Getting a regular mobile plan with no Canadian credit history?

[checheche]

Hi everyone, I've recently moved back to Canada for the first time since early childhood.  In the meantime, I had lived in the U.S., and developed an excellent credit history, but I'm guessing that's irrelevant in the context of obtaining a mobile plan here in Canada.

I think Public would be a great option for me, and I'd definitely prefer to get a normal mobile plan (as opposed to having to resort to a prepaid plan).  Does Public absolutely require an established Canadian credit history?  

In the event that I'd be eligible to enrol in the plan I'd like, do they accept U.S. version of Mastercard credit card for payments?  Thanks!

[kav2001c]

@checheche a simple solution (short term or long term) is to port your US number to a VOIP

Then you simply call forward the existing American number to the new Canadian number

VOIP.MS is a good one I recommend

[stonechucker]

Glad to see this may work out for you!

I'm sure you're aware, the phone from the US will need to be unlocked from the Carrier.  I've got an older Nexus 5 (not the X) that I purchased direct from the Google Play Store (online).  I twas the Global version, and it is compatible with the network.

I do not think there would be a problem with the Nexus 5X, once unlocked (if it is locked).

[wetcoaster]

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@checheche wrote:

Thank you so much, everyone.  I have a Canadian credit card on the way, but it'll take several weeks to arrive, and I can't wait that long for a mobile phone (my old one broke), so vouchers it is. 

My husband is wondering if he can keep his U.S. phone number with a Public plan, and if there have been issues with a Nexus 5x purchased from the U.S.?  It passed the IMEI compatibility checking tool, but I understand that the tool isn't completely reliable.

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@checheche

Sorry, you can only port Canadian numbers to Public Mobile.

If he needs to be reachable on his US number in Canada he'll need to find a US provider who either lets him use it in Canada at a reasonable cost (check the fine print - they might not like it if the phone is used in Canada only) or lets him forward calls to his Canadian number without paying an arm and a leg.

The IMEI checker is checking if your phone is black listed. You can check compability at willmyphonework.net and/or read up on required frequencies here: https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Discussions/LTE-network-fundamentals/m-p/198799/highl...

[checheche]

Thank you so much, everyone.  I have a Canadian credit card on the way, but it'll take several weeks to arrive, and I can't wait that long for a mobile phone (my old one broke), so vouchers it is. 

My husband is wondering if he can keep his U.S. phone number with a Public plan, and if there have been issues with a Nexus 5x purchased from the U.S.?  It passed the IMEI compatibility checking tool, but I understand that the tool isn't completely reliable.

[mimmo]

@chechecheTalking about credit, i think RBC (royal bank) also has a new comer to canada program for credit cards and banking.  I have a friend who just got a credit card through this program with no canadian credit history.

[kav2001c]

@checheche Public requires no credit whatsoever, although in this case I might argue Koodo is a better choice. Koodo does not require security deposits (unlike other carriers) and will help you to establish credit

Koodo also has a special newcomer to Canada program that while (imo) is a serious violation of your privacy rights would actually allow you to get subsidized hardware and bypass the credit checks

Telus would require credit check and often security deposits

[JDT]

Given that the service is prepaid, the company has no need for a credit check.  They get your money before providing the service, so there is no risk to them of someone not paying.

[stonechucker]

You do not need a credit history, as Public Mobile doesn't perform credit checks.  However, you do require a Canadian Credit Card to use a credit card with Public Mobile.

If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you'll see an option for 'How to Pay'.  There you can see there is a search function for where to find Payment Voucher locations.  A number off Shell, Esso, and Canadian Tire gas bars will sell the vouchers, and many Shoppers Drugmart locations also.  Please note there isn't really very many advertisements for Public Mobile in retail, so you much ask if they sell them.

Wow Mobile, some Walmarts, K-Mobile stores have SIM cards available, and I believe Wow Mobile also sells the vouchers.