12 Top Locations to Sell Your Phone for Additional Cash

Are you searching for the best places to sell a phone?

Whether you’re upgrading your old cell phone or decluttering your home, there are numerous ways to sell your outdated phone for some extra cash.

However, with so many options available, finding the ideal place to sell your phone can feel overwhelming.

Having sold my own old cell phones over the years, I believe it’s a fantastic way to earn extra money by disposing of things you no longer need.

This guide will cover the best places to sell phones, tips for maximizing your profits, and safety precautions for selling your phone, as it likely contains personal information. You’ll also discover whether you can sell a broken or locked phone, along with your available options.

Best Places to Sell Phones

Here are the top places to sell phones.

Recommended reading: 14 Best Places to Sell Used Electronics for Money

1. Decluttr

Decluttr is a popular platform for selling used phones and other electronics.

The selling process on Decluttr is simple: enter your phone’s specifics (brand, model, condition, and storage size) on their website to receive an instant quote.

As of now, an Apple iPhone 12 in good condition could fetch around $120 on Decluttr.

If you agree to their offer, they’ll provide a free shipping label. Simply pack your phone and send it to Decluttr. After they inspect your phone to ensure it matches your description, you’ll get paid through direct deposit, PayPal, or check.

The advantages of using Decluttr include a quick and easy process, free shipping, and various payment methods. However, the downside is that their offers tend to be lower than what you might get from private sales on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, as they handle most of the selling process.

My sister and another family member have successfully sold their phones on Decluttr, confirming its legitimacy.

You can start selling on Decluttr by clicking here.

2. Gazelle

Gazelle is comparable to Decluttr and offers a quick and hassle-free way to sell your used phone.

To obtain an instant quote, enter your phone’s model, carrier, and condition on the Gazelle website. If you accept their offer, Gazelle will send you a prepaid shipping label. After sending your phone, you’ll receive payment via PayPal, check, or Amazon gift card once they inspect your device.

A significant advantage of selling with Gazelle is that you don’t have to list your phone or deal with potential buyers. However, downsides include lower offers compared to private selling and having to wait for your device to be inspected before payment.

You can start selling on Gazelle by clicking here.

3. Amazon Trade-In

Amazon Trade-In is a great option if you’re comfortable receiving Amazon store credit instead of cash. If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, this can be just as good as cash.

You can trade in your used phone and many other devices for Amazon gift cards.

To begin, search for your phone’s model on the Amazon Trade-In page and answer questions about its condition. If your offer is accepted, Amazon will send you a prepaid shipping label for your phone. Once they receive it, you’ll receive Amazon store credit.

You can check out Amazon Trade-In by clicking here.

4. Apple Trade-In

Apple Trade-In operates similarly to Amazon Trade-In, allowing you to get good value for your device and apply it to a new purchase.

You can perform the trade-in either online or at a local Apple store. If your item isn’t eligible for trade-in, you can recycle it for free at Apple. Apple Trade-In is available for various devices including iPhones, Apple watches, iPads, Mac laptops, and even some Android phones.

My sister has successfully traded in several old devices to Apple whenever she buys new ones, and she praises how easy the process is while receiving a fair return.

To determine your trade-in value, visit the Apple Trade-In page online. For instance, as of now, an iPhone 15 has an estimated trade-in value of up to $400.

5. eBay

If you’re aiming to get the highest price possible for your phone, eBay is an excellent choice.

This platform demands more effort compared to other methods mentioned, as you’ll need to create a listing, take photos, engage with buyers, and manage shipping. Be cautious of potential scams and fake buyers.

You can choose to sell your phone either through an auction or as a fixed price. Once your phone sells, you’ll receive payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or eBay’s secure payment system.

6. Facebook Marketplace

For those looking to sell their phone quickly and locally, Facebook Marketplace is worth considering.

This option eliminates shipping costs, allowing you to connect with buyers in your area. However, it does require additional work, such as taking photos, crafting a description, and coordinating in-person meetings for payment.

In my experience, Facebook Marketplace can be unpredictable, as many individuals may express interest but then fail to follow through.

7. Best Buy Trade-In

Best Buy’s Trade-In program resembles those of Amazon and Apple. When you successfully trade in items, you receive Best Buy store credit, which is great if you shop there often.

Best Buy provides an estimate calculator for assessing your device’s value, along with a free prepaid shipping label. They also have a free recycling program for those with old phones they’re unsure what to do with.

8. OfferUp

OfferUp is a local selling platform similar to Facebook Marketplace, allowing for local sales or nationwide shipping.

When selling through OfferUp and shipping your phone, the buyer pays for shipping. Note that shipping incurs fees, while local sales are free of charge.

Expect negotiations as you may encounter low offers. Keep in mind that there’s no seller protection for local transactions, so proceed cautiously.

If you want quick local sales, OfferUp is a solid option.

9. Swappa

Swappa is a marketplace dedicated to buying and selling electronics, including phones. They often offer higher payouts compared to trade-in programs, making it a preferable choice for those seeking better returns.

To start, create a listing, upload photos, and provide details about your phone’s condition. Once you find a buyer, you’ll receive payment prior to shipping the phone, which can be done via PayPal.

10. Pawnshop

Pawnshops provide a quick way to sell your phone, but this typically results in lower payouts due to their need to sell the phone themselves.

Begin by locating a local pawnshop and inquire about their offer for your phone. You can either accept it or negotiate, as pawnshops generally expect negotiations to occur.

Alternatively, you can contact multiple pawnshops to assess their offers and choose the best one.

11. EcoATM

EcoATM kiosks are self-service machines found in malls, Walmarts, and grocery stores. These kiosks allow you to trade in your phone instantly, albeit with lower payouts than other options discussed.

Simply place your phone in the kiosk, and it will scan for its value, offering you an instant quote to accept or decline.

Having personally tried selling to an EcoATM, I found the offered amount shockingly low, prompting me to walk away. Although the process is easy and doesn’t involve any interaction with people, I preferred seeking higher payouts and was willing to invest more time for that purpose.

You can sell to EcoATM by clicking here.

12. BuyBackWorld

BuyBackWorld is an online trade-in program that lets you sell your phone and other electronics for cash.

They offer competitive trade-in values and you receive an instant offer. If you accept their quote, send in your phone using their free prepaid shipping label.

Payment options include a check, PayPal, direct deposit, or a prepaid card. However, keep in mind that you may not receive as much money with this option compared to private sales on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. If you’re looking for a quick way to get rid of your electronics, this is a convenient choice.

best places to sell a phone to make extra money

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding selling your old phone.

Where is the best place to sell my phone?

The best selling venue for your phone depends on how quickly you want to sell it and how much money you seek to gain, leading to different answers.

If you desire a quick sale, you might consider services like Amazon Trade-In, EcoATM, or pawnshops.

For the highest possible return, sell privately through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, although this requires more effort such as crafting a listing.

Where can I sell my phone instantly near me?

If you want to make an immediate sale locally, pawnshops are a straightforward option. You can call local shops for preliminary quotes, opting for the one that offers the best price.

Where can I sell my phone in-store?

For in-store sales, both Apple Trade-In and Best Buy Trade-In are convenient options, though keep in mind that you will receive store credit.

Does Walmart give you money for old phones?

Walmart does not provide cash for old phones, but they sometimes have an EcoATM located near the checkout. I believe the EcoATM tends to offer minimal value, but if you need to dispose of your phone quickly without hassle, it can be a viable option.

How to get the most value for your phone?

To maximize your phone’s value, consider selling privately on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, though this involves more effort in listing and engaging with potential buyers.

How can I safely sell my cell phone and protect my personal information?

This is an essential concern. To securely sell your cell phone, follow these steps:

Back up your data to iCloud or your computer.
Ensure all necessary information is transferred to your new device.
Log out of all accounts including Apple ID and Google.
Remove accounts such as Apple ID or Google.
Disable Find My iPhone/Device settings.
Perform a factory reset (Settings > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings).

Following these steps will help safeguard your personal information before selling.

Can I sell a broken phone?

Yes, you can sell a broken phone, but the value will be significantly lower than that of a functioning device. Platforms such as Gazelle and EcoATM do accept damaged phones, but expect to receive considerably less compared to a fully operational phone.

Can I sell a locked cell phone?

While selling a locked phone is possible, it can be challenging and diminish its value. For instance, if your phone is locked to a specific carrier such as Verizon or AT&T, many trade-in services may not accept it. If feasible, reach out to your carrier to unlock the phone after meeting certain requirements like settling any outstanding balance or completing your contract.

Best Places to Sell Phones – Summary

Thank you for reading this article about the best places to sell a phone.

There are numerous ways to sell phones, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You must decide whether to choose a quicker selling method for less money or invest more time for potentially higher returns.

Having sold multiple phones throughout the years, I find it a great way to earn extra cash. For many people, old cell phones sit unused in drawers, making selling them a sensible choice.

What do you think are the best places to sell phones? What do you typically do with your old cell phone when purchasing a new one?

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