Alternatives to big 3 credit checks?

Good morning @Kuumbwaa,

This is Linda, from the Community Forums Team. I would love to look into other available options for service with AT&T! We would love to have you!

I was able to research, and you can start an AT&T PREPAID account.  These accounts do not require a credit check.  Here is a link to our AT&T PREPAID page.

For a Post-Paid account you may be required to put down a deposit dependent on your credit. In order to determine this they would run a credit check.

Thank you for reaching out! Have a great rest of your day!

Linda, AT&T Community Specialist

Hello Linda,
Thanks for your reply.

Please let me clarify the situation.
About 6 weeks back, when the Equifax hack was (finally) announced, I froze access to my credit information from the big 3 credit agencies – as recommended by most legitimate advisors.

I had, as well, recently received a flyer form ATT introducing fiber-to-the-curb service. Having seen the fiber infrastructure installed in my neighborhood, I was interested to try ATT’s Gigibit internet service.

like many others, I went exclusively to cell service in the past few years, but previously maintained ATT hard-line service for (a least) 30 years at my address. That is, I was a PAC-Bell/ATT customer for 3 decades, never a missed payment. Assuming that would be still in your records.

I contacted ATT in order to start the 1GB fiber internet service. After about 20 minutes, I was told that starting service was not possible because my credit could not be verified. I believe there was record of my past relationship with ATT, but that did not seem to count for much. I offered to post a cash bond, but to no avail.

Thanks for referencing me to the prepaid account. Unfortunately, all I want is the 1GBit internet service. The offer, which has limited data and services I don’t need, is uninteresting to me.

The financial terms are, not objectionable. That is, I don’t mind paying for the monthly service (I believe it was something like $70-80/month). Nor, as previously offered, do I mind posting a bond.

I understand ATTs need to establish credit, but I would have thought that my previous relationship with ATT would have sufficed; or my offer to post a bond would have sufficed.

I’m also guessing that there are many potential customers who’ve opted to shut off the (leaky, irresponsible) credit reporting agencies. Perhaps it’s time for ATT to explore alternative methods of establishing credit?

Credit report is just about the only way  other than a prepaid, unfortunately your past history means little to them or any other company,You can temporarily un freeze your credit in order for them to run a credit check.

just above the time/date from your post, there are 3 virtical dots, click there then click edit and you can remove your personal info

Weird its there for me very top option

Good morning @Kuumbwaa,

Thank you for responding to the post and clarifying the issue and service you wanted to start with AT&T. I do apologize at this time there is not a way around the credit check for services. It would be required once trying to start service with us.

To remove your information, please make sure you are logged into the Forums. You will be able to edit if from the 3 dots. Also, flagging it as inappropriate will also have it remove. However this will remove the whole post.

Thank you for reaching out! Have a great Holiday!

Linda, AT&T Community Specialist