Top Verizon Black Friday Upgrade Deals 2023
You’ve seen the ads for Verizon’s Black Friday deals: a ‘free’ iPhone 15 or the new Samsung Galaxy ‘on us.’ But as an existing customer, what does ‘free’ actually mean? It’s the most common question people have.
In practice, these upgrade deals are long-term discounts tied to specific plans, not upfront gifts. We’ll break down how monthly credits work and what you really pay, so you can decide if a deal is right for you.
How “Free” Phones Really Work: The Trade-In & Bill Credit Combo
So, how can Verizon just give away a $1,000 phone? The magic isn’t really magic—it’s a combination of your old phone’s value and a long-term commitment. It all starts when you trade-in your current device. Verizon assesses its value, but you don’t get that money as a lump sum of cash.
Instead, that value is paid back to you in small chunks called bill credits. Think of it as a monthly discount that Verizon applies to your bill. For example, an $800 trade-in value on a 36-month plan becomes a $22.22 discount each month, making your new phone feel free.
Here’s the catch, and it’s a big one: you only get those credits as long as you stay with Verizon. If you leave before the 36 months are up, the credits stop, and you’re required to pay the remaining balance on the phone. This is the trade-off for getting that shiny new device for “free.”
The Hidden Requirement: Are You on the Right “Unlimited” Plan?
Getting that maximum trade-in credit isn’t the only hurdle. Verizon reserves its biggest Black Friday deals—like getting the newest iPhone or Galaxy “on us”—for customers on its premium service plans. This is a crucial part of qualifying for a Verizon phone upgrade, as not all “Unlimited” plans are treated equally during major promotions.
Think of it like a warehouse club membership: the best discounts go to the premium members. To get the top-tier offers, you’ll likely need to be on Verizon’s ‘Unlimited Plus’ or ‘Unlimited Ultimate’ plan. This is a key catch, as it could mean your monthly service bill will increase, even if the phone itself is “free.”
Before you get excited about a specific deal, it’s essential to check what plan you’re currently on. You can easily find this information by logging into the My Verizon app or your account on their website. This simple step will tell you if you’re eligible for the best offers right away.
Your 3-Step Checklist Before You Upgrade
Now that you understand the details behind the deals, use this simple pre-upgrade checklist to make sure you’re prepared:
- Check Your Value: Confirm your upgrade eligibility and trade-in value on Verizon’s site.
- Confirm Your Plan: Ensure you’re on a qualifying “Unlimited” plan for the best deals.
- Back Up Your Data: Use iCloud or Google to save your contacts, photos, and apps.
And don’t stress about whether it is better to upgrade on Black Friday or Cyber Monday—the deals are often nearly identical. You’re now ready to make a smart, pressure-free decision that’s right for you.
