: If you leave the carrier before the 24–36 month period ends, the remaining balance of the phone becomes due immediately. Alternative "Free" Methods
: You are usually billed for the phone monthly, but the carrier provides an equal credit to offset it over 24 to 36 months.
It is important to understand the "catch" behind free phone offers:
Best Buy offers "free" phones primarily through carrier-backed promotions that require a qualifying trade-in, a new line of service, or a specific unlimited data plan. While the hardware cost may be covered by bill credits, these deals typically involve long-term service commitments. Current "Free" Phone Promotions (April 2026)
: Available for "free" with the addition of a new line on a qualifying Verizon unlimited plan.
are frequently offered for $0 down when switching to carriers like Metro by T-Mobile and activating on specific plans. How These Deals Work
: Most deals require you to subscribe to the carrier's most expensive "premium" or "unlimited" plans.
: Customers can save up to $1,300 on the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. via trade-in and activation on AT&T