Paying off BOGO

kingmep wrote:

Hola,

I am wondering if anyone would know an answer to my question. I spoke with 5 different mobile employees over chat and 3 over the phone and received different answers. Seems like they have no idea.

We purchased 2 phones with their BOGO special about a year ago. One device is being paid off every month, the other is receiving monthly bill credits. We are looking into getting new phones directly with Samsung and would love trade ours in. 

We want to pay off the phones. So we know that the one that is being paid monthly by us, can be paid off right away and will not affect the "free" device. 

We, however, would like to trade in the "free" phone as well and we spoke to mobile about this and received different answers. I understand the phone is locked and still have remaining balance (supposed to be 24 months so until November). BTW, it is weird they say it is locked even though I can put any sim card in it (including one from Europe) and it works just fine. Anyway, we asked about paying that phone off as well. 

Some representatives said we can and that the monthly bill credits will be applied towards the monthly bill - every month.

Some, however, said it is not possible and if we pay it off, we lose the promotion benefits.

Has anyone dealt with this before and would know the answer? I am getting frustrated by everyone telling me something else and claiming that's the right information.

It depends on your specific promo. You should contact customer support to confirm you continue getting the monthly promotional credit after paying off your EIP balance as long as your line stays active. Technically speaking your EIP and your promotional credits are two entirely separate transactions. EIP is a zero interest loan tied to your phone. Promotional credits are bill credits applied to your active TMO phone number. This is why you see both a full EIP charge and a promotional credit as 2 separate line items on your bill.

You are correct in saying you have to payoff the existing phone in order to be able to trade in to Samsung. You cannot trade in a device that does not belong to you. Even if your EIP balance has $0.01 left, TMobile still owns that phone. You will likely need to payoff and also wait one billing cycle so your EIP plan is updated as paid off.