AT&T Reducing Discounts For Setting Up Autopay & Paperless Billing

The last few months haven’t brought the best news for mobile carrier customers in the US. T-Mobile customers have been complaining about the company forcing the cumbersome T-Life app even for in-store transactions, in addition to price increases. Last year, Verizon also decreased its discounts for seniors. Now, AT&T is reducing discounts for those who have set up autopay and paperless billing.

For some time now, AT&T customers have been enjoying discounts on their bills if they set up autopay via a debit or credit card. It also applied to those who chose to receive their bills electronically only. In theory, both measures would make things much more convenient for them by automating these processes. They would also promote an environmental measure by eliminating physical bills.

AT&T has reduced (or limited the scope of) autopay and paperless billing discounts

However, AT&T is halving the discount for using the autopay card system. From now on, eligible users will only receive $5 off their monthly bill instead of the previous $10. Kyle Loomis, mobile carrier spokesperson, has officially confirmed the change.

Additionally, AT&T is limiting the scope of the discount for paperless billing. Customers who had this option enabled previously received an additional $5 off their bill. Now, only those with an AT&T Plus card from Citi will be eligible for this benefit.

That said, the company is maintaining the $10 discount for customers who set up autopay through a bank account.

According to Loomis, these changes are to “align with others in the industry.” In other words, as other carriers have gotten rid of offers and discounts, AT&T has seen an opportunity to do the same.

Situations like these reflect how important it is to maintain fair competition in the market. If a few companies dominate a large portion of the market, they could worsen conditions for their customers. Clients will then find that competitors are doing the same—or worse. This leaves them with no viable options for change, leaving them at the mercy of the carrier.