AT&T's line addition fee and monthly cost

AT&T charges a one-time set up fee of $30 to add a new line to your account, then adds the cost of a phone plan to your monthly bill. The monthly charge depends on which plan you choose — AT&T offers several options ranging from basic talk-and-text to unlimited data plans. You do not have to buy a new phone to add a line; you can bring an existing phone you already own, which saves you the device cost.

The set up fee applies whether you add a line online, in an AT&T store, or by phone. Some promotions occasionally waive this fee, but it is the standard charge. Your new line gets its own phone number and billing, though it appears on the same account statement as your existing lines.

Key Takeaways

  • AT&T charges a $30 set up fee each time you add a new line to your account.
  • Monthly costs for the new line depend on which plan you choose, starting with basic options and going up to unlimited data plans.
  • You can add a line without buying a new phone by bringing a device you already own, as long as it is compatible with AT&T's network.
  • The new line gets its own phone number but stays on your existing account and bill.

How monthly plan costs work for additional lines

AT&T's monthly charges for an added line vary based on the plan type. If you have an older plan, adding a line may cost less than it would on a newer plan structure. Newer unlimited plans typically charge $25 to $55 per month for each additional line, depending on whether you choose a basic plan with limited data or one with unlimited data and premium features.

Some AT&T plans offer discounts when you add multiple lines — for example, a family plan with four lines may cost less per line than adding lines individually to a single-line plan. You can see the exact price for your situation by logging into your AT&T account online or calling AT&T customer service at 611 from an AT&T phone, or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone.

Bringing your own phone versus buying one from AT&T

If you already own a compatible phone, you can add it to your AT&T account without paying for a new device. The phone must be unlocked or previously used on AT&T's network. You pay only the $30 set up fee and the monthly plan cost.

If you want AT&T to provide the phone, you can buy one outright or finance it through AT&T's payment plan. Financing spreads the device cost across 24 or 36 months, adding that amount to your monthly bill. This is separate from the set up fee and the plan cost. Buying the phone outright means paying the full price upfront but having no device payment on your monthly bill.

What happens to your bill when you add a line

Your monthly bill increases by the plan cost of the new line plus any device payment if you finance a phone. The set up fee appears as a one-time charge on your first bill after adding the line. If you have autopay set up, the new amount will be charged automatically each month.

You can view your bill breakdown online through your AT&T account to see exactly what each line costs. This is useful if you want to understand which lines are costing the most or if you are considering removing a line later.

Adding a line online, in a store, or by phone

You can add a line through AT&T's website by logging into your account and selecting the option to add a line. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can choose your plan and phone number during signup. If you bring your own phone, have the device's IMEI number ready — you can find this by dialing *#06# on the phone.

AT&T stores let you add a line in person, which is helpful if you want to see phones before buying or need help with setup. You can also call AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 to add a line by phone. All three methods charge the same $30 set up fee.

Removing a line if you no longer need it

If you add a line and later decide you do not need it, you can remove it from your account. AT&T does not charge a fee to remove a line, but you stop paying the monthly plan cost for that line starting with your next billing cycle. If you financed a phone for that line, you may still owe the remaining device payments depending on your contract terms — contact AT&T to understand your specific situation.

Removing a line is simpler than adding one: you can do it online, in a store, or by phone using the same contact methods listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a line without buying a new phone?

Yes. You can add a line using a phone you already own, as long as it is compatible with AT&T's network. You pay only the $30 set up fee and the monthly plan cost. You do not have to purchase a device from AT&T.

Does AT&T charge anything besides the $30 set up fee and monthly plan cost?

Only if you finance a phone through AT&T. The device payment is added to your monthly bill separately from the plan cost. If you bring your own phone or buy one outright, you pay only the set up fee and the monthly plan.

Can I add a line to a prepaid AT&T account?

AT&T's prepaid service works differently than postpaid accounts. Prepaid plans are designed for single lines, not multiple lines on one account. Contact AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 to learn what options are available for your specific prepaid plan.

What if I want to remove a line I just added?

You can remove a line anytime without a removal fee. You stop paying the monthly plan cost for that line starting with your next bill. If you financed a phone, you may still owe remaining device payments — contact AT&T to confirm your situation.