It’s no secret many utility and cable companies check your credit when you sign up for services, but that may not always be the case. In fact, Comcast is releasing a new TV package — Xfinity Prepaid Service — which doesn't require a credit check.
Xfinity Prepaid Service is a no contract, pay-as-you-go plan for TV and Internet services that allows customers to renew their subscription every 7 or 30 days. There is a one-time fee for the starter kits, which includes the first 30 days of TV and/or Internet, and then you can decide when to "refill" your services.
"We want to create an easy, pay-as-you-go option for people who want more flexibility and predictability when buying our services," Marcien Jenckes, Comcast’s executive vice president of consumer services, said in a press release.
The TV package offers two tiers — more than 45 or 140 channels — while the Internet package has one option with download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. You can choose to order these services individually or bundle them at a discount.
Service Availability
Both the TV and Internet services will be available later this year in select states — Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Florida and Indiana — and are expected to be everywhere Comcast serves by the end of 2017. Comcast has also signed a deal with Boost Mobile to offer Xfinity Prepaid Services in some Boost Mobile locations later this year and all 4,400 locations Comcast serves by the end of 2017.
Changing Service Providers
Remember, it's important to read the terms and conditions of any Internet or cable plan you are considering in order to determine which one might be best for you. It's also a good idea to comparison-shop before entering into any contracts or formally subscribing to new plans.
And, if you do opt to ever change service providers, it’s a good idea to keep track of your payments throughout the transition to avoid getting hit with late fees or missing a payment. The latter could eventually wind up in collections and may be reported to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. (You can see where your credit currently stands by viewing your free credit report summary, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)
Image: Lise Gagne
