An activation fee is a one-time charge levied by mobile phone carriers when a new customer activates their service. This fee can range from $20 to $50, and it can be a significant expense for budget-conscious consumers. However, there are a number of ways to avoid paying an activation fee.
One way to avoid an activation fee is to purchase a phone from a retailer that offers a no-activation-fee policy. Many big-box stores, such as Walmart and Target, offer this type of policy. Another way to avoid an activation fee is to sign up for a prepaid phone plan. Prepaid plans do not require a contract, and they typically do not have activation fees.
