AT&T collect calls, a service that allows the recipient of a call to pay for the charges rather than the caller, have evolved significantly due to the decline of traditional landlines and the rise of mobile phones. While AT&T no longer supports traditional collect or third-party calls on its current AT&T Phone (Digital Voice) services, a specific number remains operational to facilitate Collect to Wireless calls.
If you need to place a collect call to an AT&T mobile phone, you can still use the dedicated toll-free number. This guide provides the current method for making collect calls through AT&T’s system and explains the modern context of this legacy service.
How to Make an AT&T Collect Call (Collect to Wireless)
The primary method for placing a collect call to an AT&T mobile device involves dialing a specific toll-free number. This service is facilitated through a partnership that allows the charge to be billed to the receiving wireless device via a premium SMS text message.
The number to dial for collect calls to wireless phones is: 1-800-CALL-ATT (1-800-225-5288)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Caller:
- Dial the Number: Dial 1-800-CALL-ATT (1-800-225-5288) from any phone (payphone, landline, or non-AT&T mobile device).
- Select the Option: Listen to the voice prompts and select the option for AT&T Collect to Wireless.
- Enter Recipient Number: Enter the 10-digit mobile phone number of the person you are trying to reach.
- State Your Name: The system will prompt you to clearly state your name.
- Confirmation: The system will send a notification to the recipient (see below), who must explicitly accept the charges for the call to connect.
How the Wireless Recipient Accepts the Call:
When the AT&T Collect to Wireless service is used, the recipient’s mobile phone typically receives an instant text message (Premium SMS) notification asking them to accept the charges for the call.
- The message will state the caller’s name and the cost of the call.
- The recipient must reply with a specific keyword (e.g., “YES” or “ACCEPT”) within a short time frame to allow the call to connect.
- The charge is then added to the recipient’s monthly AT&T Wireless bill.
The Status of Collect Calls on AT&T Services
Due to technological changes and the widespread availability of unlimited calling plans, the traditional collect calling service has largely been discontinued by AT&T for many of its domestic services.
Wireless Service (The Exception)
Collect calls were historically problematic for wireless carriers because there was no standard mechanism to bill the recipient.
- The AT&T Collect to Wireless method (via 1-800-CALL-ATT) solves this issue by using a Premium SMS billing system to ensure the charge is placed on the receiving party’s bill.
- Wireless customers have the ability to opt out from receiving any collect calls by contacting AT&T customer service.
Digital Home Phone (AT&T Phone)
AT&T Phone (formerly U-Verse Voice) does not support collect or third-party operator-assisted calls.
- AT&T’s modern digital voice services are designed for flat-rate unlimited calling, making the financial purpose of collect calling obsolete on these lines.
- If you attempt to receive a collect call on an AT&T Digital Phone line, the call will likely be rejected by the system.
Traditional Landline Service
AT&T, like most major carriers, has discontinued its original operator-assisted collect calling services for domestic U.S. landlines in favor of modern, cheaper alternatives. If you have an old, traditional landline, you would typically need to use a third-party service like 1-800-COLLECT to place a call.
Alternatives to Collect Calls
Given the high, per-minute cost and restricted availability of AT&T collect calls, modern telecommunications offer much cheaper and more convenient options.
| Alternative Method | Description | Best For |
| Prepaid Calling Cards | Purchasing a pre-loaded card provides fixed, often low, rates for domestic or international calls. | Callers without service or credit (e.g., from a payphone). |
| Third-Party Services | Companies like 1-800-COLLECT still operate and provide automated collect calling services. | Calling landlines or non-AT&T phones. |
| VoIP Apps (WhatsApp, Skype) | Using an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Mobile Data) allows for free voice and video calls globally. | Mobile-to-mobile communication where an Internet connection is available. |
| AT&T International Plans | AT&T offers affordable add-ons like AT&T International Calling ($15/month) that provide unlimited calls to dozens of countries from the U.S. | AT&T customers who frequently call internationally. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fee for an AT&T Collect to Wireless call?
While rates can change and are often based on the third-party service provider, AT&T Collect to Wireless calls have historically been billed at a flat rate for a set amount of time (e.g., $9.99 for up to 20 minutes). This cost is billed to the recipient’s wireless account.
Can I block all collect calls to my AT&T mobile phone?
Yes. If you are an AT&T Wireless customer and do not wish to receive any collect calls, you can contact AT&T Customer Support (by dialing 611 from your mobile phone) and ask them to opt your line out of the third-party billing service that facilitates these calls.
What should I do if a collect call is incorrectly billed to my AT&T account?
If you receive a charge for a collect call that you did not authorize or were unable to accept, you should immediately contact AT&T Wireless Customer Support at 800-331-0500 or by dialing 611 from your mobile device. They can review the charge, verify authorization, and assist with disputing the payment if necessary.
Can I make an AT&T collect call to another country?
Generally, no. The collect calling services are primarily designed for domestic (U.S.) calls, or calls from a specific international location back to the U.S. (using an AT&T Direct Access Code). For placing international calls, AT&T strongly recommends using a dedicated international calling plan or add-on for a much lower cost.
