Are you shopping around looking to change your cell phone plan to Verizon because of the better coverage or other reasons? No matter the reason, there are several things that may be attracting you to switch over to Verizon.
But before you change to Verizon, you might be asking, does Verizon run a credit check? I wondered about the same thing and decided to research the matter more in-depth. Here’s everything I discovered about the topic!
Does Verizon Run A Credit Check In 2024?
Verizon runs a credit check before you’re able to sign a contract with the phone carrier as of 2024. A credit check is required on all potential customers to determine the down payment needed and will range in price depending on that score. If your credit score is high, you may not have to pay a down payment at all.
Do you want to know more about when Verizon might run a credit check and what the requirements are? Keep reading below to find out the answers to all of your questions!
Does Verizon Run A Hard Credit Check?
Yes, Verizon runs a hard credit check if you’re signing up for any contract plans, meaning your credit score may drop a few points after this process.
Further, a hard credit check can stay on your file for two years, so any company that checks your credit afterward will see the Verizon credit check inquiry.
Why Does Verizon Run A Hard Credit Check?
Verizon will run a hard credit check to determine whether or not you qualify for its contract plans and want to ensure you have enough money to pay for your service bill each month.
Additionally, Verizon needs to use all your credit report information to determine how much to charge you for a down payment or deposit, if any.
What’s The Minimum Credit Score Needed At Verizon?
If you’d like to switch to Verizon, you’re going to need a minimum credit score of 650, although a score this low would mean that you’d have to pay a bigger deposit fee.
Furthermore, Verizon prefers that someone have a credit score of 720 to use its services, and a credit score in this range would require a smaller deposit.
Does Verizon Check Credit Existing Customers?
Yes, Verizon will check credit existing customers and periodically do a soft credit check on customers, which doesn’t appear in your credit report.
Does Verizon Run A Credit Check When You Upgrade?
When you upgrade your phone, Verizon will run a credit check to ensure that you have the financial ability to pay for your new device.
Does Verizon Run A Credit Check To Add A Line?
Yes, Verizon will run a credit check when you add a line, even if you’re an existing customer with a long history of paying your bill on time.
Can You Get Approved For Verizon With Bad Credit?
If you have bad credit, you most likely aren’t going to be able to sign up for a contract plan with Verizon, although you could still get approved if you have a cosigner for the account.
However, you can still choose to go with Verizon if you opt for one of the prepaid Verizon plans if you have bad credit.
What Bureau Does Verizon Use To Check Your Credit Score?
Verizon Wireless will pull your credit score from Equifax as that’s the preferred company Verizon uses in most situations.
How Much Does Verizon’s Credit Check Impact Your Security Deposit?
A credit check will significantly impact your security deposit with Verizon, and it’s one of the main factors in determining what your security deposit will be.
Furthermore, the credit check may allow you to avoid a security deposit altogether if your credit score is 650 or above.
Additionally, the average deposit is between $400 and $500 at Verizon.
How Does Verizon Check Your Credit When You Purchase Phones Online?
The process for Verizon to check your credit score is relatively simple when you’re shopping online for Verizon products.
First, you’ll have to choose whether you’re an existing customer or a new customer, then confirm the correct zip code.
Then, additional steps for a Verizon credit check include:
- Choose whether you want Total Mobile Protection or accessory items and which plan you’d like to purchase
- Begin the checkout process and enter your billing details
- Enter your shipping address and choose a delivery option
- Enter payment information and credit card details, which is where you’ll get to the credit check portion of the purchase
If your credit is good, you’ll be able to continue the checkout process. On the other hand, Verizon will direct you to Prepaid phone options if the credit check results are poor.
Additionally, you can choose to purchase the device at the total retail price. Once you’ve decided which way you want to proceed, just click on the agreement and confirm the purchase!
If you want to know more, you can also check our posts on whether or not Verizon accepts PayPal, if Verizon pays you to switch, and if Verizon unlocks phones.
Conclusion
Verizon does run a credit check to ensure that you’ll have the ability to pay your bill and the monthly lease for your device.
Furthermore, Verizon runs a hard credit check which means the inquiry will show up on your credit report for two years.
Also, a credit check is run on new and existing customers and will be performed when you add a new line or upgrade your device.
I have bad credit and I switched from ATT to Verizon this afternoon. My score is no where near 650. I didn’t have to pay a deposit nor a down payment. I was approved to finance $3,000. I am not sure how old this information is but if you’re wanting to switch don’t be afraid of the credit check cause if I got approved your chances are good.