when you buy a phone from tmobile, do you have to pay an activation fee and the bill upfront?

Answer 1

T-Mobile, like all other cell phone carriers will require a credit check upon activating service. If you credit score is low then they will require you to put down a deposit fee besides any new phone purchase.

Activation fees will be in your first bill in the mail and the amount will be prorated meaning your bill will be higher due to the fact the cell phone carrier will charge you a month in advance on your first bill. They determine this by the date your sign up for your service and when your billing cycle is each month.

Answer 2

Hate to tell you this, but they will charge you the phone and activation . It does depend on the phone you choose though. If you get the promo phone, and just sign up (remember, no contract) it won't be more than (i dont know your market area), $200.00 to start up at most. that is what most carriers want you to drop before you even buy a phone. then you are locked in a contact. with cricket it is month to month and is unlimited talk time at any time no extra cost. I think they also have a program with texting, bidn, i don't do it.