the older carriers still in operation. Retail locations make it easy to find support and upgrade options when needed as well.

All plans are prepaid. Options range between $30 and $60 per month with additional discounts available for each additional line added to your plan. As a prepaid provider, you can enjoy access to 4G without worrying about credit checks or contracts.

Should you need a phone, you’ll find options ranging from basic flip models to the latest smartphone flagships. While there’s no device financing option, phone prices through Cricket Wireless are very competitive. Already have a phone? Their universal SIMs make bringing your own device simple.

What’s Good?

  • No-contract plans available
  • Bring your own device plans
  • Unlimited data plans
  • Multi-line discounts
  • Worry-free data plans
  • Coast-to-coast calling on all plans
  • Roaming and calling to Mexico and Canada on many plans

What’s Bad?

  • May throttle data speeds during times of congestion
  • No international roaming
  • Tethering requires paid add-on

Notable Features

  • Worry-Free Data: Providing a set amount of high-speed 4G data, these plans fall back to 2G speeds when you’ve reached your bandwidth limit instead of charging costly overage fees.
  • Multi-line plans: Each line you add to your plan increases your discount, making Cricket Wireless is ideal for families looking for multiple phones.
  • Unlimited Talk and Text: All plans include unlimited minutes and text in the US.
  • Unlimited Data: Unlimited data plans offer full access to 5G data with speeds throttled during heavy-use times.
  • Mexico and Canada Roaming: Upper-tier plans including calling, texting and roaming in both Mexico and Canada.

Awards and Recognitions

How’s the Network Coverage and Speed?

Cricket Wireless uses the AT&T Network to deliver service. According to their website, the AT&T network covers 99% of American’s in the continental US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

You can check coverage and network types in your area at their support page.

In the 2016, 2017, and 2018 “Fastest Mobile Networks” studies by PC Magazine, AT&T ranked third. 

In the "2018 United States SpeedTest Market Report" by Ookla, AT&T ranked third with a SpeedScore of 22.17 - up from their 2017 score of 20.05.

In OpenSignals July 2018 "State of Mobile Networks: USA" report, AT&T ranked third for 4G download speeds at an average of 16Mbps, second for 3G download speeds at an average just under 3Mbps, and third for 4G upload speeds with an average of 5Mbps.

Do They Charge Roaming Fees?

All Cricket Wireless plans include coverage within the US at no additional charge.

If you frequently travel to Canada or Mexico, their Smart, Pro and Unlimited plans include high-speed data, calls and texts with no roaming fees at no additional charge.

At the time of writing, roaming outside North America isn’t possible with Cricket Wireless. You also cannot add Canada or Mexico roaming to lower-tier plans through an add-on.

For more information, consult their International Terms and Conditions.

What About Long Distance Fees?

All Cricket Wireless plans include calling to any number in the United States.

For calls outside the United States, fees will vary based on your plan and calling destination. Smart, Pro and Unlimited plans include calling to Canada and Mexico at no additional charge as well as unlimited texting to 38 countries.

Other options include:

  • Cricket International: $5 per month unlocks unlimited calling to landlines in 36 countries.
  • Cricket International Extra: $15 per month unlocks unlimited calling to landlines in 36 countries, unlimited MMS to 36 countries and 1,000 minutes to mobile phones in 32 countries.

If you only place calls to a single country, they also offer country-specific add-ons for $10 to $15 featuring a set amount of minutes each month plus unlimited SMS and MMS.

For more information, consult their Add-On Features page.

Does Cricket Wireless Offer Wi-Fi Calling?

Yes. Cricket Wireless currently supports native Wi-Fi calling. However, it does not offer an app for non-native devices.

How About Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

Yes. Cricket supports VoLTE in select coverage areas for supported devices.

Can I Tether My Phone?

This will depend on your monthly plan. At the time of writing, only the Smart and Pro plans support tethering. You’ll also need to pay $10 per month to unlock the feature. All data used counts toward your mobile data allotment.

Keep in mind that non-mobile devices--such as PCs or gaming consoles--will use data much quicker than the typical smartphone. If you tether, monitor usage carefully to avoid added fees.

For more information, consult the Cricket Mobile Hotspot Terms and Conditions.

Can I Rollover Unused Data?

No. Cricket Wireless does not support data rollover on any of their plans.

What Add-ons or Bundles are Available?

All plans offer a standard set of features, including voicemail, call-waiting and access to Cricket Wireless apps for managing usage and account features.

Additional add-ons include:

  • Cricket Protect: Enjoy protection from accidental damage and phone theft for $7 per month.
  • Deezer: Cricket’s exclusive streaming music service offers your favorite tracks on-demand for $6 per month.
  • Data Top-Ups: Need extra data? You can add 1GB to your plan for $10.
For more information, consult their Add-On Features page.

Can I Bring My Own Device?

Yes! Most unlocked GSM phones will work with this carrier.

Requirements include:

  • The phone must be unlocked
  • The phone must not be on the IMEI blacklist
  • The phone must support a SIM

You can find full details on what to expect and if your device is supported at their Bring Your Own Phone page.

Do They Require a Credit Check?

No! As a prepaid service provider, Cricket does not require a credit check to start service.

What About Activation and SIM Fees?

Cricket charges a one-time $25 activation fee for every new line of service.

However, if you purchase and activate online, they will waive the fee.

For more information, consult their Charges & Fees page.

If you bring your own phone or tablet, you'll also need a Cricket Wireless SIM.

SIM kits are available online and at many retailers for $9.99.

NOTE: Fees often differ between retail stores and websites. Be sure to check both before signing up or adding a line to your account to maximize savings.

Do They Charge an Early Termination Fee?

No! Since there are no contracts or term commitments, you don’t have to worry about fees if you switch providers.

Can I Port My Number To or From Cricket Wireless?

Yes! Both landline and wireless numbers might be eligible for transfer.

General requirements include:

  • The account from which you wish to transfer the number must be active and in good standing
  • You must be able to provide the current account number, name of the account holder, PIN or password and billing address of the account to complete the transfer.

The process can take between 1 hour and 5 days to complete depending on your situation.

For more information and to check eligibility, consult their Set Up Transfer Online page.

Will They Unlock My Phone?

Yes! They will unlock phones at no cost. Requirements include:

  • You must be a current or former customer
  • The phone must be locked to the Cricket Wireless network
  • The device must be active for at least six months prior to unlocking
  • The phone must not be on the IMEI blacklist

To start the unlock process, contact Cricket or visit one of their retail locations.


For other questions about pricing, features and coverage, be sure to check out Cricket Wireless Q&A Forum. It’s filled with questions and answers from people like you looking to get the most out of their mobile service!

If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know! It's appreciated and will help make this page better for everyone.


Voice network: CDMA
Data network: 1xRTT, EVDO

Cricket Customer Service

Mailing Address:
575 Morosgo Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Phone Number:
1-800-274-2538 (or *611 from your cell)

Helpful Links

Official Website, Facebook, Twitter, Coverage Maps, Manage Your Account

Resources


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