Trade-in Deals: Sell your used iPhone for cash and lock in a $20 bonus ahead of the iPhone X

By Christine McKee

With the release of the iPhone 8, Apple Watch Series 3 and iPhone X, now is the time to trade in your old device before values drop. Here's a guide to help you sell your old iPhone for the highest value to Apple, Gazelle, BuyBackWorld, MyPhones Unlimited, Amazon, or one of the many other buyback services.

Now that iPhone 8 and Apple Watch Series 3 devices have officially landed, now is the time to lock in a price for your used phone or watch. Based on historical data, prices typically fall 20 percent around a big announcement -- and once a new model is released, values tend to dip even more (typically 10 to 20 percent). By locking in a trade-in value now for your iPhone, you can weather the dip in prices and get the most money for your used device just in time for Apple's iPhone X. Plus, there's no downside to locking in an offer now, given that you are not bound to send your device in if you later choose not to. In fact, you can always lock in a higher rate later with the same -- or alternative service -- if a better offer presents itself.

This trade-in guide will help you sell your old device for the highest value to Apple, Gazelle, BuyBack World, MyPhones Unlimited, Amazon, or one of the many other buyback services. Yes, it's also true that selling your old iPhone on eBay or Craigslist will likely net you a bit more than some of the buyback services, but not everyone has the time to set up and manage eBay listings, nor do they have the desire to set up a chance meeting with the clientele in the market for a used Apple device. So if this doesn't sound like your idea of a great Saturday afternoon, one of the following offers will likely save you a considerable amount of time and frustration.

BuyBack World

BuyBackWorld

has been a fixture in our Trade-In Payout Guide for several years and operates its electronics buyback service in very much the same manner as Gazelle, but often paying industry-leading rates.

To begin, you first lock in your trade-in price by visiting BuyBackWorld's website, where you will be asked to assess the physical and operational condition of your device. A few days after locking in your price quote, a pre-paid shipping box will show up on your doorstep. You'll then have a 30-day grace period from the time you lock in your trade-in offer to the time you need to pack the device securely in the box and drop it in the mail. Alternately, you can use your own shipping box and simply print and affix a pre-paid shipping label from BuyBackWorld's website during the price lock process. Once BuyBackWorld receives and inspects your old device, the company will issue payment via PayPal or one of the many other available methods, including check, direct deposit, prepaid debit card and BuyBackWorld gift card (a 5 percent bonus is added to BBW gift cards).

$10 to $20 Bonus Cash on all Apple Trade-ins over $50

In addition to above average cash payouts, BuyBackWorld is now offering AppleInsider readers an additional $20 bonus on all Apple device trade-ins valued at $200 or more when you use the links below and apply exclusive coupon code APPLEINSIDER20 during the price lock process (where it says "Enter a promotional code"). Readers with Apple trades valued at $50 to $199 can also take advantage of a $10 cash bonus with promo code APPLEINSIDER10. Both coupons work on non-Apple trade-ins as well, so if you have a Samsung Galaxy S7 laying around, it can easily be traded for cash to upgrade to a new iPhone. A complete, detailed list of BuyBackWorld's current iPad and iPhone trade in cash payouts can be found on BuyBackWorld's website. The $20 bonus ends Oct. 31.

With the $20 cash bonus using promo code APPLEINSIDER20, BuyBackWorld is currently paying out:

iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $470

iPhone 8: Up to $420

iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $400

iPhone 7: Up to $385

iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $270

iPhone 6s: Up to $240

iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $215

12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, First Gen): Up to $370

12.9" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, Unlocked): Up to $420

9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi): Up to $305

9.7" iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, Unlocked): Up to $330

Apple Watch Series 0 Hermes Cuff Stainless Steel (Fauve Barenia Leather Band): Up to $270 *

Price with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20.

With the $10 cash bonus using promo code APPLEINSIDER10, BuyBackWorld is currently paying out:

iPhone SE: Up to $180

iPhone 6: Up to $170

iPhone 5s: up to $97

iPad Air 2: Up to $195

iPad Air: Up to $160

iPad 4: Up to $120

iPad 3: Up to $92

iPad 2: Up to $65

iPad mini 4: Up to $190

iPad mini 3: Up to $160

Apple Watch 2 Space Black Stainless Steel (Black Sport Band): Up to $190 *

Apple Watch 2 Rose Gold Aluminum (Midnight Blue Sport Band): Up to $135 *

Apple Watch 2 Space Gray Aluminum (Black Woven Nylon Band): Up to $120 *

Apple Watch 2 Silver Aluminum (Pearl Woven Nylon Band): Up to $135 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Sport Space Gray Aluminum (Black Sport Band): Up to $85 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Sport Rose Gold Aluminum (Lavender Sport Band): Up to $80 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Sport Gold Aluminum (Midnight Blue Sport Band): Up to $85 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Sport Silver Aluminum (White Sport Band): Up to $85 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Sport Space Gray Aluminum (Black Woven Nylon Band): Up to $85 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Stainless Steel (Milanese Loop Band): Up to $115 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Space Black Stainless (Black Sport Band): Up to $110 *

Apple Watch Series 0 Stainless Steel (Black Sport Band): Up to $110 *

*Price with promo code APPLEINSIDER10.

MyPhones Unlimited

A new addition to our trade-in guide, MyPhones Unlimited offers competitive prices for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple watches. Like Gazelle and BuyBackWorld, MyPhones Unlimited provides customers with shipping supplies and prepaid postage. And as long as your device is fully functioning with no cracks, the device is categorized as "good" with the highest cash payout. Once MyPhones Unlimited receives your trade-in (quotes are good for 14 days), payment is issued via check with a majority of customers receiving the money within 10 business days of mailing in the device. By keeping margins low and refurbishing everything in house, MyPhones Unlimited is able to offer some of the best trade-in prices on Apple products.

It also pays to be an AppleInsider reader, because MyPhones Unlimited is offering AI users a $20 cash bonus on all trade-ins with coupon code appleinsider. Simply begin the quote process and enter the coupon code during checkout (please note, the code is case sensitive). On the confirmation page, you should see +$20.00 under the price in green (see below).

$20 bonus on iPhone trade-ins

iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $380 *

iPhone 7: Up to $360 *

iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $250 *

iPhone 6s: Up to $225 *

iPhone 6 Plus: Up to $210 *

iPhone 6: Up to $170 *

iPhone SE: Up to $175 *

iPhone 5s: Up to $85 *

iPhone 5c: Up to $55 *

$20 bonus on iPad trade-ins

12.9" iPad Pro (First Gen): Up to $365 *

9.7" iPad Pro: Up to $290 *

iPad mini 4: Up to $170 *

iPad mini 3: Up to $135 *

iPad mini 2: Up to $100 *

iPad Air 2: Up to $115 *

iPad Air: Up to $105 *

iPad 4: Up to $105 *

$20 bonus on Apple Watch trade-ins

38mm Apple Watch Sport Series 0: Up to $60 *

42mm Apple Watch Sport Series 0: Up to $90 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 0: Up to $80 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 0: Up to $100 *

38mm Apple Watch Series 1: Up to $95 *

42mm Apple Watch Series 1: Up to $105 *

38mm Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2: Up to $140 *

42mm Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2: Up to $160 *

38mm Apple Watch Stainless Series 2: Up to $200 *

42mm Apple Watch Stainless Series 2: Up to $220 *

$20 bonus on Mac trade-ins

2017 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $1,420 *

2016 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $1,020 *

2017 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $1,020 *

2016 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Up to $770 *

2015 13" MacBook Air: Up to $400 *

2016 12" MacBook: Up to $570 *

2015 12" MacBook: Up to $470 *

*Price with coupon code appleinsider. Code is case sensitive.

Gazelle

Gazelle

is one of the nation's leading consumer electronics trade-in services and arguably the most recognizable brand in the buy-back arena, having serviced more than 2 million trade-ins to date with payouts in excess of $200,000,000. Now part of the ecoATM family, the buyback firm pays cash quickly for old electronics (via Amazon gift card, PayPal or check) and prides itself on providing a streamlined and hassle-free experience for consumers looking to sell their electronics with the least possible effort and time commitment. However, trade-in values for Apple iPhone devices tend to come in lower than BuyBackWorld, especially when factoring in the $10 exclusive bonus for AI readers.

You can read more about how Gazelle works here, or check out a complete list of current iPhone trade-in prices at Gazelle.com. But basically, you visit Gazelle's website, select your model and condition and how you'd like to be paid. A few days after you lock in a cash offer, a pre-paid postage box will show up on your doorstep and you'll have until Oct. 22 to place your old iPhone in the box and drop it in the mail to Gazelle. Once they receive it and inspect it, payment will be issued.

Gazelle's current trade in offer ahead of the iPhone X:

iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $390

iPhone 7: Up to $350

iPhone 6s Plus: Up to $240

Apple

As an existing iPhone owner, you can trade in your device directly through Apple's "Renew" recycling program, either online or at any Apple Store in the U.S. The online option is powered by Brightstar and requires you to mail in your device using a pre-paid label for the final inspection. For the in-store option, Apple employees appraise the device in-store. In return for your old device, Apple doles out gift cards that can be used toward future purchases from an Apple Store; Apple does not pay cash for trade-ins. Its gift card payouts are also lower in value in many instances compared to competitive cash payouts. Nevertheless, a significant number of customers choose the in-store option out of convenience.

Currently, Apple is offering the following flat rate on all capacities, colors and carriers of each product line.

Apple iPhone Trade In Payouts:

iPhone 7 Plus: $375 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 7: $325 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6s Plus: $250 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6s: $200 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6 Plus: $175 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 6: $145 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 5s: $60 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 5c: $35 Apple Gift Card

iPhone 5: $40 Apple Gift Card

Amazon

Amazon

also offers customers the option to trade in used iPhones and iPads, though the online retailer doesn't widely advertise its services. Like the Apple Store, Amazon offers payment in gift cards, not cash.

iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $340

iPhone 7 Plus 256GB (AT&T): Up to $365

iPhone 7 Plus 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $310

iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $365

iPhone 7 Plus 256GB (Unlocked): Up to $400

iPhone 7 32GB (AT&T): Up to $305

iPhone 7 128GB (AT&T): Up to $325

iPhone 7 256GB (AT&T): Up to $355

iPhone 7 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $305

iPhone 7 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $335

iPhone 7 256GB (Unlocked): Up to $365

iPhone SE 16GB (AT&T): Up to $125

iPhone SE 64GB (AT&T): Up to $125

iPhone SE 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $135

iPhone SE 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $145

iPhone SE 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $140

iPhone 6s Plus 32GB (AT&T): Up to $160

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $235

iPhone 6s Plus 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $250

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $265

iPhone 6s 32GB (AT&T): Up to $195

iPhone 6s 128GB (AT&T): Up to $205

iPhone 6s 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $240

iPhone 6s 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $245

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): Up to $140

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): Up to $160

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $170

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $175

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $185

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $200

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): Up to $115

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): Up to $125

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): Up to $130

iPhone 6 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $125

iPhone 6 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $145

iPhone 6 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $155

iPhone 5s 16GB (AT&T): Up to $60

iPhone 5s 32GB (AT&T): Up to $55

iPhone 5s 64GB (AT&T): Up to $60

iPhone 5s 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $70

iPhone 5s 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $75

iPhone 5s 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $85

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $240

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $265

9.7" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi: Up to $325

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $240

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $285

9.7" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $325

12.9" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $275

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $300

12.9" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi: Up to $375

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $325

12.9" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $425

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi: Up to $165

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi: Up to $170

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $180

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $165

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $170

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $180

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi: Up to $115

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $165

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi: Up to $170

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $180

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $165

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $170

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $170

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $180

Best Buy Trade In

Like Apple, Best Buy offers both on-site and mail-in trade-in programs. You'll receive a Best Buy gift card in exchange for your device, not cash.

iPhone 7 Plus 32GB (AT&T): Up to $359

iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $365

iPhone 7 Plus 256GB (AT&T): Up to $384

iPhone 7 32GB (AT&T): Up to $258

iPhone 7 128GB (AT&T): Up to $335

iPhone 7 256GB (AT&T): Up to $384

iPhone 6s Plus 16GB (AT&T): Up to $195

iPhone 6s Plus 64GB (AT&T): Up to $228

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $261

iPhone 6s 16GB (AT&T): Up to $179

iPhone 6s 64GB (AT&T): Up to $194

iPhone 6s 128GB (AT&T): Up to $204

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): Up to $139

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): Up to $164

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $261

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): Up to $123

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): Up to $135

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): Up to $151

iPhone SE 16GB (AT&T): Up to $121

iPhone SE 64GB (AT&T): Up to $132

iPhone 5s 16GB (AT&T): Up to $61

iPhone 5s 32GB (AT&T): Up to $65

iPhone 5s 64GB (AT&T): Up to $71

iPhone 5s 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $51

iPhone 5s 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $65

iPhone 5s 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $43

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $251

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $253

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $191

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $201

12.9" iPad Pro 32GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $251

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $254

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $253

12.9" iPad Pro 256GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $337

iPad Air 2 16GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $136

iPad Air 2 64GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $154

iPad Air 2 128GB (Wi-Fi): Up to $171

iPad Air 2 16GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $144

iPad Air 2 64GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $159

iPad Air 2 128GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular): Up to $171

Walmart

Walmart, too, provides mail-in trade-in opportunities. To start, get a free offer. Then ship the device to CExchange using a prepaid label and get a Walmart eGift card once the it has been evaluated.

iPhone 7 Plus 32GB (AT&T): Up to $315

iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $355

iPhone 7 Plus 256GB (AT&T): Up to $385

iPhone 7 Plus 32GB (Unlocked): Up to $330

iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $373

iPhone 7 Plus 256GB (Unlocked): Up to $405

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (AT&T): Up to $119.50

iPhone 6 Plus 32GB (AT&T): Up to $125.50

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (AT&T): Up to $131.50

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (AT&T): Up to $143.50

iPhone 6 Plus 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $125.50

iPhone 6 Plus 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $131.50

iPhone 6 Plus 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $143.50

iPhone 6 16GB (AT&T): Up to $92.25

iPhone 6 64GB (AT&T): Up to $105

iPhone 6 128GB (AT&T): Up to $122.50

iPhone 6 16GB (Unlocked): Up to $97

iPhone 6 64GB (Unlocked): Up to $106

iPhone 6 128GB (Unlocked): Up to $118.50

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $193

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $207

9.7" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi: Up to $230

9.7" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $207

9.7" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $221

9.7" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $240

12.9" iPad Pro 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $235

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $245

12.9" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi: Up to $255

12.9" iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $250

12.9" iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $270

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi: Up to $122

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi: Up to $131

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi: Up to $140

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $149

iPad Air 2 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $143

iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $157

iPad Air 2 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: Up to $171

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi: Up to $85.50

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi: Up to $95

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi: Up to $104

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi: Up to $106

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $97

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $112

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $121

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (AT&T): Up to $131

iPad Air 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): Up to $95

iPad Air 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): Up to $109

iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): Up to $119

iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular (Unlocked): Up to $128

Target

Target's trade-in program is similar to Best Buy and Amazon's trade in programs in that, instead of cash, sellers will receive a Target gift card. The process takes place online and users will still need to ship the device in for inspection (via a prepaid shipping label). Target promises same-day processing and fast payment, so if Target is your top shopping destination, it's a viable option.

Wireless Carriers

Finally, we'll note that many U.S. carriers do offer trade-in plans. In these instances however, the carrier resells your phone for you and pockets any profit, and your trade-in goes toward the purchase of a new plan or handset while you see no cash.

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider

and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

See if there is a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or Certified Used iPhone deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com and deals.appleinsider.com.