See if your Samsung Galaxy can be traded in with a special bonus
One of the most attractive opportunities during major sales events — such as Black Friday, holiday promotions, or brand upgrade programs — is the trade-in bonus offered by smartphone manufacturers. If you own a Samsung Galaxy, you may be eligible for a special trade-in bonus that can significantly reduce the price of your next phone. But how does this process work, and how do you know if your model qualifies?
In this article, you’ll learn how to check if your Samsung Galaxy device can be traded in for a bonus, how to estimate its value, and what steps to follow to make the most out of Samsung’s upgrade offers and partner programs.
What is the Samsung Trade-In Program
Samsung’s official Trade-In Program allows users to exchange their old Galaxy devices — smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches — for a discount on new purchases. The program is available in many regions through Samsung’s official website, the Samsung Shop app, or authorized retailers.
The process is simple: Samsung evaluates the condition and model of your old device, assigns it a trade-in value, and then applies this amount as a discount on your new purchase. In some cases, Samsung offers special bonus credits on top of the regular trade-in value, especially during promotional seasons like Black Friday or new product launches.
Why Samsung offers trade-in bonuses
The trade-in system benefits both the company and consumers. For Samsung, it promotes sustainability and keeps customers loyal to the brand. For users, it’s a chance to save money and upgrade to newer, faster, and more powerful devices.
The special bonus is Samsung’s way of encouraging people to trade in eligible devices during limited-time promotions. This bonus can vary from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the model you trade in and the product you’re buying.
How to check if your Samsung Galaxy qualifies
You can easily find out if your phone is eligible for a trade-in bonus by visiting the Samsung Trade-In page on your region’s website. Follow these steps:
- Go to samsung.com and navigate to the Trade-In or Upgrade Program section.
- Select the product you want to buy — for example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Galaxy Z Flip6.
- During checkout, select Trade-In as your payment option.
- Enter your current Galaxy model (e.g., Galaxy S21, Note20, A54, etc.).
- Samsung will display an estimated trade-in value and any applicable bonus offers.
You’ll also be asked a few questions about your device’s condition, such as whether it powers on, has a cracked screen, or shows signs of water damage. Based on your answers, the system will adjust the value accordingly.
Common Samsung models eligible for trade-in bonuses
While eligibility varies by region and campaign, these Samsung Galaxy models often qualify for bonuses:
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and S23 series;
- Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models (including previous generations);
- Galaxy Note10, Note20, and Note20 Ultra;
- Galaxy A50, A52, A53, A54 mid-range phones;
- Older flagships like Galaxy S10 and S9 may still receive smaller credits.
Other devices, such as tablets and watches (Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Watch), can also be traded in depending on the active promotions.
How the trade-in bonus works
The bonus is applied in addition to your device’s base value. For example:
- Regular trade-in value of Galaxy S21: $200;
- Promotional bonus: $100;
- Total savings on a new Galaxy S24: $300 off the final price.
In some cases, Samsung also provides instant credit that you can use immediately during checkout. This means you don’t have to wait for the old device to be processed before getting the discount.
Trade-in requirements and conditions
To qualify for the trade-in bonus, your Samsung Galaxy must meet the following basic conditions:
- The device must power on and function normally;
- The screen must be intact (minor scratches are acceptable);
- The device should not have been reported lost or stolen;
- The IMEI must be valid and verifiable;
- Factory reset should be completed before shipping.
If your phone doesn’t meet all requirements, Samsung may still accept it, but you might receive a lower credit amount or lose eligibility for the bonus.
How to send your old phone
After completing your purchase and selecting the trade-in option, Samsung will provide shipping instructions. Typically, you’ll receive:
- A prepaid shipping label by email;
- Instructions for factory resetting and packaging your device safely;
- A deadline (usually 14–21 days) to send the device.
Once Samsung inspects your phone, they’ll confirm the trade-in value. If the condition doesn’t match your initial description, the company may adjust the credit or charge the difference back to your payment method.
How to maximize your trade-in value
To get the most out of your trade-in, consider the following tips:
- Clean and reset your phone before the evaluation;
- Remove screen protectors and cases to show the device’s real condition;
- Include the charger and accessories if allowed (some programs offer extra credit for that);
- Trade in during major promotions like Black Friday, Galaxy Unpacked events, or back-to-school campaigns.
Other ways to trade in or sell your Galaxy phone
If your device isn’t eligible for the Samsung bonus, you still have alternatives:
- Carrier programs: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile frequently match or exceed Samsung’s trade-in values during special offers;
- Retailer promotions: Stores like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart offer trade-in credit for Galaxy models;
- Online marketplaces: Websites such as Gazelle or Decluttr buy used phones directly;
- Local resale: Selling your phone privately can yield a higher return, but it’s less convenient.
How to calculate your Galaxy’s trade-in value
Samsung’s estimator uses several factors to determine your phone’s value:
- Model and release year – newer devices fetch higher prices;
- Physical condition – scratches, cracks, or dents reduce the value;
- Storage capacity – higher-capacity versions typically earn more;
- Market demand – popular models retain more value over time.
On average, flagship Galaxy phones retain 40% to 60% of their value after two years, depending on model and condition.
When is the best time to trade in your phone
The ideal moments to use Samsung’s trade-in bonus include:
- Right after a new model launch (like the Galaxy S or Z series);
- During Black Friday and Cyber Monday;
- At the start of back-to-school promotions;
- During Samsung Upgrade events announced on their official store.
Acting during these windows can yield the highest bonuses and instant credits.
Pros and cons of trading in with Samsung
Advantages:
- Easy, secure, and integrated process;
- Instant discount on your new purchase;
- Environmentally responsible recycling;
- Bonus promotions exclusive to Galaxy owners.
Disadvantages:
- Trade-in value may be lower than private resale;
- Strict condition requirements;
- Credit adjustments possible after inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I trade in a broken Galaxy phone?
Only if it powers on and has minimal damage; otherwise, it may not qualify for the bonus.
2. How long does it take to receive the trade-in credit?
If you receive instant credit, it’s applied at checkout; otherwise, after device inspection (usually 7–10 business days).
3. What happens if Samsung rejects my trade-in?
You may be charged the bonus amount or offered a revised trade-in value.
4. Is the bonus available for international customers?
Yes, but eligibility and bonus values vary by country.
5. Do I need to send my phone immediately?
Yes, typically within 14 to 21 days of receiving shipping instructions.
6. Can I trade in multiple devices at once?
Yes, depending on the offer. Some promotions allow multiple trade-ins for a single purchase.
7. Is my data safe during trade-in?
Yes, as long as you factory reset and remove accounts before shipping.
8. Do refurbished or repaired phones qualify?
Yes, as long as they are functional and meet Samsung’s trade-in conditions.
9. Are tablets and watches eligible for bonuses?
Yes, during selected campaigns including Galaxy Tabs and Galaxy Watches.
10. What’s the biggest bonus Samsung has offered so far?
In some campaigns, Samsung has added up to $600 in combined trade-in and promotional bonuses for flagship upgrades.
Conclusion
Checking whether your Samsung Galaxy qualifies for a special trade-in bonus can help you save significantly on your next upgrade. Samsung’s Trade-In Program not only rewards loyalty but also promotes sustainability through device recycling.
Before you trade in, always compare offers, verify your phone’s condition, and take advantage of promotional periods like Black Friday or Galaxy Unpacked events. This way, you’ll get the best deal possible — and your next Galaxy will come at a fraction of the price.

