A:AnswerIf you pay for the phone in full, then you do not need credit. However, if you plan on taking out a loan for the phone (i.e. monthly payment plan), then yes you need to qualify. Depending on the carrier will determine what that exact criteria is.
A:AnswerTo sign a contract or finance/lease agreement for any phone you need to be 18. Even most prepaid phones require a debit/credit card to set up the account. Even if you're under 18 and somehow have over $1,000 to buy a phone, you still need to have a debit/credit card to set up an account with the carrier (AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, whatever phone service providers are in your area) and to have a debit/credit card on your own, you'll need to be 18 to have THAT account.
But the simple answer is: if you have the cash, you can buy the phone at retail price. It's still best to be 18, stores legally have the right to refuse service if they have a good reason, and most will be nervous about selling a $999 phone to a child that has that kind of cash without ever having had a job. I don't know you or your situation so I can't guarantee anything.
