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Best Trade-In Options For Your Old Phone

4 minute read

By Christopher Brown

Nothing beats unboxing a new phone. The thrill of turning it on for the very first time and testing out all of the new features never gets old! You know what does get old though? That drawer full of discarded smartphones that just got one phone bigger.

You could take to a local online marketplace and sell your old phones to the highest bidder. This article is for those out there that don’t have the time, or aren’t comfortable meeting up with strangers to sell their phones in person. We’ll take a look at a few of the best trade-in options available to you, and list today’s hottest trade-in models.

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GadgetGone

Getting a competitive trade-in offer on your old smartphone or gadget is as simple as heading over to GadgetGone and entering a bit of information. Check it out and get a quote for your device today! The company even provides you with a prepaid shipping label and provides a variety of payback options including virtual Visa Cards, PayPal payments, and bank transfers.1

It’s Worth More

CNET ranked this online electronics buyer first among places to sell your electronics in 2022. IWM is a safe and simple way to sell your old smartphone. They offer competitive quotes too. IWM has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and boasts over 10,000 five-star reviews. Find out how much your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or laptop is worth right now, and in seconds, on their website.2

Apple

Apple gets it. They know that most people don’t have much use for their old devices, so they cut out the middleman and offer their own trade-in incentives. From iPhones to MacBooks, Apple makes it easy to trade in any eligible device for a credit towards a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card.3 And, if your device isn’t eligible, they’ll recycle it for free. Better yet, you can trade in your old device in-store or online.

Web Trade-In

Web Trade-In is another popular online option for those looking to go that route. Getting a quote takes a few minutes, and the company prides itself on paying sellers fast. Web Trade-In is highly rated, and insures every one of their packages up to $100 at no extra cost. And, right now, they’re offering a 5% cash bonus on every device.4

Big Box Retailers

Big box retailers deliver a brick and mortar solution to those that prefer it. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are some of the biggest cell phone retailers in the country and have been in the trade-in game for a long time too. Trading your phone is as simple as bringing it to a local retailer and exchanging it for a discount on an upgrade. Trade-in values can fluctuate, so you should do your research to ensure you get the most out of your old device.

Major Carriers

Most major cellular service providers offer trade-in incentives. They’re usually tied to upgrades, but can have a notable impact on the overall cost of an upgrade. Though they might not offer as much as some of the other options, opting for the major carrier route is one of the easiest options available.

You’ll have to check-in on their individual websites to stay up to date on their offers, though it is highly likely that your current service provider already sends you deals. Trade-in incentives are regional, and usually time sensitive. So it may be something to keep your eye on throughout the year.

Hottest Value Trade-Ins Right Now

All phone models are not created equally. Some are in higher demand than others, which is why you’ll notice such dramatic fluctuations in their respective trade-in values.5

Below is a current list of the most popular cell phone trade in models, and how much buyers are paying for them:

It’s important to note that trade-in values can shift and change substantially from day to day. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to capitalize on a great trade-in opportunity before it’s too late.

Turn Old Tech into Cash Today!

Offset the upgrade cost of a new phone by trading in your old one for cash! The internet is full of reliable smartphone buyers, but established brands and trusted retailers are in the market for old phones too!

There’s certainly no longer an excuse to hold on to a box full of old phones anymore. You’re never more than a few clicks away from turning your old tech into cash, and cash is always in season. So take an inventory of your old phones, or trade it in as you upgrade to lower the amount you have to spend on a brand new phone.

Christopher Brown

Contributor