Trade-In vs. Selling: Which Gets You More for Your Old Phone?

So you’re upgrading your phone (whether it’s the iPhone 16 or a sleek new Galaxy) and now you’re wondering what to do with your old one. Should you trade it in at checkout? Sell it directly for cash? List it online? Hand it to a cousin who still uses a BlackBerry?
Okay, maybe not that last one.
Let’s compare trade-ins vs. reselling your phone and walk through the pros, cons, and hidden truths behind each. Oh, and we’ll show you a smarter third option that might give you the best of both worlds.

Option 1: Trade It In (Store Credit)
Most major retailers and carriers offer trade-in programs. You hand over your phone when you buy a new one, and in return, you get store credit or a discount on your new device.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Simple and convenient | Usually lower payouts than selling |
No listing, haggling, or shipping | Paid in store credit, not actual cash |
Sometimes comes with a bonus trade-in promo | Device is gone immediately (no backup plan) |
Limited to that retailer’s ecosystem |
Typical Value
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: $360 – $420 trade-in value at Apple
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $300 – $400 at carrier trade-in
- Compare that to resale values of $500 – $700 in peer-to-peer markets.

Option 2: Sell It Yourself (Cash)
This includes Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Swappa, OfferUp, and even local repair shops that buy used phones.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highest possible payout | More effort: photos, descriptions, shipping, waiting |
Paid in cash (or digital wallet of your choice) | Buyer scams and shady meetups |
You can negotiate and compare offers | Takes time…sometimes days or weeks |
Value depends heavily on condition and demand |
Best For
- People with mint-condition phones
- Tech-savvy sellers who want top dollar and don’t mind some hassle

What About BuckUp?
Here’s where things get interesting: BuckUp gives you instant access to your phone’s value without having to give it up.
How it works:
- Use your phone’s value to get quick cash
- Keep and use your device for up to 30 days while you repay
- No credit check, no trade-in, no selling drama
Why it’s different:
- 90% of users repay within 30 days and keep their device
- You’re not selling or trading, you’re using your phone like collateral (but way simpler and safer than pawning)
- Great for bridging the gap between paychecks, emergencies, or even funding an upgrade before your old phone is gone

Which Option Gets You More?
Method | Max Payout | Speed | You Keep the Phone? | Risk/Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trade-In | ❌ Low-to-Medium | ✅ Fast | ❌ No | ✅ Low effort |
Sell It Yourself | ✅ High | ❌ Slower | ❌ No | ❌ High effort |
BuckUp | ✅ Competitive | ✅ Fast | ✅ Yes | ✅ Low effort |
Try BuckUp Today
We’re offering up to $500 instant cash for your devices.
Our Bottom Line
If you want absolute top dollar and have time to spare, direct sale is great.
If you want simple and instant (but less value), trade-ins are fine.
But if you want fast cash, low effort, and to keep using your phone?
BuckUp is the sweet spot.
It’s not resale. It’s not trade-in. It’s smart, safe, and on your terms.