Phone Deals

Phone Deals Explained

Different carriers offer different deals that sound great, but the fine print is full of jargon. Navi breaks it down for you.

Trade-In Phone Deals

When you trade in an old phone (eligibility varies by promotion), you get credit toward a new phone. The credit is usually paid out in the form of monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months. Most offers also require a qualifying unlimited plan.





No Trade-in Phone Deals

In this type of promo, no trade-in device is required. Carriers offer credit towards a new phone when you sign up for a qualifying phone plan (most often an unlimited data plan). The credit payouts are typically bill credits applied over 24 to 36 months.

Switch vs Stay Phone Carrier Deals

Switch phone carrier deals, a.k.a “switcher” deals, are any type of phone promotion offered to new customers to get them to switch carriers. Stay deals are promotions for existing customers that provide discounts when you upgrade your phone or plan.

Other Incentives

Online-only offers, stackable credits, and switcher credits are additional incentives that wireless carriers sometimes use to sweeten other phone deals. For example, carriers may offer to pay off your remaining phone balance when you switch to them and upgrade to a new device. Multi-line discounts that bring down the cost of a family plan and autopay discounts can also lower your phone bill.