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"Trade-in credits will be applied over 24 months, starting within 1–2 cycles and ending when balance is paid or line is terminated or transferred."
Leaving the last three digits off the trade-in IME may work if the system isn't taking it.
"A few additional notes on this promotion, some pitfalls to avoid, including trade-ins:."
- If the system offers you a trade-in value you know is incorrect, don't be tempted to jump on it. For example if your are on Start Unlimited (which should get lower trade-in credit) but other lines on the account are on Do/Play/More, do not use the Start line for the upgrade if it shows $800. If you do, and apply for $800, you may not receive any trade-in credit, as the two promotions are different, and Verizon will deny the promotion as the line isn't eligible. Instead, do the trade-in on the line that is eligible, and after you receive and activate your new device on that line, you can just swap SIMs between the lines so your Start line has the new device and the other line goes back to using whatever device it was.
When the new device arrives, please activate it on the line you used for the upgrade. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO QUALIFY FOR THE PROMOTION, so don't just use your old SIM (or the SIM from another line) -- activate the device with the new SIM. You can swap SIMs right after that, but don't skip this step as it confirms for Verizon that the device was indeed activated on the line that took the upgrade.
It doesn't matter if the device being traded in is currently in-use on a different line (e.g., if I had an iPhone X on a Start line, but I wanted to use the upgrade on a Do More line, that's okay -- they will process the order on the Do More line and enter the IMEI from the iPhone X on the Start line. That should not mess up the $800 trade in value, since the line being upgraded is the Do More line.
Taking that a step further, the phone being traded in doesn't need currently need to be in-use on the account. For example, we're a family of 5 and I keep extra phones around in case needed. My trade-in hadn't ever been used on Verizon, as it was an unlocked iPhone XS we used on T-Mobile before switching to Verizon a year ago.
Putting this all together, you can do the following. Upgrade an eligible line on the account, trade in a different qualifying device (regardless if it's on the account), and then once you activate the new device, you can swap SIMs back. For example, I want a new iPhone 13, but my iPhone 12 is still on a payment plan with last year's promo. I am doing the upgrade on one of my kids' lines, trading in a phone from my pile of spares, and we will SIM swap after the new phone is activated.
Make sure the device being traded in is the same IMEI entered during the order process. The IMEI is how Verizon tracks trade-in devices, and there is really nothing else besides a UPS label in the trade-in kit. So if you put a different device in the trade-in box than Verizon's systems are expecting, you're asking for BIG TROUBLE.
If placing an order in-store, tell the store you want to do the trade-in there. If your phone is backordered, they will not likely be able to take the trade-in until you receive the new phone. Tell the store you want to come back and do the trade-in at the store (and have them note that if possible). I'll explain why in more detail in the next bullet.
My experience, and a host of other people's experiences with Verizon trade-ins last year was an unmitigated disaster. They sometimes don't sent the trade-in materials, and many people (myself included) didn't receive any trade-in credit for a device. Also, some people experienced significantly reduced trade-in credits based on the device having a cracked screen or other damage, which may no longer be an issue since Verizon is taking in damaged devices for full credit now, but I can't be sure. This is why I suggest placing your order in-store and telling the store you want to do the trade-in there. Have them note the account when the trade-in is done with the device's condition if possible (if they don't already do that or give you a trade-in receipt showing that info). If shipping your device, take pictures of the device from multiple angles, including a picture with the screen on, showing the IMEI of the device (and preferably from an angle that shows the screen is not cracked with the full IMEI still readable).
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There are tons of people on Slickdeals that are on an Unlimited Verizon Plan.
Trade in deals or any deals for that matter - for upgrades and NOT new lines are few and far between
I was able to trade my iPhone SE (i bought 1.5 years ago for $200 from Walmart) for $800 which i used to get an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
$800 is an obscene amount of money considering the retail price of the iPhone SE is $400
I was already going to be paying my bill for Unlimited for the next 24 months - the only possible issue with signing a contract to get bill credits is if you want a new phone after a year.
I plan on keeping the Max for 2 years so this works out for me.
Anyone looking to upgrade should take advantage of this Verizon offer.
Limited to cost of trade in payoff from previous carrier in i13 deal. No sold.
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