SSN required for iPhone activation - iPhone 3G

xfiver · 06-26-2007, 05:44 PM

Hello,

I just noticed on the syn&activation video that you need to have a SSN for activation. Since I'm a foreign student in the US, I have no SSN nor any credit history. Does that mean I cannot purchase the iPhone? Or what other way is there to get the iPhone?

When you but the iPhone in stores, do they require a credit (history) check?

Thanks in advance.

ColsTiger · 06-26-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xfiver

Hello,

I just noticed on the syn&activation video that you need to have a SSN for activation. Since I'm a foreign student in the US, I have no SSN nor any credit history. Does that mean I cannot purchase the iPhone? Or what other way is there to get the iPhone?

When you but the iPhone in stores, do they require a credit (history) check?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to EI.

Yes. All new activations in stores require a social security number and a credit check. I guess you've only used pre-paid cell phones up to now.

xfiver · 06-26-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColsTiger

Welcome to EI.

Yes. All new activations in stores require a social security number and a credit check. I guess you've only used pre-paid cell phones up to now.

Yes, I have used only pre-paid programs so far. I guess the only way to work around this is someone else has to get my AT&T subscription like a family member.

ColsTiger · 06-26-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xfiver

Yes, I have used only pre-paid programs so far. I guess the only way to work around this is someone else has to get my AT&T subscription like a family member.

Yep. Someone with a social security number that is over 18 years old. That's a requirement to do the credit check and to sign the contract.

tfg · 06-26-2007, 05:58 PM

If you're an existing customer, do you still have to go through the credit check process?

wjp09 · 06-26-2007, 06:00 PM

tfg I dont think so. As for the OP call up at&t and see what they have to say. Have you ever had a cell phone before? They may just let you pay a deposit.

tfg · 06-26-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjp09

tfg I dont think so. As for the OP call up at&t and see what they have to say. Have you ever had a cell phone before? They may just let you pay a deposit.

Yeah, I've actually had my cell phone number for 10 years today, but I'm only on as another line of a family plan. My ssn wasn't used to set up the plan.

Ranged30 · 06-26-2007, 06:02 PM

No new credit check is required if you are an existing ATT customer. that is just for the new subscribers.

ColsTiger · 06-26-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjp09

tfg I dont think so. As for the OP call up at&t and see what they have to say. Have you ever had a cell phone before? They may just let you pay a deposit.

He said he's never had anything but a pre-paid. He can't get the phone without a SS#. He has to have that for a credit check.

ColsTiger · 06-26-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfg

If you're an existing customer, do you still have to go through the credit check process?

Not as long as you have been paying your bills on time.