You can trade in your old device with Australia’s major telcos
Trading in your phone is easy if you’re a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone customer. Australia’s three major telcos offer both trade-in and trade-up schemes for cash credits.
Here’s the difference between trade-in and trade-up schemes:
- Trade-in schemes allow customers to exchange their current devices for cash credits toward their telco bill.
- Trade-up schemes allow customers to exchange their current device for credits towards a new, upgraded device purchased from the telco.
Choosing the best option depends on your needs. If you’re interested in upgrading to a newly released flagship device like the iPhone 14, find a trade-up scheme that offers the best estimate for your device. However, trading in your device might be a good idea for money towards your subsequent few telco bills.
However, keep in mind that all three major telcos only accept select devices from specific manufacturers. You’ll also need to ensure your device is in good working order before trading it in or up.
Read on to learn all you need about trade-in schemes from Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.
Telstra trade-in scheme
We’ve written an in-depth article about Telstra’s trade-in scheme, so review it for all the information you need. But first, we’ll briefly examine Telstra’s trade-in process.
Telstra partners with Kingfisher to offer its trade-in and trade-up schemes. This means that Kingfisher does the final inspection and evaluation of your device. After Telstra credits your bill for trading in your device, you can use it to pay for your plan or an upgraded device.
To be eligible for Telstra’s trade-in program:
- You must be aged 18 years or more;
- You must be a Telstra consumer or small business customer;
- You must have a postpaid service with Telstra.
Eligible devices for Telstra trade-in:
- Kingfisher only accepts select models manufactured by Apple, Samsung, Google, Oppo, and Huawei.
- The condition of your device determines the offer you get. A device in “good working order” powers on, is in good condition, doesn’t have too much cosmetic damage, and is not over a few years old. Kingfisher can also accept damaged devices, but you’ll get a very low offer.
- If your device is not as described, Kingfisher will return it to you.
- If your device is currently on a Telstra Mobile Lease Plan, you can’t trade it in until you pay off the device completely.
Example of current trade-in offers on Telstra’s website, comparing what the telco offers for iPhone 13 phones in “Good working order” vs. “Damaged.” source
Here’s how to trade in your device to Telstra:
- Access My Telstra using your Telstra ID to log into Telstra’s trade-in portal;
- Answer Telsra’s questions to determine your phone’s condition and get an estimate;
- Follow Telstra’s instructions after receiving your quote, then mail your device from any Australian Post outlet;
- If Kingfisher accepts your device, you’ll get a credit on your bill from Telstra within two months of receiving your device;
- Upfront mobile and data customers will be credited on their debit or credit cards within 30 days to be used for Autopay arrangements on your bill.
Optus trade-in scheme
Optus has partnered with Alegre to power a trade-in process that can be completed online, in an Optus store, or over the phone. Like Telstra, Optus will accept your device as a trade-in for credits towards your bill or trade-up for credits towards an upgraded device. And get this – Optus will take your device even if it is linked to another network. To get in-depth information, read our complete guide for trading your device to Optus.
To be eligible for Optus’ trade-in scheme:
- You must be a new or existing Optus customer;
- You must sign up for a billed service if you’re a new Optus customer.
Eligible devices for Optus trade-in:
- Optus and Alegre only accept select models, but they have a broader list than Telstra. For instance, while they accept devices from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google, Oppo, and Huawei, they also accept smaller brands like HTC, Realme, Razr, and more.
- The condition of your device determines the offer you get. Optus only accepts devices that power on and have a functional factory reset option. If your device passes this stage but has other faults, Alegre will determine the value based on its overall condition. You can donate ineligible devices through the Mobile Muster program.
- If your device is not as described, Alegre will return it to you.
Here’s how to trade in your device to Optus:
- Back up and delete all data from your device and ensure it’s in good working condition.
- Go to https://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobile/deals/trade-in to search for your device and answer questions about its condition.
- After receiving your estimate, Optus will send you a prepaid satchel for shipping your device via post. If you want to skip these steps, you can walk into an Optus store to trade in your device.
- Optus will credit your account if it matches the description after receiving your device. You can use the cash credits toward your bill or an upgraded device.
Vodafone trade-in scheme:
Vodafone’s trade-in program is powered by Asurion, giving customers a way to trade in their old phones, smartwatches, and tablets for credits. Like Telstra and Optus, Vodafone accepts devices for trade-in and trade-up purposes, so you can use your credits to pay for your plan or upgrade to a new device. Vodafone also allows customers to complete the process in stores or online.
We’ve published an in-depth guide to Vodafone’s trade-in scheme, so be sure to take a look. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect when trading your device with Vodafone.
To be eligible for Vodafone’s trade-in scheme:
- You must be a Vodafone customer
- Your device must be eligible
Eligible devices for Vodafone trade-in:
- Vodafone only accepts select models from Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and Oppo. You can recycle your device through the Mobile Muster program if your device isn’t eligible.
- The condition of your device determines the offer you get.
- Ensure your device is in good working order to get the best offer.
Here’s how to trade in your device with Vodafone:
- Go to https://tradein.vodafone.com.au/ and select your device from the eligible list.
- Indicate whether your device is in good working condition or damaged.
- Vodafone will issue a price quote and bonus, if applicable.
- Vodafone will then email your Trade ID and estimate.
- Mail your device and Trade ID information to Vodafone within 14 days, or walk into a Vodafone store.
Final words – You can sell your old device for cash
While telcos offer trade-in schemes to help you get rid of your old devices, other options are available. We’ve mentioned the Mobile Muster program as a way to get rid of an outdated or damaged phone, but there’s more.
If you’re not interested in getting credits towards your bill or upgraded device, you can sell your old device for second-hand value. There are several websites for selling second-hand products, such as eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. These options give you cash that you can spend anywhere instead of credits that only tie you down with your telco for months or years.
And if you’re not interested in selling your old device, you can always give it away to a friend, loved one, or anyone who needs a phone but cannot afford one. Perhaps this could be the most fulfilling option of all.