AT&T + Google Voice = Free USA + Canada calls

If it sounds like a scam, and smells like a scam, it must be a scam, right?  In this case I’d call it a loophole.

 

I love finding these bureacratic process driven and computer system enabled  holes in systems that can actually benefit us, the end users.  I found a great one with my IRA that allows me to mostly bypass the front loaded fees on every contribution (2-3% saved every time over time adds up), and the Amazon Prime + Grocery one from a few years ago is still a winner.

 

What this entails is using AT&T and Google Voice in tandem to never use your AT&T minutes.  Since Google Voice is free for the USA & Canada, you end up with free calls.

 

AT&T has a feature called “A-List” where you can call any of 10 specified numbers for free, any hour, any day.  All you need to do find the access number for Google Voice and add it to your A-List.  On my iPhone, GV asks for permission to dial a number (518) 314-9466 for me and I suspect most if not all others, and it has yet to change.

 

Go to your AT&T account in your favorite browser, and on the top of the right sidebar of the account screen is a link to manage your A-List – note that you might first have to activate the A-List feature in the manage features section.

 

Add the GV access number, and while you’re at it, any other numbers you dial often that aren’t on your family plan.  Then wait 1-2 days for the number to be activated.

 

File this under both lifehacks and financehacks as it is tried & tested (at least for now).  I’ve gone through a couple of billing cycles to confirm that the GV calls were being assigned the A-List rate code, and they are.

 

Enjoy.

 

I have posted an update covering the use of Google Voice’s standard and mobile sites.