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4 Facts About How Costco's Tech Trade-In Program Could Get You Free Food

Time to clean out your old tech drawer.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Jan. 6, 2025

In the digital age, it's easy to upgrade electronics and then put the old device in a drawer for "just in case," but now it's time to clean out the old tech and trade it in for a Costco gift card.

The best part? You don't have to be a member to use a Costco Shop Card, the gift card you'll receive for trading in electronics. If you've been thinking about getting a Costco membership, but want to try it before you buy it, this is a great way to clean out your old tech and save money on groceries.

Talk about a great Costco hack! Learn how it works and what devices will score you the best return.

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What devices are accepted

The program is currently promoting Apple devices, but other major tech competitors, such as Samsung, Motorola, LG, and more, are also accepted.

They accept phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, smartwatches, display monitors, and media players.

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Different phones, different values

The price varies based on model, condition, and other factors. Phones can fetch up to $665, and the prices drop as the models age.

To find out how much your old devices are worth, simply plug the make, model, and condition into the form available through Costco, and an estimate will be provided. If you like the price, you can print a shipping label or receive a ready-to-ship box. Either way, you won't have to pay for shipping.

How long does it take

Once you ship off your old electronics, it can take up to three weeks to be evaluated for a final price. The program's online portal allows customers to choose their preferred method of payment. Choosing a digital card could speed up the process for those anxious to go shopping.

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A partnership with Phobio

The program isn't run directly by Costco but instead is a partnership with Phobio, meaning you don't have to go into a Costco to complete the trade-in.

It's done entirely from home, and even the gift card can be used through the website. That way you won't have to leave the comfort of your home unless you want to go shopping in-store.

Bottom line

If you've been saving the packaging your electronics came in, there is finally a use! Original packaging can slightly increase the value of your trade-ins.

Waiting until just before a new model is released can also increase the value of your trade-in, as the prices tend to increase to encourage consumers to switch to a new device. See how much your old tech is worth by visiting the Costco and Phobio website, and then filling out the quick and simple form.

If you're looking for other ways to make quick cash, check out these side hustles that work with a full time job.

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