Cell phone plans for immigrants in the US
As a newly arrived immigrant or resident without SSN, you DO NOT need a postpaid contract plan to have good cellular service. Prepaid plans (MVNOs) offer the same service on the same networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) for much less money and no contract, no credit check, no SSN.
Top prepaid options (no SSN, no contract)
What we can and cannot source here. Prepaid (MVNO) service runs no credit check and no contract — that is what makes it the practical route without an SSN, and it is true of every carrier in this table. What we do not publish is a per-carrier “no ID required” promise: only Mint Mobile and US Mobile publish activation terms we have read, so treat the identity column as “prepaid, no credit check” and confirm what each carrier asks for at activation before you pay. Requirements differ between buying online and buying in a store.
| Plan | Cost/month | Network | Data | Pros | Prepaid — no credit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | $15-$30 (12-month terms) | T-Mobile | 6GB / 17GB / 23GB / Unlimited | Cheapest market, Spanish app | ✅ No credit check |
| US Mobile | $10-$45 | Verizon or T-Mobile | 2GB-Unlimited | Best network available | ✅ No credit check |
| Tello | $5-$25 | T-Mobile | 1GB-Unlimited | Cheapest customizable plan | ✅ No credit check |
| Visible (Verizon) | $25-$45 | Verizon | Unlimited | Best rural coverage + Verizon direct | ✅ No credit check |
| Boost Mobile | $25-$60 | T-Mobile / Dish | Varied | Physical stores in Latino neighborhoods | ✅ No credit check |
| Cricket Wireless (AT&T) | $30-$60 | AT&T | Varied | Best rural coverage some states | ✅ No credit check |
Which to choose?
Want cheapest + good T-Mobile coverage in your area
→ Mint Mobile $15/month (with annual purchase) or Tello from $5
Need better coverage (rural / national)
→ US Mobile with Verizon network, or Visible directly
Need physical store + in-person customer service
→ Boost Mobile or Cricket Wireless
Want family (multiple lines)
→ US Mobile Pooled Plans (additional lines $5-$10 each)
Do I need a special phone?
No. Most modern phones work on ALL networks (CDMA + GSM). Just verify:
- If buying new phone: opt for “unlocked” — works with any carrier
- If bringing phone from your country: must be unlocked and compatible with US LTE bands
How to pay without US credit card
Most accept:
- Debit card from an account opened with an ITIN (for example Varo; Chime requires an SSN; see ITIN banking)
- Prepaid card (Walmart MoneyCard)
- Boost/Cricket physical stores: cash
Related information
Last verified: 2026-09-10.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — for people with a US filing or reporting obligation who aren’t eligible for an SSN
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections