Your Complete Guide to Verizon's Best New Customer Deals [2025]
If you've been thinking about switching carriers or getting your first phone plan, Verizon just dropped one of the best promotions we've seen in months. But here's the thing: these deals are expiring soon, and you need to move fast if you want to take advantage of them.
Let me break down exactly what Verizon is offering right now, how much you can actually save, and whether this deal is worth jumping on. I've been covering telecom deals for years, and this promotion hits differently because it combines cash credits, free flagship phones, and service perks that actually matter.
What You're Actually Getting
Verizon's current new customer promotion includes multiple ways to save. You get a
But that's not where it ends. The bundle also includes exclusive service benefits. New customers get priority access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, which delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 5G in covered areas. You also get access to Verizon's expanded coverage, which includes more than 16 million square miles of 4G LTE and 5G network in the US.
The promotion also stacks with trade-in values. If you're switching from another carrier and have a phone to trade in, Verizon will apply additional credit toward your new device beyond the
Why This Deal Matters Right Now
Carrier promotions come and go constantly, but this one is significant for a few reasons. First, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is brand new. Getting it free isn't typical—most carriers require you to pay something or lock into a long contract. Verizon's approach here is aggressive, which tells you they're hungry for new customers.
Second, the $200 credit is straightforward. You don't have to jump through hoops or activate specific services. It just hits your account, reducing what you owe. Compare that to other carriers' rebate offers, which often require you to wait 4-8 weeks and submit documentation through a mail-in process.
Third, the timing matters. Verizon's fiscal year planning means they're currently pushing hard to hit acquisition targets. That pressure translates to better deals for you. Later in the year, when quotas are met, promotions typically become more modest.
Breaking Down the iPhone 17 Pro Max Offer
The free iPhone 17 Pro Max deserves its own explanation because there are important conditions attached. First, you need to switch to Verizon as your primary carrier. This means you can't already be a Verizon customer trying to add a line—you have to be coming from another network.
Second, the phone is free after you've completed the service commitment. Typically, that means you need to maintain a qualifying Verizon plan for 24 months. If you cancel early, Verizon may assess an early termination fee, though this varies by specific plan terms.
Third, the iPhone 17 Pro Max itself is the latest model with the A18 Pro chip, the new superzoom lens, and the improved thermal system that keeps the phone cooler under heavy use. The base storage is 256GB, which is solid for most people. If you want 512GB or 1TB models, you'd pay the difference.
Here's the calculation: The iPhone 17 Pro Max regularly costs
The $200 Account Credit Explained
The $200 account credit is where many customers get confused. This isn't money you receive—it's credit applied to your Verizon account that reduces your monthly bills. Think of it like a prepaid account balance.
If your Verizon plan costs
The credit applies regardless of which plan you choose. Whether you go with Verizon's budget plan or the premium unlimited tier, the $200 applies the same way. This is where you can actually customize the deal to fit your needs.
Some plans include perks like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundled in. If you were already planning to pay for those services separately, getting them included with a plan that uses your $200 credit effectively multiplies your savings.
Understanding the Commitment
Let's be honest about what you're signing up for. The free iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a 24-month device payment plan. That means Verizon is financing the phone, and you're agreeing to pay for service for two years.
If you cancel service before 24 months are up, Verizon charges an early termination fee. For a phone valued at $1,199, the fee would likely be calculated proportionally—you'd owe more if you cancel after 3 months than if you cancel after 20 months.
However, there are legitimate reasons to consider this acceptable. First, Verizon's network is consistently ranked at or near the top for reliability and coverage. If you're in an area where their network is measurably better than competitors, the 24-month commitment locks you into using the superior service. Second, 24 months gives you time to see if you like the service before making a long-term commitment to stay.
The service side also matters. Verizon's plans are competitively priced, though they're not the cheapest option available. Their unlimited plans start around
Comparing Verizon to Other Carriers
Verizon isn't the only carrier running new customer promotions, so let's see how this stacks up. AT&T currently offers up to
T-Mobile is pushing discounts on older iPhone models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering them free or at steep discounts. But the latest models? They're not quite as generous as Verizon on those devices.
Rogers (in Canada) and other regional carriers have their own promotions, but they're similarly constructed—either cash credits, free phones, or service perks, but rarely as much stacked together as what Verizon is offering right now.
The key difference is that Verizon's offer includes both the phone and the credit simultaneously, without requiring you to jump between promotional tiers. Some carriers make you choose: take the free phone OR the cash credit, not both.
Network Quality and Coverage Matters
When you're committing to a carrier for 24 months, the actual network quality matters as much as the promotional value. Verizon's network has several strengths worth noting.
First, their 5G Ultra Wideband network covers major metropolitan areas comprehensively. If you live or work in a city with strong 5G deployment, you'll notice speed and consistency improvements. Real-world data shows 5G UWB delivering 300-500 Mbps in optimal conditions, compared to 50-100 Mbps for standard 5G.
Second, Verizon's 4G LTE network is still incredibly reliable. For areas without 5G coverage, you're getting tested, mature infrastructure. Their network uptime is consistently above 99.9%, which means downtime is minimal.
Third, Verizon has invested heavily in rural coverage. If you travel to less densely populated areas, you'll find Verizon's coverage extends further than some competitors. They've built out infrastructure in places where it's not immediately profitable, which creates value for customers who need nationwide coverage.
However, Verizon also charges premium prices for premium network quality. You're not just paying for the phone and service—you're paying for network reliability. If you primarily use your phone in well-covered urban areas and cost is your main concern, a budget carrier might serve you just as well at a lower monthly cost.
The Trade-In Situation
Verizon's trade-in program is where additional savings become possible. When you switch carriers and bring your current phone, Verizon evaluates it and offers trade-in credit. This stacks on top of the $200 new customer credit and the free phone offer.
For recent flagship phones, trade-in values are substantial. An iPhone 16 Pro Max in good condition typically gets
The catch? Verizon's trade-in valuations are conservative. If you've seen the phone advertised for
If you have an older phone or one with cosmetic damage, trade-in values drop significantly. A phone with a cracked screen might lose 50% of its value. A five-year-old device might be worth $50-100. For very old phones, Verizon might not accept them at all.
Plan Options and Optimization
Now that you understand the promotion itself, let's talk about which Verizon plan makes sense. This is where you can actually customize the deal to maximize value.
Verizon's entry-level unlimited plan (Welcome Unlimited) costs about
The mid-tier option (Play More Unlimited) runs about
The premium tier (Do More Unlimited) costs about $130/month and targets power users. It includes everything from Play More Unlimited, plus additional prioritization on the network, better device protection, and business perks like Verizon's secure cloud backup.
Here's where to optimize: If you're a light user who just needs basic phone service, Welcome Unlimited is fine. The $200 credit covers 2.5 months and you move on. But if you already pay for Disney+ or Hulu separately, the Play More Unlimited plan at a higher nominal price point actually saves you money when the bundled services are factored in.
Hidden Costs and Gotchas
Let's talk about what Verizon doesn't advertise as loudly. There are legitimate costs beyond the monthly plan price.
First, regulatory recovery charges. Verizon adds about
Second, device protection and insurance. Verizon offers optional device protection plans that cost
Third, cloud storage and backup services. Verizon includes 5GB of cloud storage for free, but if you want 200GB or 1TB, you pay extra. On their higher-tier plans, more storage is included, but on the base Welcome Unlimited, you might quickly hit that 5GB limit if you back up photos or documents.
Fourth, annual price increases. Verizon historically raises plan prices every year or so. The promotional pricing you get as a new customer might not stay fixed for 24 months. After your initial promotional period, expect monthly costs to rise gradually.
Timing and Deadline Urgency
This promotion ends tomorrow, which creates real pressure to decide quickly. That urgency is intentional—carriers use time limits to force decisions before customers comparison shop thoroughly.
But here's what actually matters: Do you genuinely need a new phone and plan right now? If you're currently happy with your carrier and phone, no promotion is worth switching into a plan you don't actually need. However, if you're already planning to upgrade and switch, the timing of this promotion makes it worth acting on.
If you do decide to switch, here's what happens next. You visit a Verizon store or go online and start the new customer signup process. Verizon will verify you're not an existing customer, get your information, and process the switch. Your number can port over (usually within 24 hours), so you don't lose access to contacts or change your phone number. The old carrier is notified and your service with them ends.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is activated immediately, and you'll start using Verizon's service right away. The $200 account credit is applied within 1-2 billing cycles. Trade-in processing takes a few days—you'll ship your old phone to Verizon or drop it at a store, they evaluate it, and the credit posts to your account.
The Real Value Calculation
Let's calculate the actual financial impact of this deal over 24 months to make this concrete.
Phone Value: iPhone 17 Pro Max free = $1,199
Typical Trade-In: iPhone 16 Pro Max in good condition = $550
Total Immediate Value:
Over a 24-month commitment:
Service Cost:
After Promotional Credits: (
Net Value in First 24 Months:
That math assumes you stay with Verizon for the full 24 months. If you're happy with the service and network quality, you'd continue paying
Compare that to buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max outright (
Before You Commit: Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you jump on this deal, honestly answer these questions.
First: Do you actually live or work in an area with good Verizon coverage? Check Verizon's coverage map against your daily routes. If you're constantly in areas with weak Verizon signal but strong coverage from another carrier, this deal doesn't help you. Network quality beats promotional value.
Second: Are you comfortable with a 24-month commitment? If your life circumstances might change—you might move, lose your job, or change your phone needs—the early termination fee could cost you. If you're generally happy staying with a carrier long-term, this is fine.
Third: Will you use the services included in Play More Unlimited if you go that route? If you never watch Disney+ or Hulu, paying the extra $30/month for Play More Unlimited and not using those services wastes money. Stick with Welcome Unlimited in that case.
Fourth: What's your old phone worth to you versus Verizon's trade-in offer? If you love your current phone and would rather keep it as a backup, trading it in doesn't make sense. If you want to simplify and don't need backups, the trade-in value is just free money.
Fifth: Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max actually the right phone for you? Just because it's free doesn't mean it's the best device. If you prefer Samsung, Google Pixel, or OnePlus, Verizon might have separate promotions on those devices. Don't take a free iPhone 17 Pro Max if you'd rather have a Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Practical Steps to Execute the Switch
If you've decided this deal is right for you, here's how to actually make it happen quickly.
Step 1: Gather Your Current Phone Information
Have your current carrier's account number and PIN available. You'll need these to authorize the port of your phone number. If you don't know them, call your current carrier's customer service. This takes five minutes.
Step 2: Choose Your Verizon Plan
Decide whether you want Welcome Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, or Do More Unlimited. Think about the bundled services and whether you'd use them. Make this decision before you visit Verizon—it speeds up the process.
Step 3: Locate Your Nearest Verizon Store or Go Online
You can execute this entire process online at Verizon's website or visit a physical store. Online is faster if you're comfortable with the process. In-store, a representative can walk you through everything and answer questions in real-time.
Step 4: Verify You're Not an Existing Customer
Verizon will ask for your Social Security number and check their database. They need to confirm you're a new customer eligible for the promotion. This is a hard requirement.
Step 5: Port Your Number
Authorize the number port. Your current carrier will be notified, and within 24 hours, your phone number rings on Verizon's network instead. During this transition, you might have a few hours where calls are unpredictable, but most ports are seamless.
Step 6: Activate the iPhone 17 Pro Max
The phone activates automatically once service is switched. Set it up with your Apple ID, transfer your data from your old phone (using iCloud or the Apple setup wizard), and you're running on Verizon.
Step 7: Arrange Your Trade-In
If you're trading in your old phone, Verizon will give you instructions. Some stores accept them in-store; others have you ship them. Complete this within the specified timeframe—usually 14-30 days—to ensure your trade-in credit processes.
Long-Term Considerations
Once you switch to Verizon, think about what happens beyond the promotional period.
Your monthly bill will be
After 24 months, your device payment plan is done. You own the iPhone 17 Pro Max outright. At that point, you can either upgrade to a new phone (and potentially switch carriers again if another promotion is better), or keep using the iPhone 17 Pro Max and just pay for Verizon service month-to-month.
Verizon's service quality is generally reliable, but it's not perfect. You'll want to periodically check whether you're still getting good value. Every couple of years, other carriers run similar promotions. If AT&T or T-Mobile offers something better, you can always switch then.
Potential Deal Breakers
Let me be direct about reasons NOT to take this deal.
You're happy with your current carrier and plan: If you already love your network, your phone, and your plan price, switching costs time and effort for marginal benefit. Brand loyalty isn't stupid if you're genuinely satisfied.
You need a specific phone that Verizon won't subsidize this way: If you really want a Pixel 9 Pro XL or a Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Verizon's promotion only covers the iPhone 17 Pro Max, wait for Verizon to promote those devices.
You travel internationally frequently: Verizon's international roaming is expensive if you don't pay extra for international plans. Some other carriers have better international packages. Research this before committing.
You have a device payment plan with your current carrier: If you're still paying off your existing phone with another carrier, switching to Verizon means you're now paying for two phones simultaneously. The early termination fee plus remaining device payments could exceed $500. Wait until your old plan is paid off.
You're in a rural area where Verizon coverage is weak: This is a deal-breaker. If your main use area has poor Verizon signal, no promotional credit is worth slower speeds and dropped calls.
Final Thoughts on Timing
This deal expires tomorrow, but that doesn't mean you'll never see comparable offers again. Verizon runs major promotions several times a year. Other carriers do the same. However, the specific combination of a free iPhone 17 Pro Max plus $200 credit is relatively generous compared to many historical promotions.
If you're on the fence, sleep on it tonight. When you wake up tomorrow, honestly answer the questions I posed earlier. If the answers align with switching to Verizon, act fast—use your lunch break to visit a store or complete the online signup. The process takes 30-45 minutes.
If you're not sure, that hesitation matters. The best deal in the world is bad if you're not confident about it. There will be other promotions. Missing this one stings only if you genuinely needed to switch anyway.
The real value in this deal isn't just the financial savings—it's the opportunity to try Verizon's network and service without the risk of being locked into a bad experience long-term. If you do switch and hate Verizon, the early termination fee is painful but not catastrophic. If you switch and love it, you've found a carrier you're happy with for the foreseeable future.
FAQ
What makes Verizon's current promotion different from other carrier deals?
Verizon's offer combines multiple value streams simultaneously: a
How long does it take to port my number to Verizon after I sign up?
Number porting typically completes within 24 hours. Once Verizon initiates the port, your current carrier is notified, and they release your number. Verizon's network receives it, and your phone rings on Verizon service. During the transition—usually just a few hours—your calls might route unpredictably, but most ports are seamless with no downtime.
Can I get the free iPhone 17 Pro Max if I'm already a Verizon customer?
No. The promotion specifically targets new customers switching from other carriers. Existing Verizon customers can upgrade their devices, but they don't qualify for this particular free phone offer. Verizon has separate upgrade promotions for existing customers, but they're typically less generous than new customer offers.
What happens if I cancel Verizon service before 24 months?
You'll be charged an early termination fee calculated based on the remaining device balance. If you cancel after 6 months of a 24-month plan, you'd owe approximately 75% of the remaining device value. For an iPhone 17 Pro Max worth
How much will my monthly Verizon bill actually be including taxes and fees?
Verizon's plan prices (
Is the trade-in valuation guaranteed, or can Verizon lower the offer after I send my phone in?
Verizon provides estimated trade-in values upfront, but the final amount can change after they physically inspect your device. If there's damage not visible initially, or if they discover water damage or other issues, the final credit might be lower than estimated. Most trade-ins are final after inspection, so pack your device carefully and ensure it arrives in the condition you promised.
Should I upgrade to Play More Unlimited or stick with Welcome Unlimited?
If you subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ separately, Play More Unlimited effectively pays for itself—those services alone cost
Can I keep my current phone and get Verizon service without taking the free iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Yes, though you'd lose the free phone promotion value. Some customers prefer keeping their current device if it's newer or meets their needs. You can switch to Verizon as a new customer and use your old phone. However, if that's your plan, you miss out on a substantial part of the promotional value, making the deal less compelling.
Does this promotion include international roaming or travel benefits?
The promotion itself doesn't add international roaming. However, Verizon's higher-tier plans (Play More Unlimited and Do More Unlimited) include some international features. International roaming data is still expensive without additional international plans. If you travel frequently, research Verizon's international roaming costs before committing.
What if I want to switch phones after getting the free iPhone 17 Pro Max?
After you've paid off the iPhone 17 Pro Max through your 24-month device plan, you own it outright and can sell it, trade it in to another carrier, or keep it as a backup. If you want to upgrade to a different phone before 24 months are up, you can, but you'll still owe the remaining balance on the iPhone 17 Pro Max—that bill doesn't go away just because you get a new device.
Verizon's new customer promotion offers substantial savings, with potential total savings exceeding $1,900 when combining account credit, a free iPhone 17 Pro Max, and trade-in values. Estimated data.
Key Takeaways
Verizon's limited-time new customer promotion delivers genuine value through a combination of a free iPhone 17 Pro Max, a
Verizon's current promotion offers an estimated total value of
