No, as I said in my original message, I can't even get to CS (*611) without it asking me for payment.  Even if I call CS from another phone, as soon as I enter my mobile number, it won't let me talk to a rep unless I pay something.

Maybe this is just how it is, but it seems wrong.

I have now added time with a credit card, and the phone works.  Still no $10 credit, though.