Many people have a collection of old smartphones stashed away in drawers, which they no longer use. Cricket Wireless has introduced an enticing solution, offering users credit for trading in these devices. Their new Device Trade-In Program, which launched on April 4, distinguishes itself from similar initiatives by crediting amounts directly to users’ accounts rather than providing gift cards or discounts on new phones.
This program comes in response to similar offerings from other major carriers like Verizon and AT&T. However, many of those competing programs require you to buy a new phone or activate a new line. In contrast, Cricket’s initiative allows you to subtract some of the trade-in value from your monthly service bill, though it cannot be applied towards accessories or new devices, nor can it be transferred to another account.
The value of your trade-in is determined by multiple factors, including the age and model of the phone, its previous carrier, storage capacity, and whether the device powers on and stays functional without being plugged in. For instance, a working 64GB iPhone 11 from Verizon with a cracked screen is estimated to be worth around $38, while the value increases to approximately $68 if there’s no crack in the display.
If you’d like to gauge the potential value of your device without needing to visit a store, you can head over to Asurion’s Trade-In portal for an estimate. After obtaining your estimate, simply enter your mailing address and Cricket phone number, and you’re set. Be sure to reset your device before sending it in. If you lack suitable packaging, Asurion can provide that for you, including the necessary postage.
“We designed this program with our customers in mind. Rather than a gift card system, this initiative allows Cricket users to directly reduce their service fees effortlessly,” explains Shailendra Gujarati, Chief Marketing Officer. “Ultimately, everyone is looking to save money, and that’s exactly what we are facilitating for our customers.”