Verizon’s “Free Phone with New Line” Deals in 2025 📱
Adding a line on Verizon Wireless to get a free phone sounds like a no-brainer — but is it truly free? What are the fine-print catches? And how do these offers compare to deals from AT&T or T-Mobile?
📝 Key Takeaways
| ❓ Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the phone truly free? | Yes, if you stay for 36 months on an eligible plan. |
| Do I need a trade-in? | No, not for the deals listed here. |
| What plan do I need? | An eligible postpaid unlimited plan — like Unlimited Plus or Ultimate. |
| What if I cancel early? | You’ll owe the remaining phone balance. |
| Are taxes/fees included? | No — you may pay taxes + $35 activation per line upfront. |
How Does Verizon’s “Free Phone” Promotion Actually Work?
Verizon spreads the phone’s cost across 36 monthly credits. Instead of paying for the device, you receive a monthly discount that cancels out the cost — but only as long as you keep that line active and eligible.
| 💡 Breakdown | 📋 Example (iPhone 16, $829.99 MSRP) | 🧾 What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| New Line Added | On Unlimited Plus | Qualifies for deal |
| 36-Month Credit | $23.05/month in credits | Phone bill shows 2 charges — one for the phone, one credit |
| Cancel After 12 Months | Only $276.60 in credits earned | You owe $553.39 immediately |
| Downgrade to Prepaid Plan | Not eligible for credits | You’ll lose all remaining credits |
You’re not paying upfront for the phone, but you’re committing to Verizon for three years to receive its full value.
Which Phones Are Free with a New Line in 2025?
Verizon’s current line-up includes both flagship and entry-level devices. No trade-in is needed for the offers below — making them more accessible than other promos.
| 📱 Model | 💵 Retail Price | 🆓 Promo Value (Credits) | 🧠 Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 (128GB) | $829.99 | Up to $829.99 | A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, no trade-in |
| iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $999.99 | Up to $999.99 | ProMotion display, A18 Pro chip, triple camera |
| Galaxy S25 (128GB) | $799.99 | Up to $799.99 | Snapdragon 8 Elite, 120Hz AMOLED, 50MP cam |
| Pixel 9 (128GB) | $799.99 | Up to $799.99 | Tensor G4, OLED display, Gemini AI integration |
| iPhone 15 (128GB) | $829.99 | Up to $829.99 | A16 chip, USB-C, reliable alternative to 16 |
Most of these are online-only offers, so don’t expect to grab them in-store.
What Plans Qualify — and What Do They Cost?
Verizon’s free phone offers are tied to postpaid unlimited plans, not prepaid options. You can choose between Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate — each with varying features and pricing.
| 📶 Plan | 💰 Monthly (1 Line) | 🧩 Key Features | 🟢 Eligible for All Deals? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Welcome | $65 | Basic 5G, no hotspot | Only select phones (not Pro models) |
| Unlimited Plus | $80 | 5G Ultra Wideband, 30GB hotspot | ✅ Yes |
| Unlimited Ultimate | $90 | 60GB hotspot, international perks | ✅ Yes |
| 👨👩👧👦 4 Lines | Total Monthly | Per Line (w/Auto Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome | $120 | $30 |
| Plus | $180 | $45 |
| Ultimate | $220 | $55 |
More lines = lower cost per person, making this ideal for families or group plans.
What Are the Hidden Costs or Conditions?
While the phone itself is covered by credits, there are a few upfront or recurring costs users should be aware of.
| 🚨 Factor | 📌 What You’ll Pay | 💬 Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Fee | $35 per line | Charged on your first bill |
| Taxes on Phone MSRP | Varies by state | Some states tax the full price, not $0 |
| Early Cancellation | Full phone price minus credits | Avoid if unsure about 3-year commitment |
| Plan Downgrade | Disqualifies deal | You’ll lose remaining monthly credits |
The phone is free — but only if you follow the rules for three straight years.
How Does Verizon Compare to T-Mobile and AT&T?
All three carriers offer free phones with new lines, but Verizon’s strengths lie in its network reliability and bundled savings — especially for multi-line accounts.
| 🏆 Carrier | 📱 Deal Example | 💡 Strength | ⚠️ Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25 free w/ new line | Best rural coverage, strong device variety | Higher plan pricing than prepaid options |
| T-Mobile | iPhone 16 free on Go5G Next | Affordable single-line pricing | Weaker rural 5G access |
| AT&T | iPhone 16 free w/ Unlimited Starter | Smooth trade-in program | Limited plan flexibility, higher base rates |
If you prioritize coverage and are adding multiple lines, Verizon usually comes out ahead.
Are There Other Perks Besides the Free Phone?
Yes — Verizon bundles additional offers into many deals, especially with Samsung phones or high-tier plans.
| 🎁 Extra Perk | 🔓 Eligibility | 🛍️ What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Free Galaxy Watch 7 or Tab S9 FE | With Galaxy S25 + new accessory line | Add a smartwatch or tablet line for no device cost |
| Streaming Perks | With myPlan add-ons | $10/month each for Disney+, Netflix, Apple Music |
| Switching Credit | If you BYOD + port number | Up to $540 (not stackable with phone deal) |
Bundling services can stretch the value of your monthly cost, especially for families already using those platforms.
Best Tips Before You Jump In 🧠
| ✅ Action Step | 🔍 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use Auto Pay with bank/debit | Saves $10/month per line — credit cards don’t count |
| Review your upgrade cycle | If you’re planning to switch again soon, skip this offer |
| Check stock frequently | High-demand models (like iPhone 16 Pro) go out of stock often |
| Don’t mix ineligible plans | One line on the wrong plan can ruin promo eligibility |
Know what you’re signing up for — and stay organized — to get the full benefit.
FAQs
Comment: “What happens if I switch carriers before the 36 months are up?”
If you cancel your line before all 36 monthly credits are applied, you’re responsible for the remaining balance of the phone. This is because the device is not truly “free” — it’s paid off gradually through credits applied only while the line remains active and eligible.
| 🔓 Action Taken | 💰 Financial Consequence | 🧠 Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel at Month 12 | You keep $276.60 in credits but owe the remaining $553.39 | Verizon stops all future bill credits immediately |
| Port your number out | Same as cancellation | Credits are tied to that specific line, not the account |
| Switch to prepaid | Credits end | Postpaid plans only are eligible |
| Suspend line (voluntary) | Credits may pause | Long suspensions may disqualify the promo |
Think of it like a 36-month lease with ownership at the end — break the lease early, and the balance becomes your responsibility.
Comment: “Can I upgrade the phone before the 36-month term is over?”
Yes, but only under certain conditions — and it comes with trade-offs. Verizon typically allows upgrades after 50% of the device is paid off, but that still requires giving up the rest of your monthly credits or trading in your phone under a new promo.
| 🔁 Upgrade Option | 📅 When It’s Allowed | ⚠️ What You Lose |
|---|---|---|
| Early Upgrade (via promo) | After ~18 months | Remaining credits are forfeited unless you qualify for a new deal |
| Buy Out Device | Anytime | You’ll owe the full remaining price minus credits received |
| Trade-In for New Promo | Select events only | You may still need to add another line or switch plans |
You’re not locked into the same device — but to keep your “free” status, you must finish the full 36-month term or wait for Verizon’s early upgrade program to kick in.
Comment: “Can I change my unlimited plan later and still keep the phone credit?”
Only if you stay on a qualifying unlimited plan. Downgrading to a non-eligible plan (like a lower-tier or prepaid option) will void the promotion, and you’ll lose all future credits.
| 📦 Plan Change | ✔️ Safe or ❌ Risky | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome ➝ Plus | ✔️ Safe | Both are eligible unlimited plans |
| Ultimate ➝ Plus | ✔️ Safe | Credits continue uninterrupted |
| Unlimited ➝ Prepaid | ❌ Risky | Ends bill credits permanently |
| Unlimited ➝ Tiered Data Plan | ❌ Risky | Non-unlimited plans are ineligible |
Stick with Verizon’s eligible unlimited options if you want the full value of your free phone — even if you decide to downgrade to a slightly cheaper unlimited plan.
Comment: “Is this deal really better than trading in my old phone?”
It depends on the value of your trade-in and which device you want. Verizon’s trade-in promotions often provide larger credits toward premium models (like iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra), but they also require sending in a qualifying device.
| 🆓 Add-a-Line Offer | 🔁 Trade-In Offer | ⚖️ Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| No trade-in required | Up to $1,000 with trade | Users with no old phone or planning to keep their current one |
| Mid-tier phones covered | Premium phones only | Families adding new lines |
| Limited to eligible lines | Trade-in must be in good working condition | Those wanting top-tier flagship devices |
If you’re not ready to give up your current phone — or don’t have a qualifying trade-in — the free phone with new line deal gives excellent value without extra effort.
Comment: “Will I own the phone outright after 36 months?”
Yes, once all promotional credits have been applied, the phone is yours with no final payment required. You are not leasing the phone — the credits offset the purchase price directly over time.
| 📆 Timeline | 💸 Phone Ownership Status | 📘 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1–35 | Still under monthly credits | Verizon is still applying monthly promo amounts |
| Month 36 | Final credit applied | Ownership is transferred — no payment required |
| Post-36 months | Phone is fully paid | You can upgrade, switch carriers, or sell the phone freely |
Unlike leasing models, this is an ownership plan — but it only completes once you receive all 36 credits.
Comment: “Can I mix plans in my family and still get the deal?”
Yes — but only the line that meets the promotional requirements will get the full benefit. Other lines can be on lower-tier plans, but they won’t qualify for additional phone deals.
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Setup | 📱 Who Gets the Phone Deal | 🔑 Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1: Unlimited Ultimate | ✅ Eligible for free iPhone 16 Pro | Must remain on eligible plan for 36 months |
| Line 2: Welcome Unlimited | ❌ Not eligible for premium phone | Only eligible for base-model deals |
| Line 3: Prepaid | ❌ Ineligible for any credits | Prepaid plans excluded entirely |
If adding multiple new lines, ensure each is paired with a plan that supports the phone you want — or you may be disappointed at checkout.
Comment: “Do I have to pay anything upfront when I get the free phone?”
Yes — but only minimal fees and taxes. While the phone’s monthly payments are offset by credits, sales tax (based on full MSRP) and activation fees are usually billed at checkout or on your first statement.
| 💵 Upfront Charge | 📋 What It’s Based On | 🔍 Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Tax | Full retail price of the phone (e.g., $829.99) | Typically $50–$90 depending on state |
| Activation Fee | One-time Verizon service setup per line | $35 per new line |
| SIM Card | Sometimes included in activation | Often waived if done online |
Even a “free” phone isn’t $0 at checkout — but the bulk of the cost is removed through long-term credits.
Comment: “Can I keep my old number when adding a new line?”
Yes — as long as you’re porting in from a different carrier. Verizon allows you to add a new line using your current number, and doing so still qualifies you for the promotional phone offer.
| 🔁 Port-in Option | ✅ Eligible for Deal? | 🧠 Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Porting from AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. | ✔️ Yes | Treated as a new Verizon line |
| Transferring from another Verizon line | ❌ No | Internal moves don’t count as “new” |
| Requesting a new number | ✔️ Yes | Also qualifies for promo credits |
| Porting after activation | ❌ Risky | Port number at the time of activation to avoid disqualification |
Be sure your port request is completed during checkout — changing it afterward can void the credit offer.
Comment: “Are certified pre-owned (CPO) phones really free too, or are there hidden catches?”
Certified Pre-Owned phones can be free with a new line, but their deals are separate from flagship promos. These devices are inspected, tested, and backed by Verizon’s warranty, but may not qualify for the same credit amounts or plan flexibility.
| 🧾 Deal Type | 🔍 Key Differences | 📌 What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| CPO Phone Free with New Line | Lower promo credit (e.g., $299–$499 MSRP) | Good for budget shoppers |
| Flagship Phone Free with New Line | Full promo up to $999.99 | Better specs, newer models |
| Plan Requirement | CPOs may qualify on Welcome plans | Flagships often require Plus or Ultimate |
| Return Policy | 30-day return window | Same as new phones, but subject to availability |
These devices are great options for casual users or kids’ lines — just don’t expect the latest processor or camera.
Comment: “What happens to my monthly bill if I stop Auto Pay?”
You’ll lose the Auto Pay and paperless billing discount — which increases your bill by $10 per line. This doesn’t impact your device credits, but it can significantly raise your ongoing costs.
| 🔧 Action Taken | 💸 Monthly Impact | 💬 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enroll in Auto Pay | Save $10/line/month | Must use debit or bank account — not credit cards |
| Turn off Auto Pay | Lose discount immediately | Applies to every line on the account |
| Change to credit card payments | Discount revoked | Even if Auto Pay is still active |
| Switch to paper billing | Also voids discount | You must stay paperless for savings |
It’s not required to keep your phone credits — but staying enrolled makes the plan far more affordable.
Comment: “Will my phone be locked if I get it free through Verizon?”
Yes — Verizon locks all phones for 60 days from the purchase date. After that, the device unlocks automatically, even if it’s being paid off through promotional credits.
| 🔒 Lock Period | ⏳ Duration | 🔓 When It Unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Lock | 60 days from activation | Applies to new or existing customers |
| After 60 Days | Auto-unlock if your account is in good standing | No action required |
| Switching Carriers After Unlock | Allowed — but phone balance is still due if credits aren’t completed | Unlock doesn’t cancel bill credits |
| Travel Use | Limited during lock period | Can’t use international SIMs until unlocked |
You can travel with the phone after 60 days — just keep in mind that credits continue only with the Verizon line.
Comment: “Can I get the free phone if I’m an existing customer upgrading my line?”
No — these deals are only for adding a new line. If you’re upgrading a current device, Verizon may offer trade-in promotions, but the $0 phone credit over 36 months only applies to newly added lines.
| 📲 Account Status | 🎁 Eligible for Free Phone Deal? | 🔄 Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| New customer adding a line | ✔️ Yes | Start with a new postpaid unlimited plan |
| Current customer adding a new line | ✔️ Yes | Must be a new number or ported in |
| Upgrading existing Verizon line | ❌ No | Check trade-in deals or loyalty promos |
| Moving from prepaid to postpaid | ❌ Not eligible | Treats it as internal migration, not new line |
Adding a line doesn’t mean replacing one — it must be a brand-new line on your account.
Comment: “Can I use the free phone with a different SIM or carrier later on?”
Yes, but only after the device is unlocked — and the full promotion terms don’t transfer. Verizon phones are locked for the first 60 days after activation. Once unlocked, the device can work with other carriers, but moving your SIM to another carrier voids the remaining promotional credits if done before the 36-month term ends.
| 🔓 Action | 📅 When It’s Allowed | ❌ What You Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Insert different SIM after 60 days | ✔️ Unlocks automatically if your account is in good standing | You can switch carriers, but any remaining balance becomes due |
| Move SIM during lock period | ❌ Not allowed | Phone remains locked and unusable outside Verizon |
| Use Verizon SIM in a different phone | ✔️ Okay, but credits still tied to original device | Credits apply only if that line still exists |
| Transfer phone to another Verizon line | ❌ Credits don’t follow the phone | They remain attached to the original line only |
You may own the phone hardware, but the promotional credit stays with the line that activated it.
Comment: “Does the 36-month agreement affect my credit score?”
No, Verizon’s promotional installment plan doesn’t directly impact your credit score. Unlike traditional loans, Verizon doesn’t report your monthly phone payments to credit bureaus — unless you default or leave an unpaid balance that goes to collections.
| 🧾 Credit Impact Scenario | 🔍 What Happens | 📋 What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| On-time monthly payments | No reporting to credit agencies | Your credit is not affected positively or negatively |
| Early payoff | Allowed, but ends credits | Paying early doesn’t boost your score |
| Delinquent payments | Account can be sent to collections | Only unpaid debts hurt your credit |
| Soft credit check at signup | May occur during account setup | Doesn’t impact your score like a hard inquiry |
It’s a zero-interest payment plan — not a traditional loan — and won’t help or harm your credit unless you walk away with a balance.
Comment: “If I add a tablet or smartwatch line with my phone deal, do I get extra discounts?”
Yes — but the phone and accessory promos are separate and require additional lines. Verizon often bundles free or discounted smartwatches, tablets, or earbuds with a phone promo if you also open a dedicated line for that accessory.
| 📱 Bundle Combo | ➕ Extra Line Required | 🎁 Included Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 + Galaxy Watch 7 | ✔️ Must activate new wearable line | Watch is free or discounted with 36-month credit |
| Phone + Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G | ✔️ New tablet line needed | Tablet may be free depending on the plan and timing |
| iPhone 16 + Beats Studio Buds | ❌ No line needed (limited-time offers) | Typically added at checkout as a freebie |
Bundled freebies can multiply your savings — but only if you’re open to managing more than one active line on your account.
Comment: “How do taxes work on a ‘free’ phone? Why did I still get charged at checkout?”
Because taxes are calculated based on the retail price of the phone, not your out-of-pocket cost after credits. Even if you pay $0 over 36 months, your state still requires tax on the device’s full value at the time of purchase.
| 💸 Charge Type | 🧮 Based On | 💬 What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Tax | Full MSRP (e.g., $829.99 for iPhone 16) | Charged upfront or on your first bill |
| Activation Fee | Per new line added | $35 per line — non-refundable |
| Device Monthly Payment | Offset by promo credit | Payment appears, but discount cancels it out |
| Other Fees | Varies by state/local laws | E911, regulatory, universal service fees |
A “free phone” doesn’t mean a $0 transaction — it means the base device cost is covered long-term, not the government-mandated extras.
Comment: “Can I buy insurance for the free phone? Is it required?”
Yes — and it’s optional. Verizon offers device protection plans that cover loss, theft, accidental damage, and mechanical breakdowns. These can be added to any phone, including those on a promotional credit.
| 🛡️ Insurance Option | 💰 Monthly Cost | ✅ What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Mobile Protect | $17–$19/month per phone | Accidental drops, loss/theft, screen repairs, same-day replacement |
| Total Mobile Protection (legacy) | $13/month | May still exist for older plans |
| Asurion Coverage | Included in Mobile Protect | Up to 3 claims/year, deductible applies |
| AppleCare+ (for iPhones) | $3.99–$13.49/month (via Apple) | Apple repairs, optional theft/loss add-on |
You don’t have to buy insurance, but skipping it means any repair or replacement is 100% your responsibility — even if the phone was free to start.
Comment: “Will my promotional credits pause if I temporarily suspend my line?”
In most cases, yes — your bill credits will pause if the line is voluntarily suspended, then resume when reactivated. However, long-term suspensions or those due to non-payment may permanently void the promotion.
| ⏸️ Suspension Type | ⏳ Credit Status | 🧠 Policy Note |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (up to 90 days) | Credits usually pause, then resume | One allowed every 12 months |
| Seasonal suspension (for travel or snowbirds) | Credits paused | Avoids full line charge but delays payoff timeline |
| Non-payment/financial hold | Credits likely canceled | Missed bills may trigger promo termination |
| Medical/military suspensions | Handled case-by-case | Call Verizon support for exceptions |
Always check your suspension type — and call Verizon to confirm how it affects your phone credit schedule before making any changes.
