Total Wireless eliminates upfront costs for prepaid phone buyers

With Edge1, new and existing prepaid customers can qualify for select premium devices regardless of credit score.

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Total Wireless is rolling out a new financing option designed to change how prepaid customers upgrade their smartphones. The company has announced Total Wireless Edge1, a new device financing solution designed for prepaid users and powered by Glow Services Corp. The program aims to remove long-standing barriers that have made it difficult for prepaid customers to access premium devices without paying full price upfront.

According to Total Wireless, the new Edge1 offering is built around a simple idea: prepaid customers should not have to choose between affordable service and today’s most in-demand smartphones. By rewarding consistent, on-time payments and removing traditional credit hurdles, Edge1 opens the door to premium devices that were previously out of reach for many prepaid users.

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A New Approach to Prepaid Device Financing

For years, prepaid customers have faced lower approval rates, higher costs, and fewer financing options than postpaid subscribers. Edge1 is designed to eliminate what the service provider calls the “prepaid penalty” by offering a more inclusive and flexible path to device financing.

At launch, eligible customers may qualify for select premium smartphones valued up to $600 with $0 down and as low as $0 per month, thanks to promotional credits. In some cases, customers can even qualify for the iPhone 16e with no upfront payment and no monthly device cost, depending on eligibility.

Notably, existing customers with a qualifying payment history can access Edge1 regardless of their credit score, a major departure from traditional wireless financing models. The program also introduces Total Care, an enhanced support experience for Edge customers. This service includes shorter wait times and access to specialized customer service teams trained to handle financing-related needs.

Designed for Loyalty to Total Wireless, Not Credit Scores

Unlike traditional financing programs that rely heavily on credit checks, Edge1 is designed to reward customer loyalty. The longer customers stay with the service and make on-time payments, the more opportunities they unlock for lower device costs and better financing terms.

According to the brand, this approach helps build confidence for customers who may have been excluded from similar programs in the past. The financing option is open to both new and existing Total Wireless customers, and enrollment is intentionally straightforward. Customers can check eligibility and apply directly in-store, making the process accessible even for those who prefer in-person assistance.

What This Means for Prepaid Wireless Customers

With Total Wireless Edge1, the company is positioning itself as a serious alternative for budget-conscious users who still want access to modern smartphones. By removing down payments, expanding eligibility beyond top-tier credit, and offering $0 monthly device options through promotional credits, the service provider is attempting to level the playing field between prepaid and postpaid customers.

Mike Sarcone, VP of Commercial Growth at Verizon Value, emphasized that Edge1 goes beyond traditional device financing. “It’s designed to reward loyalty, build credit confidence, and open access to high-end technology for prepaid customers who’ve historically been left out of programs like these,” he said.

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Total Wireless Edge1 represents a significant shift in prepaid wireless financing. By offering $0-down access to premium devices, flexible approval options, and enhanced customer support, the company is directly addressing one of the most significant pain points in the prepaid market. For customers who want affordable service without sacrificing modern hardware, this new program could be a game-changer.