Where to trade in old phone
Sell phones instantly through Gazelle, a dedicated electronics trade-in platform offering up to $400 for recent iPhone or Galaxy models. Payments clear within five business days, and prepaid shipping labels eliminate hassle. Check their website for real-time quotes based on device condition, carrier lock status, and market demand.
Amazon Trade-In provides guaranteed gift cards worth 10-20% more than competitors during seasonal promotions. A functional iPhone 12 currently fetches $245, while a Samsung S21 earns $175. Devices must pass inspection within 25 days of submission, but no physical stores are required–package using their guidelines and ship for free.

EcoATM kiosks offer immediate cash at 3,000 U.S. locations, including Walmart and grocery stores. Average payouts range from $30 for older Android models to $250 for iPhone 14 variants. Fees apply: 15% for cash withdrawals versus 5% for e-gift cards. Bring a government ID, and expect a seven-day hold period for devices valued above $100.
Carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile bundle trade-ins with new purchases, applying credits over 24-36 months. For example, trading an iPhone 11 can reduce an iPhone 15’s price by $800, but requires unlimited data plans. Confirm eligibility online before visiting stores; cracked screens or battery issues often disqualify devices.
Where to Trade in Your Old Phone
Gazelle offers instant quotes for iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and Google Pixels, with payouts from $50 to $600 depending on model and condition. Payments via check or PayPal arrive within days of device inspection.
Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T provide trade-in credits for upgrades. AT&T currently gives up to $800 for eligible devices, including damaged phones, applied as bill credits over 36 months.
Apple’s in-store and online program grants credit toward new purchases: iPhone 12 yields $200–$350, while newer models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max fetch up to $730.
Best Buy accepts trade-ins for gift cards, with recent offers including $325 for a functional iPhone 12 Pro. Samsung’s website matches competitors’ trade-in deals, adding bonus credits during promotions.
eBay auctions suit unlocked, high-demand models. A refurbished Samsung S23 Ultra sold for $750–$900 in July 2023, but fees deduct 12.9% of the final price.
Decluttr buys broken phones for parts, paying $25–$150 for iPhones 11 and newer. Back Market partners with recyclers, offering $10–$50 for non-functional devices to reduce landfill waste.
Top Retailers and Online Platforms Accepting Phone Trade-Ins
Verizon offers up to $1,000 in credit for eligible iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, or Google Pixels when upgrading to a new phone on an unlimited plan. Trade-in kits are mailed within 24 hours of order confirmation.
Amazon’s Trade-In Program provides instant quotes for over 50 phone models, including older devices like the iPhone 8 or Samsung S9. Discounts apply directly to Amazon purchases, with shipping labels included.
Gazelle pays up to $600 for late-model iPhones (e.g., iPhone 13 Pro Max) via upfront cash offers. Devices must pass diagnostic checks; payments arrive via check or PayPal within five business days.
Best Buy accepts in-store trade-ins for unlocked phones, with values varying by model and condition. Recent deals included $350 off a new iPhone 15 with a qualifying Galaxy S21 trade.
Swappa enables peer-to-peer sales, letting sellers set prices for used devices. iPhones 12 and newer typically sell for 15-30% more than retailer trade-in values, minus a 3% seller fee.
Samsung guarantees price locks for 30 days during preorders, offering up to $750 credit for Galaxy S24 upgrades. Cracked screens may reduce values by 40-60%, depending on damage severity.
How Device Condition and Model Affect Trade-In Value
Flagship models from the past two years retain 60-70% of their original value, while devices older than three years drop below 30%. An iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) can fetch $700-$800 if pristine, but an iPhone 12 with screen cracks may net under $150.
- Model popularity: Recent Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (512GB) trades 20% higher than the base S23. iPhones generally hold value 10-15% better than same-year Android devices.
- Component demand: 5G compatibility adds 15-20% to resale. OLED screens boost value by $50-$100 compared to LCD models like the iPhone XR.
- Storage tiers: 256GB devices earn 12-18% more than 128GB versions; 1TB models command up to 30% premiums.
Unlocked devices sell for 8-12% more than carrier-locked counterparts. Phones with battery health ≥85% avoid $40-$100 deductions. Cosmetic damage reduces offers by:
- 10-15% for minor scratches.
- 25-35% for multiple dents or discoloration.
- 50-70% for cracked screens or non-functional buttons.
Repair economics: Fixing an iPhone 13 screen ($200) often increases trade-in value by $300+. Water-damaged devices typically receive scrap offers below $50.