Verizon is offering several promotions for new and existing customers, including waived activation and upgrade fees that could save you $40 per device. Customers can also take advantage of special phone offers and upgrade options, though some deals come with additional monthly costs.
If you're shopping for a new iPhone, Verizon is advertising an iPhone 17 for $0 per month with qualifying promotional credits. You can also explore its iPhone 18 Pro offers and Flex Upgrade program, which lets eligible customers upgrade their phones more frequently.
But not every promotion will lower your overall wireless bill. Before signing up, it's important to understand the plan requirements, monthly charges and conditions that could affect your savings.
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Verizon is waiving activation and upgrade fees
Verizon typically charges a one-time activation or upgrade fee of up to $40. Activation fees apply when you start a new service, such as opening a new line, while upgrade fees apply when you replace a device. These fees are typically added to your bill, making your first payment higher.
Verizon is waiving these fees for eligible new customers and existing customers who enroll in the Verizon Loyalty program. The program is free to join, and members can earn 3% back in Verizon Dollars each month when they pay their bill on time. Rewards can be redeemed for devices, accessories, gift cards from participating retailers and hotel stays.
Though activation or upgrade fees may initially appear at checkout, Verizon waives them with a bill credit. Existing customers must opt into the loyalty program to qualify, so confirm your eligibility before upgrading your phone.
Get an iPhone 17 for $0 a month
The Verizon iPhone 17 promotion offers savings for customers switching to Verizon. The iPhone 17's full retail price is $929.99, but eligible customers can get it for $0 per month for 36 months through monthly promotional bill credits of approximately $25.83. To qualify, you must transfer an existing phone number to Verizon and enroll in an Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus phone plan.
To continue receiving the credits, you must maintain an eligible unlimited phone plan. If you cancel the line or move to an ineligible plan, the remaining promotional credits end, and you could be responsible for the outstanding balance on the phone. Taxes still apply, and you must pay for your wireless service.
What Verizon is offering on the iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone users could also save with Verizon's iPhone 18 Pro offers. Verizon lists the iPhone 18 Pro for $1,199.99, or approximately $33.33 per month over 36 months with 0% APR financing for qualified customers.
While interest-free financing can make the phone more affordable upfront, it isn't a discount on the purchase price. You'll also need to pay for your wireless service plan.
Verizon's Simplicity Pro add-on offers another option for customers who want to upgrade frequently. For $50 per month, in addition to an eligible Simplicity wireless plan, customers can receive monthly bill credits covering up to $1,200 in device payments over 36 months. The add-on also includes plan perks, such as Premium Visual Voicemail, two TravelPass days per month and Global Choice calling to one country.
For example, Verizon advertises its Simplicity wireless plan for as little as $30 per month with qualifying switching and Auto Pay discounts. Adding Simplicity Pro brings the total to $80 per month before taxes and fees, even if promotional credits cover the full cost of the iPhone 18 Pro. That's $960 per year for wireless service and the add-on.
Simplicity Pro also allows eligible customers to upgrade their smartphones after paying at least 33% of their 36-month device payment plan. You'll need to make at least one add-on payment and return your current phone in good working condition to qualify.
Are Verizon's new upgrade plans worth the cost?
If you like to upgrade your phone often so you always have the newest model, Verizon's Flex Upgrade might be a good fit. The option costs $10 per month, per line, in addition to your wireless plan and device payments. It allows eligible customers to upgrade their phones up to twice within 12 months.
To upgrade through Flex Upgrade or Simplicity Pro, you'll need to make at least one add-on payment and pay at least 33% of your 36-month device payment plan. If you return your current phone in good working condition within 30 days of upgrading, Verizon waives the remaining eligible device balance.
While the option to upgrade frequently can be appealing, these programs also increase your monthly phone bill. Flex Upgrade alone costs $120 per year, or $360 over three years, before factoring in your phone and wireless service costs. Keeping an iPhone for three or four years could save more than paying for an upgrade program and replacing it annually.
Consider how often you actually upgrade your phone and whether the additional monthly expense is worth the convenience.
What to check before taking advantage of a Verizon deal
As you explore these Verizon iPhone deals, make sure you understand all of the details and associated costs:
- Calculate the full cost: Add up wireless service, phone payments, taxes and any additional monthly programs to determine what you'll pay over the full 36 months.
- Understand promotional credits: Confirm how long credits last and what happens if you change plans, cancel service, pay off your phone early or upgrade before the promotional period ends.
- Compare switching offers: Verizon advertises a $15 monthly switching discount and a $10 Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount on its Simplicity Plan, subject to eligibility requirements. Compare the total monthly cost with offers from competing carriers.
- Check your existing plan: If you're a current Verizon customer, find out whether you'll need to switch to a more expensive plan to upgrade your phone and whether changing plans will affect any existing discounts.
- Compare other carriers: Look at competing iPhone offers from other carriers before making a three-year commitment. Consider factors like network coverage and carrier customer service reputation to decide which carrier and deal is best for you.
A $0 phone can be a worthwhile offer, but it's also easy to get caught up in perks that can drive up your monthly wireless plan costs. The best deal keeps your total wireless costs manageable while delivering perks you'll actually use.
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