Where to pay and what payment methods work
You can pay your Cricket Wireless bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Cricket store. The fastest route is the online portal at cricketwireless.com — log in with your phone number and password, then select "Pay Bill" to see what you owe and pay immediately with a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
If you prefer to call, dial 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538) and a representative will take your payment over the phone using the same card or bank account options. Payment by phone usually processes the same day if you call before 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Mailing a check or money order takes 7 to 10 business days to reach Cricket and post to your account, so use this method only if you are paying well ahead of your due date. Mail payments to the address shown on your bill or on the Cricket website under "Pay by Mail."
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at cricketwireless.com is the fastest method and shows your balance and due date before you pay.
- Phone payment at 1-800-CRICKET processes the same day if you call before 9 p.m. Eastern time.
- Automatic payments can be set up in your online account to deduct from a bank account or card on your due date each month.
- If you pay late, Cricket may suspend your service, so check your due date on your bill or in your account.
- In-person payment at a Cricket retail store is an option if you have one nearby and prefer to pay with cash.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payment is the easiest way to make sure your bill is paid on time every month. Log into your Cricket account online, go to "Account Settings" or "Billing," and select "Auto Pay." Choose whether you want to pay from a bank account (which takes 1 to 2 business days) or a debit or credit card (which is faster). Enter your payment method and confirm the due date you want the payment to come out.
Once automatic payment is turned on, Cricket will deduct your bill amount on your due date each month. You can change or cancel auto pay anytime in your account settings. If your payment method expires or fails, Cricket will send you a notice and give you a chance to update it before your service is suspended.
What happens if your payment is late
Cricket typically suspends service if your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your bill. You will lose the ability to make calls, send texts, or use data until you pay what you owe. The suspension can happen within 24 hours of the due date passing.
If you know you will be late, call 1-800-CRICKET before your due date to ask about a payment extension or arrangement. Cricket does not always grant extensions, but calling ahead is better than letting the bill go unpaid without notice. Once you pay the full amount owed, your service will be restored, usually within a few hours.
Understanding your bill and what you are paying for
Your Cricket bill shows your monthly plan cost, any add-ons or features you purchased that month, taxes, and fees. The due date is listed at the top of your bill. If you have a multi-line account, the bill shows charges for each line separately so you can see what each person is using.
Log into your online account to see a detailed breakdown of your charges, including data used, overage charges if any, and any promotions or discounts applied. If you see a charge you do not recognize, contact Cricket customer service at 1-800-CRICKET to ask about it before you pay.
Paying a bill for someone else's Cricket account
If you want to pay someone else's Cricket bill, you will need their account number and phone number. You can pay online at cricketwireless.com by selecting "Pay Someone Else's Bill" instead of logging into an account. Enter the account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method.
You can also call 1-800-CRICKET and tell the representative you want to pay a bill for a different account number. They will ask for the account number and phone number to verify, then process your payment. Paying someone else's bill does not give you access to their account or the ability to change their plan.
Using payment assistance programs if you are behind
If you have fallen behind on your Cricket bill and cannot pay the full amount right away, contact Cricket customer service at 1-800-CRICKET to discuss your situation. Cricket may be able to work out a payment plan where you pay part of what you owe now and the rest over the next few months.
Some states and local areas have utility assistance programs that may help with wireless bills. You can search for programs in your area through 211.org or by calling 2-1-1 from any phone. These programs are run by nonprofits and local government, not by Cricket, so may be able to access and what they cover varies by location.
Keeping your account secure when you pay online
When you pay your Cricket bill online, use a secure internet connection — not public WiFi at a coffee shop or library. Log in directly to cricketwireless.com rather than clicking a link in an email, because scammers sometimes send fake Cricket emails that look real but steal your login information.
Never share your Cricket account password or PIN with anyone, including Cricket employees. Cricket will never ask you for your password in an email or text. If you receive a message asking for your password, do not respond — it is a scam. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-CRICKET.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Cricket bill with a prepaid card?
Yes, you can use a prepaid card online or by phone as long as it is a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The card must have enough balance to cover your bill amount. Some prepaid cards have daily spending limits, so check your card's limit before you try to pay.
What time does my automatic payment come out on my due date?
Cricket does not specify an exact time, but automatic payments typically process sometime during the day on your due date. If you are using a bank account, the deduction may take 1 to 2 business days to show up. Check your account the day after your due date to confirm the payment went through.
If I pay online, how long does it take for my service to turn back on if it was suspended?
Service usually restores within a few hours of payment, but it can take up to 24 hours. If your service does not come back on after a full day, call 1-800-CRICKET to make sure the payment was received and processed.
Can I set up automatic payments from a credit card instead of a bank account?
Yes, you can use a credit card for automatic payments. The payment will process immediately on your due date, whereas bank account payments take 1 to 2 business days. Keep in mind that paying a credit card bill with another credit card may result in cash advance fees or higher interest rates, depending on your card issuer.
What should I do if I see a charge on my bill that I did not authorize?
Contact Cricket customer service at 1-800-CRICKET and describe the charge. Have your bill in front of you so you can give the representative the date and amount. Cricket can investigate whether the charge was an error, an unauthorized add-on, or a legitimate fee you were not aware of.