Your 2016 Apple iPhone Trade-In Guide: Getting the Most Cash for Your Handset

How much is your old iPhone worth? That depends on the vendor you choose. While you can certainly try your chances on Craigslist and elsewhere to get more money, we recommend using one of the following four online services to sell your handset: Apple, Gazelle, Glyde, or NextWorth.

The following is a look at what each service is offering for iPhones in “good” condition as of today, Aug. 31, 2015. The prices listed are for iPhones with 64GB of storage; expect to get a little bit less for your 16GB models, and more for 128GB devices.

Want some guaranteed cash as quickly as possible? Consider selling your phone through Apple, Gazelle, or NextWorth.

Apple

Apple accepts old handsets online and through its retail stores as part of the company’s Reuse and Recycle Program. For each sale, customers receive an Apple gift card that is usable online and in Apple retail stores.

• Pros: Convenient, especially in stores.
• Cons: Prices being offered tend to be lower than others. Quotes not yet available for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

Gazelle

This company, now owned by Outerwall Inc., offers three ways to receive your cash: through check, PayPal, or an Amazon.com gift card. If you choose Amazon.com, you’ll receive 5 percent more than the quoted price. You can also give to charity.

• Pros: Great and reliable service that has been around for a long time.
• Cons: Prices typically drop quickly as we get closer to the release date of new handsets.

NextWorth

This popular service offers two types of payments: PayPal and check. You can also solicit quotes in person at Meijer, Fred Meyer, and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

• Pros: If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, the on-site option could be important since you make the trade in the store. Prices are very competitive. Quotes are good for 30 days.
• Cons: There really aren’t any, except that prices tend to fall once Apple announces new handsets.

Unlike the other options, Glyde attempts to match buyers with sellers. Meaning, if no one likes the price you set, you’re out of luck. Luckily, the site offers tools that help you set the best price, based on current market conditions and recent sales data.

We’ve used Glyde many times over the years and enjoy what it has to offer. Its upgrade tool is impressive and sales tend to be completed very quickly, although that is not guaranteed. Proceeds go directly into your bank account. You can also receive a paper check or get paid in bitcoins.

Pros: You set the price and get paid once the buyer receives the iPhone. Site is easy to navigate.

• Cons: It might take longer to find a buyer. Watch those 15 percent seller fees.

Keeping in mind that trade-in prices change daily, you may want to visit Flipsy.com. The site compares current prices across multiple outlets. Better still: Cash and store credit offerings are separated, making it simple to compare deals.

There are plenty of places that will purchase your iPhone. Shop around to get the best price. And enjoy your new “iPhone 7” or “iPhone 7 Plus.”