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Phone Trade-In Programs Compared: Apple, Samsung & Third-Party (2026)

Trading in your old phone is one of the fastest ways to offset the cost of a new one — but not all trade-in programs pay the same. Apple's trade-in might seem convenient, but a third-party buyer might pay 40% more for the same device.

This guide compares every major trade-in option in 2026, so you know exactly where to go to get the best value for your old iPhone or Android.

Keywords: who buy used phones (390/mo, MEDIUM competition), who buy used cell phones (390/mo), does best buy buy used phones (170/mo, LOW)

Trade-In Options at a Glance

Apple Trade In — Convenient but Low Payout

Apple's trade-in program is the most convenient option if you're already buying a new iPhone — the credit applies immediately at checkout. But convenience costs money.

How it works:

• Get a quote online at apple.com/shop/trade-in
• Ship your device (prepaid label) or trade in at Apple Store
• Apple inspects and confirms condition
• Credit applied to Apple ID or issued as Apple Gift Card

Example payouts (approximate, 2026):

• iPhone 13 Pro Max (good condition): ~$370–$420 Apple credit
• iPhone 13 (good condition): ~$180–$220 Apple credit
• iPhone 12 (good condition): ~$100–$130 Apple credit

Fine print: Apple's trade-in quotes are condition-sensitive. A cracked screen drops value significantly. They also pay in Apple credit, not cash — you can only spend it at Apple.

Verdict: Use it only when the carrier is offering a special promotion through Apple, or when the convenience of same-day credit is worth the lower payout.

Samsung Trade In — Similar to Apple

Samsung's trade-in works through their website (samsung.com/trade-in) and authorized retailer partners. Like Apple, it's most valuable during promotional periods — Samsung often runs aggressive trade-in events when new Galaxy S models launch.

Promotions can be dramatic: During S24 launch, Samsung was offering $400+ trade-in value for older Galaxy S models that sold for less on the open market. If you're upgrading to a new Samsung during a promo window, check Samsung's offer first.

Outside promotions, Samsung pays similarly to Apple — medium value, Samsung credit.

Verdict: Watch for launch-window promotions. Outside promo periods, sell elsewhere.

Carrier Trade-In Programs (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)

Carriers run the most aggressive trade-in promotions in the industry — but there's always a catch.

The typical deal: "Trade in any iPhone, get $800 off the new iPhone 16 Pro." Sounds amazing. Read the fine print:

• The $800 is applied as a bill credit spread over 24–36 months
• You must stay on a specific plan (often premium tier)
• Early cancellation forfeits remaining credits
• The "any iPhone" usually has a minimum model requirement (iPhone XS or newer, for example)

When carrier trade-in wins: If you were planning to stay on that carrier on that plan anyway, and the deal applies to a model you actually want, these promotions can be genuinely excellent value — effectively making the new phone free or near-free.

When it loses: If you factor in being locked to a premium plan for 3 years, or if you might switch carriers, the bill credit structure may cost more than it saves.

Best Buy Trade In — Convenient, Low Payout

Keywords: does best buy buy used phones (170/mo, LOW competition)

Yes, Best Buy does buy used phones — through their in-store trade-in kiosk or online at bestbuy.com/trade-in. The process is fast and you walk out with a Best Buy gift card.

Payouts: Consistently among the lowest we've seen. Best Buy is a reseller operating on a margin — they pay less to profit on resale.

Best use case: You're already at Best Buy buying something, the convenience of trading in at the same time is worth the lower value, and you'd spend the gift card anyway.

Verdict: Use only for pure convenience. You'll typically get 20–40% less than selling directly.

Third-Party Cash Buyers — Best Overall Value

Decluttr

Decluttr locks in your price quote for 28 days. You ship the phone (free), they inspect and pay via PayPal, check, or direct bank transfer. Payouts are moderate but fair, and the process is genuinely seamless — print the label, ship it, get paid.

Best for: Sellers who want a fast, low-effort cash payout without marketplace fees.

Gazelle

One of the original used phone buyers. Gazelle pays via Amazon Gift Card (highest), PayPal (medium), or check. Like Decluttr, you get a quote, ship free, and get paid. Gazelle has flexible condition grading — "good" covers more than competitors' definitions.

Back Market Trade-In

Back Market offers trade-in value as credit toward a refurbished purchase on their platform, or in some markets as cash. If you're buying a refurbished phone from Back Market anyway, the combined deal can be excellent.

Peer-to-Peer Selling — Maximum Payout

Swappa

Keywords: who buy used smartphones (390/mo)

Swappa is the best peer-to-peer marketplace for getting maximum cash for your old phone. You list the device, buyer pays, you ship. Swappa takes a small listing fee.

Example: That iPhone 13 that Apple might trade for $200 in credit could sell for $300–$380 on Swappa. The difference is real.

What you need to do:

• Clean IMEI (not blacklisted)
• Remove Activation Lock / Google FRP
• Accurate condition description
• Ship promptly after sale

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist

Keywords: places near me that buy used phones (170/mo, MEDIUM), who buy used cell phones near me (320/mo)

Local cash sales yield the highest theoretical payout with no fees. The trade-offs: you handle everything, meet strangers, and take payment risk if you don't use cash.

Tips for local selling:

• Meet in a public place
• Cash only, or PayPal Goods & Services (not Friends & Family)
• Show the buyer how to verify the IMEI is clean
• Remove your account from the device before meeting

Payout Comparison: iPhone 13 Pro (128GB, Good Condition)

Which Trade-In Option Should You Choose?

For maximum cash: Swappa or Facebook Marketplace.

For easiest experience: Decluttr or Gazelle — ship it, get paid, done.

For new device discount: Carrier promotion during phone launch window (verify the math on plan costs).

Avoid: Best Buy and Apple Trade In outside of specific promotions — you're leaving real money on the table.

FAQ

Q: Who buys used phones near me? Best Buy, carrier stores (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), and local pawn shops all buy used phones in-store. For best value, sell locally on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. For best convenience, use Decluttr or Gazelle online.

Q: How do I get the most money for my old phone? Sell peer-to-peer on Swappa or Facebook Marketplace. Clean the device, remove your accounts, get a IMEI check, take good photos, and price slightly below current market to sell quickly.

Q: Does carrier trade-in value disappear if I cancel? Yes — most carrier trade-in promotions are applied as monthly bill credits. If you cancel the line before the credit period ends (typically 24–36 months), you lose the remaining credit.

Q: Is it safe to trade in a phone with personal data on it? Yes — but you must factory reset and remove your accounts FIRST. For iPhones: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content. For Android: Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset. And remove iCloud / Google accounts before wiping.

Q: Can I trade in a cracked phone? Most programs accept cracked phones at reduced value. Best Buy, Decluttr, and Gazelle all accept damaged devices. Swappa and Facebook Marketplace buyers exist for damaged phones too, but you'll need to price accordingly and disclose the damage clearly.

Related Guides:

• Best Places to Buy Used Phones Safely (2026)
• Buying Used Phones in Bulk for Resale: Sourcing & Profit Guide
• How to Check a Used Phone Before You Buy
• Best Refurbished iPhones to Buy in 2026