Leaning on AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless now sells an online-only, multi-month unlimited data plan that costs $25 per month when you pre-pay $300 for a full year.
This single-line offer runs on nationwide 5G where available, keeps taxes and fees baked into the sticker price, and undercuts Cricket’s usual $55 monthly unlimited option by nearly 55 percent.
Use this guide to learn about Cricket’s $25 Unlimited Data deal.
$25 Unlimited Plan: How It Works
Locking in annual service upfront reduces recurring bills for readers worldwide who route U.S. calls, texts, and data through an American SIM.
Although the deal requires an unlocked, compatible phone, shipping a SIM internationally is straightforward, and worldwide travelers can pop it into any AT&T-friendly handset on arrival.
- Payment model: One-time $300 charge covers 12 months.
- Network access: AT&T 5G/4G LTE across the United States.
- Hotspot: Not included on the discounted tier.
- Streaming quality: Standard-definition video (about 480p).
- Extra fees: None—skip the in-store $25 activation charge by ordering online.
Plans and Pricing Line-Up
Cricket keeps its catalog simple, yet the pricing spread can confuse new shoppers. The table below highlights how each plan positions against the headline offer.
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Single Line) | High-Speed Data | Mobile Hotspot | Best For |
| 5 GB | $30 | 5 GB then 128 Kbps | No | Light users |
| 10 GB | $40 | 10 GB then 128 Kbps | No | Moderate users |
| Unlimited | $55 | Unlimited (may slow under congestion) | No | Heavy solo users |
| Unlimited + 15 GB Hotspot | $60 | Premium data priority | 15 GB | Power users/hotspot |
| Multi-Month Unlimited (12 mo.) | $25 | Unlimited (may slow under congestion) | No | Budget single-line shoppers |
Key Takeaways
Paying the lump sum duplicates the $55 plan’s core perks but strips hotspot access. For users worldwide who rarely tether laptops, that trade-off saves $360 over a year.
Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Secure the discount in minutes by following these online steps. Each action prevents unnecessary store fees and delays.
- Check device compatibility. Locate the phone’s IMEI and confirm support on Cricket’s BYOD page.
- Purchase the SIM kit. Add the $2.99 voice-and-data SIM to the cart along with the 12-month unlimited plan.
- Enter a U.S. ZIP code. Any valid code enables checkout for worldwide users planning U.S. travel.
- Create or port a number. Pick a fresh U.S. number or port an existing one for free online.
- Pay $300 plus SIM cost. Autopay is optional, yet enrolling simplifies future renewals.
- Insert SIM on arrival. Visit cricketwireless.com/activate, input the order number, then restart the phone to finalize service.
Expect email tracking within 24 hours and next-business-day shipping to any U.S. address. International forwarding companies can relay the package worldwide if needed.
Network Coverage and Real-World Performance
Running entirely on AT&T infrastructure, Cricket covers 99 percent of Americans and serves roaming travelers in most urban corridors.
Independent speed tests during March 2025 measured download rates ranging from 12 Mbps to 32 Mbps on LTE and regular 5G, fast enough for HD streaming, social media, and video calls.
Typical download ranges provided by Cricket’s own Broadband Facts label are:
- 5G+: 114 – 444 Mbps
- 5G: 46 – 254 Mbps
- 4G LTE: 7 – 61 Mbps
The unlimited annual plan delivers identical data priority to the $55 plan, meaning speeds may dip behind post-paid AT&T customers only when local towers hit congestion.
Call and Text Reliability
Voice over LTE (HD Voice) and Wi-Fi Calling come standard. Thirty consecutive days of testing produced zero dropped calls and no delayed SMS. As always, confirm coverage at the destination ZIP code using Cricket’s map before checking out.
Customer Service Snapshot
Online chat agents typically connect within two minutes during posted hours, while phone support waits an average of seven minutes. Knowledgeable reps can swap SIM serial numbers, reset voicemail, and push refresh signals without upselling.
Support Channels:
| Method | Availability (Eastern Time) | Typical Wait | Ideal Use |
| Live Chat | Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–11 p.m. | < 2 min | Quick account fixes |
| Phone 1-800-274-2538 | Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. | ~ 7 min | Porting, billing disputes |
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Advantages:
- Deep annual discount equal to $360 in savings.
- Taxes and fees are included, simplifying worldwide budgeting.
- AT&T network ranks high for reliability and 5G footprint.
- No contracts or credit checks, easing expatriate sign-ups.
Trade-Offs:
- Hotspot data unavailable on the $25 tier.
- A plan cannot be switched or canceled until the last 30 days of the 12-month window.
- Video streams at SD quality unless a VPN circumvents throttling.
- Online activation is mandatory to avoid the $25 in-store fee.
Who Gains the Most From Cricket’s $25 Offer
Frequent travelers, remote workers visiting the United States, digital nomads living near AT&T towers, and budget-minded students can all stretch connectivity budgets here.
Households needing multiple lines should compare Cricket’s Family Unlimited plan at $25 per line for four lines. However, single-line shoppers can unlock identical value through the prepaid route without recruiting relatives.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to cutting costs on mobile service, especially if you’re juggling travel, coverage, and perks.
Here’s how to get the most value without sacrificing convenience:
- Pair with an eSIM. Keep the Cricket physical SIM for U.S. data while running a local eSIM overseas.
- Monitor usage in the app. Data tracking ensures that throttling surprises never strike mid-trip.
- Leverage cash-back portals. Major card issuers often run Cricket rebates; stacking one lowers the upfront fee further.
- Renew strategically. Set a calendar reminder to review competing offers 35 days before the end of the year, allowing for a smooth port-out if better deals arise.
- Bundle device insurance elsewhere. Third-party global phone insurance usually beats carrier-backed add-ons.
Conclusion
Pre-paying $300 for twelve months of unlimited data delivers one of 2025’s lowest effective monthly rates on the reliable AT&T backbone.
Skip hotspot expectations, check coverage near frequent destinations, and this deal supplies straightforward, worldwide-friendly connectivity at a price that brave competitors struggle to match.
