Some Verizon customers reported in 2025 that older or time-limited loyalty credits were ending, and some said they were considering switching. The available reports do not show that every customer lost a discount or how many actually left. Verizon’s 2026 opt-in rewards program is a different benefit—not a restoration of a recurring bill credit.
What happened to Verizon loyalty discounts?
In August 2025, Tom’s Guide reported on customer-posted notices stating that a discount would be removed “no sooner than September 1, 2025.” The report described some customers and plans as affected; it did not establish the total number of accounts or a definitive companywide policy. Read the report.
In Verizon Community discussions, customers described notices that discounts would end around September 1, 2025. A Verizon Support account responded that loyalty discounts were going away and offered to review customers’ plans. Those posts document individual experiences and a support response, not a complete notice policy. See the discussion.
Do not assume that every credit called a “loyalty discount” has the same terms. Verizon’s customer agreement separately says that some discounts tied to a profession or organization depend on eligibility and the applicable agreement, and may be adjusted or removed under those terms. That category should not automatically be treated as the same thing as a promotional or time-limited loyalty credit. Review Verizon’s customer agreement.
#1 Best Overall
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Verizon Prepaid and can only be used on the Verizon Prepaid network. A Verizon Prepaid plan is required for activation. Activation is simple and can be done online upon receipt of your device following 3 EASY steps.
- Immersive 6.7" Super AMOLED Display: Enjoy a vivid viewing experience on the large 6.7-inch FHD+ screen. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid gameplay, while Super AMOLED technology delivers deep blacks and brilliant colors even in bright sunlight.
- 50MP Triple Camera with OIS: Capture professional-grade photos with the 50MP main lens featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for blur-free shots. Expand your perspective with the 5MP Ultra Wide lens or get close with the 2MP Macro camera.
- Long-Lasting 5,000mAh Battery: Power through your day with a massive 5,000mAh battery that keeps up with your streaming, gaming, and social sharing. When it’s time to refuel, the 25W Super Fast Charging capability gets you back to 50% in roughly 30 minutes.
- Next-Gen 5G & AI Features: Experience ultra-fast 5G speeds for seamless downloads and high-quality video calls. This device comes integrated with Google Gemini AI and "Circle to Search," making it easier than ever to find information instantly.
Is Verizon’s new loyalty program a replacement for a monthly credit?
No. On June 16, 2026, Verizon announced a new opt-in loyalty program for postpaid customers. It includes waived activation and upgrade fees, monthly Verizon Dollars, and Verizon Shine rewards. Those benefits are not equivalent to a recurring credit that reduces the service charge on a monthly bill. See Verizon’s announcement.
What the announced benefits mean
- 3% back in Verizon Dollars each month: This is a rewards currency, not a stated reduction in the monthly service bill. Check the current Verizon Dollars terms for how rewards can be redeemed.
- Up to $40 in activation and upgrade fees per device: Verizon described this as the potential value of waived fees for eligible postpaid customers who opt in. It is a per-device fee benefit, not a recurring monthly discount.
- Verizon Shine rewards: The announcement includes these as part of the program; check the current program details for available rewards and eligibility.
The announcement describes a later program; it does not say that previously ending monthly credits were restored. Verizon’s program announcement and its Verizon Dollars FAQ provide the official details.
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- Carrier: This phone is locked to Verizon, which means this device can only be used on the Verizon wireless network. A Verizon plan is required to activate this device. Activating is easy, upon receipt go to the Verizon Website and select “Activate” and follow the prompts. **NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VERIZON POST PAID**
- POWER THROUGH YOUR WEEKEND – Free yourself from the outlet with a massive 5000mAh battery designed to last up to 3 days on a single charge. Stream, game, and chat for hours on end without worrying about your battery life.
- CAPTURE STUNNING PHOTOS – The advanced 50MP camera system with Quad Pixel technology lets you shoot incredibly sharp and vibrant photos, even in low light. Get creative with the Macro Vision lens for amazing close-up details and capture professional-looking portraits.
- SMOOTH & IMMERSIVE DISPLAY – Your favorite content looks brilliant on the expansive 6.6” HD+ display. Experience ultra-smooth scrolling and seamless gaming with a fast 90Hz refresh rate that makes every swipe and tap feel incredibly fluid.
- RELIABLE 5G PERFORMANCE – Experience the speed you need for buffer-free streaming and lag-free gaming on Verizon's award-winning 5G network. With an octa-core processor and 128GB of internal storage (expandable to 1TB), you have the performance and space for everything.
Are customers actually leaving Verizon?
Some customers posting about the notices said they were angry, facing higher bills, or considering another carrier. These comments show that some people were weighing a move; they are not a representative survey or proof of completed departures. The available reporting and posts do not provide a reliable count of customers who left because a loyalty credit ended, or establish that the change caused any particular customer to leave. The Tom’s Guide report and customer discussion should be read as reporting and individual accounts, not churn statistics.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before you switch or accept a replacement offer
Confirm what is changing on your account
- Read the notice and your latest bill. Identify the exact credit, its expiration date, and the amount by which your recurring total is expected to change.
- Ask Verizon to explain the credit’s eligibility and end date, whether a replacement offer applies to your account, and how long any replacement lasts. Request the terms in writing.
- Check whether the discount is a time-limited promotional credit or is tied to a profession, organization, or other eligibility agreement. The terms can differ.
Compare the full cost and service—not just the advertised price
- Compare the recurring total for the same number of lines and similar data needs, including taxes and fees.
- Check coverage at the places you use service, including home, work, and regular travel locations.
- Compare hotspot access and other plan features you rely on.
- Check whether an introductory price expires and what the recurring price becomes afterward.
- Review any device balance and the conditions attached to promotional device credits before transferring a number or changing service.
A lower advertised rate is not enough to establish that another plan will cost less overall or work as well where you need coverage. The available information does not support a definitive cheapest-carrier recommendation.
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- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
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- 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*****.
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Rank #3
- 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
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- 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.
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