FAQ Header Image
Select a New Topic:

Prepaid Wireless 

  1. Who is eligible for Prepaid Wireless?
  2. How do I know if Prepaid Wireless is right for me?
  3. Is a service contract required to obtain the phone?
  4. I already have a wireless phone. Do I have to buy a new phone to use Prepaid Wireless?
  5. What features do I get with Prepaid Wireless?
  6. What features can I add to my Prepaid Wireless?
  7. How do I know how many minutes I've used this month?
  8. How do I know how much money is in my Prepaid Wireless account at any time?
  9. How much do calls cost with Prepaid Wireless?
  10. How can I add money to my account?
  11. Can I use Prepaid Wireless outside of my home service area?
  12. What other fees are associated with Prepaid Wireless?
  1. Who is eligible for Prepaid Wireless?  
    The good news is, anyone is eligible for Prepaid Wireless from U.S. Cellular! You don't need to sign an annual service contract, you'll never get a monthly bill and no credit checks are necessary. Customers pay how they want to pay - whether by cash, credit card, money order or cashier's check.
    Back To Top
  2. How do I know if Prepaid Wireless is right for me?  
    Prepaid Wireless can be an ideal solution for anyone, especially:
    • budget-conscious and safety-conscious people who want to control their spending
    • parents who want to get wireless phones for their teenagers
    • businesses that want to track wireless spending by their employees
    • anyone who is living in an area on a temporary basis, such as college students, military personnel and vacationers
    • anyone who wants a wireless phone without undergoing a credit check
    • anyone who does not want to sign a contract
    Back To Top
  3. Is a service contract required to obtain the phone?  
    No. Annual service contracts are not required to obtain a phone.
    Back To Top
  4. I already have a wireless phone. Do I have to buy a new phone to use Prepaid Wireless?  

    No. Prepaid Wireless service works with any wireless phone, as long as it is compatible with U.S. Cellular's network in your area. Please check with your local U.S. Cellular store if you have a phone and are not sure if it is compatible.

    Back To Top
  5. What features do I get with Prepaid Wireless?  
    Call Waiting, 3-Way Conferencing, Caller ID (where available) & Voicemail are included in all Prepaid Wireless plans.
    Back To Top
  6. What features can I add to my Prepaid Wireless?  
    Text Messaging
    Say it with text! Choose the Text Messaging plan that is right for you. Plans start at $4.95/250 messages. Our Pay-As-You-Go option enables you to send messages at 25¢ per message. Incoming messages are always free and unlimited. More info

    International Long Distance

    Click here to view International Rates

    Signal Dial Direct® Plus Wireless Phone Insurance - $5.95 per month
    Replace or repair your phone if it is lost, stolen or damaged. Instant Refill required. More info

    View all features available with Prepaid Wireless Plans.
    Back To Top
  7. How do I know how many minutes I've used this month?  

    Call Customer Service by dialing #611 from your handset to hear information on your remaining minutes for the month.

    Back To Top
  8. How do I know how much money is in my Prepaid Wireless account at any time?  

    You can easily check your Prepaid Wireless balance at any time by calling #BAL (#225) from your wireless phone. This is a free call.

    Back To Top
  9. How much do calls cost with Prepaid Wireless?  
    Your rate depends on the calling plan you select. Rates are as low as 10¢/minute in Pay-As-You-Go Plans, including nationwide long distance.
    Back To Top
  10. How can I add money to my account?  

    There are 2 easy ways to replenish your Prepaid Wireless account.

    Cash Refill: Visit any U.S. Cellular retail store or authorized Prepaid Wireless refill location to refill your account. The in-store minimum refill is $5. Find a U.S. Cellular retail or agent location near you

    Auto Refill: The convenient way to be sure your account doesn't run out of airtime. There are 3 easy ways to refill instantly. If you choose to set up monthly Instant Refills , your credit/debit card will be automatically charged on a specific day of the month, when your balance is an amount you pre-select, or at your convenience by dialing #ADD (#233) from your U.S. Cellular Phone.

    • Monthly AutoFill - You select which day you want your account refilled. Your refill is automatically processed on that day every month for the amount you request.
    • Balance AutoFill - Your refill is automatically processed, for the amount you request, whenever your balance falls below $10.
    • Anytime Instant Refill - All Instant Refill customers can refill with just a call. Dial #ADD (#233) on your cell phone and follow the prompts to complete your refill.

    Back To Top
  11. Can I use Prepaid Wireless outside of my home service area?  
    Yes. Be aware that calls made from anywhere outside your designated home service area are charged a roaming rate when service is available. The roaming rate is 69¢ per minute, including long distance. Roaming is limited and some restrictions apply; refer to the map for more details, or call Customer Service at 611 from your wireless phone or 1-888-944-9400 for more information.
    Back To Top
  12. What other fees are associated with Prepaid Wireless?  
    There is a one-time $30 or $50 activation fee, depending on your plan, that is included in the cost of the package plans. Long-distance calls made from the home service area to anywhere in the nation are included in your airtime rates.
    Back To Top