Name: Consumer Cellular
Rating: 2.9

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Debra Fannin Mountain View, CA

Bought sim card at target. 13 days later after multiple calls emails, and chats to “customer service” I went back to AT&T. Never was able to get it switched over despite me giving them SIM, AT&T codes, IMEI, requesting supervisors etc and I did all the work. Worst service on the planet. Get what you pay for, but not with consumer Cellular!! Pass, you will be glad you did.

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Richard Przybytek Phoenix, AZ

They say no contract. If you buy an iPhone from them, you have to stay for 6 months or they will not unlock your phone. And that is 6 months in a row. I can not call certain 888 numbers. They will not unlock my iPhone 11 so I can go somewhere else. If I leave the phone is useless. They are holding my phone (that I paid full price for upfront) hostage. DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE. You will not like anything except the cost. You get what you pay for. Cricket was much better.

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Peggy ODoherty

I paid 6 months in advance and I changed over to TMOBILE because no one is ever at Target for help. They don't answer the phone either!!!!!! I had $160 left credit when I changed over May 25th 2022. As of today November 1st, 2022 I stilll have not received my credit of $160.00!! I have called 10 times, have talked with billing and they have told me it's on the way numerous times. They sent it to the wrong address 2 times and they said " they had to stop payment" which I dont believe. THEY ARE LIARS AND THEY ARE CHEAP!!!!!!! DONT USE THIS COMPANY-VERY UNPROFESSIONAL

3 years ago

star star star star star

Ike Standifird Evansville, IN

When I call for help with my phone, a live person is quickly on the line. I experience zero black out zones. Hardware is well priced

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Edgar Prothero Clio, MI

They kept turning off my service (what little I had) despite having a substantial credit on my account. Service in this little town in Michigan SUCKS, their coverage map is not correct. Their "technicians" only know how to tell you to turn your phone off - then back on again which never helps. Trying to close your account (currently doing) seemingly takes 3 weeks before you get your money back which they take IMMEDIATELY. Their "managment" is rude and unhelpful. Don't waste your time or money with this company - you'll be sorry if you did.

3 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

TD W Omaha, NE

I was first told new customer that buy our phone gets the first thirty days as a promo and if you like it, it's month to month, the first month was lousy and the phone volume was very low. I regrettably ask for a replacement, and experiencing more lousy service, I tried to send it back, funny thing is it had a moving scratch, and the goalposts keep moving, if you read this, Please run away from CC it's a con game with them. The Ol Bait and Switch is what they will deal you.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

David b Atlanta, GA

Consumer Cellular advertises excellent customer service. I purchased a phone 8 weeks ago and was unable to login to my account. I called was on the line for 45 minutes. They said it’ll be fixed within 48 hours. It wasn’t. Then another long time on the phone. Another 48 hours and it still didn’t work. I talked to 4 different supervisors. Finally they fixed it. I can sign into my account. They offered $15 as compensation for my time and frustration!! My time and frustration was only worth $15.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Renee Harris Grand Junction, CO

I have been with this company for over five years, but this week I left them, the reason was that I am a one person household with one phone, and once my phone goes down the only way to get support is to call them, well I couldn't do that, there is no storefront to go to for help, no office, so my phone was down for four days, got it "fixed" twice and down again, I'M DONE WITH THESE PEOPLE

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Robert Magyar Edgartown, MA

Very satisfied with their USA service for several years. Contacted them before travelling to Cananda and quoted free calling with a .05 charge per text in Canada. Arrived in Canada with no service, phone or text. Called 611 and representative had me turn everything on so we could call or text in Canada. This did not work. Then I find out that with very little data usuage that I will be charged for over 2000 Mb data roaming in a 6 day period at a cost of $211. This is terrible and I just went with T-mobile. Use Consumer Cellular in the USA but never use then or try to use them out of Country.

4 years ago Edited August 11, 2022

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tim Sutton Largo, FL

they made "UP GRADE" to a new phone, so I buy it from then and it broke within 6 months. When I complained, I was hung up on, then I finally speak to a supervisor who tells me I have to send my broken phone to them and I have to go DAYS with out a phone while they inspect it. I've been with them for a long time and this is how i am treated. I could go to target tomorrow and exchange it for a working phone.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

vicky eckols Fullerton, CA

i got the phone end of 21 and hardly ever used it my cc expired and i was then suspended after repeated emails from them i paid off the balance and canceled this was april. i am still being billed for a phone that is no longer in service customer relations was awful and refused to send me an email stating i have canceled even if i paid this new bill! if you're thinking of using this company do some research.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Linda Gant Niles, MI

Terrible experience! Worst company for Senior citizens to deal with. Had to have a password for everything-too much time to spend on setting up phone. Senior citizens should not have to deal with complicated instructions in order to use the phone. This company IS NOT geared for the Senior citizen. The commercials make it seem so easy-it is NOT. This was an awful and frustrating experience for us.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

archie lee West Helena, AR

Went on a cruise to Mexico like I've been doing for 20 years connected phone to ships wifi used my phone One time for about 40 minutes get home 2 months later Cc charged my account for 497dollars all hell broke loose checks bouncing needless to say 35 dollars a pop,now they want 323 dollars for the final bill I paid 120 a month before the fiasco so what's this for, no text or email to tell me they were charging me now my credit will take a big hit I'm not paying anymore,my advise is to never allow any cell phone company to charge your card automatically for the bill, companies don't care

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

That guy Wilmington, DE

Garbage coverage in most spots. Customer service was very nice but coverage issues remained. Cancelled service but then got surprise fees. Their coverage is very poor and phone didnt work well. They were excellent in threatening me with a bill collector. OOOh! Im so scared! The are great at collecting money for their garbage crappy inferior stupid service. I will tell everyone never to use this very poorly set up service. I would recommend using an old telegraph before signing up for this mess of a phone provider.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Cokid22 Denver, CO

I had several problems trying to get service on my account through consumer cellular. Number one, their customer service is not US-based. Number two it took 40 minutes to get the information I needed. Three their customer service people do not either have the knowledge to help you or the authority to help you. Are used to have very good service. However it is poor now

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

heather cox Chicago, IL

Nobody seems to have the proper amount of training to help any customer with any question they may have at all. I've had my new phone for a week and a half and I've talked to 10 different people about how to get my phone set up and every single person has given me a different answer and zero help at all. This is absolutely rediculous.. Shutting the economy down and giving everyone stimulus checks really made for a lazy society and zero customer service help anymore. Anywhere. Who knows if this will get resolved. Nobody's trained anywhere.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Robert Cooney Mount Vernon, WA

It is unfortunate that you can’t leave a zero star review. One of the worst experiences I’ve ever had with a company. First and foremost, they are committing fraud. They told me there was coverage where I live and, Simply, there wasn’t. This was after trying for weeks and weeks to make it work. Switching out Sim cards, spending hours and hours on hold, talking to customer service… Wasting time. And, then, when they were unable to provide the service they promised, having the goal to charge me for what they couldn’t provide.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Joyce LaPoint Miller Lawrenceville, GA

the past year plus they have gone from great customer service to ZERO. you literally have to wait several HOURS to get a return call & by then you are not available & have to call again & wait a few more hours. your whole day/night is tied up......totally unacceptable . thinking of switching to Xfinity. for just $5.00 more will have UNLIMITED data vs. 1 GB now.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

My Bag Houston, TX

Im a disabled person,to sign up for consumer cellular service they hurry and answer their phones to update a plan or sell another phone. If you have an issue or want to cancel the service the wait time is over an hour, they lie about they're unlimited plan, please stay far away from this company, they always have an excuse why the phone time is so long, its not senior friendly.

4 years ago Edited February 8, 2022

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Mary Wong Charlestown, MA

Consumer Cellular lies, cheat, and steal from your wallet. They often use your text messages as a vehicle for the own selfish purposes. The IT people peeks through your email and your text messages to find what kind a consumer you are, and they lie about not looking. They will be a subject of investigation soon from the states they provide service too. They are big trouble with local and federal authorities,

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Are Tea Haddon Heights, NJ

When you research services they wer sure to keep you on short hold times. Had the answers too. 3 days later I am a customer and I was the 105th in que. WTF. For two days in a row. So I went to the live chat format - they don’t understand what “Live” means. Waiting, waiting and if a call comes in in your phone while you wait, their chat bumps back to the beginning of the wait time. My advise.... Don’t. Not worth the agg. I’ll stick with Verizon thank you.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Ronnie Smith Santa Fe, NM

Not the service CC claims they are. It took weeks to get my phone setup to make calls to Canada. The web site claimed it’s easy, just enter 1+ area Cade and number. It doesn’t work that way. I now have to call a number to connect to Canada and then given a code and then enter all over again plus the code. I’ve tried to get ahold of anyone to help because this method does not work. I’ve missed many calls to Canada and I am unable to talk to someone/anyone that can help.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

tom spencer Atlanta, GA

We have been long term customers of Consumer Cellular. Recently they have added a $5 auto pay fee. I have never been late on a payment in over 10 years, get ebilled and now they want more money. They are not a full service phone provider. They buy bulk time and data from other carriers and resell them. In doing so the customer does not get spam blocking on calls and texts. You don't pay much but you don't get much and now they want more for offering less. Time to find another carrier

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Richard T. Bell Ocala, FL

Worst cell phone company on the planet, when I tried to report a problem, they would not even answer the phone, no call back, no response what so ever. Unable to hire enough personnel to staff the company, used COVID excuse. It reminded me of AT & T 35 years ago, absolutely no damned difference. Consumer Cellular is one horrible company. Don't waste your time reporting a problem, it will never be corrected. They will use the ever famous COVID excuse.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Mike Yaeger Washington, DC

Stay away from this company. And do not buy a phone from. That's how they lock you into their service. Go to Walmart and purchase a phone. I have trying to get the phone I purchased from them unlocked to go to a didn't carrier. They have been avoiding this and basically telling me that they cannot unlock it. Even tho I own the damn thing. Now it's been past the 30 day mark so I cannot return it for a refund. Please whatever you do, go to Walmart and avoid doing business with this company.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

George Stone Saint Ignatius, MT

Consumer Cellular was a good company when I started with them, presently they have turned out to be just the opposite, coustomer service is very bad' I was sold a phone which gave me problems from day one I requested a return on it and they refused the return because it was more than 14 days mind you it gave problems from day one contacting them is ridiculous you end up on hold sometimes for hours unless you want MISERY don't hookup with Consumer Cellular.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Ronald Smith Braintree, MA

I spent 3 days without a phone. I spent the three days trying to solve the problem. Every time they told me what to do it didn't work. Finally after 4 trips to a Target store, someone was there who got me partial service. There word means nothing. The worst time I ever had with a phone company. Please don't believe their adds. Please, please do not go with them

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

1 2 Cleveland, OH

the cost advertised was low, however the service for value is D- sorry the hype and how they market their products is a very poor value I wish I didn't have to use any cell phone, the quality of the phone sucks, apps just open on their own, have to wait over 1/2 hour to get some help, run away very far away, they are nNOT amazing, they are pathetic

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Simplicity Auburn, WA

The one star is because the only way to reach customer support is by phone, and the wait times are 30+ minutes! Even their chat isn't working....because when you click on it, it says "Chat is not available". I'm also not happy they are involved with AT&T, who supports OAN, which spreads conspiracy theories and subverts our country. I'm switching to T-Mobile.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Gayle Lopes Nashville, TN

Long long long waits… Reps used to be easy to understand but no more…on hold and then disconnected . I don’t have another hour and a half to wait to try again. I’m trying to see if my din can attach me to his TMobile account so I can have coverage and a cheaper bill. Can’t believe rep didn’t call me back — he certainly had my phone number!

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

James Westerberg Buffalo Grove, IL

Terrible customer service. i bought a Consumer Cellular Link II cell phone and had a question about a problem i was having trying to text someone and called there 800 # to speak with someone and was put on hold for 65 minutes. They obviously couldn't care less about trying to help consumers who purchase their products

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Catherine Paras New York, NY

My experience is the worst ever and I've had a lot of cellular companies started out at $20 now my cell phone per month is up to $59 I still can't download any pictures I still can't download anything and I can't send any pictures will definitely get another cell phone carrier this carrier is horrible I went to Target I went to BestBuy which are locations were for Consumer Cellular nobody fixes my phone I spent hours and hours of time on the phone with consumer Consumer Cellular representatives to fix my nobody can fix it do not I repeat do not get this consumer cellular service it's horrible

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

michael witt Albany, NY

This is without a doubt the worst phone provider I have ever dealt with. Constantly being overcharged, customer service is a joke, if you want to talk to customer service expect a 30 minute to hour delay if they don't hang up on you first. I used the local Target store to purchase thinking that would help. NOPE. THEIR MISSION IS TO RIP OFF THEIR CUSTOMERS. My local Target store has a consumer cellular rep available for about an hour a week if they even show up at all. And then I am supposed to be understanding about their predicament. THIS COMPANY SUCKS. DO NOT USE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

4 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Radhika Nina Marie San Francisco, CA

In the beginning I was sold by the promises that it would have low monthly rates and flexibility. There were so many problems with this company insofar as not ever being able to get a customer service person on the phone, the 25 Day, not 30 day pay cycle and the fact they will without customer consent bump you up to the next tier and have a $45 plan become $65 for .10 gb overage of data. I wish I would have gone to the FCC about this fraud of a company who claims to have the interests of the older adult at heart, it's a shame they are allowed to continue their shady business practices.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

DJR Salt Lake City, UT

Was traveling,camping, and using my phone as a hotspot and went over my data limit -owed an additional $22 (15 days late) which I would pay on next bill. However, they contacted me on Friday and threatened to shut off service. On Saturday I instructed my bank to pay the $22 which CC would receive on Tuesday. I called CC and told them that payment was on its way, rep acknowledged the info but CC shut off service two days later on Monday. Fortunately, I was in a city, cancelled CC and went back to Verizon. $22 overdue for 15 days and they cancelled service! what a BS scam.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Unhappy Camper Charlotte, NC

The customer service is poor. You can best believe that you will get conflicting information and rude agents. This company deserves a zero. They are nice and friendly when they are trying to get your money and business but then the change comes. They can make a thousand mistakes on your account and just apologize but you make one and they want to cancel your service. BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY!!!

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

JOHN Jackson, CA

I talked my 93 year old father into getting this service thru AARP, had nothing but trouble from the start. There coverage is terrible, customer service is terrible and they stole his money. He's now with T mobile for less money and and very good coverage, AARP should be ashamed of themselves for dealing with this company and for their sake should distance themselves. I for one will cancel my AARP membership.

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

David Griffeth Hoschton, GA

Consumer Cellular = terrible Consumer Cellular = terrible. Run away. Just don't do it. Their customer service is the worst: 20 minute hold times to get customer service reps that can't or won't help you resolve any issues. Their coverage is terrible. Their data is artificially throttled on AT&T's network - you can put an AT&T phone beside a Consumer Cellular phone and the AT&T phone will be 10x faster. When you try to port out to a different carrier, they will hold your phone hostage. Run away.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Carol Lewis Myrtle Beach, SC

I purchased this service for my brother. The price is good and the products are adequate. They are a no frills kind of company, but perfect for seniors!

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Janet Cedar Rapids, IA

I signed up for their unlimited talk/text and 3 Mb in March 2020. I had nothing but spam calls and texts for 2 months. I called and was told I was given a recycled number. So she allowed me to change it. I did but still have not used my phone. It is a smart phone and I haven't studied it enough to understand it since covid and then being hit with the dereco storm in Ausust. Today I noticed my bill had gone up last month by $10. My final monthly charge is $43. I was never told of this nor is there anything in my paperwork. I am stuck paying this but put my account on hold. Very unhappy!

5 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

sharon anderson Menifee, CA

I pay extra each month for Square Trade in case something happens to my phone. A few months ago something did...so I was sent a replacement phone. This refurbished phone would not hold a charge....so I was sent a second refurbished phone...guess what!!!! the third phone won't hold a charge either. Why pay extra for Square Trade when the phones are just problem phones someone else didn't want. Can't get through to a Supervisor at Consumer Cellular and customer service can't help you. Nightmare company!

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Angie 1960tx Arlington, TX

I have called yec support 4 times I have never been on hold less than 4 hrs today I was on hold for a hour and a half and then they hung up on me and when I called back they were closed it is the worse costumer service I have ever seen and the service is bad as well as soon as this month is over I'm leaving and any service will be better than this even 2 paper cups on a string would beat this it is horrible all the way around in every department

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

MAD SENIOR!!! Milwaukee, WI

SHAME ON YOU! Stealing & FALSE CHARGES! FALSE ADVERTISING, at its best. NO WAY TO GIVE A REAL HUMAN ON THE PHONE! EVER! Virus or not also guard your credit card because mine was STOLEN and they sold it to the criminal and never repeat never in capital letters alerted me that the criminal purchased a new phone on MY CREDIT CARD! & GAVE THE THIEF A FREE PHONE I PAID FOR!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Leonard Rains Lake Worth, FL

Unspeakable customer service. They are arrogant and not helpful. Not to mention - it is so hard to get alive person as they have automated options going forever. I am not sure why they are insisting on great support when is exactly the opposite and I will make sure that BBB and AARP knows about. Plus there is many companies out there with same or better deal and much,much better customer service. Let us give our money to people who treat us respectfully and business like.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

TJ Lancaster, PA

THEY SAY THEY USE THE SAME TOWERS AS ATT..... BUT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SAME SERVICE FROM THOSE TOWERS IT IS NOT THE SAME THING AND IF ATT PROVIDES DIFFERENT SERVICE (BANDS/FREQUENCIES) TO THEIR CUSTOMERS .. THEN IT IS MISLEADING TO SAY OTHERWISE....SENIORS WHO NEED TO REACH THEIR DOCTOR OR CALL 011 CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE TH E CALL DROP WHEN THEIR HEART RATE IS 122....YOU COULD DIE IF YOU USE CONSUMER CELLULAR.....AND THEY DO NOT HAVE VERY MANY PEOPLE AT ALL WHO KNOW ABOUT CELLULAR TOWERS AND FREQUENCIES=

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Loos Kuna, ID

We were having trouble with our phones battery not holding a charge, so asked for another battery. They couldn't get one & were "phasing-out" the 3G phones, but for $25 could get us an upgrade to a new 4G phone. Found out later that it was a used, returned phone that doesn't work. That was ph #2, ph3 doesn't work either & since we bought a used phone (unknowingly), they can only keep sending us the same used phones. They have refused to even refund our $25 & apply it to a new Doro phone. . . but used ph #4 is on the way.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Kati Call Chicora, PA

I thought we were doing a good thing by switching from Verizon (high prices) to Consumer Cellular. Man, was I wrong. There is no sense in having a low phone bill if you, in fact, can not make a call from said phone. Literally sitting next to my husband and his phone, and my call to him would not even register or go through in the house. If we wanted to use the phone we had to go outside. No thank you, back to Verizon. One of those things were you absolutely get what you pay for, which is not much.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Charles McCabe Mount Laurel, NJ

Hi, my name is Charles M. I have an office in Mount Laurel NJ. If you ever have a problem and try to deal with Consumer Cellular’s customer service, don’t expect any good outcome. All they want to do is bill you every month whether they provide any service or not. I rated them a “1” Star rating, only because there wasn’t a lower available rating. VERY POOR COMPANY!!!

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Nelson Wisser Murrells Inlet, SC

Consumer Cellular is fine as far as phone usage. I have no problems with making or receiving calls but they have the worst customer service. If you try to reach them you are told they have a high volume of calls and you wait time is between 15 - 20 minutes. I don't have time to sit and wait 15 min to talk to someone, and you can't even e-mail them.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

John M Stanley

Flip phones should be easy to use and their's is not. Flip open - talk; flip close - hang up. Consumer Cellular's flip phone requires an engineering degree to use! What a pain!

6 years ago