How Much iPhone 17 Trade-In Deals Really Save You (We Did the Math)

The iPhone 17 is finally here and the upgrade offers are rolling in hot. Some carriers shout “free iPhone” (with a little fine print), while others flip the script with cheaper monthly bills or even cash in your hand.

Let’s cut through the noise and compare the best deals out there—so you can see what actually makes sense for you.

The Big Carrier Route (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all running the same type of promo:

• Trade in your old phone
• Get up to $1,100 off your new iPhone 17 Pro
• Paid out as bill credits over 36 months

Example: Check AT&T’s deal or Verizon’s deal.

Why people love it:

• Your iPhone 17 can feel basically free.
  
  
• It’s the familiar “big carrier” way of upgrading.
  
  
• If you already planned to stay on their premium plan for 3 years, it can be a sweet deal.

The catch:

• The credits take 3 years to play out.
  
  
• If you leave early, you lose the rest.
  
  
• Big-carrier plans tend to cost more, so even with a “free” phone, your bill stays high.

This deal is perfect if you’re loyal to your carrier and want that classic “free phone” glow-up. It’s probably not for you if you want flexibility or smaller monthly bills.

MVNO Deals That Do Things Differently

MVNOs (smaller carriers that use the big guys’ networks) are taking a different approach: instead of slow phone credits, they help you save with cheaper plans or instant cash.

Visible: Half-Off Unlimited (When You Bring Any iPhone + Your Number)

Visible, which runs on Verizon’s network, focuses on slashing your monthly bill. Although this one isn’t a trade-in deal, we think it is worth mentioning. Bring your iPhone (yes, the iPhone 17 counts!) and your number, and you’ll get 50% off their premium unlimited plan for an entire year with code ILUVIPHONE.

Why people love it:

• Cuts your phone bill in half for a year.
  
  
• Runs on Verizon’s network, so coverage is solid.
  
  
• No 3-year lock-in—keep it or move on when the year’s up.

The catch:

• You’ll still buy your iPhone 17 at full price.
  
  
• After the first year, your plan goes back to its regular price.

This deal is best if you’d rather lower your bill than wait for phone credits, but skip it if you’re set on that “free iPhone” feeling.

US Mobile: Cash + $100 Credit

US Mobile takes another approach: they put money back in your pocket. Trade in your old phone and get cash instantly, then add your iPhone 17 to a plan and score a $100 service credit spread across your first year.

Why people love it:

• Real cash in hand, right away.
  
  
• Their plans are already cheaper than the big carriers, so your monthly bill stays low.
  
  
• No multi-year strings attached.

The catch:

• The cash depends on the phone you trade in (newer = more money).
  
  
• You’ll still need to buy your iPhone 17 upfront.

This deal is best if you want instant savings and flexibility, but probably not the move if you’re chasing ultra-low monthly bills without paying for the phone first.

How Much Could You Actually Save? 

So far, we’ve kept things pretty simple. But if you’re curious about the mathy side of these deals, let’s break it down. To keep things fair, we’ll look at the total cost over 3 years—and to make it concrete, we’re evaluating the numbers using the iPhone 17 Pro.

Big Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)

With the major carriers, the phone can feel “free” thanks to trade-in credits spread out over time. But here’s the catch: you’re locked into their service at around $75–$90/month. Over three years, that adds up to roughly $3,000 just for service. 

Visible (with promo code ILUVIPHONE)

With Visible, you’d buy the iPhone 17 Pro outright for about $1,099 upfront. Their Premium Unlimited plan is 50% off in year one, which means you’ll only spend about $225 for service. That makes your first year cost around $1,324 total. For years two and three, service runs just $450/year. In the end, your total over 3 years lands at about $2,200.

US Mobile (with trade-in)

Let’s say you’re trading in your iPhone 16 Pro for the new iPhone 17 Pro. You’d start with the sticker price of $1,099, but US Mobile gives you about $597 in cash for your old device. That brings your cost down to $502. Not rocking the iPhone 16 Pro? Check the value of your device here. Their Unlimited plan costs $299/year, but thanks to a $100 credit in year one, you’ll only pay $199 for service that first year. That makes your first year cost around $801 total. In years two and three, you’ll pay $299/year for service. Over three years, you’re looking at a total of about $1,400.

The Bottom Line in Numbers

• Big carrier: ~$3,000 over 3 years
  
  
• Visible: ~$2,200 over 3 years
  
  
• US Mobile: ~$1,400 over 3 years

Disclaimer: All prices and savings shown are estimates based on current promotions. Actual costs may vary depending on carrier, location, taxes, fees, and trade-in value. Be sure to check with each carrier for the latest offers.

Quick Comparison

• Big carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile): Great if you want your iPhone 17 to feel free, you like the big carriers, and don’t mind committing for 3 years.
  
  
• Visible: Great if you’d rather cut your bill in half for a year and pay for the phone upfront.
  
  
• US Mobile: Great if you like instant cash back, credits, and a lower plan price.

FAQs

Is the iPhone 17 really “free” with carrier trade-in deals?
Sort of. The phone payments are canceled out by bill credits over 36 months. If you leave early, the credits stop, and you’ll owe the balance.

Do I have to buy the iPhone 17 from Visible to get the 50% off deal?
Nope! The deal works if you bring any iPhone (including the iPhone 17) and your number. Just use code ILUVIPHONE to snag the discount.

Which is cheaper long-term: big carriers or MVNOs like Visible and US Mobile?
MVNOs usually win because their monthly service prices are way lower. Big carriers make the phone look free, but their higher plan costs stack up fast.

Can I buy my iPhone 17 anywhere and still use it with US Mobile?
Yes! Buy it unlocked from any retailer, activate it on a US Mobile plan, and you’ll still get the trade-in cash + $100 credit offer.

How do I know which carrier actually has the best coverage where I live?
Easy—check Goji’s coverage map. It’ll show you which carrier works best in your exact neighborhood.