Carriers That Pay You to Switch (2026)
T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T will pay up to $1,299 per line to win your business. Here's how to claim it.
Yes, Carriers Will Pay You to Leave Your Current Provider
Every major carrier — T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T — runs aggressive switch promotions designed to pull customers from competitors. These deals include free phones worth up to $1,299, early termination fee payoffs, trade-in credits, and prepaid gift cards.
The catch? You need to port in a number from a competing carrier family. That's the trigger that activates these promotions. No port-in, no deal.
How Carrier Payoff Deals Work
Carrier payoff programs reimburse the cost of leaving your current provider. If you owe money on a device payment plan or face an early termination fee, the new carrier covers it — typically via bill credits or a prepaid card.
The process is straightforward: switch to the new carrier, submit your final bill from your old carrier showing the balance owed, and receive reimbursement within 1-2 billing cycles.
Current Payoff Offers by Carrier
T-Mobile
$800 per lineUp to $800 per line via virtual prepaid card when you trade in and upgrade. Plus T-Mobile pays off up to $800/line in ETF/device payoffs. Up to 4 lines ($3,200 total).
Verizon
Up to $800Verizon offers up to $800 via prepaid Mastercard to cover your early termination fees or remaining device payments when you switch and trade in your old device.
AT&T
Up to $800AT&T offers up to $800 in bill credits to pay off your old carrier's early termination fee or remaining device balance when you switch and port in your number.
Top Free Phone Deals Right Now
On top of ETF payoffs, carriers offer free phones when you switch. Here are the highest-value deals available in March 2026:
How to Qualify for Switch Deals
Carrier Family Rules
You can't port within the same carrier family. For example, switching from Metro to T-Mobile won't trigger a deal because they're in the same family. You need a number from a different family.
Don't have a number from the right family? Buy a port number for $14 and use it to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do carriers literally pay you cash to switch?
Not cash directly. Carriers offer value through free phones (via bill credits), trade-in credits, prepaid cards, and early termination fee payoffs. The total value can reach $1,300+ per line.
What is an early termination fee (ETF) payoff?
If you owe money to your current carrier — remaining device payments or a cancellation fee — some carriers will reimburse that amount when you switch to them. You typically need to submit a final bill showing the balance.
Do I need to trade in a phone to get these deals?
Not always. Some of the best deals (like free Galaxy S26 Ultra at T-Mobile or free iPhone 17e at Verizon) require no trade-in. Others require a trade-in of any condition to qualify for the full value.
Can I switch and keep my current phone number?
Yes. The FCC guarantees your right to port your number to any carrier. Your number transfers automatically when you activate with the new carrier.
What is a port number and why do I need one?
A port number is a pre-activated phone number from a specific carrier. Switch deals require you to port in a number from a competing carrier family. If your current number doesn't qualify, you can buy a port number for $14 and use it to unlock the deal without affecting your personal line.
Ready to Get Paid to Switch?
Browse today's deals or get a port number to qualify.