Can you trade in your device with Telstra?
Why hold on to that old phone when you can take advantage of Telstra’s trade-in scheme? Telstra has partnered with Kingfisher to allow consumers and business customers to exchange their old devices with the telco for cash credits towards their bills.
Here’s a brief look at how to become eligible for Telstra’s trade-in program:
- Become a Telstra consumer or business customer, and
- Sign up for a Telstra postpaid plan
While the above requirements are all you need to trade-in your device to Telsta, keep the following in mind:
- You can’t trade in a device that is currently on a Telstra Mobile Lease Plan.
- Your device’s condition determines the trade-in offer you get from Telstra.
- Telstra and Kingfisher only accept select devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, Oppo, and Huawei.
Read on to learn more about Telstra’s trade-in scheme and where to sell your old devices.
How to trade in your old phone with Telstra
You can trade in your device with Telstra in just four steps. Here’s how:
- Log in to Telstra’s trade-in portal by accessing My Telstra with your Telstra ID
- You will be asked a series of questions to determine your phone’s condition. Answer them and Telstra will issue a price quote for your device.
- Visit any Australia Post outlet to mail your device to Telstra. Follow the instructions the telco gives you after issuing a quote in the previous step.
- Telstra will issue a credit on your bill within two months of receiving your device, if the telco accepts it. If you’re on an Upfront mobile or data plan, however, Telstra will send payment to your credit or debit card within 30 days to be used for your Autopay arrangement.
How much is your old phone worth to Telstra?
So how much cash credit will Telstra post to your bill? That depends on your device and its condition. Remember, Telstra, having partnered with Kingfisher, only accepts select devices manufactured by Apple, Samsung, Google, Oppo, and Huawei.
Determining the condition of your phone is more difficult. However, as long as your phone powers on, is in good condition, doesn’t have too many cosmetic damage, and is not more than a few years old, you’ll likely receive a pretty good quote from Telstra.
Thankfully, Telstra’s website provides a list of devices and how much you can get for them. The list also shows the estimated trade-in value based on whether the device is in good working condition or damaged.
For example, Telstra’s list indicates that you can get up to $1150 for an iPhone 13 Pro Max with 1TB of storage if it is in good working order. That same device will fetch only $375 from Telstra if it is damaged.
According to Telstra, your phone is in good working order if:
- It powers on and off
- Touchscreen, call, text, and other features function normally
- Its battery is fully functional
- Other than normal wear and tear, the device is free of physical damage
- There are no modified, disassembled, or missing parts
- all activation and device locking features are disabled, and
- The device’s IMEI is not blocked.
Other major telecommunications companies that provide trade-in programs
Trade-in schemes are not unique to Telstra. Other telcos offer similar programs, including all of Australia’s major mobile network operators.
Here’s a brief look at trade-in schemes from Optus and Vodafone:
- Optus’ trade-in scheme doesn’t specify a maximum trade-in value. Like Telstra, Optus will accept your old device if it is in good condition and give you credit towards your bill. Optus also offers a trade-up program, which allows customers to exchange their old devices for credit towards a new device.
- Vodafone’s trade-in scheme, powered by Asurion, also allows customers to either trade in or trade up their old phones. Like Telstra, Vodafone only accepts select brands and models, and you can complete the entire trade-in or trade-up process online or in stores.
Final words – You can also sell your old phone for cash
Hardware trade-ins are convenient for phone shoppers but difficult for telcos to manage. Phone companies really want to sell you airtime and GBs of data, not hardware like iPhones or Samsung Galaxy devices.
Why? Because implementing processes to standardise returns is expensive—what industry insiders refer to as a “non-core activity.”
For users, this means that you’re probably better off putting your old handset up for sale on eBay instead of trading it in with a phone company. It’s a bit more hassle to sell, but you’ll get more money for your device. Plus, unlike the trade schemes operated by phone companies, you’ll be able to use the money where and when you want to if you sell your device for cash instead.