
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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