Can I pay my cricket bill with debit card?

Can I pay my Cricket bill with debit card?

You can make a cricket payment with a debit card. Additionally, you can pay with credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, cash, refill cards, gift cards, service payment cards, and reloadable prepaid cards. You can make online payments, use autopay, call the Cricket phone number, visit any Cricket stores, use quick pay, or via the mobile app.

Fortunately, I’ll show you different ways to make a Cricket payment, including setting up automatic monthly payments.

Key Takeaways:

• Automatic payments are the best way to pay your Cricket phone bill. Once you’ve logged into your cricket wireless account, enter the details of your card and turn Autopay on. The seamless process is an easiest way to avoid a late payment and stay on top of your current billing cycle.
• You can download the Cricket app from the Google or Apple app store to make payments.
• You can call Cricket customer service if you don’t mind the hassle of phone calls or stop in-store to pay for wireless services. However, you’ll be charged a fee for talking to a support team member.
• You can pay someone else’s Cricket bill if you have their mobile number.

This article may contain affiliate links which pay a commission and support this blog. Thank you for your support!

What Payment Methods Does Cricket Accept?

To make their services as accessible as possible, Cricket provides a range of payment methods.

You can pay your Cricket bill with:

1. Debit cards
2. Credit cards
3. PayPal
4. Apple Pay
5. Google Pay
6. Samsung Pay
7. Cash
8. Cricket refill cards
9. Gift cards
10. Cricket service payment card
11. Reloadable prepaid credit cards.

That said, your options are restricted depending on where you choose to pay. For example, you can only use cash when paying your bill in-store.

Note: At the time of writing, Cricket isn’t accepting checks, money orders, or bank account drafts as bill-paying methods. 

Paying Your Cricket Wireless Bill: Different Ways to Pay

The most convenient way to pay your Cricket Wireless bill is by setting up auto-pay. This “set it and forget it” method means you won’t have to worry about manually settling the bill every month. It comes out automatically, reducing the likelihood of service downtime.

However, you can also pay in-store, by phone, online, or via the myCricket app. You can even pay it without logging in if you’re in a real hurry!

We go over each method in detail below to help you choose which payment option is right for you.

Paying with AutoPay

As the name suggests, auto-pay automatically charges your connected payment method the total amount of your bill. Cricket includes your rate plan and any add-ons you’ve selected.

The figure won’t change unless you alter your plan, remove features, or have extra fees or charges.

Keep in mind that setting up auto-pay debits the full amount owed for all lines associated with your Cricket account. At the time of writing, you can’t set up different auto-pay accounts for separate lines.

Now, there’s even more incentive to set up auto-pay, thanks to the company’s Auto Pay Credit reward scheme. At the end of every billing cycle, this program awards you $5 of service credit, saving you up to $60 per year.

Although, your per-month bill must be at least $40 to be eligible for the reward scheme. Keep in mind that Simply Data plans, Group Save discounts, other promotional offers, and multiline discounts are excluded from the program.

How to Set Up AutoPay Online

You can set up auto-pay on the Cricket website in just six steps:

1. Sign into your Cricket account online.
2. Enter your Cricket pin.
3. Type in your credit or debit card details.
4. Select the line you want to receive text messages from.
5. Agree to the terms and conditions.
6. Choose “Auto Pay ON.”

How to Set Up AutoPay Using The myCricket App

Arguably, setting up auto-pay using the myCricket app is the easiest, most accessible way.

The eight simple steps are as follows:

1. Open the app on your phone.
2. Tap “Account Summary.”
3. Hit “Sign Up for Auto Pay.”
4. Enter your Cricket pin.
5. Type in your credit or debit card details.
6. If your account includes multiple lines, select the number you wish to receive text message notifications.
7. Agree to the terms and conditions.
8. Tap “Submit.”

Once you’ve set up auto-pay, you’ll get a text two days before your card is charged.

How to Change Cards or Payment Methods

Cricket makes changing your auto-pay card or payment method wonderfully easy. Just follow the steps below:

1. Complete the Cricket login process.
2. Head to “Account Summary.”
3. Click “Change Auto Pay Preferences.”
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to update your card information or switch payment methods.

Failing to update your card details before your current one expires means you’ll have to make a manual payment. We recommend staying on top of your card’s expiration dates and opting in for notifications to avoid service downtime.

How to Cancel AutoPay

Cricket’s flexible payment methods allow you to switch off auto-pay whenever you like using the myCricket mobile application or the browser website.

The auto-pay “off” button is displayed on the app’s home screen or on your “Account Summary” page on the website.

Once you’ve found the link, tap or click it and follow the onscreen prompts to switch off auto-pay.

Alternatively, dial 611 on your phone to cancel the automatic payment service.

Paying by Phone

In recent years, paying bills by phone has decreased in popularity as more convenient digital options were implemented. However, Cricket still offers its phone service for those who prefer it.

To speak to a real person (i.e., a Cricket support agent), call 1-800-274-2538) or dial 729 to use the automated payment system.

Choosing to pay by phone gives you the following payment options:

• Service payment card
• Credit or debit card
• Gift cards
• Reloadable prepaid credit cards
• Cricket refill card

Due to the extra administration power necessary to facilitate phone transactions, you’ll have to foot the $4 customer assistance fee on top of your bill payment.

Paying In Store

You might find it easier to pay your Cricket Wireless bill in the store if you’re already close by.

Doing so opens up a wide range of payment methods, including:

• Gift cards
• Cash
• Credit or debit card
• Apple Pay
• Samsung Pay
• Google Pay
• Reloadable prepaid credit cards

Like paying by phone, you’ll have to pay the $4 customer assistance fee for the extra administration required.

Paying Online

These days, paying online or via the app is most customers’ go-to method. It’s just so straightforward!

Here’s how to pay your Cricket Wireless bill online:

1. Sign into your Cricket account by typing in your username and password.
2. Navigate to the “Payments” section.
3. Input your payment methods information.
4. Type in the amount you want to pay.
5. Agree to the terms and conditions.
6. Hit “Review Payment.”
7. Take a moment to look at the information, ensuring you inputted everything correctly.
8. Click “Submit Payment.”
9. Keep the confirmation number provided on the next screen for your records.

You won’t be able to pay with a Cricket refill card using this method. Instead, use the myCricket app or the handy Quick Pay feature.

Paying On-the-Go

Once you’ve downloaded the myCricket app, you can pay your bill from your smartphone, no matter where you are. Sign in, tap “Pay Now,” and choose to pay with a debit or credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or a Cricket refill card.

Whichever on-the-go method you choose, you’ll benefit from a super simple process. But let’s look at the steps that follow after choosing “Pay Now” for each payment option.

Paying With a Debit or Credit Card Through The myCricket App

1. Select “Credit or Debi Card.”
2. Input the amount you wish to pay.
3. Enter your card information.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Hit “Review Payment.”
6. Choose “Submit Payment”
7. You can make an extra payment by tapping “Make Another Payment.”
8. The confirmation screen appears after that, and we recommend saving your confirmation number.

Paying with a Cricket Refill Card Through The myCricket App

1. Select the “Cricket Refill Card” tab.
2. Input your card number.
3. Hit “Validate.”
4. Touch “Submit Payment.”
5. Keep the confirmation number.

Using Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay Via The myCricket App

1. Provided you have an eligible smartphone, one of the above services will be available. Go to your settings and ensure your digital wallet is activated if you’re having trouble accessing this payment option.
2. Choose the digital wallet you want to use.
3. Type in the amount you want to pay.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to finalize the transaction.

Paying Without Logging In

Cricket offers a Quick Pay function, allowing you to pay without logging in. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush or need to satisfy the amount owed before the cut-off time.

Currently, the express pay service allows you to fund your bill from the Cricket Wireless website in the following ways:

• Credit or debit card
• Service payment card
• PayPal
• Cricket refill card

No matter which method you choose, the process starts the same — heading to the Quick Pay section of their website and entering your phone number.

After that, you just follow the onscreen instructions. They only vary slightly depending on the payment method.

The one-time payment feature allows you to fund part or all of your bill without the hassle of logging into your Cricket account.

Can You Pay Your Cricket Bill at Walmart?

You can buy Cricket refill cards at your local Walmart to pay your bill. However, many shoppers have found that they can’t use Walmart gift cards to buy refill cards.

Can You Pay Someone Else’s Phone Bill?

Using the company’s quick pay feature, you can pay someone else’s Cricket bill. All you need to know is your friend’s or relative’s Cricket-provided phone number to facilitate the payment.

Cricket Bill Due Dates

With auto-pay, your Cricket bill will come out automatically (as the name suggests) on the day before you activated your account each month.

For example, activating your account on the third of the month means Cricket requires the money by 11:59 pm CST on the second of the following month. Your billing cycle will continue like this unless you request a due date change.

To avoid service interruptions, you must pay your bill before the cycle ends with or without auto-pay. Otherwise, you will have to foot reactivation fees.

Struggling to Pay? Request an Extension. 

At some point or another, you may struggle to pay your Cricket bill by the due date. Luckily, you can use a service like BridgePay to reduce the financial burden.

Setting up BridgePay allows you to pay a Cricket bill in two separate chunks. All you need to do is ensure you set it up seven days before or after the beginning of your cycle. However, it’s worth noting that your account must have auto-pay switched off to activate BridgePay.

You can activate the service by visiting your local Cricket branch or contacting their customer service agents at 800-274-2538.

Find Out If You Qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Sometimes, BridgePay isn’t enough to relieve the financial burden. But Cricket has joined the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, allowing eligible households to reduce service costs.

Depending on your location, you could get a benefit of up to $30 per month or a maximum of $75 per month (if you live on Tribal lands) toward your Cricket bills.

Like all federal programs, you must meet specific criteria to be eligible. Your household must:

• Have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For instance, a household of two people cannot earn more than $36,620 to be eligible.
• Participate in other government assistance programs, including:
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Federal Pell Grant
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
• Reduced-Price or Free School Lunch or Breakfast Program
• Lifeline Benefits

Is It Safe to Pay Bills with a Debit Card?

Paying bills with a debit card means the money is taken immediately from your checking account. And while it’s certainly a convenient way to fund your ongoing expenses, like Cricket bills, it does put you at risk of fraudulent activity.

To mitigate these risks and make paying your bills with a debit card safer, we suggest the following:

#1 Regularly Checking Your Account Statements

Checking your bank statements often is a surefire way to identify any fraudulent activity rapidly. Banks only give you a little time to report unauthorized debit card usage. Therefore, you’ll need to work quickly to receive full fraud protection.

#2 Avoid Signing Into Accounts on Public Wifi

Even if you’re late paying your Cricket bill, wait until you’re connected to a password-protected wifi signal before conducting transactions. That way, hackers have fewer opportunities to access your account or financial information.

#3 Instantly Reporting Any Issues

As alluded to earlier, you must report unauthorized transactions immediately. Many banks are loathed to provide complete protection if you wait too long to inform them of fraudulent conduct.

#4 Crafting a Better Security Profile

These days, a strong password isn’t enough to keep your information away from scammers and hackers.

Make sure you have a mobile phone backup and specific security questions for added safety when paying bills with a debit card.