There's a multitude of ways to make money online nowadays—even your old or used phone can be a lucrative way to earn yourself some dollars.
If you have a used phone you'd like to sell, many phone kiosks are ready to welcome your phone, letting you exchange it for cash—of course, the money you'll get from these phones won't be as much as when you purchase the phone.
Let's see the best places to sell your old smartphone for cash today.
Dedicated Phone Kiosks
When looking to sell your phone for cash, phone kiosks should typically be the first option you'll have in mind. That's true because they are designed for that.
1. ecoATM
ecoATM is one of the leading phone kiosks that lets you sell used phones for cash. Their kiosks are located nationwide and you'll typically find them at your local grocery stores, shopping malls, and a couple of other locations you frequently visit.
You can get immediate cash by placing your phone in the kiosk for evaluation. This option is fast and convenient, though it might offer less than selling online or through trade-in programs.
ecoATMs operates over 5,000 kiosks within the country—so finding a nearby kiosk should be a difficult task. Plus, they've made the process even easier through the kiosk locator available on their website.
To find an eco ATM kiosk near you:
- Visit the EcoATM Website.
- Click on the blue "Find A Kiosk" button.
- On the next page, you'll need to enter your zip code or city to perform a search. Alternatively, you can use the map to locate a nearby kiosk.
- Once you find a nearby kiosk, click on "Get Directions" and you'll be redirected to your Maps app.
- From your Maps app, you should be able to follow the route to reach the phone kiosk.
Online Marketplaces
Online Marketplaces are a go-to option for those looking to sell used electronics, including smartphones and mobile phones. Here are the best marketplaces to sell your used phone today.
2. eBay
If you're used to selling used items on the web, you should be very familiar with eBay. eBay is a prominent marketplace for selling gadgets. You can sell your used phone on eBay by setting your own pricing or allow buyers to bid on your phone. The auction-style approach frequently yields better prices, but it needs patience. Make sure you take clear, detailed images and give an honest assessment of your phone's condition.
3. Swappa
Swappa is a marketplace designed particularly for purchasing and selling phones and electronics. It provides a safe environment without any seller fees. To increase your chances of selling your phone on Swappa, you'll have to verify your phone to provide a high degree of confidence and quality among buyers.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Another popular name among marketplace enthusiasts is Facebook Marketplace. Designed by one of the leading social media platforms out there, Facebook Marketplace lets you list and sell any item you want to get some money from.
If you're selling your used phone, provide a proper description of the phone's actual condition and make sure you have all the phone's papers to increase your chances of getting buyers contacting you. When a buyer contacts you, you'll have to chat with them and convince them to buy your phone—which is the hardest part.
Back in 2018, I sold my used Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini at $45. That's not bad for quite a used and old phone.
Trade-In Programs
5. Apple's Trade In Program
The Apple Trade In Program is a program that lets you lower the cost of a new iPhone when you trade in an eligible smartphone at apple.com.
If you own an iPhone, consider using Apple's trade-in program other than any other phone kiosk since this program is dedicated to your phone model and is even faster. You can get credit for a new device or an Apple Store gift card. It is convenient and hassle-free, but you may not receive as much money as if you sold straight to a customer.
To sell your Apple device through Apple's Trade In program:
- Go to the Apple Trade In website and answer a few questions about your device's make, model, and condition to get an estimated trade-in value.
- Before sending in your device, you'll need to:
- Back up your data and erase your device to factory settings.
- Turn off Find My on your device.
- Remove any SIM card or cellular plan if you have a cellular device.
- You can trade in your device online or at an Apple Store. If trading online, Apple will send you a prepaid trade-in kit to ship your device.
- If trading online, pack your device in the provided trade-in kit and ship it to Apple within 14 days of receiving your new device. If trading in-store, bring your device to an Apple Store.
- Once Apple receives and verifies the condition of your device, they will provide the estimated trade-in value. This credit can be applied towards a new purchase or sent as an Apple Gift Card.
The amount you'll get off the trade typically depends on the device, model, manufacturer, and condition. But the credit you receive is comparable to what other resellers provide.
6. Best Buy
Best Buy is a leading retailer that is typically known for selling anything from electronics to tech accessories.
We aren't interested in the Best Buy principal storefront, but in its trade-in program that lets you trade your used phone for money. As the name stipulates, the Best Buy Trade-In Program allows you to easily trade-in or exchange your used or unwanted gadgets for Best Buy Gift Cards, credit back on a purchase, or credit back on installment billing.
There's an age requirement to participate in this program though. You must be at least 18 years old (except in Alabama and Nebraska, where you must be at least 19).
7. Carrier Trade-In Programs
Most major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer trade-in programs. They offer credit for a new phone or your bill, making it a convenient alternative if you're already intending to upgrade to the same carrier.
Who Pays Top Dollar for Used Phones?
There are several companies and services that pay top dollar for used phones, with average prices varying depending on the phone model and condition:
1. SellCell.com
SellCell is a pricing comparison website that can help you get the greatest price for selling your used phone. They compare prices from more than 40 buyback firms to ensure you get the maximum money for your equipment. According to my research, SellCell clients generally receive 20-40% more for their phones than carriers' trade-in offers.
2. Gazelle
Gazelle is a top buyback firm that specializes in buying used phones and devices. As an example, they offered $216 for an iPhone X (64GB), compared to AT&T's $205 and Target's $196. Gazelle offered $141-$152 for a two-year-old Samsung Galaxy Note 8, depending on its condition and carrier.
3. Other buyback sites
In addition to Gazelle, many more buyback companies, like uSell, Decluttr, and Itsworthmore.com, provide reasonable offers for used phones. These price-focused companies charge greater prices than brand-focused companies.
4. Peer-to-peer marketplaces
If you don't mind putting in a little more effort, you may make even more money for your old phone by selling it directly to another user on sites like eBay, Swappa, or Mercari. However, this requires additional effort in terms of posting listings, contacting buyers, and sending the gadget.
The key takeaway is that you should shop around and analyze offers from several buyers to guarantee you get the best price for your used phone. When compared to your carrier's trade-in offers, selling through a buyback service like SellCell can get you 20-40% more on average.
Does Walmart Give You Money for Old Phones?
Yes, Walmart does give you money for old phones.
They have two main programs for this:
- EcoATM: Walmart stores often have EcoATM kiosks where you can trade in your used phone for cash on the spot. The amount you receive depends on the phone's condition and model.
- CExchange Program: For larger or more valuable devices, you can use Walmart's CExchange program. You'll need to fill out an online appraisal form and then ship your device to Walmart. You'll receive a payment in the form of a Walmart gift card.
Conclusion
With so many choices accessible now, selling your phone for cash has never been easier. Whether you like the ease of online marketplaces or the speed of in-person transactions, there's a solution for you. Consider the trade-offs between convenience, quickness, and the amount of money you can get. By selecting the right platform, you can increase your earnings while easily selling your old smartphone.