Consumer Cellular Reviews
Consumer Cellular Overview
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Consumer Cellular has a 1.9 star rating from 550 customer reviews; 61% would likely recommend but consumers are mostly dissatisfied, with many reporting service and support issues.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Cheap plans and low price are commonly cited in Consumer Cellular reviews.
- Expect potential activation or compatibility hurdles with older phones and SIMs.
- Targeted marketing to seniors; verify quoted pricing and membership offers carefully.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Frequent customer complaints about customer service responsiveness and rude or untrained agents.
- Billing errors, disputed charges, refunds and cancellation difficulties reported.
- Dropped calls, data throttling, porting and spam call handling problems.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers note low cost and affordable plans as the main benefit.
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Consumer Cellular has a 1.9 star rating from 550 customer reviews; 61% would likely recommend but consumers are mostly dissatisfied, with many reporting service and support issues.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Cheap plans and low price are commonly cited in Consumer Cellular reviews.
- Expect potential activation or compatibility hurdles with older phones and SIMs.
- Targeted marketing to seniors; verify quoted pricing and membership offers carefully.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Frequent customer complaints about customer service responsiveness and rude or untrained agents.
- Billing errors, disputed charges, refunds and cancellation difficulties reported.
- Dropped calls, data throttling, porting and spam call handling problems.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers note low cost and affordable plans as the main benefit.
Media from reviews
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer
Liars - Phones not compatible after being told they would work
Just switched to CC - before deciding to switch from Verizon we specifically asked if our older phones would work on their network. They were provided all the details they would need to verify compatibility.
We were told they would work and were provided SIM cards. Upon receiving them the phone would not update to the CC network. When we called CC we were told we needed to talk to Verizon. We spent nearly 3 hours trouble shooting with Verizon with no luck.
After hanging up with Verizon we called CC again to see if the line was even active. Once they confirmed it was, we did a bit a trouble shooting with them as well, after about 10 minutes and trying several things they told us the phones were not compatible and we would need to buy new ones.
They of course wanted us to buy through them (image that...). I refused and will purchase an unlocked phone that can be used anywhere. I could not be more furious.
This question was specifically asked, and they indicated it would not be an issue. It's very obvious now that that was a bold faced lie. As they are a company that caters to the older population I firmly believe this is their bate and switch tactic. They tell you your phone will work, when it doesn't they try and get you to buy from them because it will be "cheaper" (it isn't).
It is a disgusting business practice and CC should be ashamed of themselves. I would not recommend them to anyone.
Also, it should be noted that they do not have 24/7 customer service which boggles my mind in this day and age.
User's recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Brookline, Massachusetts
Deceptive sales tactics targeting senior citizens
- - Quoted $78/month for two lines with phones and insurance; bill higher; CC won't review the sale or resolve; AARP contacted; request honoring $78.
They suck. I do not advise.
Still no response from this company.
In September of last year, my husband and I enrolled in Consumer Cellular service based on a clear and repeated verbal representation made during the sales call: our total monthly bill for two lines, two new phones, and insurance would be $78. I confirmed this amount multiple times during the call, and each time the representative affirmed that the total monthly cost would be $78.
Upon receiving our first bill, the amount was nearly double what had been quoted.
Immediately after discovering the discrepancy, I contacted Consumer Cellular.
Over the course of multiple calls, I was met with abrupt, dismissive, and unprofessional conduct from representatives and supervisors alike. I repeatedly requested that the original sales call be reviewed, as the quoted price was the basis of our decision to switch carriers. I was told that Consumer Cellular was not required to review the call and that I should rely on the fine print, despite the explicit verbal assurances provided at the time of sale.
I also contacted AARP, the organization through which this offer was presented. Unfortunately, I encountered the same lack of professionalism and accountability.
No one at AARP was willing to address the discrepancy or acknowledge the misleading nature of the promotion.
As a result, we have been forced to pay an amount we did not agree to and cannot reasonably afford. We have also been threatened with charges for the phones if we do not continue service or pay them off in full, which constitutes financial coercion. This is particularly concerning given that AARP markets these plans to older adults, many of whom may be especially vulnerable to misleading sales tactics.
My elderly aunt has since informed me that she experienced the same deceptive pricing, suggesting a broader pattern of misconduct.
Consumer Cellulars refusal to review the sales call, honor the quoted price, or provide any meaningful resolution constitutes misrepresentation, unfair and deceptive business practices, and a clear violation of reasonable consumer expectations.
I am requesting that Consumer Cellular honor the price that was explicitly quoted to me: $78 per month for both lines, including phones and insurance. This is the only fair and appropriate remedy based on the representations made at the time of sale.
I expect a prompt and substantive response.
Regards,
Olivia King
617378****
okingthekings@***.com
- Deceptive advertising
Preferred solution: Price reduction
User's recommendation: Do not use!!
Do not buy anything from or trust Consumer Cellular. I had lots of trouble with their service, and while most customer service reps were friendly, only the company could fix the bad connection situation and they were just awful.
I think because Consumer Cellular uses the same towers as the major carriers as they claim in their ads, Consumer Cellular customers go to the back of the line and get the worst connections including lots of dropped calls which happened to me until I got rid of the company. Think about it. If the government mandates that lesser companies like Consumer Cellular be able to use the towers the big companies built, why would these competitor large companies allow Consumer Cellular customers to get the same benefit at a lower price? That's a bad business model for them.
So I think they give Consumer Cellular customers poor service to level the playing field. Anyway, do NOT use Consumer Cellular or believe their ads. They advertise so much because they are so desperate for customers imo. Stay away from this company.
They have only a 2-star rating out of 5 with over 500 reviews on Pissed Consumer, which is a failure.
Just like their service, and poor ads. Avoid.
Replying to
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Verified ReviewerConsumer cellular has no one with any ethics working at their company. Do not use them due to their lack of being reputable. They do not know how to transfer a phone line from their data base.
- - Number transferred from Consumer Cellular to Mint; billing continued.
- - Mint says they still have the number and a transfer code wasn't needed.
Transferred my phone number from Consumer Cellular to Mint. Mint is great.
I did my homework and requested a code to transfer. CC advised I did not need a code. The phone number was transferred to Mint. They never canceled my account and have billed me ever since.
They advised me they still have the number. WTF? They are idiots and will not give me a full refund for the $$ I have paid. They are not qualified to be in business in my view.
How can I have the phone number with Mint and they claim it is still with them? Any idiot should be able to see and accept that this was a major screw-up on their part. Basically, they are telling me that I did not cancel the phone number. I have been in IT for 52 years and maybe I need to visit their office and show them how to do the cancellation.
You would think they can see that they have committed a major error to a trusting customer. When I called for the transfer code, they advised that I did not need any code to do so. This is standard practice with phone companies to transfer a phone. Somehow, the phone number was transferred to Mint.
I would think they would take responsibility for this major error. They did not advise at any time of the error they made. The contract supposedly says they only need to pay a partial settlement: 3 months, to be exact. I guess I should have been more alert to the billing charges.
The accountant was confused with the naming of the monthly charge. Do not trust this company to be fair whenever you have any accounting issues, and that includes moving your phone to another phone carrier. They are not a consumer-friendly company. They will take your money and run.
Hold their hand and get names. Call back to verify they have followed through with your instructions.
I more than likely will start a lawsuit on this ordeal. Signed, very pissed-off former customer!
- Cheap
- Unreliable staff
- Will not take responsibility for their major errors
- Who do not know how to represent them honestly
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES THEY ARE CROOKED, INCOMPETENT AND WILL NOT USE THEIR BRAINS SINCE THEY HAVE NO COMMON SENSE. (CROOKED)
Good advice, thanks! Better service at a lower price represents real value to the customer.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Gainesville, Georgia
Difficult to leave.
- - Cancellation was hard for a senior.
- - Billing continues after switching companies and the amount keeps changing; they threaten collections.
Tried to cancel service. Not easy process for me to accomplish as a senior citizen.
Customer service would not give the final bill amount. They want more personal information than I want to give. I just want to pay what I owe and shake the dust off my feet and never talk to them again. I have moved to a different company and CC continues to send me a bill and they keep increasing it and saying that they are going to send it to collections.
JUST TELL ME HOW MUCH I OWE AND STOP CHANGING THE AMOUNT BEFORE THE USPS CAN GET IT TO YOU. not senior friendly.
- Not senior friendly
User's recommendation: anybody but CC. I moved to Mint Mobile and am very happy!!
Their ad says, "Same towers, same coverage" but what they don't say is "same quality." Why not? My experience with this company was a tremendous amount of dropped calls, so I switched and never looked back.
Do not use them, and there are good promotions being run now by bigger, better companies.
Also, Consumer Cellular running so many ads smells of desperation. Buy elsewhere.
Ocala, Florida
The company shut my service off for 10 days and then charged me for those 10 days
I couldn't get my phone number and password to work so I could look at my invoices each month. They argued with me over my account
User's recommendation: Never no
Perryton, Texas
I have dropped my ph in water. It does not work now. I called and had to select 4 or 5 times to get the correct place. Then they have my card # and needed it verified before you could order me a newr
Too many places to transfer before I get the right one. You need a better way.
I need a new cheap phone (flip top.) I don't text. Get it ordered or I will get a new service.
It has been a week since I first called. Why do you not answer your replies when they are made.
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Verified ReviewerThey charged me extra for more gigabytes without contacting me and getting my permission
- - Bill: $25/mo to $43/mo for seven auto-debits; rep cited extra GB; they set back to $25 and no auto-renewals without notice; seeking $70.
Make sure you read the fine print about allowing them to upgrade you without your permission.
I don't want to jump from 25 per month to 43 per month.
I'm a senior citizen and I'm supposed to be given the $25 deal I asked for a refund for the seven months which is approximately $70 and they refused to give me a refund but they did change my plan back to the $25 per month and noted that there will be no more automatic renewals without contacting me. I would like a refund for the $70.
User's recommendation: Check your bill frequently, especially if it's automatic payment
Rochester, New York
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE - AVOID
- - Advertised service for less but got less value.
- - Calls drop and connections are fuzzy with static.
- - Customer service was poor.
Believed the ad about same service for less but paid less and GOT LESS. Dropped calls all over the place, fuzzy connections with static and poor excuse for customer service.
Think about it: why would large competitors allow use of their towers to a competing company?
Even if government mandated, the large competitors' customers come first and it seems like Consumer Cellular Customers get the leftovers, like 3-day old bread expiring very soon and already lost its good flavor. Go with the larger, much better competitor for ultimately a better value and experience imo.
User's recommendation: Avoid Consumer Cellular At All Costs.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerSorry service for $93.00 a month.
- - Pays $93/mo; data slows after 12 days.
- - Data still reduced on 02/15/2026; repeats monthly.
- - Questions if plan prompts extra data; uses phone daily for work.
Why am I still on decreased data service? Today is the 15th.
Is this so you can get me to buy more minutes.Why is my service still running slow. I pay $93.00 monthly at Consumer Cellular and for 12 days out it 30 days service then my data speed is reduced. It is 02/15/2026 and I still have reduced data. Every month the same thing.
I am not buying anymore data. Could it be I use my phone because I have been unemployed since March 2025, and I use my phone everyday looking for work?
User's recommendation: I’m tired
Terrible company, avoid! They advertise so much to replenish the mass exodus of customers due to the company's bad service, in my opinion.
I dumped the company because the quality was poor, my calls dropped daily, they don't have their own techs to send out, and Consumer Cellular acted like a bunch of amateurs. A real clown show with lots of incompetence, arrogance, and high school mentality.
Do not believe the ads, and do not buy anything from Consumer Cellular. NEXT!
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Verified Reviewer |
Greeley, Colorado
Resolved: They sold me a samsung a16 phone that has spyware on it.
- - Samsung A16 has spyware that cannot be removed.
- - They claim Consumer Cellular has no credibility and will warn others.
Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with full refund. when i did get a hold of a customer service rep, she immediately took care of the problem and issued a refund.
My wife had consumer cellular for 20 years and I have had it for about 10 years. Good company.
They sold me a Samsung a16 phone that has spyware on it that cannot be removed. They now have NO creditability with me. I will notify all my friends at the gym, the grocery store and the
Senior Center that Consumer Cellular knowingly sells phones with spyware THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED and that they could care less about their customers.
- Sell phones with spyware
- Whole company is out for themselves
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: DONT TRUST CONSUMER CELLULAR. THEY ARE CROOKS ONLY LOOKING FOR MONEY AND OFFER NO CUSTOMER PROTECTIONS.
Not surprising. Consumer Cellular cannot be trusted.
The company has a 1.9/5.0 rating here on Pissed Consumer, terrible! And their ads suck with some knucklehead screaming from a telephone pole. Always read the fine print from this not so fine company. Consumer Cellular.
AVOID! Switch off their ads immediately.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerFalse advertisement & Illegal charges
- - Advertises $55 for two lines; I paid $128/mo with T-Mobile, and CC billed two lines for 3 months after a stolen phone.
Consumer Cellular advertises cheaper rates, such as $55.00 for two lines. I was paying the exact same amount as I was with T-Mobile, which was $128.00 a month for two lines. Then, when I called them on August 28th, 2025, and told them one of my phones was stolen and I asked to have the service to that line cut off, Consumer Cellular continued to charge me for two lines for the next three months.
- Use false advertising to get customers
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Don’t believe Consumer Cellular advertises cheaper advertising.
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Verified Reviewer |
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Screwed up my W-2 & ADP information.
- - W-2/ADP errors delay taxes; no one has contacted me.
- - Left due to lack of disability clock-in accommodations.
Although the company has great service, they treat their employees with disabilities badly, including giving them problems with W-2s.
Worked for them briefly, and they've screwed up my W-2 & ADP information. Now, I can't file my taxes.
I've reached out to them, but they have no phone number for me to call and have to forward my information from their customer service department.
Still, no one has contacted me back. Finally, the reason I no longer work for them is because they wouldn't provide disability accommodations that were very small: a few minutes extra time allowance for clocking in due to my disability-related issues using the clock-in software.
Preferred solution: I would like to have my job back with accommodations (the one mentioned and one left private). Yes, I lost money, but unsure of total because it includes lost pay and potentially lost tax refund due to W-2 and ADP issues.
User's recommendation: Great for customers, but terrible for employees, especially those with disabilities.
Valley Springs, California
Getting a lot of trash calls for all sorts of reasons
I only have 1 line showing strength of wi/fi, I believe this is what it means. What can be done. This is very difficult to understand.
Washington, District Of Columbia
Got it solved,I think
Using too much gs.charged me for it.not my fault..I bought phone and all from cc and had is a ues.hard to get through ur headsyes
Silver Spring, Maryland
Lying
desperate for an operator. the AI says open 6 am, it's 8 am, and the consumer cellular keeps saying they are closed, right after they state you are open at 6 am. LIARS
User's recommendation: Don't believe the consumer cellular robot, it LIES
Charlotte, North Carolina
Voice mail is lock
My voice mail is still locked. I don't know what to do.
Please have someone call me at 704537****. My voice mail is locked on 215913****.
About
Consumer Cellular is a nationwide provider of cellular phones and services. Consumer Cellular was founded by John Marick and Greg Pryor in October 1995. The company started out with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest market. Coverage now includes all 50 US states. Consumer Cellular specializes in cell phone plans for seniors. The company was most recently profiled in The Oregonian's Silicon Forest blog. ReCellular refurbishes and resells the usable cell phones. Phones that no longer work are recycled according to strict environmental standards and the salvaged materials are used to make other products. Consumer Cellular plan includes several bundled services, such as Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, 3-Way Conference Calling, Voicemail and International Direct Dial.
Consumer Cellular is ranked 412 out of 2406 in Telecommunications category
USA, Europe, Canada
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consumer cellular uses at&t network
You're point?
Consumer Cellular is advertising Ad Nauseum now with the same bad ads on multiple tv programs at the same time, showing huge desperation for business imo. Do not use Consumer Cellular.
I experienced a massive amount of dropped calls with the company and they couldn't or wouldn't do anything about it. I suspect because they do not have their own towers, CC customers get bumped when AT&T, Verizon or other larger competitors' towers are used for the primary company's customers as should be the case when Consumer Cellular and its customers are merely in the passenger seat. I got rid of Consumer Cellular and I immediately dismiss all their ads.
You should too. Very bad company with very low ratings online.