A Guide to Xfinity Prepaid Internet
If you move often, are a student, or have a fixed income, then Xfinity prepaid internet might be a good fit. You get the benefits of receiving internet service from a top-name company without the commitment of a long-term contract. You’ll have flexibility at your fingertips with no annual contract and predictable pricing.
Curious to learn more? We’ve gathered all the information you’ll need, including plan details, expert reviews, and frequently asked questions to help you decide if Xfinity prepaid internet is the right option for you.
- What is Xfinity prepaid internet?
- Xfinity prepaid internet reviews
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is Xfinity prepaid internet?
Xfinity prepaid internet is a no-hassle internet service that allows you to prepay for service. You do not have to sign a contract and the price is predictable each month.
However, your first 30 days will cost a bit more because you will need to purchase an Xfinity compatible modem. After the first 30 days, you can choose to prepay for internet service in seven-day or 30-day increments depending on your needs.
Xfinity prepaid internet availability
To access Xfinity prepaid internet, you’ll need to live within Xfinity’s service area.
Luckily, Xfinity has one of the largest service areas in the US, with availability in parts of 40 states. While you’re likely to find Xfinity internet service at your location, Xfinity’s most complete coverage is available in California, Florida, and Illinois.
How Xfinity prepaid internet works
Xfinity prepaid internet runs on the same network as their other internet services, so you’ll be receiving the same reliable internet and excellent customer service as any other Xfinity internet plan. The only caveat is that your router will be a refurbished model instead of brand new.
You can either sign up online and have your Xfinity Starter Kit mailed to you, or you can visit any participating Xfinity or Boost Mobile store in your area to pick up a kit in person.
You will need to prepay $45 for the first 30 days of service plus $35 for the modem charge to activate your service. But, after the first 30 days you can choose to prepay 7 days at a time ($15/week) or 30 days at a time ($45/month).
You will also need to self-install the refurbished modem to activate your internet connection, but everything you need including instructions and cables will be included in your Xfinity Starter Kit.
Xfinity prepaid internet service requirements
The eligibility requirements for Xfinity prepaid internet are fairly simple. You must:
- Live in an Xfinity service area
- Be 18 years old or older
- Not be a current Xfinity customer
You can even qualify for Xfinity prepaid internet if you owe Xfinity a balance from a prior service contract. However, the balance must be at least 12 months old. Another benefit of Xfinity prepaid is that there are no credit checks or income requirements to qualify.
Xfinity prepaid internet speed
Xfinity prepaid internet service offers a speed plan of up to 50Mbps for downloads and 10Mbps for uploads. And while this may not seem like a lot, it is enough to support two to four devices at one time, depending on what each device is doing.
Cost of Xfinity prepaid internet
One of the best features of Xfinity prepaid internet is the predictable pricing. If you choose to sign up for the service, you can expect to pay the following:
- Monthly pre-paid internet cost: $45
- One time modem fee: $35
- Additional 30 days of internet service: $45
- Additional 7 days of internet service: $15
The Xfinity prepaid internet plan has a data cap of 1TB per month, but with a max download speed of 50Mbps, it’s unlikely you’ll reach the data limit. For example, a household would have to stream 171 hours of 4K video, game for 155 hours, or stream 21,600 hours of music in a month to reach 1TB.
That being said, if somehow you do use more than 1TB of data on the Xfinity prepaid internet plan, you should know that there is a $10 overage charge per additional 50MB. The silver lining is that overage charges are capped at $30/month for the prepaid internet plan, so your fees won’t be too hefty. However, Xfinity charges overage fees with your next bill, so you’ll need to pay the overage when you renew your monthly prepaid service.
You will also be responsible for applicable taxes and fees, so you need to factor those in when planning your monthly budget.
Comparison of Xfinity prepaid internet to other prepaid internet plans
While Xfinity prepaid is an excellent value for those who live in the company’s service area, it’s always wise to compare options from other service providers. Two other popular prepaid internet services come from Verizon Fios and Cox internet.
Verizon Fios has three prepaid internet plans:
- 100Mbps starting at $39.99/month
- 300Mbps starting at $59.99/month
- 940Mbps starting at $79.99/month
While all of these plans are faster than Xfinity prepaid wireless, Verizon Fios has a very limited footprint. The company only serves New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington DC, as well as parts of New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Verizon also charges a $199 modem fee unless you provide your own Verizon compatible device, and a $99 setup fee.
Cox internet offers one prepaid plan, Straight Up Internet, which is slightly more expensive than Xfinity prepaid internet at $50/month for download speeds up to 50Mbps. A notable perk of Cox’s home internet service is that the modem is included at no cost, and you can self-install it to avoid installation fees.
Xfinity prepaid internet reviews
One of the best ways to get a sense of whether or not Xfinity prepaid internet is for you is to read reviews from industry experts. Overall, reviews of Xfinity and its prepaid internet offering are positive.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked Xfinity as #1 in their review of Best Prepaid Internet Providers.
- A report from CNET pointed out that the flexibility of Xfinity’s 7 day or 30 day prepaid options is great for college students, out-of-state visitors, and households with limited income.
- A J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Residential Internet Service Providers Satisfaction Study ranked Xfinity #2 in the East, South, and West regions and #3 in the North Central region.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need a bank account to sign up for Xfinity prepaid internet?
Although having a bank account can be helpful for setting up auto-pay features if desired, it is not a requirement for Xfinity prepaid internet. If you do not have a bank account, you can visit any approved Xfinity retailer, such as Boost Mobile or Comcast stores, and pay cash to refill your account.
Do I need to pay a deposit to sign up for Xfinity prepaid internet?
You do not need to pay a deposit to sign up for Xfinity prepaid, but you will need to prepay each month of service in advance. Additionally, you’ll need to pay for your Xfinity prepaid modem with your first month of service.
Do I need a computer to use Xfinity prepaid internet?
Although you don’t necessarily need a desktop or laptop computer to use Xfinity prepaid internet, you will need a Wi-Fi-enabled device like a smartphone, or tablet to get your connection set up.
What are the steps to start Xfinity prepaid internet service?
To sign up for Xfinity prepaid internet, first check to find out if service is available in your area. If it is available, the online sign-up process is simple:
- Step 1: Add 30 days of prepaid internet ($45) and one-time equipment fee ($35) to your cart and click the “Next” button.
- Step 2: Create your Xfinity ID by entering your first name, last name, phone number, and email address. Then, click the “Create Xfinity ID” button.
- Step 3: Verify the text message code that is sent to your phone and click “Enter”.
- Step 4: Create your Xfinity ID password and click “Next”.
- Step 5: Enter your payment details and verify your billing and shipping address (this page will also show the total, including sales tax).
- Step 6: Your Xfinity Starter Kit should arrive in 5 to 7 business days and include a refurbished modem, cables, and instructions for installation.
If you don’t want to sign up online or need service more quickly, you can also visit a participating Boost Mobile or Comcast store to sign up in person and pick up your Xfinity Starter Kit in-store.
What are the steps to cancel Xfinity prepaid internet?
To cancel your Xfinity prepaid internet, you have several options to choose from.
- Chat with a customer service representative online.
- Visit a participating Boost Mobile or Comcast location.
- Complete an online cancellation form. A representative will call you within two business days of receiving your cancellation request.
- Mail a cancellation request along with your first name, last name, service address, account number, and phone number to:
- ATTN: Service Change Requests
- 1701 JFK Blvd
- Philadelphia, PA 19103
What will I receive with my Xfinity Starter Kit?
Your Xfinity Prepaid Starter Kit will include a refurbished wireless gateway (a modem and router in one), coax cable, Ethernet cable, power cord, and a getting started guide.
What is the Ethernet cable in my Xfinity prepaid starter kit for?
If you need to establish a direct connection with your wireless gateway rather than using Wi-Fi, you can use the Ethernet cable to get a wired connection. Sometimes this also helps if you need the fastest speed possible while downloading a large file or playing a game online.
Can I use my existing modem for Xfinity prepaid internet?
You must use the wireless gateway included in your starter kit for your Xfinity prepaid plan unless you have a Comcast modem from a previous Xfinity plan. If this is the case, you can contact Comcast for instructions on how to use the modem. Otherwise, third-party modems are not supported.
How do I refill my Xfinity prepaid internet service?
There are three ways to refill your Xfinity prepaid internet service:
- Adding your credit, debit, or prepaid card in your online account
- With this option, you can choose to activate the auto-pay feature
- Paying via the Xfinity mobile app
- Buying a refill with cash at a local retailer
Please note that Xfinity customer care representatives will not accept payment over the phone.
How fast is Xfinity prepaid internet?
Xfinity prepaid internet service offers up to 50Mbps download speed and 10Mbps upload speed. However, actual speeds may vary according to where you live, and Xfinity makes no guarantee of upload or download speeds for your specific address.
How do I transfer my Xfinity prepaid internet to a new address?
To move your Xfinity prepaid internet service, contact Xfinity to ensure your new address is within one of their service areas. Once confirmed, simply notify Xfinity of your move date and take all of your equipment to the new address. After you move, Xfinity will walk you through the self-installation process at your new address.
My Xfinity prepaid internet won’t connect. What should I do?
If you’re having trouble connecting, there are a few steps you can take:
- Make sure the cables are all tightly connected.
- Try resetting your device through the link in your prepaid dashboard or through the mobile app.
- Refer to the getting started guide you received with your modem to find more troubleshooting tips.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 3/30/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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