T-Mobile to let lower-credit customers who pay on time get access to $0-down smartphones

T-Mobile is giving every customer with a monthly voice plan who has made or makes 12 consecutive on-time monthly bill payments access to zero-down financing for smartphones regardless of their credit score.

The program, called "Smartphone Equality," goes into effect Jan 25 and applies to every prepaid or postpaid customer with a voice plan, regardless of their plan -- or their credit history. If an existing customer has made 12 consecutive, on-time monthly payments they automatically qualify for the benefits: the carrier's best device pricing and financing, including $0 down on the newest smartphones with no interest and no credit check.