Updated: July 24, 2026
AT&T Business has changed how credit requirements are handled for certain small business and mid market customers applying with a Federal Tax ID.
AT&T Business No Longer Requires Refundable Deposits for Affected Accounts
A company with a lower business credit rating will no longer be required to pay the former refundable service deposit. If the company purchases phones, AT&T may instead require a down payment toward the devices.
What Changed With the AT&T Business Credit Check?
Under the previous credit policy, certain companies with lower business credit ratings could be required to pay a deposit before opening new wireless lines.
AT&T would hold that money for 12 months. The deposit could then be returned if the company made its monthly payments on time.
Under the new policy, affected business accounts will no longer be required to pay that refundable deposit. The upfront credit requirement is now connected to the value of the phones the company purchases.
A Device Down Payment May Still Be Required
Although the former service deposit has been eliminated, a company purchasing phones from AT&T may be required to make a down payment on the equipment.
The required amount is based on the value of the phones included in the order. A more expensive phone may require a larger down payment than a less expensive phone.
- The down payment is applied toward the price of the phone.
- It is not held as a refundable account deposit.
- The amount may change if a different phone is selected.
- A required device down payment cannot be waived.
- The down payment and other one time charges must be paid before the order can be completed.
The Important Difference
Former deposit: AT&T held the money for 12 months and could return it after receiving timely payments.
Device down payment: The money is immediately applied toward the price of the phone being purchased.
The Phone You Select Can Affect the Required Amount
The required down payment cannot always be determined until the phones have been selected. Adding, removing or changing phones may change the amount the company must pay upfront.
A company ordering premium smartphones could face a larger upfront cost than a company choosing less expensive phones.
This makes it important to review the full order before deciding which phones to purchase. A different device selection may reduce the required upfront payment.
What If the Company Already Owns Its Phones?
A company can bring compatible, unlocked phones it already owns instead of purchasing new phones from AT&T. This is commonly called bringing your own device or BYOD.
Because the company is not purchasing phones from AT&T, there is no new equipment value on which to calculate a device down payment.
For an eligible business bringing its own devices, this can mean opening new AT&T Business lines without the former refundable deposit and without a device down payment. Credit approval, activation charges and other requirements may still apply.
How the $15 AT&T Business Pricing Works
AT&T Business has different ways for eligible companies to qualify for wireless service at $15 per line per month. The number porting requirement depends on how many lines the company activates and which offer is used.
Four to Ten Lines
A qualifying company can bring compatible phones and port four or more existing phone numbers to AT&T.
The phone numbers must be ported from another eligible wireless provider to qualify for the specific bring your own device promotion that can reduce eligible service to $15 per line per month after promotional bill credits.
Eleven or More Lines
A qualifying business activating 11 or more lines may be eligible for an AT&T Business turnkey plan with service at $15 per line per month.
Number ports are not required for this option. The company may be able to activate new phone numbers and still qualify for the eligible 11 line or greater business pricing.
Plan eligibility, credit approval and other AT&T requirements apply. Taxes, fees, activation charges and other one time costs may be additional. Pricing and promotions are subject to change.
Does This Mean There Is No Business Credit Check?
No. AT&T still reviews the company’s business credit, and approval is not guaranteed.
The change affects what AT&T may require after reviewing the company’s credit. Affected companies will no longer be asked to pay the former refundable deposit. A device down payment may be required if the company purchases phones.
Review the Complete Cost Before Ordering
Businesses should review any required phone down payments, activation charges and other upfront costs before completing an order.
Changing the selected phones or bringing compatible devices the company already owns may reduce the amount that must be paid upfront.
Opening or Moving an AT&T Business Account?
I can review your company’s wireless needs, explain any required upfront costs, determine which pricing option applies and manage the entire ordering and number porting process.
Contact me before placing the order so I can review your line count, current phones and available AT&T Business options.
