All three major cell phone carriers—Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T—will help you pay off your phone to switch to their network. Verizon and T-Mobile even offer to reimburse you for early termination fees.
In this article, we'll detail the major carrier switching deals and highlight which of the small carriers offer switching incentives. We'll also get into early termination fees and how to avoid them entirely. Finally, we'll answer frequently asked questions about switching cell phone carriers.
Which phone companies pay you to switch?
Changing your carrier allegiance can be lucrative. Check out which big carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) pay you to hop on their networks.
Major carrier switching deals
All major carriers offer competitive deals that make it cheap or free to switch. Some carriers even throw in a free iPhone or smartwatch if you sign up for a top-tier unlimited plan. Here are the switching incentives from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
AT&T
AT&T provides up to $500 when you switch to their network and bring your own phone. You’ll receive $250 in bill credits per device on your new AT&T plan. Often, you can get free phones with a device trade-in, like a no-cost iPhone. Check out Big Blue’s current new customer promotions and cell phone deals to determine if switching to AT&T suits you.
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AT&T
Extra 2.0℠
$70.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
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T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers up to $650 per line toward device installments to pay off your phone and plan payments or $350 in termination fees with a new phone. You’ll get rewarded in trade-in credits and virtual prepaid cards. Or, bring your own phone when switching to T-Mobile and get up to $1,000 on a virtual prepaid Mastercard. Explore the latest T-Mobile cell phone deals.
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T-Mobile
Essentials 2.0
$60.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
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Verizon
Verizon covers the cost of switching with up to $540 in credits to offset early termination fees and help you pay off your phone, depending on which plan you sign up for. Additionally, Verizon delivers multiple trade-in deals for new customers. You’ll get money for trading in your current phone, plus regular deals like another $200 for switching to the carrier. Discounts vary and are usually tied to signing up for specific plans, but incentives often include up to $1,000 off the newest smartphones with device trade-in. Check out the best Verizon cell phone deals for the latest new customer promotions.
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Verizon
Unlimited Welcome
$65.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
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Small carriers that pay to switch
While big carriers pay you to switch, many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) don’t offer major financial incentives like paying any early termination fees. That said, you can often expect to see deals like discounted or free phones and cheaper monthly service when switching to an MVNO.
For instance, Visible occasionally offers $15/month savings on your first three months when you join and bring your own device. Mint Mobile sometimes provides generous deals like 50% off an unlimited plan. And Spectrum Mobile will pay off your phone balance up to $2,500. The only caveat is that you must be a Spectrum Internet customer to switch to their mobile service.
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Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$10.00/mo
$60 for 6 months of service
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Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
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Spectrum Mobile®
Unlimited
$30.00/mo
+ $20 Upfront
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How to switch phone carriers without paying
Although changing carriers sounds costly, you can make switching affordable or even free. Thankfully, plan contracts have gone the way of the dinosaur—rather than contracts, most folks pay for monthly service and a device installment. While installment financing is a contract for your phone, you can pay off the outstanding balance and often get your device unlocked so you can use it on any carrier.
Some service providers charge an early termination fee. Luckily, many carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile will cover your old provider’s termination fee. But even if you still owe money to your current carrier, you can switch service providers while keeping your phone number.
In general, look for competitive trade-in deals and keep your current device in great condition to maximize its value. Consider a good phone case for your iPhone, Samsung, or Android handset.
Best carriers and plans to switch to
When switching carriers, you’ll need a new plan. Overall, our favorite phone plans are from Visible, Mint Mobile, and Verizon. We also like Twigby for a no-frills prepaid service. If you need an unlimited data plan, US Mobile is a compelling choice. For family plans, T-Mobile is a great option. And finally, if you’re on a tight budget, check out Tello.
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US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$10.00/mo
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Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$10.00/mo
$60 for 6 months of service
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Tello
Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data Plan
$25.00/mo
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Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
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Twigby Mobile
Unlimited Talk, Text and Data
$25.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $35.00/month
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RedPocket
Premium Monthly Plan (CDMA)
$30.00/mo
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Verizon
Simplicity Plan
$30.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Bring a Number discount
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T-Mobile
Essentials Saver 2.0
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
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FAQs
Who gives free phones when you switch carriers?
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Metro by T-Mobile regularly run free-phone-for-switching offers. T-Mobile, for instance, offers a free phone via 24 monthly bill credits when you activate a new line on an eligible plan.
Is it a hassle to switch phone carriers?
Switching carriers is usually free and easy, and most friction comes from prep work rather than the switch itself. Before you start, check for early termination fees, confirm your phone is unlocked, and pay off (or have your new carrier pay off) any device balance.
Which carrier pays you to switch?
All three major carriers do it: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer phone payoff programs that can wipe out or significantly reduce your existing phone installment balance when you switch.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
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