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

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.

bright lights inside the apple building lobby

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.

ProsCons
Simple and convenientUsually lower payouts than selling
No listing, haggling, or shippingPaid in store credit, not actual cash
Sometimes comes with a bonus trade-in promoDevice 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.
stylish man exploring vibrant outdoor market

Option 2: Sell It Yourself (Cash)

This includes Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Swappa, OfferUp, and even local repair shops that buy used phones.

ProsCons
Highest possible payoutMore effort: photos, descriptions, shipping, waiting
Paid in cash (or digital wallet of your choice)Buyer scams and shady meetups
You can negotiate and compare offersTakes 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
smartphone on blue denim jeans

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
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Which Option Gets You More?

MethodMax PayoutSpeedYou 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

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.

Check your phone’s value now at GoBuckUp.com