Trade-in promotions from wireless carriers often sound like a great deal—offering up to $1,000 in credit when you trade in your old phone. But as I recently learned the hard way, these deals come with hidden catches, long delays, and unexpected charges. Instead of saving money, you may find yourself paying more in the long run and locked into a contract you didn’t expect.
In this post, I’ll share my experience with a trade-in promotion scam, explain why these offers are often misleading, and show you the smarter way to upgrade your phone while saving money.
Like many people, I was excited when my wireless carrier offered me a $1,000 trade-in credit for my iPhone 13 Pro—far more than its actual trade-in value of around $350. It seemed like a no-brainer to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 Pro for almost nothing.
I sent in my trade-in device and expected my bill to be reduced accordingly. Instead, I noticed that my monthly charges had increased significantly. When I contacted customer service, they told me that the trade-in device hadn’t been received yet, but once processed, I would receive the $1,000 credit.
I waited. And waited. Three months passed, and I was still paying full price. After five months, I finally saw a credit—only $160 instead of the promised $1,000! WHAT!? When I called customer service again, they informed me that I didn’t qualify for the full trade-in amount because I wasn’t on the correct plan. But if that were the case, why was I able to submit the trade-in in the first place?!
To make matters worse, I was now stuck in a three-year contract due to the upgrade, leaving me no option but to keep paying the higher bill. What I thought was a great deal turned out to be a costly mistake. I can’t change it, but I want to share my story so that you can avoid that. In addition, I would like to tell you a better and much cheaper way to upgrade your phone.
My experience isn’t unique. Many people fall into the trap of carrier trade-in promotions because they don’t realize:
In reality, these promotions aren’t designed to save you money—they're designed to lock you into a long-term contract with higher monthly fees.
Instead of relying on misleading trade-in promotions, there’s a smarter and more cost-effective way to upgrade your phone.
Let’s take my situation as an example. Instead of trading in my iPhone 13 Pro through my carrier, I could have done this:
After going through this frustrating experience, I learned that carrier trade-in deals are rarely as good as they seem. The best way to upgrade your phone is to take control of the process—buy a certified refurbished phone at a great price and sell your old device for cash.
This way, you avoid hidden fees, long wait times, and restrictive contracts. If you’re thinking about upgrading, check UpTrade first for the best deals on buying certified refurbished phones and selling your old phones.
Are carrier trade-in deals ever worth it?
Only if you were already planning to stay with the carrier for the next 36 months and are on an eligible plan. Otherwise, the hidden costs often outweigh the benefits.
Why does my trade-in credit not match the advertised amount?
Carriers inspect your trade-in device and may reduce the credit based on their evaluation. Many customers find that their actual credit is much lower than the initial offer.
What happens if my phone isn’t accepted after trade-in submission?
If your phone is rejected or valued at a lower amount, you typically can’t reverse the trade-in unless you request to have your device returned (which some carriers don’t allow).
Can I get out of a 3-year upgrade contract?
Most carriers require you to pay off the remaining balance of your phone before switching. This can be expensive, especially if you’re only a few months into the contract.
Is buying a refurbished iPhone safe?
Yes! Certified refurbished iPhones from reputable sellers go through professional inspections, repairs, and testing to ensure they work like new. Plus, they often come with warranties.
© 2025 UpTrade Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved
