cellphoneplans.co is independent and reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission from Amazon or eBay at no extra cost to you. We don't accept payment for placement, and we don't publish made-up prices, speeds or ratings — tiers ($ to $$$) show relative cost only. Carrier plans, perks and discounts change often; always confirm current terms on the carrier's own site before you switch.
Upgrading your phone means deciding what to do with the old one. Carriers promote trade-in offers that can be far above the phone's resale value, but those values usually arrive as monthly bill credits over 24 or 36 months, tied to a new device payment plan and often a premium plan. Selling it yourself gets you cash now, with no strings, but takes more effort.
Neither is always better. Here's how to compare them.
Head-to-head
| Carrier trade-in | Selling yourself | |
|---|---|---|
| How you're paid | Usually bill credits over the device term; sometimes instant credit | Cash or payout, right away |
| Value | Promo trade-ins can exceed resale value; standard trade-ins are often below it | Market value, minus fees |
| Strings attached | New device plan, eligible plan, staying the full term | None |
| Effort | Low: ship it or hand it in | Listing, photos, shipping, buyer questions |
| Condition flexibility | Some promos accept "any condition" | Damaged phones sell for much less |
When the carrier trade-in wins
- You're staying with the carrier for the full device term anyway.
- You were going to be on the required plan regardless.
- The promo values your phone well above its resale price, which is common with "any condition" promos for older or damaged phones.
- You value convenience over flexibility.
When selling yourself wins
- You might switch carriers in the next couple of years.
- The trade-in requires a pricier plan than you'd otherwise choose.
- You're buying your next phone unlocked or from a different seller.
- Your phone is in excellent condition and recent, so resale value is strong.
- It's a standard (non-promo) trade-in value, which is often below market.
How to do the math
- Look up your phone's current resale value: completed listings on eBay, Swappa listings or buyback site quotes for your exact model, storage and condition.
- Subtract selling fees and shipping to get your net sale value.
- Look at the trade-in value, and note how it's paid and over how many months.
- Add the extra cost of any required plan over the credit period compared with the plan you'd otherwise choose.
- Compare net sale value with (trade-in value minus extra plan cost). Factor in the risk of losing credits if you leave early.
Selling safely
- Back up, sign out of iCloud or your Google account, and factory reset. See wiping and prepping a phone for sale.
- Pay off and unlock the phone if possible. Unlocked phones sell for more. See how to unlock.
- Use platforms with seller protection, and ship with tracking.
- Meet local buyers in safe, public places, ideally somewhere with cameras.
- Beware of overpayment scams and requests to ship before payment clears.
Protect resale value while you own it
A case and screen protector from day one, a healthy battery (see battery health) and keeping the original box make a real difference to resale value later.
Other options: buyback sites and recycling
Instant buyback sites and retail trade-in kiosks sit between carrier trade-ins and private sales. They offer a quick quote and pay after inspection, usually below private-sale value but with little effort. For very old or broken phones with little resale value, manufacturer and retailer recycling programs dispose of batteries safely. Wipe the phone first either way.
Timing your sale
Phone resale values tend to drop when new models launch, often in the fall for iPhones and early in the year for Samsung's flagships. If you plan to sell rather than trade in, listing your old phone shortly before the new model's release, while keeping your current phone until the new one arrives, can get you a better price.
Don't forget the accessories
Original chargers, cables, boxes and cases can add a little value to a private sale, or sell separately. Carrier trade-ins usually want only the phone, so keep the extras.
The verdict
If you're loyal to your carrier and the promo is generous, trade in. If you value flexibility or have a recent phone in great shape, sell it yourself, especially if the trade-in ties you to a pricier plan.
Protect your phone's resale value
1. OtterBox Symmetry case
$Best for: Keeping the body scratch-free
A slim protective case that prevents scuffs and drop damage. That can mean a higher condition grade at sale time.
What we like
- Slim protection
- Protects resale grade
Watch out for
- Adds some bulk
2. Tempered glass screen protector
$Best for: Avoiding the scratches that lower value
A screen protector keeps the display pristine, which is the first thing buyers check.
What we like
- Cheap
- Keeps screen pristine
Watch out for
- Replace if cracked
3. Phone shipping box with padding
$Best for: Shipping a sold phone safely
Padded mailers or small boxes with foam protect a sold phone in transit and avoid damage disputes.
What we like
- Prevents shipping damage
Watch out for
- Buy the right size
Frequently asked questions
Is a carrier trade-in worth it?
It can be, if you stay the full term on a plan you'd choose anyway and the promo value beats resale. Otherwise, selling is often better.
How are carrier trade-in credits paid?
Usually as monthly bill credits over the new phone's payment term, sometimes 24 or 36 months.
What happens to trade-in credits if I switch carriers?
The remaining credits typically stop.
Where can I sell my phone?
eBay, Swappa, local marketplaces, and buyback sites that quote instantly.
Do unlocked phones sell for more?
Generally yes. Buyers can use them on any carrier.