Why Is My Total By Verizon So Autopay Issues Should I Switch - Complete Guide
If you've been frustrated with Total by Verizon autopay issues — unexpected charges, failed payments, or billing glitches — you're not alone. Thousands of Total by Verizon customers run into autopay problems every year, and for many, it's the last straw before switching carriers entirely.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Pick | Visible |
| Best For | Hassle-free unlimited |
| Price | $25/month (taxes included) |
| Network | Verizon |
| Our Score | 10/11 |
If you've been frustrated with Total by Verizon autopay issues — unexpected charges, failed payments, or billing glitches — you're not alone. Thousands of Total by Verizon customers run into autopay problems every year, and for many, it's the last straw before switching carriers entirely.
Bottom Line: Total by Verizon autopay issues are common and frustrating. If you're dealing with repeated billing failures, unexpected charges, or poor customer support, it's worth switching to a carrier with a cleaner billing track record. Our top pick is Visible, which runs on the same Verizon network, costs just $25/month with taxes included, and has a significantly simpler billing system.
Why Total by Verizon Autopay Problems Are So Common
Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless) is a prepaid MVNO that runs on Verizon's network. While the network coverage itself is solid, the billing infrastructure is a different story. Customer complaints on Reddit, the Better Business Bureau, and consumer review sites consistently flag the same issues: autopay not triggering correctly, accounts being suspended despite payment, double charges, and customer service that's difficult to reach.
Part of the problem is that Total by Verizon operates through third-party retail channels and a somewhat outdated backend system. Unlike postpaid carriers that have years of billing infrastructure investment, prepaid MVNOs sometimes cut corners on account management tools. When autopay fails, it can result in service interruption without warning — which is especially frustrating when you've set everything up correctly on your end.
Common Total by Verizon Autopay Issues
Understanding why the autopay is failing can help you decide whether it's fixable or whether it's time to move on. The most frequently reported problems include:
- Failed autopay triggers — the system doesn't charge your card on the renewal date
- Declined payments despite available funds — especially common with certain debit cards or prepaid cards
- Double billing — being charged twice in the same billing cycle
- Service suspension before payment fails — accounts going dark before autopay even has a chance to process
- No notification of payment failure — users only discover the issue when their phone stops working
How to Fix Total by Verizon Autopay Issues (Before You Switch)
Before you make the decision to leave, it's worth trying a few troubleshooting steps. These won't always work, but they've helped some users get their autopay back on track.
Step 1: Remove and Re-Add Your Payment Method
Log into your Total by Verizon account, delete your saved payment card, and add it again fresh. Occasionally the saved token gets corrupted and re-entering the card information resets it.
Step 2: Switch to a Credit Card
Prepaid debit cards and some bank debit cards get flagged as high-risk by automated billing systems. Switching to a Visa or Mastercard credit card often resolves recurring payment failures.
Step 3: Contact Customer Support
Total by Verizon's support can be reached at 1-866-663-3633. Be persistent — describe the autopay failure clearly and ask them to manually process your current payment and reset your autopay enrollment. Keep a record of your interaction in case billing issues continue.
Step 4: Enable Email and Text Notifications
Make sure your account is set up to send you payment reminders and failure alerts. This won't fix the autopay issue, but it gives you a warning before your service gets cut off.
If you've tried all of this and still experience recurring problems, it's a strong signal that the issue is systemic — and that's when switching carriers makes sense.
Should You Switch? Here's How Total by Verizon Stacks Up
Let's be direct: if you're staying on Total by Verizon purely for Verizon's network coverage, you don't need to. Multiple MVNOs run on Verizon's network and offer more reliable billing, better customer support, and often lower prices.
Here's how Total by Verizon compares to our top-rated alternatives:
| Feature | Total by Verizon | Visible | US Mobile | Twigby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Verizon | Verizon | Verizon/T-Mobile/AT&T | Verizon |
| Starting Price | ~$35/mo | $25/mo | $9/mo | $5/mo |
| Taxes Included | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Our Score | Not ranked | 10/11 | 9.5/11 | 7.6/11 |
| Data Breach History | Unknown | None | None | None |
Why Trust Our Analysis? We evaluate carriers on 11 data-driven criteria including billing reliability, customer support quality, security features (2FA, SIM PIN protection), data breach history, and real user experience. Our rankings are based on verifiable facts, not paid placements.
Our Top Recommendation: Visible (10/11)
Visible is our highest-rated prepaid carrier, scoring 10 out of 11 on our evaluation criteria. It's owned by Verizon and runs on Verizon's network, so you're getting the same coverage you have now — just with a dramatically better account management experience.
At $25/month with taxes included, Visible is one of the best values in prepaid wireless. The plan includes unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, and unlimited talk and text. There are no hidden fees, no confusing add-ons, and autopay works cleanly through their app, which is well-designed and easy to navigate.
Visible has had zero reported data breaches, which matters more than people realize. Your payment information and account credentials are only as safe as the systems protecting them. For a carrier you're trusting with autopay access to your bank account or credit card, security track record is a legitimate consideration.
If you want to keep your existing phone number, Visible makes the porting process simple. Most transfers complete within a few hours. You can also activate via eSIM if your phone supports it, which means no waiting for a physical SIM to arrive.
Compare Visible to other Verizon MVNOs to see how it stacks up across all criteria.Alternative Picks for Different Needs
Best for Flexibility: US Mobile (9.5/11)
US Mobile scores 9.5/11 and is the most flexible carrier on our list. Unlike Total by Verizon's one-size-fits-all plans, US Mobile lets you build a custom plan — choosing exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. Plans start as low as $9/month, making it one of the most affordable options if you don't need unlimited data.
US Mobile offers access to all three major networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T), so you can choose based on coverage in your area. Their billing system is modern, app-based, and their customer support team has a strong reputation for actually resolving issues. No data breaches on record.
Best for Low Data Users: Tello (9.5/11)
Tello scores 9.5/11 and runs on T-Mobile's network. If you live in an area where T-Mobile coverage is strong, Tello offers incredibly affordable plans starting at $8/month with unlimited hotspot included — a feature that most carriers charge extra for or restrict entirely.
Tello's billing system is clean and reliable, with a straightforward app and responsive customer support. If your Total by Verizon autopay frustrations have been compounded by poor support experiences, Tello is a refreshing contrast. They also have zero data breaches on record.
Best Budget Verizon Option: Twigby (7.6/11)
If you want to stay on Verizon's network and want more plan flexibility than Visible offers, Twigby scores 7.6/11 and is worth considering. Plans are customizable and start around $5/month for very light users. Twigby's billing is straightforward and their customer service, while smaller, tends to be more personalized.
Read our full comparison of budget prepaid carriers to find the right fit for your usage habits and budget.What to Do When You're Ready to Switch
Switching from Total by Verizon is relatively simple. Here's what to keep in mind:
Before you cancel, make sure your account is active and in good standing. You'll need your account number and PIN/transfer code from Total by Verizon to port your number. Do not cancel your Total service before initiating the port — canceling first could result in losing your number.
Most modern MVNOs let you start the port process entirely online. With Visible, for example, you sign up, enter your Total by Verizon account number and PIN, and they handle the transfer. The whole process typically takes 2-4 hours, though it can occasionally take up to 24 hours.
Once porting is complete, your Total by Verizon service will automatically cancel. There's no need to contact Total separately in most cases.
Use our Plan Finder tool to compare options based on your zip code, data usage, and budget before committing.
Best Phone to Pair With This Plan
If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Visible or any of our recommended carriers, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:
- Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
- Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
- 7 years of software updates
- Excellent camera and battery life
- Around $499 unlocked
The Bottom Line
Total by Verizon autopay issues are a real and recurring problem, and if you've been dealing with billing failures, unexpected suspensions, or unresponsive customer support, switching is absolutely worth it. The good news is you don't have to sacrifice Verizon's network coverage to get a better experience.
Visible is our top pick — same network, $25/month with taxes included, and a significantly better billing and app experience. For users who want more plan flexibility, US Mobile at 9.5/11 is an excellent alternative. And if T-Mobile coverage is strong in your area, Tello at 9.5/11 offers some of the best value in prepaid wireless anywhere.
Don't keep babysitting a billing system that doesn't work. A better carrier is only a few clicks away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Total by Verizon autopay keep failing?
Total by Verizon autopay failures are often caused by outdated payment tokens, incompatible card types (especially prepaid debit cards), or system-side billing glitches. Try removing and re-adding your payment method, switching to a credit card, or contacting support at 1-866-663-3633.
Q: Will I lose my phone number if I switch from Total by Verizon?
No — as long as you initiate a port transfer through your new carrier before canceling Total by Verizon, your number will carry over. Never cancel your existing service first, as this can result in losing your number permanently.
Q: Is Visible really on Verizon's network?
Yes. Visible is owned by Verizon and operates entirely on Verizon's network infrastructure. You'll get the same coverage as Verizon postpaid customers, including 5G where available, for $25/month with taxes included.
Q: What's the cheapest alternative to Total by Verizon on Verizon's network?
Twigby (7.6/11) offers Verizon network plans starting around $5/month for very light users. Visible (10/11) offers unlimited data on Verizon for $25/month including taxes, making it the best value for most users.
Q: How long does it take to switch carriers and port my number?
Most number ports complete within 2-4 hours when switching to carriers like Visible or US Mobile. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours. Your service will remain active on Total by Verizon until the port is complete.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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