T-Mobile Keep & Switch Explained: How to Get $800 With No Contract
T-Mobile's Keep & Switch is one of the best switching deals in wireless — up to $800 via prepaid Mastercard, no trade-in required, no contract lock-in.
How it works
T-Mobile will reimburse you up to $800 per line for the remaining device balance you owe your current carrier. The money comes as a prepaid Mastercard — not bill credits. This means you're not locked in. You can use it to pay off your old carrier, then you're free.
Requirements
Port your number from an eligible carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or other qualifying carriers)
Sign up for an eligible T-Mobile plan (Go5G or Go5G Plus)
Submit your final bill from your old carrier showing the device payoff amount
Keep your T-Mobile line active for at least 45 days
Step-by-step process
Get your transfer PIN from your current carrier.
Sign up for T-Mobile Go5G or Go5G Plus — port your number during signup.
Wait for your final bill from your old carrier showing the device payoff amount.
Submit the final bill to T-Mobile via the promotions portal or app.
Receive a prepaid Mastercard within 8 weeks (typically 4–6 weeks).
Use the card to pay off your old carrier or spend it however you want.
Key details
- The prepaid card is not bill credits — you keep the money even if you later leave T-Mobile.
- You must keep your current phone — this is "keep and switch," not a trade-in program.
- Maximum reimbursement is typically $800 per line. Check current terms for exact amount.
- You must submit the final bill within 30 days of activation.
Why this is powerful
Keep & Switch is the only major carrier switching deal that gives you cash (prepaid card) instead of bill credits. This means no 24-36 month lock-in. If T-Mobile doesn't work out, you can leave without owing anything. For users stuck in bill credit contracts at Verizon or AT&T, this is often the cheapest way out.
Is Keep & Switch right for you?
Upload your bill and we'll calculate if switching to T-Mobile saves you money — including the rebate.
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