Cricket Wireless Today: a concise guide to the prepaid, no-contract phone service

Cricket Wireless is a U.S. prepaid mobile provider operating on AT&T's network since 2014. It offers no-contract plans with unlimited talk and text and a range of data options, plus standard features like voicemail and caller ID. Autopay discounts, multi-line pricing and in-store or online payments are common. Confirm current plan prices, hotspot allowances and international rates on Cricket's site before signing up.

What is Cricket Wireless?

Cricket Wireless is a U.S. prepaid mobile brand that operates on AT&T's nationwide network. Since its acquisition by AT&T in 2014, Cricket has positioned itself as a straightforward, no-contract option for people who want predictable bills and easy setup.

Plans and pricing

Cricket sells prepaid plans that typically include unlimited talk and text. Unlimited data options are available, though they may be subject to network management (deprioritization) during congestion. The carrier often provides autopay discounts and multi-line pricing, which can reduce the per-line cost for families.

Plan names, exact prices and the availability of features like mobile hotspot can vary over time and by promotion. If you need current plan pricing or specific hotspot allowances, check Cricket's site or authorized retailers.

Core features

Cricket includes standard phone features such as SMS (text messaging), voicemail, caller ID and call waiting. Many modern prepaid features - like Wi-Fi calling and mobile apps for account management - are available to customers, depending on device compatibility.

International calling and roaming are available through add-ons or pay-as-you-go options; rates and countries covered differ by plan and promotion. Historically low per-minute international rates were part of Cricket's offering, but current rates should be confirmed before travel or making international calls. ¹

Bring your own device and compatibility

You can usually bring a compatible, unlocked phone to Cricket. Because Cricket runs on AT&T's network, devices that support AT&T bands and technologies are most likely to work. Always confirm device compatibility on Cricket's activation pages before buying or switching. ²

Payments and customer access

Cricket supports online account management and autopay. You can also pay in Cricket retail stores and at many retail partners across the U.S. Accepted payment methods typically include credit/debit cards and other standard options; exact channels and partner locations change over time.

Is Cricket a good fit?

Cricket works well for users who want a simple, prepaid plan with predictable monthly costs and no long-term contract. If you prioritize maximum speeds, full priority on the network during congestion, or detailed international roaming, compare current plan fine print and alternatives before deciding.

1. Confirm current Cricket plan names, pricing, and any autopay discounts.
2. Verify whether Cricket's unlimited plans include mobile hotspot and the hotspot data allowances.
3. Check current international calling and roaming rates and which countries are included.
4. Confirm device compatibility details and whether Cricket supports eSIM activation for modern devices.