Switch Plans and Get Perks: Cell Service Providers Are Giving Away the New iPhone and More
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Switching phone carriers can come with serious rewards—especially right now. Look into deals offering free iPhones, gift cards, and other perks just for becoming a new customer.
Why Providers Offer Big Switcher Bonuses
The cell phone market is competitive, and major providers are always fighting for your business. To get you to switch, they offer big-time promotions—often including free smartphones, prepaid debit cards, or months of free service.
These deals are typically reserved for new customers and may require a trade-in, porting your phone number, or signing up for a certain plan. The offers change often, but the savings can be hundreds of dollars if you know where to look and how to qualify.
Current iPhone and Smartphone Promotions
Many carriers are offering free or heavily discounted iPhones to new users. These are real offers, but they come with terms, so it’s important to read the fine print.
T-Mobile is giving away the latest iPhone when you switch, trade in an old phone, and sign up for a qualifying plan. They also offer family plan discounts and will often pay off part of your old phone balance.
AT&T has been offering free iPhone models for new customers who trade in an eligible phone and agree to a 36-month installment plan. You don’t pay upfront, and your bill gets monthly credits until the phone is paid off.
Verizon regularly has switcher bonuses including a free iPhone, prepaid Mastercard, or free Disney+ and Apple Music bundles. You usually need to port your number and commit to an unlimited plan.
Visible (owned by Verizon) offers up to $200 gift cards when you bring your own phone and number. Plans start at just $25 with unlimited data.
Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile offer free Android phones or steep iPhone discounts for new users switching from another carrier—often with no contract required.
These deals usually require an eligible trade-in, autopay enrollment, and sometimes a specific credit rating or phone plan. Always check the details at the provider’s website before signing up.
How to Switch and Qualify for Perks
To get these offers, you typically need to:
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Port your existing number to the new carrier
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Sign up for a qualifying unlimited or postpaid plan
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Trade in an eligible device (even if it’s old or broken)
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Enroll in autopay or a monthly installment plan
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Stay with the carrier for a certain period
If your current phone is locked, you may need to pay it off or request an unlock code from your provider before switching. Once that’s settled, switching usually takes less than an hour at a store or online.
When you switch online, you can often still claim your perks, but make sure to follow instructions for activating your SIM card, submitting any rebate claims, and registering your trade-in.
Extra Perks Beyond Phones
The free phone offers get the most attention, but many carriers throw in additional rewards. These include:
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Streaming service bundles (like Netflix, Max, or Hulu)
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Free Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Premium
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Cloud storage and security tools
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Free hotspot data or international calling
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Prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift cards (worth $100–$500)
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Referral bonuses for bringing friends
These perks can save you $10–$40 a month or more, especially if you’re already paying for these services separately. If you’ve got a family plan, the savings can multiply.
What to Watch Out For
Some deals come with strings attached. Always check for:
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Monthly installment plans that last 24–36 months
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Required trade-ins (the value of your current phone matters)
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Early termination fees if you leave early
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Restocking fees if you return the phone
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Higher plan pricing than you currently pay
Also, some “free” phone deals really mean you pay full price but get monthly bill credits that cancel it out. If you cancel your plan early, you may owe the balance.
That said, if you plan to stick with your new provider and follow the terms, the value can still be worth it.
Tips to Maximize Your Rewards
Timing matters. Carriers often launch new promotions during back-to-school season, holidays, or new iPhone releases. If you can wait, you might catch a better deal.
Make sure your current phone is backed up before switching in case you trade it in or change devices. Ask the new provider to help transfer your contacts, messages, and apps so you don’t lose anything.
Check your credit score. Some providers run soft or hard credit checks for installment plans. If your score is low, prepaid options or carriers like Visible and Mint Mobile may be better choices.
Don’t forget taxes. Even with a free phone, you might still owe sales tax on the retail value when you check out—usually $30–$100 depending on the phone and state.
Finally, keep your old carrier account active until the porting process is complete. If you cancel too soon, you could lose your number or forfeit the deal.
Where to Find the Latest Offers
Start by visiting the official websites of major carriers like:
You can also check sites like WhistleOut or The Mobile Report for updates on the best current offers. These sites compare deals and make it easier to find the right plan for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Switching cell phone providers can be one of the easiest ways to score a free iPhone, reduce your monthly bill, or earn valuable perks like streaming services and gift cards. Just be sure to understand the terms and keep your account in good standing to enjoy all the benefits. With the right timing and a little research, upgrading your phone and saving money can go hand in hand.