Ah, the dreaded Verizon upgrade fee! It's like a hidden toll on the road to a shiny new device, often catching loyal customers by surprise. But don't despair! While Verizon, like most major carriers, does levy this fee, there are definitely strategies and scenarios where you can minimize or even avoid it entirely.
Let's dive into a comprehensive guide to navigate the tricky waters of Verizon upgrade fees. Are you ready to save some cash on your next phone? Let's get started!
How to Avoid the Verizon Upgrade Fee: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Verizon upgrade fee, typically around $35, is a one-time charge applied when you activate a new device on an existing line, whether you're buying it outright or on a device payment plan. It's often justified by carriers as covering "activation" or "processing" costs, but to many customers, it feels like an unnecessary surcharge. Here's how you can try to sidestep it.
Step 1: Understand the "Why" Behind the Fee (and Why You Want to Avoid It!)
Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly address the "why." Verizon, like other carriers, claims this fee covers administrative costs associated with activating a new device on their network, provisioning services, and sometimes even in-store assistance with setup and data transfer.
However, many customers argue it's simply a way for carriers to generate additional revenue. After all, if you're just swapping a SIM card, what exactly are they "activating"? By understanding this, you'll be more motivated to employ the strategies below and keep that $35 (or more, if they introduce additional fees!) in your pocket.
Step 2: Consider Buying Your Phone Directly from the Manufacturer (Unlocked)
This is arguably the most effective way to consistently avoid the Verizon upgrade fee. When you purchase an unlocked phone directly from Apple, Samsung, Google, or any other manufacturer, you're buying the device independent of any carrier.
Sub-heading: The "Unlocked" Advantage
No Carrier Involvement in the Purchase: Since Verizon isn't "selling" you the phone, they have no grounds to charge an upgrade or activation fee for it.
Simply Swap Your SIM: Once you have your unlocked phone, you can simply take your existing Verizon SIM card from your old phone and insert it into your new unlocked device. Most of the time, your service will seamlessly transfer without any interaction with Verizon.
Potential Price Differences: Be aware that sometimes manufacturers might have a slightly higher upfront cost for unlocked devices compared to carrier-subsidized options, but you're avoiding that recurring fee and having more freedom.
eSIM Considerations: If your new phone utilizes an eSIM, the process can be slightly more involved. You might need to activate the eSIM through your My Verizon account online, which might trigger the fee if it's considered an "activation" by their system. However, many users report successful self-activation without fees. If you have a physical SIM, strongly consider sticking with it or switching back to a physical SIM before upgrading to simplify the process.
Step 3: Explore "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) Programs
If you're bringing a device you already own (or one you purchased unlocked, as per Step 2), Verizon often incentivizes BYOD with special offers and, crucially, no activation or upgrade fees for simply activating an existing device on a new or existing line.
Sub-heading: BYOD Benefits
New Line Activation: While there's typically an activation fee for a new line of service, many BYOD promotions specifically waive this fee when you bring your own eligible device.
Existing Line Device Swap: If you're simply replacing an old phone on an existing line with a BYOD, it's generally a smooth process with no fee. This is especially true if you can just move your current SIM card.
Step 4: Leverage Customer Loyalty and Negotiation (It Never Hurts to Ask!)
While Verizon's upgrade fee is generally a standard charge, there are instances where calling customer service and politely negotiating can pay off, especially if you're a long-standing, valuable customer.
Sub-heading: The Power of a Polite Request
Call Customer Service: Dial 611 from your Verizon phone or the main customer service number. Explain that you are a loyal customer and are upgrading your device, and you'd like to see if the upgrade fee can be waived as a gesture of goodwill.
Mention Your History: Highlight your tenure with Verizon, your payment history, and any multiple lines you have. Emphasize that you appreciate their service but are looking to save on unnecessary fees.
Ask for the "Loyalty Department" or "Retention": If the initial representative can't help, politely ask to be transferred to the "loyalty" or "retention" department. These departments often have more leeway to offer credits or waive fees to keep valuable customers.
Be Prepared to Explain Why: While "it's an unnecessary fee" is valid, you can frame it as wanting to avoid any additional costs when you're already committed to a new device payment plan or paying full retail.
Don't Be Aggressive: A polite, calm, and reasonable approach is always more effective than an aggressive one. The goal is to build rapport, not alienate the representative.
Check for Promotions: Sometimes, they might not waive the fee directly but offer a small credit on your bill that effectively offsets it.
Step 5: Wait for Special Promotions or Deals
Verizon, like all carriers, frequently runs promotions. Sometimes these promotions will explicitly waive activation or upgrade fees, especially for certain devices or during specific sales events.
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything
Keep an Eye on Verizon's Website and App: Regularly check the "Deals" or "Promotions" section on Verizon's website or within the My Verizon app.
Holiday Sales and New Device Launches: Major holidays (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, etc.) and new device launches are prime times for these types of fee waivers.
Bundling Offers: Sometimes, purchasing multiple accessories or adding a new line might come with a waived upgrade fee on one of the devices.
Step 6: Consider the Verizon Edge or Early Upgrade Programs (with caveats)
While not always about avoiding the fee, understanding these programs can impact your overall upgrade strategy. Verizon's "Early Upgrade" program allows you to upgrade your device once you've paid off a certain percentage (often 50%) of your current device payment agreement. However, keep in mind that:
Fee May Still Apply: The upgrade fee typically still applies even with early upgrade programs, as it's still considered a new device activation.
Trade-in Required: You'll need to trade in your current device in good condition, and if it's not, you'll be charged the remaining balance.
Focus on the Overall Deal: The benefit here is getting a new phone sooner, not necessarily avoiding the fee. If your goal is to avoid the fee, focus on the other steps.
Step 7: Avoid In-Store Upgrades (if possible)
While convenience is a factor, sometimes in-store upgrades can come with additional "setup" or "assistance" fees beyond the standard upgrade fee, especially from third-party authorized retailers.
Sub-heading: The Online Advantage
Online Self-Service: Performing your upgrade online through the My Verizon website or app generally limits the additional fees you might encounter in a brick-and-mortar store.
No "Setup" Fees: When you do it yourself, you avoid any potential charges for an employee helping you set up your new phone or transfer data, as these are often separate charges.
Step 8: Consider a Different Carrier (The Last Resort, But a Powerful One)
If the upgrade fee, along with other aspects of your Verizon service, is consistently an issue, exploring other carriers might be your ultimate solution. Many carriers have different fee structures, and some may have fewer or no upgrade fees.
Sub-heading: Competitive Landscape
Research Competitors: Look into AT&T, T-Mobile, and even MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use Verizon's network (like Visible or US Mobile) but might have different pricing models and fee structures.
New Customer Promotions: Switching carriers often comes with generous new customer promotions, which might include waived activation fees or significant discounts on new devices that outweigh any upgrade fee concerns.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," related to Verizon upgrade fees:
How to Check Your Verizon Upgrade Eligibility?
You can check your upgrade eligibility through the My Verizon app or website. Log in, navigate to the "Devices" section, and select "Upgrade Device." You can also dial #UPG from your Verizon phone.
How to Transfer Upgrade Eligibility to Another Line on Your Account?
Log in to My Verizon, go to the "Device overview" page, select a device that has an "Upgrade now" link, and then click "Transfer upgrade." Choose the mobile number of the device to which you want to transfer.
How to Know if Your Current Device is "Upgrade Eligible"?
Your device is typically "upgrade eligible" if you've paid off your device payment agreement, or if you're eligible for an early upgrade (usually after paying 50% of the device cost and returning it in good condition). For 2-year contracts, eligibility is at the contract's end.
How to Return Your Old Device After an Early Upgrade?
If you opt for an early upgrade, Verizon will provide instructions on how to return your old device. It generally involves shipping it back within a specified timeframe (e.g., 30 days) in good working condition. Failure to do so will result in the remaining balance of your original device payment agreement being due.
How to Avoid Activation Fees for New Lines on Verizon?
While this guide focuses on upgrade fees, activation fees for new lines can sometimes be avoided through special promotions, by bringing your own device (BYOD) when specific BYOD offers are active, or sometimes by ordering online rather than in-store.
How to Get a Discount on Your Verizon Bill (Beyond Upgrade Fees)?
You can try negotiating with customer service, looking for loyalty discounts, bundling services (e.g., internet and mobile), enrolling in Auto Pay and paperless billing, or checking for corporate or employee discounts.
How to Trade In Your Old Phone with Verizon?
Verizon has a trade-in program where you can get credit for your old phone towards a new device or as bill credits. You can initiate a trade-in online or in a Verizon store. The value depends on the phone's model, age, and condition.
How to Set Up Your New Verizon Phone After an Upgrade?
Verizon offers several resources, including Verizon Smart Setup, online tutorials, and virtual setup of the SIM. If you bought an unlocked phone, you typically just insert your existing SIM, or activate an eSIM online.
How to Dispute a Verizon Upgrade Fee on Your Bill?
If you believe you were charged an upgrade fee incorrectly (e.g., you swapped a SIM in an unlocked phone and were still charged), you can contact Verizon customer service. Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and calmly.
How to Tell the Difference Between an Upgrade Fee and an Activation Fee?
An upgrade fee (typically $35) is charged when you activate a new device on an existing line. An activation fee (often similar in price or slightly higher) is charged when you activate a new line of service on your account. While they can seem similar, their application is based on whether you're adding a new service or changing a device on an existing one.