Several U.S. carriers advertise phones “on us” for new customers, but “free” usually means monthly bill credits—not an unlocked phone handed over with no strings attached. The strongest offers depend on the plan you choose, whether you port your number, and how long you keep the line. The details below reflect offers and terms available around August 16–18, 2026; check the linked carrier terms before ordering because promotions and device availability can change.
Current switcher phone offers at a glance
| Carrier | Example offer listed around August 16–18, 2026 | Port-in and line requirements | Plan and credit details | Important costs or restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Select smartphones advertised at $0; iPhone 17 advertised “on us” | Select-phone offer requires a new line; the cited iPhone 17 offer requires a port-in and new voice line | Select phones: 24 monthly credits, with one version requiring a $60-or-more monthly plan with AutoPay. iPhone 17: up to $830 in credits over 24 months; cited premium-plan threshold is $85 or more monthly with AutoPay, or an eligible three-line plan. | Qualifying credit; tax on pre-credit price and a $35 device connection charge may apply. Leaving or paying off early can stop credits. T-Mobile offers; iPhone 17 offer |
| Metro by T-Mobile | iPhone 17e advertised “on us” for qualifying switchers | Port-in from AT&T, Verizon, or another eligible carrier | Up to $630 in bill credits; qualifying credit and a $45-or-more monthly plan with AutoPay | Taxes and fees plus a $35 device connection charge; keep the line active and in good standing. Credits may take two billing cycles. Metro offer terms |
| Cricket Wireless | Listed free Android models include Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, moto g power 5G, and moto g stylus 5G | Port-in and a new line for the cited offer | $60-per-month voice-and-data plan for the cited models; check the current model-specific terms | Some devices may remain restricted to Cricket for six months after activation. Cricket device payment options |
| Verizon | Device promotions may reduce eligible phones through monthly bill credits; a universal switcher phone offer is not established by the cited support terms | Varies by device promotion, trade-in, plan, and account | Credit term and amount depend on the specific offer | Some existing-customer trade-ins require 60 consecutive days of account activity; switcher discounts are separate unless terms allow stacking. Verizon device-deal FAQs |
| AT&T | Verified switch offer is BYOD—not a confirmed universal free handset | Transfer an eligible number and bring an unlocked, compatible phone | Up to $360 in bill credits on the cited BYOD offer | Check current BYOD terms and device promotions separately. AT&T BYOD |
“Not established” does not mean a carrier never runs a qualifying deal; it means the cited official terms do not support promising that offer to every switcher.
Which carrier is the best fit?
T-Mobile: strongest verified premium-phone and switcher choices
T-Mobile lists select smartphones at $0 through 24 monthly bill credits, with no trade-in required for the cited select-phone offer. One version requires qualifying credit and service of $60 or more per month with AutoPay. For the iPhone 17 promotion, the cited terms require a qualifying plan, port-in, new voice line, and qualifying credit; the offer can provide up to $830 in credits over 24 months. A $35 device connection charge and tax on the phone’s pre-credit price may apply. See the select-phone offer and current promotions for the exact model and terms.
T-Mobile also has two different ways to switch without taking a new phone:
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- BYOD rebate: Up to $400 through a virtual prepaid Mastercard when you bring a compatible phone, keep your number, and activate an eligible plan. Register within 30 days of activation using the applicable promotion code; after verification, the card typically takes 6–8 weeks. This is a rebate, not an upfront phone discount. See promotion details.
- Keep and Switch: Reimbursement of up to $800 per line, for at most four lines per account, toward an eligible remaining phone balance. It requires a new voice line, port-in, eligible financed phone, proof of financing, and other conditions; reimbursement is generally a virtual prepaid Mastercard, not a direct payment to your old carrier. Since July 9, 2026, the offer is limited to brand-new T-Mobile customer accounts. See Keep and Switch terms.
For any port-in, confirm your number and source carrier qualify using T-Mobile’s eligible carrier and porting information. Do not assume every prepaid brand, reseller, or recently cancelled line is eligible.
Metro and Cricket: prepaid offers with plan and device restrictions
Metro’s iPhone 17e offer is an example of a prepaid-style switch deal with significant conditions: qualifying credit, a $45-or-more monthly plan with AutoPay, port-in from an eligible carrier, taxes and fees, and a $35 device connection charge. The advertised value can reach $630 through bill credits. The line must remain active and in good standing, and Metro says to allow two billing cycles for credits. Review Metro’s offer terms before treating the device as free.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Cricket lists free Android models on a cited offer requiring port-in, a new line, and a $60-per-month voice-and-data plan. Its general smartphone listings may show devices starting at $0, but model, plan, and eligibility can differ at checkout. Some promotional devices may remain restricted to Cricket until six months of service have been completed; check device payment and unlock terms.
Verizon and AT&T: verify the exact promotion, not just the switcher headline
Verizon says many device promotions are paid as monthly bill credits, whether the phone is bought on a device-payment agreement or at full retail price. Trade-in eligibility and account rules vary: new customers generally do not need to have used the trade-in phone on the Verizon account, while some existing-customer deals require 60 consecutive days of prior activity. Verizon’s device-deal FAQs explain the mechanics, but they do not establish one universal free-phone offer for all switchers. A switcher bill discount is separate from a phone promotion unless the specific terms explicitly permit combining them; see Verizon’s switcher discount FAQs.
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Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
AT&T’s verified BYOD offer lets eligible customers transfer a number, bring an unlocked compatible phone, and receive up to $360 in bill credits. That is not the same as a free new handset. Check AT&T’s live device promotion terms model by model before relying on a phone discount.
What “free phone” means in practice
Carriers use several different kinds of incentives, and they are not interchangeable:
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
- Monthly bill credits: Credits offset device installments over a set term, often 24 months. Leaving early may end future credits and leave a device balance to pay.
- Trade-in promotion: You surrender an eligible old phone for credit toward a new one. Model, condition, and activation-lock requirements matter.
- Port-in rebate: A gift card or virtual prepaid Mastercard arrives after you switch and submit required information. It is not necessarily immediate or equivalent to cash.
- BYOD incentive: A rebate or service credit for bringing your own compatible phone. It does not provide a new phone.
- Device payoff offer: The new carrier reimburses some of your old phone balance after you meet financing, port-in, proof, and deadline requirements. It does not necessarily pay your old carrier directly.
A phone can therefore have a $0 net device price after all promised credits while still requiring upfront tax, service payments, and time on the carrier’s network. T-Mobile says tax is based on the pre-credit device price and that a $35 connection charge may apply; its credits can stop if you cancel service or pay off the phone early. Metro likewise ties credits to an active, good-standing line. Read the offer’s device deal terms rather than relying on the headline.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Calculate the actual two-year cost
Compare the offer with a BYOD or unlocked-phone alternative using the same time period and number of lines. A practical estimate is:
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Total cost = (required monthly service × required months) + taxes and fees + activation/device charges + upfront phone tax + trade-in value surrendered − confirmed device credits − confirmed rebates.
For example, a $900 phone spread over 24 months represents $37.50 per month in device value. If the required plan costs $30 more each month than an appropriate BYOD plan, that is $720 in additional service over 24 months before taxes and fees. The “free” phone may still be worthwhile, but the phone’s advertised value alone does not answer that question.
Quick Recap
Include the following in your comparison:
- Monthly service price, AutoPay condition, line count, and whether that price is recurring.
- Upfront tax on the pre-credit phone price, connection or activation charge, shipping, and first month’s service.
- Any trade-in phone you give up and whether its condition meets the offer rules.
- Credit amount, length, start date, and what happens if you cancel a line or pay the device off early.
- Any rebate submission deadline and the delay before a virtual prepaid Mastercard or other credit arrives.
When a free-phone deal is a bad deal
- The required plan costs much more than BYOD service: Extra monthly service expense can exceed the phone discount.
- You may leave before credits finish: Cancellation typically ends future bill credits, while the remaining device balance may still be due.
- You need an unlocked phone now: A carrier-subsidized device may stay restricted to that network for a period. Cricket, for example, says some promotional phones may be restricted for six months.
- Your trade-in is uncertain: A wrong model, damage, activation lock, or missed shipping deadline can jeopardize the credit. Photograph the device, back it up, erase it, remove account locks, and keep the shipping receipt.
- You still owe your old carrier: The old balance may become due when you leave, while a new carrier’s reimbursement can arrive weeks later and may be a virtual prepaid Mastercard.
- You are counting on stacking: Loyalty, military, first-responder, 55+, trade-in, BYOD, free-line, and payoff offers may not combine. Assume they do not stack unless the exact promotion terms say they do.
Before you switch: a practical checklist
- Get the old phone payoff amount. Confirm the exact balance and ask whether cancelling service affects its due date.
- Check the phone’s lock status and compatibility. Find out whether it can be unlocked, then use the new carrier’s IMEI checker if you plan to bring it.
- Keep the old line active until the number ports. Cancelling first can make the number unavailable to transfer and may invalidate the offer.
- Gather porting details. You may need the old account number, transfer or port-out PIN, billing ZIP code, and account-holder information.
- Confirm every promotion condition before ordering. Verify source-carrier eligibility, plan, new-line or new-account requirement, trade-in model and condition, credit term, redemption deadline, device limit, and stacking rules.
- Budget for upfront charges. Include tax on the full phone price, connection or activation charges, shipping, and initial service.
- Save proof. Keep the offer terms, order confirmation, promotion code, trade-in photos and receipt, and porting confirmation.
- Review the first two or three bills. Credits may take two billing cycles to appear; contact the carrier promptly if the bill does not match the offer.
- Do not pay off the new phone early without checking the terms. Early payoff can end remaining promotional credits.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
