Telstra's device trade in scheme takes certain models of phones and other gadgets in decent condition and converts them into credit on one of your bills.
The 'Telstra New Phone Feeling' program used to be part of this, but is not available to new customers as of January 2020.
How does Telstra trade in work?
Telstra's trade in program allows customers to exchange older devices for credit that will then be applied to their upcoming bills. Only certain Apple, Samsung, and Google phones are eligible.
Here are the steps to follow:
Log into the app. The Telstra trade in portal is available once you've logged into the My Telstra app, available from both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Assess eligibility. Go to the services tab and select your mobile number. Select "Got an old device?" and complete the eligibility assessment.
Prepare your device.Back up any data you want to keep, disable location and locking features, remove your SIM card, and reset your device to factory settings.
Send in your phone.Telstra only accepts trade in devices via the registered satchel that they will send to you. Once your device has been returned and processed, you'll receive your bill credit in full within the next 2 billing cycles.
What are the terms and conditions?
Luckily, Telstra's trade in program is relatively straightforward, but there are a few details that might trip you up.
Eligibility. In addition to owning one of the devices that Telstra will accept, you must be a current Telstra postpaid account holder and be 18 or older.
Time limit. Once you've received your return satchel or an eParcel notification that it has arrived, you must send your device within 10 days. If you don't, it could be refused.
Reduced credit.Upon receiving your device, Telstra may decide that it doesn't match your description of its condition. In this case, they may give you the choice of accepting a smaller amount of credit than quoted, or return your device to you.
How do I tell if my device is in 'good condition'
While the exact condition of your device will be calculated through the My Telstra trade in portal and Telstra itself, Telstra suggests that phones in good condition:
Are able to power on and off without being connected to a charger.
Have uncracked, unscratched screens without internal damage like dimming or discolouration.
Have cameras that can take photos free of visible chips or cracks.
Not be noticeably discoloured on the exterior, or bent.
Have a low number of scratches or dents on the case be visible in natural light.
You may still be able to trade in devices that aren't in great condition, but the credit value will drop sharply the more damaged your device is.
What is Upgrade and Protect (trading up)?
Upgrade and Protect is a feature that you can add to a new device payment plan when you purchase it. Essentially, it allows you to upgrade or replace that device during the life of the contract without paying its full remaining value.
The process of upgrading involves paying a one-off redemption fee based on your device's condition, returning your device, and entering into a new device payment contract with the replacement device.
Compare phone plans with Telstra
Find the latest Telstra phone plans below to get an idea of what's available so that you're ready to trade-in or trade-up your device.
If you're already a Telstra customer and are looking for a new phone, you have nothing to lose in trading in your old phone to get credit towards your next bill.
Yes. Both Optus and Vodafone both have trade-in or trade-up programs.
Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.
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