[Updated] T-Mobile AutoPay discount changes attracting a potential lawsuit from disgruntled subscribers

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on April 04, 2023) follows:

T-Mobile is one of the well-known wireless voice and internet service providers that claim to have low-cost plans and the fastest network in America.

It offers many useful services to its subscribers such as in-flight texting and Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling, international roaming, AutoPay, and much more.

However, users are unhappy with the company’s recent decisions regarding the AutoPay credit card discount program.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), multiple users are dissatisfied with the company’s move to discontinue the AutoPay discount for those who pay their bills with a credit card.

The AutoPay service automatically deducts payments from one’s credit card or checking account to pay their T-Mobile bill.

Currently, the T-Mobile AutoPay discount allows customers to reduce their monthly bill cost by at least $5 if they pay with a credit card.

But after mid-May, those who wish to receive the AutoPay discount must link a debit card to their account. However, if one doesn’t do so they may have to pay more by $5 to $15 for the phone service, depending on the plan chosen.

Understandably, users have taken to web forums to criticize the company.

I added a second free line with the most recent promotion and now my monthly cost went up $5 because the free line took the $5 autopay discount from a paid line. Any way to remedy this?
Source

T-Mobile chat had the audacity to tell me they are changing autopay “as a convenience” for us.
Source

Now, those affected are rallying others who are equally surprised by T-Mobile’s decision to file an FCC complaint against the company to force them to revoke their decision.

Users are of the view that the decision is heinous, anti-consumer, and directly contradicts prior promises they made, like in the case of Un‑contract.

Also, they are reluctant to share their financial details with the company as they have time and again failed to keep their client data secure.

Another user is also urging customers to make use of the #MagentaCashGrab hashtag on Twitter to gain momentum there and make this topic trending. This should hopefully catch T-Mobile’s attention.

Along with this, users have also been asked to post about this issue on Linus Tech Tips forums as well. They are hopeful that if the matter gains more traction, then it might make it to their TechLinked or WAN show coverage.

This will help the community to strongly represent their ideas.

Having said that, we’ll keep tabs on this topic and update this article as we come across any new information.

09:32 am (IST): Earlier this year, T-Mobile had planned to stop offering an autopay discount to customers who pay with a credit card. In effect to that, it is now being implemented starting May 18, 2023.

02:34 pm (IST): Users have started receiving (1, 2) notifications about changes to the AutoPay discount. However, a users has suggested a hack to continue getting the discount even after losing the credit card payment method.

Here’s what to do: I added a debit card to keep the discount but still pay it early with a credit card to get money back

It’s worth noting that Verizon had the same loophole, but it was eventually sealed. And the same could also happen with T-Mobile.

05:59 pm (IST): The support team advises utilizing a reloadable debit card for people who are hesitant to join their bank accounts because of the recent T-Mobile data breaches.

Hello there. You always have the option to use a reloadable debit card instead. That way, you keep your autopay discount and avoid providing your banking information. If you have additional questions, feel free to send a DM our way. ^GabyPerez
Source

05:02 pm (IST): Some users suggest that the removal of the AutoPay discount via credit card could be due to the interchange fees that T-Mobile suffers when accepting that payment method.

So, as an alternative, some would be willing to pay a small additional amount (like $1) to cover those fees while maintaining their discounts when using a credit card.

05:48 pm (IST): One of our reader states that after getting in touch with assistance, they were given a discount. However, not everyone might be fortunate, but it’s definitely worth a try.

I requested $10 discount from my bill to cover the $10 increase for keeping my credit card payment. The went for it! Try it…

Thanks for the tip: Rockney Shepheard!

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated T-mobile section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: T-Mobile.

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