As a longtime Verizon customer, you may feel like you‘re being taken for granted. After all, wireless carriers are notorious for offering their best promotions and pricing to new customers in hopes of getting them to switch. Hefty gift cards, free flagship phones, and rock-bottom introductory rates are frequently dangled in front of potential converts, while loyal subscribers are expected to pay full price.
But as the nation‘s largest wireless carrier, Verizon knows a thing or two about the importance of customer retention. With the US wireless market essentially saturated, Verizon now has to fight tooth-and-nail to keep the customers it already has from defecting to hungry competitors like T-Mobile and cable upstarts like Xfinity Mobile.
In fact, recent consumer surveys have found that wireless customers are more likely to switch carriers than ever before. According to a 2022 PwC study, 36% of US wireless subscribers say they are at least somewhat likely to switch providers in the next year, up from 29% in 2019.
Faced with these challenges, Verizon has stepped up its efforts to reward existing customers and make them feel valued. Through a combination of device upgrades, plan discounts, and special loyalty perks, Verizon is working hard to convince its subscribers to stick around for the long haul.
As a savvy Verizon customer, you can take advantage of these offers to significantly reduce your monthly bills and always have the latest smartphone in your pocket. But with Verizon deals changing all the time and varying based on your plan and location, it can be hard to know how to get the best loyalty discounts.
That‘s why we‘ve put together this comprehensive guide for getting the most out of Verizon‘s deals as an existing customer. We‘ll share insider tips on snagging the hottest promotions, break down the fine print, and show you how Verizon‘s loyalty rewards stack up against the competition.
Whether you‘re a Verizon veteran looking to upgrade on the cheap or a relative newbie wondering if you should jump ship, read on for our expert analysis and insights. Your wallet will thank you!
Verizon Loyalty Discounts by the Numbers
Just how much can existing Verizon customers save by taking advantage of loyalty deals and discounts? Let‘s look at some real-world examples.
Last year, Stephanie Johnson, a Verizon customer of 10+ years from New York, decided it was finally time to upgrade her trusty iPhone 8 to a shiny new iPhone 13 Pro. As a loyal customer, Stephanie was eligible for Verizon‘s latest trade-in promotion, which offered up to $700 off the new iPhone with an eligible trade-in device.
Since her old iPhone 8 was in good condition, Stephanie was able to get the full $700 trade-in value, reducing the cost of her brand-new $999 iPhone 13 Pro to just $299 plus tax. That‘s an effective discount of over 70% off retail price, without having to switch carriers or open a new line.
Stephanie‘s story is just one of many ways Verizon customers can save big bucks through loyalty deals. Here are a few more eye-popping examples:
-
John, a Verizon customer since 2015, got a $300 credit on his bill just for renewing his contract and agreeing to stay with Verizon for another 2 years. That‘s essentially free money in his pocket just for sticking with his current carrier.
-
The Jones family, who have four lines on Verizon, saved $40 per month on their wireless bill by bundling their plan with Verizon Fios home internet service. Over the course of a year, that adds up to nearly $500 in savings.
-
Maria, a longtime Android user on Verizon, took advantage of a "buy one, get one free" promotion on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series. She got two Galaxy S22+ phones for the price of one by adding a new line to her existing Verizon plan, then gifted the second phone to her son.
These examples demonstrate the significant savings available to Verizon customers who know where to look and how to work the system. But not all Verizon offers are well-publicized or easy to find, which brings us to our next point…
Finding "Hidden" Verizon Deals for Existing Customers
Some of the best Verizon deals for existing customers aren‘t always prominently featured on the carrier‘s website or in marketing emails. To uncover these "hidden" discounts, you may need to do a bit of digging and negotiating.
One great resource is Verizon‘s customer service department. Many Verizon reps are empowered to offer specialized loyalty discounts and retention offers to customers who threaten to cancel or switch providers.
If you‘re nearing the end of your contract or just feeling frustrated with your Verizon bill, it‘s always worth calling up customer service and politely expressing your concerns. More often than not, the rep will magically discover a great deal that isn‘t available to the general public.
These customer service deals may include bigger trade-in credits on phone upgrades, extra discounts on accessory bundles, and "hidden" promo codes that can shave $10 or more off your monthly bill. The key is to be friendly but firm in pushing for the best deal possible. It certainly doesn‘t hurt to mention the great offers you‘ve seen from Verizon‘s competitors!
Another insider tip for finding great Verizon deals is to keep an eye on online forums and deal sites frequented by wireless enthusiasts. SlickDeals, for example, has an entire subforum dedicated to Verizon deals and promo codes.
Many of these deals are targeted or regional, meaning they‘re not available to everyone. But with a bit of persistence and luck, you may be able to score an incredible discount that few other customers know about.
Comparing Verizon Loyalty Deals to Other Carriers
Of course, Verizon isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to rewarding loyal customers. The other major US wireless carriers have their own deals and discount programs aimed at reducing churn and keeping subscribers happy.
Here‘s a quick comparison of how Verizon‘s current loyalty offers stack up against similar deals from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint (now part of T-Mobile) as of March 2023:
| Promotion Type | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile/Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 trade-in credit | Up to $1000 | Up to $800 | Up to $1000 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 trade-in credit | Up to $800 | Up to $800 | Up to $1000 |
| Free/discounted 5G phone with new line | TCL A3, Galaxy A13, Orbic Myra 5G UW | N/A | REVVL V+ 5G |
| Bundling discounts | 50% off Unlimited plan when you add home internet | N/A | 50% off YouTube TV for a year |
| Loyalty bill credit | $5-10 off per month with autopay | $10 off per month with autopay & paperless billing | N/A |
| Accessory discounts | 30% off MagSafe accessories | 25% off select accessories | BOGO 50% off phone cases |
As you can see, the deals are fairly competitive across the board, with each carrier offering sizable discounts on the latest phones and accessories. However, there are a few key differences to note.
T-Mobile/Sprint seems to have a slight edge when it comes to trade-in credits, frequently offering up to $1000 off the latest iPhone and Galaxy devices compared to Verizon and AT&T‘s $800-1000 range.
On the other hand, Verizon has some unique offers like discounted connected device plans (e.g. 50% off smartwatch lines) and bigger accessory discounts (30% off MagSafe gear) that the other carriers lack. Verizon‘s $5-10 loyalty autopay discount is also a nice perk that AT&T and T-Mobile don‘t quite match.
Overall, Verizon‘s loyalty deals are very competitive with other major carriers. The differences mostly come down to the specific phones, plans, and accessories you‘re interested in.
It‘s also worth noting that these public offers are just a starting point. As mentioned, negotiating with each carrier‘s customer service department can often yield even better deals for long-term customers. Don‘t be afraid to haggle and pit the carriers against each other to secure the biggest discount!
Future Outlook: 5G and Beyond
Looking ahead, Verizon‘s strategy for retaining loyal customers will be increasingly shaped by the shift to 5G networks and the growing convergence of wireless and home broadband.
As Verizon rolls out its 5G Ultra Wideband service to more cities, expect the company to offer bigger loyalty discounts and bundling perks for customers who combine 5G mobile and 5G home internet plans. Verizon is already heavily pushing its 5G Home product as a cable/fiber alternative, and existing wireless subscribers will likely serve as a key target market.
"With our 5G network reaching more customers than ever, we have a unique opportunity to offer unparalleled value by bundling our wireless and home services together," said Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg on a recent earnings call. "Our loyal customers are at the heart of this strategy, and we plan to reward them handsomely for their commitment to our network."
Industry analyst Jeff Moore of Wave7 Research agrees that 5G will play a big role in Verizon‘s loyalty programs going forward. "As the 5G market matures, we expect Verizon to lean heavily on bundling discounts and perks to differentiate itself from competitors," said Moore. "Offering a seamless, integrated experience across wireless and home broadband will be key to reducing churn and maximizing customer lifetime value."
Beyond 5G, Verizon is also investing heavily in its Verizon Up rewards program, which gives customers points for every dollar spent on their wireless bill. These points can be redeemed for free stuff like sports tickets, exclusive experiences, and bonus data.
As Verizon expands the program and partners with more brands, Verizon Up could become an increasingly valuable loyalty perk. In a recent survey by research firm Escalent, Verizon Up received the highest overall score among wireless carriers‘ loyalty programs.
"We‘re constantly looking for new ways to show our appreciation for our loyal customers through Verizon Up," said Angie Klein, VP of Marketing at Verizon. "Whether it‘s a VIP experience at the Super Bowl or a free trial of Disney+, we want our customers to know that we value their business and are committed to giving them unbeatable value."
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
Navigating the complex world of Verizon deals and loyalty discounts can seem overwhelming, but it doesn‘t have to be. By following a few simple tips and staying informed, you can dramatically reduce your wireless expenses and get the most out of your Verizon service.
To recap, here are the key strategies for maximizing Verizon deals as an existing customer:
-
Take advantage of trade-in offers: Verizon frequently offers $700-1000 off the latest iPhones and Android devices when you trade in an eligible phone. Keep your old devices in good condition to get the biggest discounts!
-
Bundle your services: Combining Verizon wireless with Fios home internet or another Verizon service can yield big savings and bonus perks. As 5G home internet expands, look for even better bundling deals in the future.
-
Negotiate with customer service: Verizon‘s published deals are just a starting point. Calling up customer service and threatening to cancel or switch carriers can often uncover hidden loyalty discounts and retention offers.
-
Keep an eye out for limited-time promos: Verizon releases new deals and discounts all the time, especially around major holidays and phone launches. Check deal sites and forums regularly to avoid missing out on a great offer.
-
Compare with other carriers: While Verizon‘s loyalty deals are competitive, it never hurts to see what AT&T, T-Mobile, and others are offering. Use those rival deals as leverage when negotiating with Verizon‘s customer service!
-
Don‘t forget about Verizon Up: Verizon‘s rewards program offers a lot of value for loyal customers. Make sure you‘re enrolled and taking advantage of all the bonus points, freebies, and exclusive experiences.
By following these strategies, Verizon customers can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their wireless service and devices every year. Just take it from Jason, a savvy Verizon subscriber from San Francisco:
"I‘ve been with Verizon for over a decade, and I‘ve learned that loyalty pays off big time," said Jason. "By keeping tabs on the latest deals and regularly checking in with customer service, I‘m able to get incredible discounts on new phones and accessories. Last year, I got an iPhone 13 Pro Max for less than $200 out of pocket thanks to a trade-in promo and loyalty credits. It takes a bit of work, but the savings are totally worth it."
So don‘t let yourself feel neglected or taken for granted as a Verizon customer. With a little bit of deal-hunting and negotiation, you can enjoy all the perks of a new subscriber without sacrificing the reliable coverage and customer service you‘ve come to expect from Verizon. Here‘s to many more years of wireless savings and satisfaction!
