Best Verizon Wireless Black Friday Deals 2020
You’ve seen the ads for the Verizon Black Friday deals 2020: “Get a new iPhone 12 on us!” It’s a tempting offer, but it also brings up a healthy dose of skepticism. Is a “free” phone from Verizon actually free? The short answer is almost never. We’re here to translate the confusing fine print into simple English so you can see the real price before you buy.
In practice, that “free” phone is usually paid for through a system called “bill credits.” Instead of a big discount upfront, Verizon gives you a small rebate on your bill every single month for the next 24 or even 36 months. This is the key to their strategy: it ensures you stay with them for years. If you decide to leave early, those credits stop, and you’re often responsible for paying the remaining balance on the phone.
Understanding how these bill credits work is the secret to decoding Verizon’s best deals. This guide will help you navigate the major promotions, from trade-in offers to new customer specials for Black Friday, and reveal the single most important question you need to ask to determine which of these tempting deals are truly as good as they sound.
Summary
Most “free phone” Black Friday deals from Verizon are bill credits spread over 24–36 months, which stop if you leave early, leaving you to pay the remaining device balance. The biggest savings typically require adding a new line (BOGO or new-customer offers), while existing customers save most via boosted trade-in credits—often tied to premium Unlimited plans. iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel deals all follow this structure, with extra value available from Fios promos and discounted accessories. Use the included 5-step checklist to match the right offer to your situation and calculate total cost before committing.
The ‘Free Phone’ Catch: How Verizon’s Bill Credits Really Work
You’ve likely seen the ads promising a new iPhone or Galaxy “on us” when you switch or upgrade. While these are fantastic deals, the phone isn’t free in the way you might think. Instead of an instant discount, Verizon uses a system of bill credits tied to a Device Payment Plan.
Think of it like this: you agree to buy the phone at its full price, paying for it in monthly installments over 24 or 36 months. Then, Verizon gives you a credit on your bill each month that cancels out that payment. It’s like a rebate you get in small pieces over time, not all at once. As long as you stay with Verizon for the full term, the phone ends up costing you nothing.
The process is simple, but the commitment is long-term. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- You purchase the new phone on a 24- or 36-month Device Payment Plan, agreeing to its full retail price.
- After one or two billing cycles, a monthly bill credit appears on your statement, covering that month’s phone payment.
- These credits continue for the entire term, but they stop immediately if you switch carriers or pay off your phone early.
So, what’s the catch? The bill credits are Verizon’s way of ensuring you remain a customer. If you get a deal for a $960 phone on a 24-month plan and decide to leave after one year, you’ve only received half of your credits ($480). You would then be responsible for paying the remaining $480 balance on the phone all at once. Keep an eye out for the phrase “via 24 mo. bill credits” in the fine print—it’s your clue that the deal works this way.
Decoding the Deals: BOGO vs. Trade-In vs. New Line Offers
Now that you understand how bill credits work, you can start to make sense of Verizon’s main Black Friday promotions. The most eye-catching of these is often the “BOGO” deal—that’s industry-speak for Buy One, Get One . While it sounds like a simple two-for-one, there’s a crucial catch: you almost always have to add at least one new line of service to your account. This makes BOGO offers perfect for families looking to add a line for a child or partner, but less useful for two people who simply want to upgrade their existing phones.
Another popular offer involves a generous promotional trade-in value for your old device. You might see ads promising up to “$800 off a new phone with trade-in.” This is a fantastic way for existing customers to upgrade, but it’s important to remember how you get that money. Instead of an instant discount, Verizon applies the trade-in value to your account as monthly bill credits, spread over your 24 or 36-month payment plan. It’s a great value, but it locks you into your plan to receive the full amount.
Finally, you’ll see straightforward discounts specifically for adding a new line. These are designed to attract customers from other carriers or for current subscribers who want to expand their plan. Whether it’s a BOGO deal, a trade-in credit, or a new customer discount, the key is matching the offer’s main requirement to your own situation.
Verizon’s iPhone 12 Black Friday Deals: How to Get Up to $1000 Off
The iPhone 12 lineup is the star of Verizon’s Black Friday promotions. The biggest offer you’ll see is a BOGO deal giving you up to $1000 off a second iPhone 12 when you buy the first. This type of deal is perfect for families or couples, because getting that massive discount requires you to add at least one new line of service to your account. The savings are huge, but they’re aimed at customers bringing new business to Verizon.
But what if you’re an existing customer who just wants an upgrade? For you, Verizon is offering up to $550 off a new iPhone 12 with a qualifying trade-in. The value of your trade-in will be applied to your bill as monthly credits over 24 or 36 months, significantly lowering your monthly payment for the new phone. This is one of the most popular upgrade deals for existing Verizon customers who have a relatively recent phone to trade.
There’s one more critical requirement for either of these deals: you must be on the right plan. Verizon offers several different tiered Unlimited plans, much like different subscription levels for a streaming service. To get the maximum discounts on the iPhone 12, you need to be on one of their premium plans, like Play More, Do More, or Get More. The basic Start Unlimited plan, while cheaper per month, won’t qualify you for these top-tier promotions.
Securing the right Verizon unlimited plan is key to saving big on an iPhone 12 this year. Of course, Apple isn’t the only option. If you’re more of an Android fan, Verizon has equally impressive savings available for Samsung and Google’s flagship phones.
Samsung and Google Deals: The Best Way to Save on a Galaxy S20 or Pixel 5
For Android fans, Verizon is rolling out equally strong deals for Samsung’s popular phones. Much like the best iPhone offers, you can get a significant discount on a flagship device like the Galaxy S20+ by trading in your old phone. This is a fantastic path for existing customers looking to upgrade to one of the most powerful Android phones on the market, as the savings are applied directly to your monthly bill.
However, one of the most eye-catching Samsung Galaxy S20 Verizon deals for 2020 is for the more affordable Galaxy S20 FE. You can get this phone “free” when you add a new line with an Unlimited plan. You pay for the phone in monthly installments, but Verizon gives you a matching bill credit each month that cancels out the cost. This is one of the best Verizon new customer offers this Black Friday because no trade-in is required.
The savings don’t stop with Samsung. For fans of Google’s software, the Google Pixel 5 Verizon sale comes in a slightly different form. Instead of relying on a trade-in, Verizon is offering a straight discount that lowers your monthly payment when you add a new line of service. This makes it a simple and appealing option if you want a brand-new Pixel 5 but don’t have a recent, high-value phone to trade.
The biggest savings are almost always designed to attract new customers or new lines to Verizon’s network. But if you’re a loyal customer who isn’t adding a line, don’t worry—there are still specific ways for you to save on an upgrade.
For Existing Customers Only: How to Find Your Best Upgrade Deal
It can be frustrating to see all the blockbuster deals reserved for new lines. However, the best upgrade deals for existing Verizon customers are very much alive during Black Friday; they just follow a different path. The key to unlocking major savings is almost always through trading in your current phone. During sales events, Verizon often boosts the trade-in value of older devices, meaning your two-year-old iPhone could suddenly be worth hundreds of dollars in bill credits toward a new one. This is the primary way loyal customers get those eye-catching discounts.
To get the absolute best Verizon trade-in value, though, there’s often a condition: you’ll likely need to be on one of their more recent, premium unlimited plans (like Play More, Do More, or Get More). While these plans cost a bit more per month, they are the gateway to the biggest promotional credits. If you’re on an older or basic plan, the trade-in value offered might be significantly lower. It’s a trade-off worth considering, as upgrading your plan could easily unlock an extra $200-$400 in savings on a new flagship phone.
Finally, don’t forget to check for offers made specifically for you. Beyond the deals advertised on the main website, Verizon often places special “Just for You” loyalty offers directly in customer accounts. Before you start shopping, log in to the My Verizon app or website and look for a dedicated offers section. You might find a surprise discount on a new phone or a deal on upgrading your plan that isn’t available to the general public. It takes less than a minute and is the single best first step for any current customer.
Beyond the Phone: Don’t Miss These Fios and Accessory Deals
While you’re hunting for the perfect phone, don’t overlook savings in other areas. The Verizon Fios Black Friday deals 2020 are often just as impressive, frequently offering huge Visa Prepaid Cards or free tech like an Amazon Echo with a new home internet sign-up. If you’re in a Fios area, switching your internet during this time can be an easy way to score a bonus worth hundreds of dollars, completely separate from your phone purchase.
It’s also the absolute best time to stock up on essentials for your new device. After all, that shiny new phone needs protection. Check the Verizon Black Friday ad scan 2020 for deep discounts on accessories, which are often overlooked. You can typically expect to find deals like:
- 50% off select phone cases from brands like Otterbox and ZAGG
- 25% off Mophie wireless chargers and power banks
- Buy one, get one free on select screen protectors
Finally, the biggest savings often come from bundling. Think of it like a combo meal discount: when you have both Verizon Wireless and Verizon Fios, you unlock an extra discount on your bill every single month. Combining these services is a simple way to lower your costs long-term. Just remember to plan ahead: Verizon stores are not open on Thanksgiving, so online is your best bet for holiday shopping.
Your Black Friday Game Plan: A 5-Step Checklist Before You Buy
Now you can look past the confusing “free phone” ads and understand the real mechanics behind them. By knowing terms like “bill credits” and the difference between an upgrade discount and a BOGO deal, you are in control. To turn that knowledge into savings, use this checklist to prepare before the shopping rush begins. Getting these answers now will let you act decisively when the deals drop.
- 1. Check Your Eligibility: Are you adding a line or just upgrading an existing one?
- 2. Know Your Trade-In’s Value: Look up your current phone’s value on Verizon’s site.
- 3. Pick Your Deal Type: Decide if you’re aiming for a BOGO, trade-in, or new line discount.
- 4. Confirm Your Plan Qualifies: Do you need a premium unlimited plan for the best price?
- 5. Do the Math: Calculate the total cost over 24 months, not just the monthly payment.
So, when do Verizon Black Friday sales start ? Expect offers to appear the week of Thanksgiving, often as early as Monday. You can check Verizon’s deals page directly. Many of these promotions roll into Verizon Cyber Monday 2020 offers, but popular phones can sell out. Remember, the best deal isn’t just the biggest discount—it’s the one you’ve calculated, prepared for, and feel confident about long after the unboxing is over.