If you don't pay your cell bill, how long will it still work? (Verizon, AT&T)

[Malloric]

I have it on autopay and Chase switched from MasterCard to Visa and I forgot to update the card. I got a text message when it was 30 days late saying they'd cut off service in another 30 days.

[Macrina]

Originally Posted by robertpasa

I didn't pay ATT for seven weeks, because my bill didn't arrive or it got lost.
After the seven weeks they robocalled me and also texted me and emailed me, saying they need to talk with me.
I got scared and went directly to the ATT store (and waited in line for 30 minutes because it was Saturday) and paid there. I'm OK now.

Oh, so the "hypothetical" of your Original Post was actually Real Life?? .

[sholomar]

Cricket wireless would cut off immediately.. its an automated process done around 6:30 AM CST on the day the monthly service renews... I autopay the $55 to my credit card monthly.

Page plus works similarly..... run out of account balance and not on a plan of some sort, no service.

[robertpasa]

Update: I usually pay my bill in the store, with a card. Two months ago it malfunctioned although I was able to pay.

I tried to send a paper bill this month but it never showed up on my bank account. The due date is Tuesday. I mailed it nine days ago so it should have showed up by now. This is the first time in over two years I paid my phone bill with a paper check. I don't know if that's normal or not.

I'm not sure if I should go to the phone store to pay (if it still doesn't show up Tuesday) or wait longer.

People have been saying the mail has been slower because of Covid. But it's been ok to me.

[dontaskwhy]

If it doesn't post to your phone bill/debited from your account pay it at the retail store on Tuesday just in case. Worst case is that 2 payments post on your next statement and you may not have to pay next month. Who really knows why the pmt hasn't posted yet, but your cell carrier has no control over the delivery of the mail.

[robertpasa]

Originally Posted by dontaskwhy

If it doesn't post to your phone bill/debited from your account pay it at the retail store on Tuesday just in case. Worst case is that 2 payments post on your next statement and you may not have to pay next month. Who really knows why the pmt hasn't posted yet, but your cell carrier has no control over the delivery of the mail.

I'll likely do this. I could also wait longer because the check might get there but then I'd be worried about the service being shut off.

I started this thread many years ago because the check never got there. The check never showed up anywhere at all.

[Hemlock140]

My Verizon Wireless doubled up when we struggled in the recession, and we got warnings, but paid it after about two weeks, so it was 10 weeks after the due date for the previous balance but still worked.

[evening sun]

I had a cheap plan, new, & it cut off my service within a few hours of being late. No bills, just pay to top up. Pay on time, to avoid late fees. Now I am on auto pay, so I don't even have to think about it.

[robertpasa]

I asked the store people and they said they wouldn't shut off the service but there would be a late fee.
I wonder when the late fee would be applied - on the due date?

[evening sun]

Originally Posted by robertpasa

I asked the store people and they said they wouldn't shut off the service but there would be a late fee.
I wonder when the late fee would be applied - on the due date?

Probably, they want to get the money. Pay on time & avoid the late fee.