Best Places to Sell My Phone
When it comes time to upgrade your smartphone, most people just want convenience. Here's why (and where) you should sell your phone for top dollar.
 |
- Decluttr - Best overall
- Swappa - Best for high payouts
- SellCell - Best for quick price comparisons
- eBay - Largest online marketplace
- Buyback Boss - Best for broken phones
- ecoATM - Best for instant cash payment
- BuyBackWorld - Best for multiple payment options
- OCBuyBack - Best for fast processing
- Gazelle - Best for competitive pricing
- uSell - Best for easy selling process
Ready to get a new phone? Don't trade in your old phone just yet.
By trading in your phone, you miss out on a lot of money.
Plus, selling your phone is actually a lot simpler than you think.
Check out the top places to sell your used smartphone. Plus, learn the best ways to sell your phone fast and what to do before you sell.
10 Best Places to Sell Your Phone
 |
Turn that old phone in your drawer into cash. Check out the top 10 places to sell used cell phones.
Before we get into the details, here are estimates of offers for a 256GB iPhone 11 in good condition. Prices will change over time, but you can get an idea of how the sites compare:
| Offer for 256GB iPhone 11 | |
|---|---|
| Decluttr | $337 |
| SellCell | $375 |
| Swappa | $462 |
| eBay | $429 |
| Buyback Boss | $335 |
| ecoATM | $210 |
| BuyBackWorld | $320 |
| OCBuyBack | $300 |
| Gazelle | $400 |
| uSell | $320 |
1. Decluttr
Best Overall; Accepts Many Types of Tech
Decluttr buys and sells a huge range of used tech. The site offers one of the easiest processes for selling your smartphone online.
You just search for your phone model and choose your phone's condition. Once you submit the details, Decluttr sends you a prepaid mailing label. Just pack your items up and ship them out for free.
If your phone's condition doesn't match what you entered on the site, Decluttr will send you an updated quote. You'll get paid soon after you accept the new price.
- Payment Options: Direct deposit, PayPal
- Payment Issued: 1 day after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, Motorola, LG, Nokia, Razer
2. Swappa
Best for High Payouts
Swappa allows you to directly buy and sell used tech with other users. Because you set your own prices, you can get some of the highest payouts using this platform.
The site doesn't allow broken items, but it accepts many different brands. You can only get paid through PayPal, which charges a seller fee of around 3.49% + $0.49 for each transaction. Swappa itself doesn't charge seller fees, but it does charge fees to the buyer.
Since you're selling direct to other users, it might take a bit longer to sell your phone. But once someone buys your phone, you'll get paid immediately.
- Payment Options: PayPal
- Payment Issued: Immediately after purchase
- Seller Fees: PayPal fee (view current rates)
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, Motorola, LG, Blackberry, ASUS, Nokia, Microsoft, Xiaomi, Huawei, Blu, Palm, ZTE and more
3. SellCell
Best for Quickly Comparing Prices
SellCell compares prices across different buyback sites to find you the best buyer for your cell phone. Think of it like Expedia or Kayak for used phones. The site compares prices from 40+ different buyback companies, so it's an easy way to quickly compare prices.
SellCell accepts a smaller range of electronics compared to some other sites. You can find buyers for cell phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and a few other tech categories. But it's really convenient if you only have a few items to sell.
To sell your phone, search for your device model and enter any relevant details. You'll be able to choose from a list of websites. Then, just finish the selling process with the site you choose.
- Payment Options: Varies by website
- Payment Issued: Varies by website
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, Motorola, LG, Blackberry, Nokia, Huawei, ZTE and more
4. eBay
Largest online marketplace
eBay is one of the best sites to sell just about anything. Even if your phone doesn't work, you could potentially sell it for parts. The site offers some of the highest payouts for your used tech—if you're willing to work for it.
To sell your phone on eBay, create a listing and set your price. It requires more work than using buyback sites, but you can find customers who are willing to pay more. eBay doesn't cover shipping costs, so either you or the customer will have to pay it.
Before you list, it's a good idea to search your model on eBay and tick "Sold Items." You'll be able to see how much similar cell phones have sold for. If you want to sell your phone faster, you can list it for a little lower than the competition.
- Payment Options: Direct deposit, Visa or Mastercard debit card
- Payment Issued: Within 2 days of purchase
- Seller Fees: Varies, around 10% of final price
- Phones Accepted: No brand restrictions
5. Buyback Boss
Best for Used or Broken Phones
Buyback Boss is one of the few buyback sites that accepts broken smartphones. The process is simple. Just choose your cell phone's condition to get an offer and get paid.
You'll receive a free shipping label to mail your phone—standard practice for buyback sites like these. Once your device arrives, Buyback Boss will test it to make sure it matches your description.
The price on your quote is locked in for 14 days. As long as your package is postmarked within 14 days, you're guaranteed that amount.
- Payment Options: PayPal, Gift Card, or Bank transfer
- Payment Issued: 5-7 days after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, ASUS, Motorola, LG, Blackberry, Nokia, Kyocera, Microsoft, Huawei, Xiaomi, ZTE
6. ecoATM
Get Paid in Cash Instantly
ecoATM is one of the most unique ways to sell your phone. The process begins like normal: you enter your phone's details on the website and get a quote. But to complete the sale, all you have to do is drop it off in person at an ecoATM kiosk.
Unfortunately, the payout isn't great with ecoATM. You'll get a much better deal at many of the other buyback companies on this list. With that said, if you want to get paid as fast as possible, it's still a good choice to consider.
There are 5,000+ kiosks nationwide inside grocery stores, malls, and other locations.
- Payment Options: Cash, digital payments like Venmo or Paypal (subject to availability and eligibility)[1]
- Payment Issued: Immediately after dropping off phone
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, Motorola, ZTE, and more
- Best places to sell stuff online
- Best places to sell used DVDs
- Best places to sell video games
- Best places to sell clothes online
7. BuyBackWorld
Most Ways to Get Paid
BuyBackWorld accepts a wide range of smartphones and other tech—including headphones, cameras, and MP3 players. The site offers a lot of flexibility with many different ways to get paid.
In addition to PayPal, check, and direct deposit, you can also get paid with a prepaid debit card or a BuyBackWorld gift card. Your payout is higher if you opt for the gift card. This can be a good choice if you're already in the market to replace your old phone.
Most sellers get paid within 2 business days after the item passes inspection. If you want to get paid faster, you can choose BuyBackWorld Quick Pay. You'll get paid the next business day after your item is received. But keep in mind that the payout is lower if you choose this route.
- Payment Options: PayPal, check, direct deposit, prepaid debit card, BuyBackWorld gift card
- Payment Issued: 2-3 days after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, ASUS, Motorola, LG, Blackberry, Nokia, Kyocera, Microsoft, Huawei, Xiaomi, ZTE, and more
8. OCBuyBack
Fast Processing and Payouts
OCBuyBack is a California-based company that pays competitive rates for used cell phones. The site accepts fewer smartphone brands. But it's a solid choice to get paid quickly and easily.
The process is very similar to other sites. Just get a quote, ship your phone with a free shipping label, and wait to get paid. OCBuyBack will process your order and send out your payment within 1 business day of receiving your item.
If you live near their physical location, you can drop off your phone directly to expedite the process.
- Payment Options: Check, PayPal
- Payment Issued: 1 business day after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus
9. Gazelle
Competitive Prices; Most Popular Brands Only
Gazelle offers some of the most competitive prices for a smartphone buyback site. It accepts a limited number of brands. But it could be a great deal if your phone is from a popular brand like Apple or Samsung.
Gazelle's payout times aren't the fastest. You can expect to get paid between 3-5 business days after your phone arrives at their warehouse. But the higher-than-average prices offer a good value for your used cell phone.
- Payment Options: Check, PayPal, Amazon gift card
- Payment Issued: 3-5 business days after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google
10. uSell
Easy Selling Process
uSell is another great contender if you want to easily sell your phone. The site finds quotes and offers from hundreds of professional buyers. Once you decide on a buyer, you'll get a shipping label to send your items out.
Processing times are a bit longer at uSell, but most people are paid within 5 days after items are received. There are no seller fees or hidden fees, so you get to keep the full price quoted.
uSell doesn't accept cell phones that are completely broken. But, you can still sell damaged devices (at a lower price, of course).
- Payment Options: Check, PayPal
- Payment Issued: Within 5 business days after items arrive
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, HTC, LG, Nokia, OnePlus, Blackberry, Sony, Dell, Huawei, and more
Where to Sell a Used Phone Near You
 |
Finding a buyer near you can help you get paid faster. Here are some of the best places to sell your phone locally.
Craigslist
Craigslist is one of the oldest sites for buying and selling locally. And it's still one of the first places people look to buy used items.
If you prefer a quick, cash-only transaction, Craigslist is a great option to consider. You won't have to deal with shipping any items since you just meet up locally to complete your sale.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor lets you find and keep in touch with people in your own neighborhood. Think of it a mix of social networking and Craigslist on one site.
The platform offers local tips, news, for-sale groups, and more. If you want to sell your phone fast but want an extra security blanket, Nextdoor can give you some peace of mind. You'll be selling to your neighbors, which is a little less risky than selling to a complete stranger.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another great option for finding a local buyer for your used smartphone. Like other local marketplaces, you can sell a huge variety of items.
It's a smart idea to list your phone on multiple sites to find a buyer more quickly. You'll increase your chances of making a sale if you get more eyes on your item.
Ask People Around You
Your network is probably a lot larger than you think. If you have a phone to sell, let everyone around you know. Even if you don't know anyone who needs a phone, your friends, family, and coworkers might.
Sometimes, simply making a post on social media or just asking around is enough to find a lead.
Where to Trade In Your Phone
 |
Trading in a phone is a convenient way to upgrade your old device. Consider these popular trade-in programs to make a seamless switch to a new model.
Best Buy Trade In
Best Buy makes it easy to trade in your phone. You'll receive a quote instantly after you enter your device's details. After that, you can complete the trade in store or online.
Let's be real. No one is using a trade-in service for the high payouts. It's all about convenience and replacing your old phone as easily as possible. Best Buy estimates a trade-in value of $130 for a 256GB unlocked iPhone 11 in good condition.
- Payment Options: Best Buy gift card
- Payment Issued: Immediately in store; 7-9 days after item arrives for mail-in
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, HTC, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Sony, and more
Apple Trade In
The Apple Trade In program is an easy way for iPhone users to upgrade their phone. It offers decent prices for a trade-in program. A 256GB unlocked iPhone 11 in good condition can get up to $170
Apple also accepts some smartphones from other brands. The payout will be lower, but it can still help offset the cost of your shiny new iPhone.
- Payment Options: Apple gift card
- Payment Issued: Immediately in store; 2-3 weeks after item arrives for mail-in
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, Samsung, Google, and eligible third-party devices[2]
Samsung Trade In
The Samsung Trade In program is a little different from other trade-in programs. Credit for your item is instantly applied to your account so you can shop right away. The site even encourages you to use the box from your new phone to ship your old phone out.
The program also accepts phones with cracked screens, which isn't common with other trade-in services. If you don't currently own a Samsung, you can still trade in a few different phone brands.
- Payment Options: Instant Samsung store credit
- Payment Issued: Credit immediately applied to your account
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, LG, Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Razer, and more
Amazon Trade In
Amazon offers another easy way to trade in your device. In general, payments are processed pretty quickly. Most people get paid within 2 days after the item arrives. For the same iPhone 11 model we've been looking at, Amazon estimates a payment of $193.
Again, these aren't the highest prices available—none of these trade-in sites programs will offer the best prices. Trade-ins are best if you already know what new phone you want and where you want to buy it.
- Payment Options: Amazon gift card
- Payment Issued: 2 days after item arrives
- Seller Fees: None
- Phones Accepted: Apple, LG, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and more
Carrier Trade In
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile usually don't pay that much when you trade in your phone for a newer model. But there's no denying that this method is extremely convenient. Payouts vary from carrier to carrier, but expect them to be lower than other trade-in services.
Before You Sell Your Phone
From bank apps to social media, your cell phone holds a lot of personal information. Before you sell your phone, be sure to properly prep your device. You won't want any of your sensitive information to get into the wrong hands.
The process of removing your personal info from your old phone will be slightly different for each device. But in general, here's what you'll need to do to prepare your used cell phone for sale:
- Back up all your data and contacts.
- Sign out from and unlink your accounts.
- Remove any SIM cards.
- Factory reset your phone.
5 Tips to Sell Your Phone Fast
- Sell your phone locally. Using a buyback website is super convenient. But if you're looking to get paid ASAP, selling locally is usually your best bet. You can meet up with a buyer and get your payment on the spot.
Remember: Be safe and smart when meeting up with a buyer. Opt for a public, high-traffic area whenever possible.
- Set realistic prices. Be sure to research market prices for your used phone. Try selling your phone for a bit cheaper if you're in a rush to get the money. If you set your prices too high, it'll be much more difficult to find someone to buy it.
- Clean your phone. You might've gotten used to the smudges on your phone, but buyers don't want to see that. You'll have greater luck selling your old cell phone if it looks clean and sanitary.
- Take quality pictures for your post. First impressions matter when you're trying to sell your used stuff. Buyers are more likely to trust you if you include lots of clear, well-lit pictures of your phone.
- Use relevant keywords and descriptions. Don't say that you're just selling "an iPhone." Include the model and other relevant details. A listing for a 256GB Verizon iPhone XS seems way more legit. Plus, it makes it easier for buyers to find your post in search results.
Bottom Line
Don't toss your old cell phone in the trash. Selling a used phone is easier than you think. Whether you choose to sell online or in person, there are plenty of ways to make extra cash from your old stuff.
Want more ways to make easy money from home? Check out these articles next:
References
- ^ ecoATM. ecoATM Terms and Conditions, Retrieved 05/16/2024
- ^ Apple Trade in. What devices are eligible for trade-in?, Retrieved 4/27/2024
Donna Tang is a content associate at CreditDonkey, a personal finance comparison and reviews website. Write to Donna Tang at donna.tang@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
