To drive your actual out-of-pocket cost down to near-zero at Best Buy, you must navigate these three components:
As of early 2026, Best Buy’s most aggressive offers are tied to the series and the budget-friendly iPhone 16e . iphone for a dollar best buy
Getting a brand-new iPhone for just a dollar (or even "free") at Best Buy typically requires a high-value trade-in and a specific carrier agreement. While Best Buy does not currently offer a flat "$1" sticker price for unlocked iPhones, you can reach that net cost through trade-in credits and carrier subsidies. Current Best Buy iPhone Promotions (April 2026) To drive your actual out-of-pocket cost down to
Instead of paying upfront, the cost is split into 36 monthly payments. If your trade-in credit equals the monthly payment, your bill shows a $0.00/mo charge after credits. Current Best Buy iPhone Promotions (April 2026) Instead
Best Buy often provides an "instant" trade-in credit toward the purchase, which differs from carrier bill credits that take months to apply. High-value devices like an iPhone 15 Pro can net $500–$700 in immediate value.
Verizon and T-Mobile offer up to $830 off with eligible trade-ins.
For those avoiding long-term carrier contracts, Best Buy Refurbished "Excellent" older models (like iPhone 12 or 13) are often priced low enough that a modest trade-in could cover nearly the entire cost. Summary of Savings by Model Potential Savings Requirement iPhone 17 Pro Up to $1,100 Trade-in + AT&T Installment Plan iPhone 17e Up to $600 Trade-in + Carrier Activation iPhone 16e "On Us" ($0) New line on Verizon/T-Mobile iPhone 15 (Refurb) ~$400 Total No contract; outright purchase