So, you've heard about T-Mobile's "Keep and Switch" program, and it sounds like a fantastic way to move to the Un-carrier without losing your current device or getting hit with hefty fees from your old provider. But naturally, a burning question arises: how long do you actually have to stay with T-Mobile after taking advantage of this generous offer?
Let's dive deep into the world of T-Mobile's Keep and Switch, uncover the details, and make sure you're fully informed before making the leap!
Step 1: Are You Even Eligible for Keep & Switch? Let's Find Out!
Before we talk about how long you need to stay, let's make sure you're even in the running for this promotion! T-Mobile's Keep and Switch (sometimes referred to as "Carrier Freedom" for broader early termination fee reimbursements) is designed to make switching as painless as possible.
Engage User Question: So, are you currently stuck in a device payment plan with another carrier, wishing you could escape and experience the T-Mobile difference? If so, you're likely on the right track!
Sub-heading: What Keep and Switch Offers:
Device Payment Reimbursement: T-Mobile will typically pay off your remaining device balance from your previous eligible carrier, up to a certain amount (often up to $800 per line, though this can vary and is subject to change). This is usually provided via a virtual prepaid Mastercard.
Keep Your Phone: The beauty of this program is right in the name – you get to keep your current phone! No need to buy a new device right away if you love what you have.
Port Your Number: You can transfer your existing phone number to T-Mobile.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Criteria:
Previous Carrier: You generally need to be switching from an eligible carrier like Verizon, AT&T, UScellular, Claro, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, or Liberty (Puerto Rico). T-Mobile has also recently added Cox and Carolina West Wireless to the list. Important: This offer is typically not available for port-ins from Prepaid carriers, including T-Mobile Prepaid and Metro by T-Mobile, free Google Voice services, or most MVNOs using T-Mobile's network.
Device Payment Plan: Your device must have been on an installment plan with your previous carrier for at least 90 days, and you must have made at least three payments towards that plan.
Unlocked Phone: Your phone needs to be unlocked by your previous carrier to work on T-Mobile's network. This often means paying off the device with your old carrier first (which T-Mobile then reimburses).
New Voice Line & Port-in: You need to activate a new voice line of service with T-Mobile and port your existing number to that new line.
Good Standing: You must be active and in good standing with T-Mobile when your reimbursement is processed.
Timely Submission: You typically have 30 days from the qualifying transaction (port-in) to submit your proof of balance and other required documentation.
Step 2: The "Minimum Stay" – Understanding the Nuance
This is where things get a little less straightforward than a simple "X number of days." Unlike traditional contracts that locked you in for 1-2 years, T-Mobile is known as the "Un-carrier" for doing away with annual service contracts. This means there isn't a strict contractual obligation to stay for a specific period after you've received your Keep and Switch reimbursement.
However, there are crucial practical and promotional considerations that dictate how long you effectively need to stay to fully benefit.
Sub-heading: The Virtual Prepaid Mastercard and Bill Credits:
The reimbursement for your device payoff from your previous carrier typically comes in the form of a virtual prepaid Mastercard. This card usually arrives within 15 days of your submission being approved. Once you have this card, the money is yours.
But here's the catch for some promotions: While Keep and Switch itself often provides a one-time virtual card for the device payoff, many other T-Mobile device promotions that might be layered on top (like getting a new phone "on us" with a trade-in) are often fulfilled through monthly bill credits over a period of 24 or 36 months.
Sub-heading: Why Staying Matters (Even Without a Contract):
Bill Credits (If Applicable): If your overall switch deal involved receiving monthly bill credits for a new device, you must remain a T-Mobile customer on an eligible plan for the entire duration of those credits (e.g., 24 or 36 months) to receive the full promotional value. If you leave early, you forfeit any remaining credits and would be responsible for the remaining balance of the financed device.
Reimbursement Clawback (Rare but Possible): While T-Mobile typically doesn't claw back the Keep and Switch reimbursement itself once issued (as it's often a one-time prepaid card), some promotions, especially those from other carriers designed to attract T-Mobile customers away, might have clauses that require you to return a buyout amount if you cancel qualifying lines within a certain timeframe (e.g., Spectrum Mobile's offer requires staying for 12 months). Always read the fine print of any new carrier offer if you consider switching again.
Salesperson Impact: Some informal discussions among users suggest that leaving very quickly (e.g., within a month or two) after an in-store Keep and Switch could potentially negatively impact the commission or performance metrics of the salesperson who helped you. While this isn't a direct impact on you financially, it's something to consider for those who value supporting local staff.
Sub-heading: The "Sweet Spot" for Staying:
Based on common practice and forum discussions, many users suggest waiting at least 3-4 months after receiving your Keep and Switch reimbursement. This provides enough time for:
The reimbursement card to be issued and used.
Any initial system hiccups to be resolved.
To ensure you're happy with T-Mobile's service in your area.
If your deal also included monthly bill credits for a new device, then you are practically incentivized to stay for the entire 24 or 36-month period that those credits are applied to your bill.
Step 3: The Process of "Keep and Switch" – A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the "why" behind the stay, let's walk through the "how" of Keep and Switch.
Sub-heading: Phase 1: Preparation is Key
Check Your Phone's Compatibility: Ensure your current phone is compatible with T-Mobile's network. You can usually do this on T-Mobile's website by entering your phone's IMEI.
Verify Previous Carrier Eligibility: Confirm your current carrier is on T-Mobile's eligible list for the Keep and Switch promotion.
Review Device Payment Status: Make sure your device has been on a payment plan for at least 90 days and you've made at least three payments. This is a critical requirement.
Gather Account Information from Old Carrier:
Your account number.
Your Porting PIN/Password (this is often different from your regular account password and might require a call to your old carrier).
The billing address associated with your old account.
A PDF of your most recent bill showing your device financing details (make, model, mobile number, remaining payoff amount, and financing start date/number of payments). This is crucial for reimbursement.
Unlock Your Phone: Contact your current carrier to request your phone be unlocked. This may require paying off the remaining balance on the device before you switch, which T-Mobile will then reimburse you for. This step is essential if you want to keep your current device.
Sub-heading: Phase 2: Making the Switch to T-Mobile
Choose a T-Mobile Plan: Select a T-Mobile plan that fits your needs. T-Mobile offers various options like Essentials, Go5G, Go5G Plus, and Go5G Next.
Activate New T-Mobile Line and Port Number:
You can do this online, in a T-Mobile store, or by calling customer service.
During this process, you will provide the necessary information (account number, PIN, etc.) to transfer your existing number to T-Mobile.
Do NOT cancel your old service yourself. T-Mobile will handle the port-in, which automatically cancels your service with your previous carrier once complete. Canceling prematurely can lead to losing your number.
Order New Device (Optional, but common with other promotions): If your deal involves a new device with monthly credits, this is when you'd order it.
Sub-heading: Phase 3: Submitting for Reimbursement
Submit Your Keep and Switch Request: Within 30 days of your qualifying transaction (port-in), you need to go to T-Mobile's promotions website (e.g., promotions.t-mobile.com) or scan the QR code provided.
Log In and Select Promotion: Log in with your T-Mobile ID and select the "Keep and Switch" promotion.
Enter Required Information: Provide all requested details, including the transaction date, channel (online/store), port-in confirmation, and importantly, upload the PDF of your final bill/device financing details from your previous carrier. Ensure the image is clear and contains all required information.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read and agree to the terms and conditions of the promotion.
Monitor Status: T-Mobile will usually provide a status update within 3 days. Allow up to 15 days after meeting all requirements to receive your virtual prepaid Mastercard.
Step 4: What Happens After You Get Your Reimbursement?
Once that virtual prepaid Mastercard hits your inbox (or physical mail, depending on the promotion), you've received your Keep and Switch benefit.
Sub-heading: Using Your Reimbursement:
Pay Off Old Carrier: The primary purpose of the virtual card is to reimburse you for the device payoff from your previous carrier. Use it for that!
Other Expenses: Since it's a prepaid Mastercard, you can generally use it wherever Mastercard is accepted, giving you flexibility.
Sub-heading: Ongoing Commitments (If Any):
Monthly Bill Credits: If you also got a new device with a monthly credit promotion, remember those credits are tied to staying with T-Mobile for the full term (e.g., 24 or 36 months). These credits will appear on your T-Mobile bill. If you cancel your line or switch plans to an ineligible one, these credits will stop, and you'll be responsible for the remaining device balance.
Maintaining Good Standing: To continue receiving any ongoing benefits or to avoid potential issues, always ensure your T-Mobile account remains in good standing (paying your bills on time, adhering to their terms of service).
Step 5: Considering a Future Switch (If it Comes to That)
While the goal of Keep and Switch is to bring you to T-Mobile and keep you happy, circumstances change. If, after a period, you find T-Mobile isn't the right fit, you can switch again.
Sub-heading: Things to Keep in Mind if Switching Away from T-Mobile:
No ETF (Generally): T-Mobile does not have traditional early termination fees for service. You are generally "free to go."
Device Financing: If you financed a new device through T-Mobile and received monthly credits, those credits will stop if you leave. You will owe the remaining balance on that device.
Unlocking Your T-Mobile Device: If you plan to take a T-Mobile-financed device to another carrier, you'll need to pay it off in full and request an unlock from T-Mobile. Their unlocking policy usually requires the device to be fully paid off and active on their network for a certain period (e.g., 40 days for postpaid customers).
Re-eligibility for Keep and Switch: If you received a Keep and Switch reimbursement from T-Mobile and then switched away, you are typically eligible to participate in Keep and Switch (or Carrier Freedom) again only if two years have passed since the date of your first reimbursement payout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers:
How to check my phone's compatibility with T-Mobile?
Go to T-Mobile's website and look for their "Bring Your Own Device" or compatibility checker tool. You'll usually enter your phone's IMEI.
How to get my account number and porting PIN from my old carrier?
This typically requires contacting your previous carrier's customer service via phone or sometimes through their online account portal. Do not confuse your account password with the porting PIN.
How to get my phone unlocked by my previous carrier?
Contact your old carrier's customer service. Most require the device to be fully paid off and your account to be in good standing before they will unlock it.
How to submit my Keep and Switch reimbursement request?
Visit promotions.t-mobile.com within 30 days of porting your number. You'll need to log in with your T-Mobile ID and upload proof of your previous carrier's device balance.
How to track the status of my Keep and Switch reimbursement?
You can usually track your submission status on the promotions.t-mobile.com website where you submitted the request, using your T-Mobile ID.
How to know if my previous carrier is eligible for Keep and Switch?
T-Mobile explicitly lists eligible carriers on their Keep and Switch promotional pages. Common ones include AT&T, Verizon, UScellular, Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and now Cox and Carolina West Wireless.
How to avoid losing my phone number when switching to T-Mobile?
Do not cancel your old service yourself. Let T-Mobile handle the port-in process; it will automatically close your old account once successful.
How to use the virtual prepaid Mastercard from T-Mobile?
The virtual card details (card number, expiration, security code) are usually emailed to you. You can use these details for online purchases or add them to a mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) for in-store use.
How to know if I'm getting monthly bill credits for a new device?
This will be explicitly stated in the terms of the specific device promotion you signed up for. You can also see these credits reflected on your monthly T-Mobile bill.
How to unlock a T-Mobile phone if I decide to switch carriers later?
You generally need to have paid off the device in full and have had it active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days (for postpaid customers) to be eligible for an unlock. Contact T-Mobile customer service to initiate the unlock request.
