Is your joint Verizon account feeling a bit... cramped? Whether it's a change in living arrangements, a new family dynamic, or simply a desire for individual financial responsibility, separating a joint Verizon account is a common need. It might seem daunting, but with the right steps and understanding of Verizon's process, you can smoothly transition to separate accounts.
Let's dive into the ultimate guide on how to separate a joint Verizon account, step-by-step, to get you on your way to independent wireless freedom!
Step 1: Ready to Take the Plunge? Assess Your Situation First!
Before you even think about dialing Verizon or logging into My Verizon, take a moment to clearly define your separation goals. Are you separating due to a divorce, a roommate moving out, or simply because you want your own bill? Understanding the why will help streamline the how.
Who is keeping which lines? This is the most crucial question. Decide which phone numbers will remain with the original account holder (the "relinquishing party") and which will be transferred to the new account holder (the "assuming party").
Are there any device payment agreements? This is a big one! If a line has a device payment agreement, the person assuming responsibility for that line will also assume the remaining payments. Be sure this is clear and agreed upon by both parties.
Is the current account in good standing? Verizon requires that the existing account be up-to-date on payments before any lines can be transferred. Address any outstanding balances first.
Does the new account holder meet Verizon's eligibility criteria? The person assuming financial responsibility must be 18 or older (19 in Alabama) and will need to pass a soft credit check. This soft credit check does not impact their credit score. A security deposit may be required based on the credit check.
Once you have these answers clear, you're ready to proceed to the next step!
Step 2: The "Transfer of Service" – Your Key to Freedom
Verizon's official process for separating lines from an existing account and moving them to a new one is called a "Transfer of Service" (often referred to as an "Assumption of Liability"). This process requires cooperation from both the relinquishing and assuming parties.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Transfer (Relinquishing Party)
If you are the current account owner and wish to release lines from your account, you will initiate the transfer.
Access My Verizon: The easiest way to start this process is online through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app.
Sign in as the Account Owner or an Account Manager.
Navigate to the "Account" section, then "My devices," and look for "Transfer your service."
Start a New Transfer:
Review the eligibility requirements and information about plans.
Select "Start a new transfer."
Choose Lines to Transfer:
Select (check) the specific line(s) you want to transfer to a new account.
Click "Continue."
Specify New Account Type:
Choose "I want to transfer line(s) to a personal account" (most common) or "I want to transfer line(s) to a business account," if applicable.
Enter New Account Holder's Information:
Carefully enter the first name, last name, and email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s). This email address is crucial as it's where Verizon will send instructions to complete the transfer.
Click "Continue."
Review and Acknowledge Disclosures:
Read through the disclosures and authorizations carefully.
Select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Confirm Transfer Request:
Review all the details of your transfer request to ensure accuracy.
Click "Continue."
An email with instructions for completing the transfer will be sent to both you and the person assuming liability.
Sub-heading: Accepting the Transfer (Assuming Party)
If you are the person taking over lines from an existing account, you will complete the second half of the "Transfer of Service."
Receive the Email: You will receive an email from Verizon with the subject "You have a line transfer request to complete." This email will contain important instructions and a transfer request PIN.
Access the Transfer Link: Open the email and click the "Transfer now" link within 15 days of receiving it (30 days for business lines). The link will take you to the Verizon website.
Enter Transfer Request PIN: On the "Start or resume your transfer request" screen, verify that the auto-populated Request number matches the details from the email. Then, enter the Transfer request PIN from the email.
Confirm Mobile Number: Enter one of the ten-digit mobile numbers associated with the transfer.
Continue the Process: Click "Continue."
Choose Account Destination:
To set up a new Verizon mobile account, select "Set up a new account."
To add the line(s) to an existing Verizon mobile account, select "Sign in" and follow the prompts to sign in as the receiving Account Owner or Account Manager.
Review and Accept Service Transfer:
Review the request details thoroughly.
Select "Accept."
Review the "Disclosures and authorizations" again and select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Credit Check and Account Setup (for New Accounts):
If you chose to "Set up a new account," you'll be prompted to provide your credit information.
Select "Consumer" or "Business" and enter the required details.
Select (check) the consent to run a soft credit check (remember, this doesn't impact your score).
Click "Check credit."
Create your new account by reviewing billing information and selecting "Continue to next step."
Create a PIN for signing into your My Verizon account.
Select a Plan:
You will need to select a plan for the transferred line(s) that is available today. You can choose to "Keep the plan" if it's compatible, or "Pick a new plan."
Review your estimated monthly cost details.
Review and Complete Transfer:
Review and accept the "Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement" and "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" documents.
Select "Accept & Complete transfer."
Step 3: What Happens Next? The Post-Transfer Landscape
Once the transfer is complete, there are a few important things to know:
Prorated Charges: Both parties may see prorated (or partial) charges/credits on their next bill. This is because Verizon bills in advance. The charges will be based on the number of days the line was active on each respective account during the bill cycle.
Final Bill for Relinquishing Party: The original account holder will receive a final bill for all charges due through the date of the transfer.
New Plan for Transferred Lines: The transferred lines will operate under the newly selected plan.
Promotional Offers: Certain special offers may not transfer, such as Airtime, Line Access Discounts, and Equipment and Feature Discounts. However, individual content promotions or subscriptions associated with a line typically do transfer to the new account holder, who then assumes responsibility for all associated charges.
Device Payment Agreements: If a device payment agreement was transferred, the payment amount and length of the agreement will not change for the new account holder.
No Activation Fee: You will not be charged an activation fee for transferring a line of service to a new account.
Maintain Access to Original Account: The relinquishing party's Verizon account will remain active for any lines they retained. The assuming party will have a brand-new account or the lines will be added to an existing one.
Step 4: Troubleshooting & Special Circumstances
While the online "Transfer of Service" is generally smooth, sometimes you might encounter unique situations.
What if there's no cooperation? If the other party is unwilling to cooperate with the Transfer of Service, the account owner might have to resort to disconnecting the line. However, this comes with consequences: the account owner would still be responsible for any remaining device payment balances and service charges until the end of the billing cycle. The disconnected party would lose their phone number. This should be a last resort.
Domestic Violence Situations: Verizon has specific policies for domestic violence situations. If you or a loved one needs to transfer mobile lines due to intimate partner violence or abuse, contact Customer Service at 800-922-0204. Consent from the other party is not required in these sensitive cases.
Deceased Account Holder: If the account owner has passed away, specific procedures are in place. Account Managers, Account Members, or Estate Executors can initiate a transfer or disconnection.
Business Accounts: The process for business accounts has slightly different timelines (e.g., lines must be active for 5 days before transfer) and may involve different forms.
Remember, if you run into any issues or have questions specific to your situation, contacting Verizon Customer Service is always the best course of action. You can reach them at 1-800-VERIZON (800-837-4966). Have your account information, including your Account PIN or the last 4 digits of your SSN, ready.
Separating your Verizon account might seem like a maze, but by understanding the "Transfer of Service" process and preparing beforehand, you can navigate it with confidence. Enjoy your new, independent wireless journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Separate a Joint Verizon Account
How to initiate a Verizon account separation?
You can initiate a Verizon account separation, also known as a "Transfer of Service," online through the My Verizon website or app. The current account owner or an account manager will start the process by selecting the lines to be transferred and providing the new account holder's details.
How to accept a Verizon line transfer?
To accept a Verizon line transfer, the new account holder will receive an email from Verizon with a link and a transfer request PIN. They must click the link, enter the PIN and mobile number, and follow the on-screen prompts to set up a new account or add the line to an existing one, including a soft credit check and plan selection.
How to transfer device payment agreements during a Verizon account split?
During a Verizon account split, device payment agreements can typically be transferred along with the line. The person assuming responsibility for the line will also assume the remaining device payments; the payment amount and length of the agreement will not change.
How to ensure eligibility for a new Verizon account?
To ensure eligibility for a new Verizon account when separating, the assuming party must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama) and pass a soft credit check. The existing account from which lines are being transferred must also be up-to-date on payments.
How to deal with prorated charges after a Verizon account separation?
After a Verizon account separation, both the relinquishing and assuming parties may see prorated charges or credits on their next bills. This is normal, as Verizon bills in advance, and the charges will reflect the number of days the line was active on each account during the billing cycle.
How to keep my phone number when separating a Verizon account?
You can keep your phone number when separating a Verizon account by completing the "Transfer of Service" process. This ensures your existing mobile number is moved to your new individual account.
How to contact Verizon for account separation assistance?
You can contact Verizon Customer Service for account separation assistance by calling 1-800-VERIZON (800-837-4966). It's recommended to have your account information, including your Account PIN or the last 4 digits of your SSN, ready when you call.
How to manage promotions and discounts after a Verizon account separation?
After a Verizon account separation, certain special offers (like line access discounts) may not transfer. However, individual content promotions or subscriptions associated with a line typically do transfer, with the new account holder assuming responsibility for all associated charges. You may need to review new plan options for your independent account.
How to separate a Verizon account in cases of domestic violence?
In cases of domestic violence, Verizon has specific policies to facilitate account separation without requiring consent from the other party. Contact Verizon Customer Service at 800-922-0204 for assistance in these sensitive situations.
How to know if my Verizon account is in good standing before separation?
To know if your Verizon account is in good standing before separation, simply ensure there are no past-due balances. Verizon requires that the existing account be current on all payments before a "Transfer of Service" can be successfully completed.
