Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Verizon Smartphone Deals

Looking for a great deal on a new smartphone from Verizon? You’ve come to the right place. Navigating carrier promotions can feel complicated, but this guide will break down the different types of deals Verizon offers, explain how to qualify, and give you tips to get the most value for your money.

Understanding the Main Types of Verizon Phone Deals

Verizon’s promotions change regularly, but they usually fall into a few key categories. Understanding these types is the first step to finding the perfect deal for your situation.

1. Trade-In Offers

This is one of the most common and popular ways to save. A trade-in deal allows you to give your old phone to Verizon in exchange for a credit that is applied toward your new device. The value of this credit can be significant, often reaching up to $800 or even $1,000 for newer, high-end models in good condition.

How it Works: You select a new phone and start the purchase process. Verizon will ask for details about your old phone (make, model, and condition). The promotional value is then typically applied to your account as monthly bill credits over the course of your 36-month device payment agreement.
What You Need to Know: The highest trade-in values are reserved for recent models like the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23. The phone must be in good working condition, meaning it powers on, the screen is free of cracks, and there is no significant water damage.

2. New Line Deals

For customers switching to Verizon or existing customers adding a new line of service, these deals are often the most aggressive. Carriers want to attract new business, so they save their best promotions for this group. These can include “free” phones or huge discounts on flagship devices.

How it Works: You must activate a new line of service on a qualifying unlimited plan. The discount on the phone is then applied as monthly bill credits over 36 months. For example, a “free” $830 phone would appear as a $23.05 monthly charge and a corresponding $23.05 monthly credit on your bill.
What You Need to Know: These offers almost always require you to sign up for one of Verizon’s premium unlimited plans, such as Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate.

3. Upgrade Deals for Existing Customers

Verizon also provides offers for loyal customers who are looking to upgrade their current device. While historically not as generous as new line deals, these promotions have become much more competitive.

How it Works: Existing customers who have paid off their current phone or are eligible for an upgrade can often get special trade-in promotions. For instance, you might be able to trade in an older phone for a significant discount on a new model, provided you are on or upgrade to a premium unlimited plan.
How to Check Your Eligibility: You can easily check your upgrade status by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app.

4. “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) Offers

These promotions are great for families or couples. A BOGO deal typically allows you to buy one smartphone and get a second one of equal or lesser value for free or at a deep discount.

How it Works: This type of deal usually requires you to add at least one new line of service and purchase both phones on a device payment plan. The discount for the second phone is applied through monthly bill credits.
What You Need to Know: Both lines usually need to be on a qualifying unlimited plan to be eligible for the promotion.

How to Qualify and What to Look For

Finding a deal is one thing; making sure you qualify is another. Always read the fine print before committing to a purchase.

Key Requirements to Watch Out For

Premium Unlimited Plans: The best and most valuable phone deals are almost always tied to Verizon’s premium plans. While a basic unlimited plan might get you a small discount, plans like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate unlock the top-tier promotions, such as “free” flagship phones with a trade-in.
36-Month Device Payment Agreement: Most Verizon deals are not instant rebates. The discount is spread out over 36 months in the form of bill credits. This means you need to stay with Verizon for the full three years to receive the total discount. If you cancel your service early, you will be required to pay the remaining balance on the phone.
Device Condition for Trade-Ins: Be honest about the condition of your trade-in device. If you claim it’s in perfect condition but the screen is cracked, Verizon will reduce its value, which could affect your promotional credits.

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings

Time Your Purchase: Major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday often bring some of the best deals of the year. Also, keep an eye out around the launch dates for major new phones, like the new iPhones in September or new Samsung Galaxy phones in the spring.
Check for Special Discounts: Verizon offers additional discounts for military members, veterans, first responders, nurses, teachers, and students. Make sure to see if you qualify for these monthly service savings.
Consider Certified Pre-Owned: If you don’t need the absolute latest model, Verizon’s Certified Pre-Owned program is an excellent way to get a high-quality, warrantied phone at a much lower price.

Popular Phones Often Included in Verizon Deals

While offers change, you can almost always find promotions on the most popular smartphones on the market.

Apple iPhone Series: Look for deals on the latest models, like the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, especially when trading in a recent previous model.
Samsung Galaxy S Series: Flagship Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are frequently featured in trade-in and new line promotions.
Google Pixel Series: Google’s phones, such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, are also commonly part of Verizon’s promotional lineup, offering a top-tier Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a “free” phone from Verizon really free? In a way, yes, but not upfront. You receive the phone’s full value back through monthly credits on your bill over 36 months. As long as you stay with Verizon for that entire period on a qualifying plan, the phone will have cost you nothing. If you leave early, you’ll have to pay the remaining balance.

Can I get a good deal as an existing Verizon customer? Absolutely. While new line deals are sometimes better, Verizon consistently offers strong upgrade and trade-in deals for existing customers, especially for those on premium unlimited plans. Always check the “My Offers” section of your Verizon account.

What happens if I pay my phone off early? If you pay off your device payment agreement ahead of schedule, you will typically forfeit any remaining promotional bill credits. The promotion is designed to keep you as a customer for the full 36-month term.