Device Deals & Bill Credits

Carrier "deals" aren't what they seem. We break down the fine print so you can decide if that "free" phone is really free.

How Carrier Deals Actually Work

Every "deal" has strings attached. Here's the translation guide carriers don't want you to read.

What they say

"Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro!"

What it actually means

$45.84/mo bill credit over 24 months (T-Mobile) or $23.06/mo over 36 months (AT&T/Verizon). Requires top-tier plan ($100+/mo), qualifying trade-in, and often a new line. Leave at month 12? You owe $500+.

What they say

"Free Galaxy S26 Ultra — no trade-in!"

What it actually means

$36.11/mo bill credit over 36 months on Verizon's most expensive plan ($90/mo). The phone is $1,300. You're paying $3,240+ in plan fees to get it "free."

What they say

"Add a line for free!"

What it actually means

Line fee waived via monthly credit. Cancel ANY existing line — even one unrelated to the deal — and all credits can stop permanently. NEW: T-Mobile free lines can no longer get device promos.

What they say

"We'll pay off your phone!"

What it actually means

You get a prepaid card 6-8 weeks after submitting your final bill. You must trade in your current device AND activate their premium plan.

What they say

"Free upgrade!"

What it actually means

You're financing the full retail price. The "discount" is bill credits that vanish if you leave. It's a 24-36 month commitment disguised as a gift.

Why carriers do this

Customer retention. A $1,100 "discount" costs the carrier almost nothing if it keeps you paying $100/mo for 2-3 years — that's $2,400-$3,600 in plan revenue. The bill credit model ensures you stay locked in without a traditional contract. If you leave, youpay for the "free" phone, not them.

Current Deals — Decoded

Real carrier promos with the fine print exposed.

T-Mobile

iPhone 17 Pro

Major commitment

Free with trade-in (up to $1,100 off)

$45.84/mo bill credit over 24 months. Trade-in any condition accepted. Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan required ($100+/mo with AutoPay).

! Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan ($100+/mo)
! Trade-in eligible device (any condition)
! $35 device connection charge at sale
! Limit: 2 device promos per account
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed. Credits stop if you pay off device early or cancel without contacting T-Mobile first.
T-Mobile

iPhone 17

Major commitment

$830 off — no trade-in needed

$34.58/mo bill credit over 24 months. Just port your number from a competitor. No trade-in required.

! Port-in from eligible competitor
! Experience Beyond, Go5G Next, or Better Value plan
! New line activation
! $35 device connection charge
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed if you cancel before 24 months
T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Major commitment

Up to $1,300 off (free)

$54.17/mo bill credit over 24 months. Up to $1,300 with trade-in + new line on Experience Beyond. Up to $800 with add-a-line only (no trade-in) on Experience More.

! Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan
! Eligible trade-in (any condition) for max credit
! $35 device connection charge
! Limit: 2 device promos per account
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Remaining device balance owed. Credits end on early payoff or cancellation.
T-Mobile

iPhone 17e (x2)

Some conditions

Two free iPhone 17e when you switch

Two iPhone 17e devices included when you switch from a competitor and activate Essentials plan. No trade-in needed.

! Switch from rival carrier
! New Essentials plan
! No trade-in required
! Port-in required
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Remaining device balance on both phones if you cancel early
T-Mobile

Third line free

Some conditions

Get a 3rd line FREE

Monthly credit offsets line cost. Must maintain 2 paid lines. NEW: Free lines are no longer eligible for device promotions.

! New customer with 2+ lines
! Go5G or higher plan
! All lines must remain active
! Free lines CANNOT receive device promos — full retail only
Verizon

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Major commitment

Free + $100 gift card — no trade-in

$36.11/mo bill credit over 36 months ($1,300 total). Plus $100 Verizon gift card for online orders. No trade-in required.

! New line on Unlimited Ultimate plan
! No trade-in needed
! Online order for gift card
! $40 activation fee still applies
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed. Verizon can claw back credits if you cancel within 180 days.
Verizon

Samsung Galaxy S26+

Major commitment

Free + Galaxy Watch8 + $100 gift card

Phone free via 36-month bill credits. Also get a free Galaxy Watch8 and $100 Verizon gift card when you add a new line.

! New line on qualifying Unlimited plan
! Online order
! $40 activation fee
! Watch requires eligible watch line ($10+/mo)
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance on phone + watch if you cancel
Verizon

iPhone 17 Pro

Major commitment

$270 gift card + trade-in credit

$270 Verizon gift card plus trade-in credit applied over 36 months. Up to $830 total savings.

! Switch from another carrier
! Unlimited Ultimate plan
! Eligible trade-in (any condition)
! Port-in required
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed immediately
Verizon

iPhone 17e

Some conditions

Free — no trade-in needed

$16.64/mo bill credit over 36 months. No trade-in required, just a new line.

! New line on myPlan
! No trade-in needed
! $40 activation fee
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed if you leave before 36 months
Verizon

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Major commitment

Free with trade-in

Up to $999 in bill credits over 36 months with eligible trade-in on Unlimited Ultimate.

! Unlimited Ultimate plan
! Eligible trade-in (any condition)
! New line for max discount
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed
Verizon

$200 gift card (any phone)

No strings

$200 Verizon gift card with any phone

$200 gift card on any phone purchase. No specific plan or trade-in required beyond standard activation.

! Any phone purchase
! New or upgrade
! Standard activation
AT&T

iPhone 17 Pro

Major commitment

Free with trade-in (up to $1,100 off)

$30.56/mo bill credit over 36 months. Trade-in iPhone 13+ (excludes 13 mini) with min $290 value. Extra 2.0 or higher plan required for max credit.

! Extra 2.0 or Premium 2.0 unlimited plan ($70+/mo)
! Trade-in iPhone 13 or newer (not 13 mini)
! New or existing line
! 36-month installment at 0% APR
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Clawback: 100% if cancel within 12mo, 50% within 13-24mo, 25% within 25-36mo
AT&T

iPhone Air

Major commitment

Up to $830 off — free with new line

Up to $830 in bill credits over 36 months. Free with new unlimited line (no trade-in) or $4.73/mo with trade-in on existing line.

! Any unlimited plan ($50+/mo)
! New line for no-trade-in variant, or trade-in for existing line
! 36-month installment plan
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed if you cancel the line
AT&T

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Major commitment

Up to $1,300 off

$36.11/mo bill credit over 36 months. Requires switch or upgrade on unlimited plan ($50+/mo) plus trade-in.

! Switch or upgrade on unlimited plan ($50+/mo)
! Add new line or upgrade existing
! Trade-in old smartphone
! 36-month installment at 0% APR
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining installment balance due immediately
AT&T

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Major commitment

$400 off instantly — no trade-in

$400 instant discount (not bill credits!) brings price to ~$1,599. Additional trade-in credits available. Limited time through 4/27.

! AT&T installment plan
! No trade-in required for base $400 off
! Trade-in available for additional credit
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining installment balance (device cost minus $400 instant discount)
AT&T

Google Pixel 10a

Some conditions

Just $4/mo

$4/mo for 36 months ($144 total, saving $355). Low monthly commitment but still a 3-year lock-in.

! New line on eligible unlimited plan
! 36-month installment plan
! No trade-in required
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed
AT&T

Switcher credit

No strings

Up to $250 per line when you switch

$250 in bill credits over 10 months ($25/mo). Quick payout compared to 36-month device credits.

! Port in from eligible carrier
! Activate unlimited plan
! Autopay enrollment
Lock-in: 10 months / Early exit: Forfeit remaining credits
Mint Mobile

50% off first 3 months

No strings

New customers: 50% off your plan

Pay half price for first 3 months, then regular rate. Example: 15GB plan drops from $25/mo to $12.50/mo for 3 months. Renews at full price.

! New customer only
! Prepay 3 months upfront
! Bring your own device
Mint Mobile

Galaxy S26 + Unlimited bundle

No strings

$500 off Galaxy S26 with 12-month plan

$500 instant discount on any Galaxy S26 model when you buy a 12-month Unlimited plan. Plus additional $400+ with eligible trade-in.

! New customer
! 12-month Unlimited plan ($360 upfront)
! Additional trade-in for max discount
Mint Mobile

Pixel 10 + Unlimited bundle

No strings

$500 off Pixel 10 + 50% off wireless

$500 off phone and 50% off 12-month Unlimited plan when bundled together. You own the phone outright.

! New customer
! 12-month Unlimited plan
! Bundle purchase required
Visible (Verizon)

iPhone 17e

Some conditions

Up to $600 off via monthly credits

$25/mo service credit for 24 months on Visible+ Pro plan ($45/mo). Effectively makes the phone free but you're paying $45/mo for the plan.

! Visible+ Pro plan ($45/mo)
! 24-month credit period
! New activation
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Lose remaining credits if you cancel
Visible (Verizon)

Visible+ Pro Annual

No strings

50% off annual plan — $225/year

Visible+ Pro annual plan for $225/year ($18.75/mo effective) instead of $450. Includes premium Verizon network, 50GB hotspot, Ultra Wideband 5G. Use code SLAMDUNK.

! New customer
! Annual prepayment
! Promo code SLAMDUNK
! Ends April 29, 2026
Visible (Verizon)

Port-in discount

No strings

$5/mo off for 5 years

$5/mo off Visible+ or Visible+ Pro for 60 months when you port your number. Use code 5OFF5. That's $300 in total savings.

! Port number from eligible carrier
! Visible+ or Visible+ Pro plan
! Promo code 5OFF5
Lock-in: 60 months / Early exit: Lose remaining discount if you leave
Cricket Wireless

Family plan deal

No strings

4 lines for $100/mo

4 lines of Select Unlimited for $100/mo total ($25/line effective). All taxes and fees included. No contract.

! 4 phone lines on same account
! Select Unlimited plan
! New lines only
! Taxes and fees included
Boost Mobile

Unlimited plan promo

No strings

$10/mo for first 3 months, then $25 forever

Pay $10/mo for 3 months, then $25/mo with AutoPay permanently. 30GB premium data. No contract.

! New customer only
! Bring your own device or buy one
! AutoPay for $25 rate ($30 without)
! No contract required
Lock-in: 3 months / Early exit: None — prepaid, no penalty
Boost Mobile

Infinite Access iPhone

Major commitment

Up to $830 OFF iPhone + annual upgrades

$65/mo includes unlimited plan + iPhone with annual upgrade. 36-month device financing. Credits applied monthly — cancel and you owe the full remaining balance. It's a lease disguised as a plan.

! Credit qualification required
! May require down payment
! $65/mo plan commitment
! 36-month device financing agreement
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Full remaining device balance owed immediately — could be $800+ if you leave early
Boost Mobile

iPhone 16e

No strings

$450 off — pay $149.99

Outright purchase at $149.99 (regularly $599.99). You own the phone. No bill credits, no lock-in.

! New activation
! Payment in full or financing
! No trade-in required
Metro by T-Mobile

4 lines + 4 free phones

No strings

4 lines for $100/mo with 4 free phones

$25/line with 4 free Galaxy A16 5G or Revvl 8 phones. In-store only. 5-year price guarantee on plan rate.

! 4 lines required
! In-store purchase only
! New customer or add lines
! AutoPay enrollment
Metro by T-Mobile

iPhone 17e

No strings

$250 off ($349.99)

Pay $349.99 upfront. Plus $100 virtual Mastercard after 3rd monthly payment. Effective cost: $249.99.

! New line activation
! Port your number
! Qualifying plan
! $100 card arrives after 3rd monthly payment
Metro by T-Mobile

$25/mo BYOP Unlimited

No strings

Unlimited 5G for $25/mo

$25/mo with AutoPay ($30 first month). Bring your own phone. Unlimited 5G data. 5-year price guarantee. Video streams in SD.

! Bring your own phone
! AutoPay enrollment
! $30 for the first month
! SD video quality cap
Google Fi

Pixel 10 Pro

Major commitment

$800 off + $10/mo off service

$800 via trade-in bill credits over 24 months. Must keep device active on Fi for 120 days minimum. Credits continue 24 months while account is active. Trade-in must be received within 30 days.

! Active Google Fi plan
! Eligible trade-in device
! Keep device active 120 days
! Maintain account 24 months for full credit
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Forfeit all remaining bill credits if you cancel — could lose hundreds
Google Fi

50% off Unlimited (3 months)

No strings

Half-price Unlimited for new subscribers

50% off Unlimited plan for first 3 months. Pay $17.50/mo instead of $35/mo. Renews at full price after 3 months.

! New subscriber only
! Unlimited plan
! Bring your own phone or buy one
Lock-in: 3 months / Early exit: None — no contract
US Mobile

Free 30-day trial

No strings

30 days free — 30GB included

Free 30-day trial with 30GB data + unlimited talk/text. Auto-renews on Unlimited Premium ($25/mo annual) after trial. Cancel before trial ends to avoid charges.

! New customer
! Port one phone number
! Auto-renews after trial — must cancel to avoid charges
T-Mobile

Keep & Switch

Some conditions

We'll pay off your phone — up to $800/line

Reimbursement via virtual prepaid Mastercard (no cash access, expires in 6 months). Typically delivered within 15 days of approval. Must submit proof of eligible device financing.

! Port-in from AT&T, Verizon, or eligible carrier
! Device payment plan with current carrier for 90+ days
! At least 3 successful payments made
! Activate new voice line on T-Mobile
! Submit final bill proof
T-Mobile

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Major commitment

Free (up to $1,200 off)

$50/mo bill credit over 24 months. Also available free with new line on Experience Beyond — no trade-in. Trade-in value varies (Pixel 9 Pro XL = $1,200; Pixel 4 = $600).

! Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan
! Trade-in eligible device (any condition)
! Or new line on Experience Beyond (no trade-in)
Lock-in: 24 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed. Credits stop immediately on early payoff or cancellation.
Consumer Cellular

AARP 2-line unlimited

No strings

2 lines unlimited for $55/mo

Two lines with unlimited talk, text, and data for $55/mo. AARP members get 5% off monthly + 30% off accessories + 45-day risk-free guarantee. No contract.

! AARP membership ($16/year)
! No contract
! Month-to-month
! Cancel anytime
AT&T

iPhone 17e

Some conditions

Just $5.99/mo — no trade-in

Bill credits over 36 months reduce cost to $5.99/mo ($215.64 total). No trade-in needed. Works on any unlimited plan including the cheapest Value 2.0 ($50/mo).

! Any unlimited plan (Value 2.0 at $50/mo qualifies)
! 36-month installment at 0% APR
! No trade-in required
! $0 down for well-qualified customers
Lock-in: 36 months / Early exit: Remaining balance owed. Clawback: 100% within 12mo, 50% 13-24mo, 25% 25-36mo

True Deal Calculator

See what a carrier deal reallycosts based on how long you'll stay.

1 mo12 mo24 mo36 mo
Credit timeline
50% earned / 50% forfeited

With the carrier deal

Credits received$415
Credits forfeited$415
Effective device cost$584
Total cost of ownership$2204

Buy outright + cheap plan

Device (full retail)$999
Plan (18 mo x $25)$450
Total cost$1449

The carrier deal costs you

$755

more than buying outright + cheaper plan

Lock-in Timeline

AT&T and Verizon use 36-month credits. T-Mobile recently shifted to 24-month credits on newer promos. Here's what leaving early looks like on a $1,100 deal.

Months 1-12

You forfeit 50-100%of the deal. On a $1,100 credit, you'd owe $550-$1,100.

Months 13-24

T-Mobile credits finish at month 24. AT&T/Verizon: you still forfeit 33-67%, owing $363-$733.

Months 25-36

AT&T/Verizon only. You've earned 67-100% of credits. Leaving costs $0-$363.