Best iPhone 17 Trade-In Deals: How to Get the Maximum Value for Your Old Phone (2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about upgrading to the new iPhone 17, you’re probably wondering where to get the best trade-in deal. The good news: carriers and retailers are offering some of the most aggressive promotions we’ve seen in years — including offers where the new iPhone can effectively be free with the right trade-in and plan.

Below is the full breakdown of the best trade-in deals for the iPhone 17, what to watch out for, and how to maximize your savings.


Top iPhone 17 Trade-In Deals

1. AT&T (USA)

AT&T currently offers one of the strongest promotions: eligible customers can get the iPhone 17 for free or close to free with an approved trade-in and qualifying unlimited plan. The discount is applied as bill credits over your contract term, making it one of the highest-value trade-in deals available.

2. T-Mobile (USA)

T-Mobile is offering up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro with an eligible trade-in when paired with certain premium plans. For customers already on T-Mobile’s top-tier plans, this can be one of the easiest ways to severely reduce the cost of the upgrade.

3. Verizon (USA)

Verizon continues to compete with aggressive bill-credit trade-in offers. Depending on the device you’re trading in, you could receive several hundred dollars to over $1,000 in credit toward an iPhone 17.

4. Canadian Carriers (Rogers, Telus, Bell)

Canadian carriers launched extremely competitive Black Friday and holiday promotions, with many offering the iPhone 17 for $0/month or $1/month on multi-year device financing — sometimes even without requiring a trade-in.

Be aware, though: some of these “$0/month” deals are device return guarantees, meaning you may have to return the phone at the end of the term unless you pay a buyout fee.

5. Retail Stores (Best Buy, etc.)

Retailers like Best Buy offer up to several hundred dollars in trade-in value for older phones when purchasing the iPhone 17. While these promos are usually less generous than carrier deals, they don’t require long-term phone plans, giving you more freedom and flexibility.


What to Watch Out For

Before jumping into a deal, here are a few key things to consider:

✔ Long-Term Contracts

Many of the strongest carrier deals require a 24–36-month commitment. Cancelling early usually means losing remaining bill credits.

✔ Required Premium Plans

“Free iPhone” deals often require customers to switch to high-tier unlimited plans, which may increase your monthly bill.

✔ Bill Credits vs. Upfront Savings

Most deals apply credits over time, not as a one-time discount. If you prefer paying upfront and owning your device outright, retailer trade-ins or selling your old phone privately may be better.

✔ Trade-In Condition and Eligibility

Trade-in values vary based on:

  • Phone model
  • Phone condition
  • Battery health
  • Carrier requirements

Sometimes, selling your used phone privately earns much more than official trade-in programs.

✔ Canada: Lease vs. Own

Many Canadian “$0/month” deals are actually leasing-style programs, meaning you must return the phone at the end unless you pay an extra fee. Read the fine print to ensure you’re actually buying — not borrowing.


Which Option Is Best Right Now?

Here’s the quick summary:

  • Best Savings (USA): AT&T and T-Mobile offer the highest value when stacking trade-in + unlimited plan credits.
  • Best for Canada: Rogers, Telus, and Bell are leading with aggressive monthly financing specials, especially during holiday events.
  • Best for Flexibility: Buy the phone unlocked and sell your old device privately — often the most profitable if you don’t want long-term contracts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re buying an iPhone 17, this year’s trade-in promotions are among the strongest yet. Whether you go through a carrier or choose to sell your old device independently, there are plenty of ways to save hundreds — or even get the phone for nearly nothing.

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