Part of the process of getting DIRECTV Satellite involves a necessary evil, a quick credit check (it’s a “soft pull” and takes about 30 seconds). Yeah, it’s annoying but it’s an important step for DIRECTV since they provide customers with a bunch of free equipment and dishes (not to mention the free installation). If you end up not passing the check or would rather not share your credit history, you’ll probably have to provide them with a small deposit. Read on for more details…
What’s the minimum score required?
There’s no hard and fast number, but if your score is over 560, you probably won’t have to pay a deposit and will qualify for every promotion going. If you’re under 560, they may ask you to provide a deposit of anywhere from $50-$250, depending on the type of package and receiver you’re interested in. Keep in mind that’s a deposit not a fee so it’ll be applied to your upcoming bills. DIRECTV is simply looking for a bit of assurance and a deposit does just that.
Do I have to pay the deposit?
Certainly not, but you may have to work with DIRECTV to still get the service. That is, they may waive the deposit if you switch to the smallest package and/or an entry-level receiver. It’s a trade-off but it’ll get your service going. Once you establish an account history (at least a few months), give them a call and ask if you can upgrade plans or receivers — chances are you’ll now qualify without a deposit.
As a last resort, have someone else sign up
Just as with any service or purchase, you always have the option of having a friend or family member sign up in your place (just make sure they live at the address). They’ll go through the exact same steps and none of the pricing will change, the bill (and liability) will simply be in their name. If you go this route, my recommendation is to sign up for automatic bill-pay. It’ll ensure their credit doesn’t unnecessary get hit due to late payments and prevents any issues if you’ll be transferring money to their bank account every month, etc. The other nice upside with auto-pay is you’ll usually save an additional $10/mo. just for signing up.
If Satellite doesn’t work, try DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV also has a streaming service, called DIRECTV Stream, that has just about the same programming as Satellite. It’s transmitted by internet with no dish or installation. It also doesn’t require a contract – you can cancel anytime. As a result, credit-wise, it really doesn’t matter. Check it out here (most of the time, there’s a free trial that lets you try it out for a week or two before you spend a dime).
if I could get Direct TVbut it’s been over 8 years will I be able to get it againor do I have to pay a deposit. when I had it before but it was under a different nameMary Swift was the name on the account. but I am divorced now so can I still get it? thank you very much for your time.
I currently have dish. I hate it! My credit is bad due to my soon to be ex husband. I would like to know about getting direct tv, and possibly the internet for my grandaughter who lives with me,, and home phone. I llive in the woods ,in pinora township on s. Deerlake shores dr. I have a reed city mailing address but im in lake co. Im recieving an inheratance and would love to switch companies. Thanks
Hi good afternoon my name is Janice Walker. I am deaf. I have credit card debt but I owe DirecTV how much??? I had a bad credit too
Hi Janice, lately, DIRECTV has been very willing to help customers get around bad credit. Depending on your credit score, they may ask for a small deposit but in a lot of recent cases, if you’ve shown a good pattern of paying other bills, things should work out just fine. If you run into any problems, feel free to post here. Good luck!
I have ok credit I guess but I put speical lock protection on my credit because someone try use my identity to get money out my bank account buy stuff like gym membership. My bank told me .so I may have to talk to my bank or credit people I when to get protection .I had direct tv years ago were I lived for 20 years 6 years ago back in 2017 .and 1998 .but we’re I live now I can’t have dish only gemini thing they have any I have to have internet which I have threw Comcast I want get rid of Comcast tv deal .but keep internet get direct tv watch tv I want get choice package .I talked to diffent people gave them information they wanted I told them I want choice package that 84.99 for 2 years .I don’t know if I get visa 200 gift card .I want switch back soon before month of August start or during first week of Aug when I get payed. So how can I talk to someone face to face at direct tv store where I live in burlington vermont. Can u help me out on that
Hi Nixon,
Sorry for the late reply, I didn’t get a notification on your message for some reason. If you still need help, try a local AT&T store. There’s one on Dorset St in Burlington. They should be able to help with your account questions. If you still need help, feel free to reply or contact us directly here. Good luck!