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After all, every major network markets dozens of these "no cost" phones.
But what these ads aren't telling you is, not everyone is eligible for a free cell phone offer!
Here's a few of the more common terms and conditions you'll need to meet before you qualify:
You Must Be A New Customer
Carriers offer free phones as a way to get new network subscribers. They're not concerned about existing customers.
After all, you're already lock in to their service until your contract expires. If you bail from your contract before it expires, you're penalized with an "early termination fee".
However, there are a few carriers who allow upgrades and extentions for their existing users.
(Please note: These conditions are subject to change and may, or may not, be available today)
Cingular Terms for Extensions
- You must have no more than 3 months remaining on your existing contract, or be in month-to-month on your existing contract
- Your account must be in good financial standing and without late fees
- You agree to extend your contract 12 or 24 months (depending on the plan you choose) from the end of your existing contract
Sprint Terms for Extensions
- You must have maintained continuous service on your existing Sprint phone (being upgraded today) for the last 22 months
- You must subscribe to a $34.99 or higher Sprint service plan
- Your account must be in good financial standing and without late fees
- You agree to extend your existing contract with Sprint for an additional 24 months
You Must Agree To A Two Year Contract
Carriers receive the bulk of their revenue from the network service they provide, not from phones they sell.
By committing to the two year contract, carriers not only recoup the loss they incurred while giving away their phone, they're also likely to churn a profit from overage charges, data service, among others.
You Must Have A Good Credit History
No matter where you purchase your phone, you'll be required to prove that your credit is in good shape. To do that, you'll need to fill out an application that asks certain questions concerning your finances.
If you don't know if you have a good credit history, you can check it out - Free! For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's official website.
You Must Have A Valid Credit Card or Debit Card
Most likely, your credit or debit card will be billed for the initial price of the phone, activation fees, etc. Credit and debit cards are also used as a form of security if you don't pay your bill.
Unsecured credit cards (those requiring a monthly fee or security deposit) may still be eligible for free phone offers. It depends on the store and the carrier.
You Must Be 18 Years Old, or Older
Defined as "The age at which an individual is legally permitted to enter into contracts without adult consent." Since the legal age for most states is 18 years, it's also called the age of majority
If your under 18, that means you'll need your parents okay to get your free cell phone. You'll also need their credit card to apply.
You Must Live in the United States
Free cell phones are locked by the carriers, and cannot be used in other countries without unlocking the phones first.
Besides that, unless the free cell phone is a quad band phone, they're only capable of receiving frequencies designated to the US.