Trade-in programs are a convenient way to upgrade your technology without paying full price. Many retailers offer trade-in incentives, providing discounts on new purchases or store credit for old devices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or gaming console, here’s an in-depth guide on where to get the best trade-in deals and how to maximize your savings.
Apple
Apple’s trade-in program offers some of the best values, particularly for recent iPhones and other Apple products. You can trade in your old Apple devices or eligible devices from other manufacturers for store credit or discounts toward a new purchase.
How it works: You can trade in online or at an Apple Store by checking your device's estimated value on Apple’s website. If your device is eligible, you receive store credit or a discount toward your next purchase. Apple also offers free recycling for items with no trade-in value.
Trade-in items: iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and even Android devices.
Why it’s worth it: Apple’s trade-in program is ideal for people who upgrade devices frequently and stay within the Apple ecosystem. Trading in newer models, such as an iPhone 13 or 14, often results in a substantial discount on the latest products.
Best Buy
Best Buy’s trade-in program is highly versatile, accepting a wide variety of tech devices beyond just phones and laptops. They offer gift cards for trade-ins, which you can use on any in-store or online purchase. Best Buy also runs occasional promotions that provide additional value for trade-ins during product launches.
How it works: Use Best Buy’s website to estimate the trade-in value, then bring the device to a store for a final evaluation. You’ll receive a gift card that can be used toward future purchases.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and home tech products like smart speakers.
Why it’s worth it: Best Buy’s program is perfect if you want flexibility, as you can use the gift cards on any tech item in their inventory. The added bonus programs during new product releases make it especially appealing.
Amazon
Amazon’s trade-in program offers convenience, with the added benefit of Amazon gift cards that you can use across the platform. Some trade-ins also come with promotional discounts on Amazon devices, such as Echo speakers, Fire tablets, or Kindle readers.
How it works: Start by searching for your device on the trade-in portal and ship it to Amazon for free. Once evaluated, you’ll receive a gift card in your account.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, e-readers, gaming consoles, and Amazon devices.
Why it’s worth it: Amazon’s trade-in program is ideal for frequent online shoppers who prefer Amazon’s extensive product catalog. You’ll often find bonus discounts on Amazon-branded products, maximizing savings on items like Fire TVs or Echo devices.
Samsung
Samsung’s trade-in program is known for offering high trade-in values, particularly when you upgrade to the latest Galaxy devices. Samsung accepts old smartphones from any manufacturer, making it easy to switch to the Samsung ecosystem.
How it works: Evaluate your device’s value on Samsung’s website, then send it in or bring it to a Samsung store. Discounts are applied immediately at checkout, allowing you to save on your new device.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other mobile devices.
Why it’s worth it: Samsung’s program is best for users upgrading to Galaxy products. You’ll often find limited-time promotions offering higher trade-in values or bonus credits.
Walmart
Walmart offers a trade-in program through its website, providing gift cards in return for old tech. The program is run in partnership with CExchange, making it easy to submit your items and receive store credit.
How it works: Enter your device information online to get an estimate, then ship it for free or bring it to a Walmart store. You’ll receive a Walmart gift card upon approval.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles.
Why it’s worth it: Walmart’s trade-in program is a good option if you’re looking to trade in tech items while shopping for groceries or household products.
GameStop
GameStop’s trade-in program focuses on gaming consoles, games, and accessories. They also accept smartphones, but the most valuable trade-ins tend to be gaming-related products.
How it works: Visit GameStop's website to see estimated trade-in values or take your items directly to a store. You can choose between cash or store credit, with store credit usually offering more value.
Trade-in items: Consoles, games, controllers, accessories, and some smartphones.
Why it’s worth it: GameStop is ideal for gamers looking to trade in old consoles or games for new releases. They often offer bonus credits during new console launches.
Microsoft Store
Microsoft offers trade-in discounts on Surface products, laptops, and gaming consoles through its trade-in program. The Microsoft Store is especially appealing if you’re looking to upgrade to a Surface device or Xbox console.
How it works: Visit Microsoft’s trade-in page to see your device’s value. Ship your item for free, and receive a Microsoft gift card or account credit.
Trade-in items: Surface devices, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles.
Why it’s worth it: Microsoft’s program is perfect for those already using Surface products or Xbox consoles. The gift card can be used toward any item in the Microsoft Store.
Target
Target offers a trade-in program that provides store credit in exchange for old electronics. Their program is run through a partnership with Assurant, making it easy to submit items online or in-store.
How it works: Enter your device details on Target’s trade-in page, ship it for free, or drop it off at a participating store. Receive a Target gift card for your trade-in value.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles.
Why it’s worth it: If you shop at Target regularly, this program allows you to trade in old devices and use the credit for groceries, home goods, or new tech purchases.
Verizon
Verizon offers trade-in discounts on new smartphones, smartwatches, and other mobile devices. You can trade in devices from other carriers, making it easy to switch to Verizon’s network while upgrading your tech.
How it works: Use Verizon’s website to check the trade-in value, then send the device by mail or bring it to a store. The trade-in value is applied as a bill credit or discount.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and mobile accessories.
Why it’s worth it: Verizon frequently runs promotions offering bonus credits on new devices, making it one of the best options for current customers.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s trade-in program provides competitive discounts on smartphones and mobile devices. They often run promotional offers during new product launches, making it easy to upgrade to the latest phone.
How it works: Enter your device’s details on T-Mobile’s trade-in portal to receive an estimate. You can either mail your device or bring it to a store for an immediate discount or bill credit.
Trade-in items: Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
Why it’s worth it: T-Mobile’s program is particularly appealing for customers switching to their network, as they often cover remaining device payments.
Trade-in programs are an excellent way to upgrade your devices while saving money. Retailers like Apple, Best Buy, and Samsung offer some of the most competitive trade-in values, especially during promotional periods. Programs from Amazon, Walmart, and Target provide gift cards, adding flexibility for future purchases.
If you’re a gamer, GameStop’s trade-in program can help you exchange old consoles or games for new ones. Meanwhile, tech enthusiasts upgrading to Surface products or Xbox consoles can benefit from Microsoft’s trade-in program. For mobile users, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile offer competitive trade-in deals that reduce the cost of new smartphones.
By choosing the right trade-in program, you can reduce the cost of your upgrades, recycle old devices responsibly, and stay up to date with the latest technology. Whether you’re trading in phones, laptops, or gaming consoles, these programs provide a convenient way to make the most of your tech purchases.
