We Ranked the Top Phone Trade-In Kiosks—Here’s Who Pays Best

Trading in your phone used to mean shipping it off and waiting weeks for payment. Now, you can walk into a grocery store, mall, or electronics retailer, drop your phone into a kiosk, and walk out with cash—or at least a store credit. Phone trade-in kiosks have become a fast, convenient way to get rid of an old device without dealing with buyers, listings, or shipping delays.

But convenience often comes at a cost. Not all trade-in kiosks offer the same prices, speed, or payout flexibility. Some give you cold hard cash on the spot. Others only offer gift cards. And some might give you a lower quote than your phone is worth. So how do the top players stack up?

We looked at payout speed, ease of use, value offered, and customer experience to rank the top phone trade-in kiosk companies operating today.

1. ecoATM – Fastest Cash Option, But Low Payouts

ecoATM is probably the most well-known trade-in kiosk service. With thousands of machines across the country (often located in grocery stores and malls), it’s incredibly easy to find one. You place your phone in the machine, it scans your device, and—if you accept the offer—you get cash right there.

The process is fast and intuitive, but here’s the tradeoff: payouts are generally on the lower end. ecoATM offers quick cash, not the best deal. It’s a solid option if your phone is older, damaged, or you’re in a hurry and value speed over maximum value.

2. Best Buy Trade-In Kiosks – Great for Store Credit

If you’re planning to upgrade or shop at Best Buy anyway, their trade-in program can offer decent value in the form of store credit. Some locations still use in-store kiosks, while others require staff-assisted trade-ins at the customer service counter. Either way, you can check your phone’s estimated value online before heading in.

The catch? No cash. You’ll receive a gift card for your trade-in, which is great if you’re buying new tech but less helpful if you just need money in your bank account. Best Buy tends to value newer models fairly well, but anything outdated or damaged gets minimal credit.

3. Walmart’s Phone Kiosks (via ecoATM Partnership)

Many Walmart locations feature ecoATM kiosks, so this one is a bit of a repeat. You’ll get the same experience and pricing as other ecoATM locations—fast cash, low offers, and wide availability. Walmart doesn’t run a separate trade-in kiosk system, but if you’re already shopping there, it can be a convenient drop-off spot.

Keep in mind that Walmart also offers online trade-in programs through third-party providers, which can offer higher payouts than the in-store machines. So always compare both options before accepting an in-person quote.

4. Amazon Trade-In (Mail-In, Not a Kiosk—But Worth Mentioning)

While not a kiosk, Amazon’s trade-in program is popular enough that it’s worth comparing. You send your phone in via mail and receive Amazon credit in return. If your device is in good condition, Amazon often offers higher trade-in values than physical kiosks. And because most people already shop there, the credit is nearly as good as cash.

The downside is the wait. Between shipping, evaluation, and processing, it can take up to two weeks to receive your payout. But if time isn’t critical, it’s a great value option.

5. GameStop Trade-Ins – Limited, But Cash-Friendly

GameStop isn’t a kiosk per se, but they do accept phones for trade-in at retail locations. You can choose between cash or store credit, with store credit usually getting you a slightly better value. They tend to focus on popular, recent-model phones and may reject older or damaged devices outright.

GameStop trade-ins are most useful if you’re already planning to shop there or if you want quick, in-person cash but can’t find an ecoATM nearby.

Kiosks Offer Speed, But Not Always Value

Trade-in kiosks are great when you need fast cash or want to offload your old phone without much effort. But if your goal is to get the maximum value for your device—especially if it’s in great condition—you’ll often do better with mail-in platforms or direct-sale services.

Before you visit a kiosk, it’s smart to compare your quote with other options, like BuckUp or manufacturer trade-in programs. A few extra minutes of research can easily mean an extra $50–100 in your pocket.