AT&T, the second-largest U.S. wireless carrier, is reducing its autopay and paperless billing discounts, impacting customers who pay with debit cards or most credit cards. This change, effective April 24th, comes as carriers across the industry adjust their pricing strategies.
Starting next month, AT&T customers using debit cards for autopay and paperless billing will see their monthly discount halved, from $10 to $5. Those using a bank draft for payment will retain the full $10 discount. However, the $5 discount for credit card payments will be eliminated entirely, except for users of the AT&T Plus Card from Citi. This credit card discount was previously $10.
Here’s a summary of the updated discounts, effective next month:
- Bank Payment: $10 per month (no change)
- Debit Card: $5 per month (down from $10)
- Most Credit Cards: No discount (down from $5)
An AT&T spokesperson cited industry alignment as the reason for the change, echoing similar moves by competitors Verizon and T-Mobile, both of whom have also scaled back billing perks. This trend of reduced discounts and increased prices isn’t new in the U.S. telecom market.
T-Mobile recently announced price increases for existing customers, continuing a pattern of hikes from last year. Verizon also implemented price increases in 2024, following a series of increases throughout 2023, including a $5 bump for some plans and a $4 increase for its 5GB Get More lines. T-Mobile also raised prices on select plans in June 2023.
AT&T, too, has been raising prices in 2023, adding $1 per line for some unlimited plans and introducing a premium pricing tier for faster data speeds. These changes reflect a broader industry shift towards adjusting pricing models and benefits. Customers should review their current plans and payment methods to understand how these changes might impact their monthly bills.
In conclusion, the reduction in autopay and paperless billing discounts from AT&T reflects a wider industry trend. While these changes may disappoint some customers, they underscore the evolving landscape of telecommunications pricing. Considering the changes across major carriers, consumers are encouraged to compare plans and pricing to find the best option for their needs.
