Contract - Buy Your Cell Phone

You pay your old carrier's final bill, including the ETF or the remaining balance on your phone.

If your current monthly bill is high or your service is spotty, a buyout is a fantastic "get out of jail free" card. You get a brand-new device and a fresh start with a carrier that actually covers your neighborhood.

The good news? Many major carriers are so eager for your business that they will literally . Here is how you can make the switch without breaking the bank. How the "Contract Buyout" Works buy your cell phone contract

You sign up for a new plan and purchase a new device (often on an installment plan).

Are you stuck in a cell phone contract that no longer fits your needs, but you’re terrified of the ? You aren't alone. One of the biggest hurdles to switching providers is the cost of leaving. You pay your old carrier's final bill, including

Most carriers don’t just hand you a bag of cash the moment you walk in. Instead, the process usually follows these four steps:

Breaking Up is Easy: How to Switch Carriers and Get Your Contract Paid Off The good news

You typically need to trade in your current smartphone to the new carrier.