If you’re like me, you probably have a “miscellaneous” drawer in your home filled with old cell phones, headphones, media players, and other random wires. The good news is, the Target Trade-In Program can turn that drawer into dollar signs.
Those old devices you have lying around the house aren’t doing you any good. But tossing them in the trash isn’t the best way to get rid of them. With Target Trade-In, you can offload all those useless electronics and get paid for them in the form of Target gift cards. Depending on which devices you turn in, those gift cards could be worth hundreds. Yes, hundreds. So your next big Target run could be free!
Here’s how to use the Target Trade-In Program for tech — plus details about the twice-yearly Target Car Seat Trade-In event — to turn your unwanted stuff into savings. And, if you’re trying to use that trade-in cash on upgrading to the latest models of your favorite tech, be sure to check out our tips for cheap electronic deals.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299.
1. The Target Trade-In Program lets you exchange old smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and more tech for Target Gift Cards.
If you have old devices gathering dust — or if you’re seriously overdue for a device upgrade — you can use the Target Trade-in Program to offload those unwanted items. They accept devices from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft. Once you make the exchange, Target will send you an eGiftCard equal to your device’s trade-in value.
Target uses a company called Assurant to take all the traded-in devices and either resell them to secondary markets or recycle them through certified partners. This helps keep the earth clean by reusing valuable materials and reducing e-waste dumped in landfills.
All in all, Target trade-in is a safe (and of course, more profitable) way to get rid of your old devices, instead of just tossing them in the trash.
Target Trade-In Accepted Devices:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Gaming Consoles
- Smartwatches
- Headphones & Wireless Earbuds
- Video Games
- Smart Home Devices
- Media Players
2. You can trade in your old devices online or in Target stores.
Target makes it easy to trade in old tech online or in stores, so you can choose whichever is more convenient.
To trade in your device in-store, head to the Electronics department and ask an associate for help getting a quote.
Or you can visit tradein.target.com to start the process online. Target will ask you to pick your device, model, and storage capacity. They’ll also ask a few “yes” or “no” questions about your device’s condition. Then, with a simple click, you’ll get a trade-in value for your item. If your trade-in value looks good, print your prepaid shipping label and package up your item to send it by mail.
3. The trade-in value is based on your device’s model, condition, and storage space.
Target’s trade-in values can change from day to day — usually not by much, but it’s helpful to know that they may vary depending on when you check online.
Other than those slight fluctuations, there are a few additional things that impact your device’s trade-in value at Target:
- Model / Release Date
- Storage Capacity
- Condition
The more recent your device is, the more likely you are to score a higher trade-in value. For example, the iPhone 13 has a much higher trade-in value than the iPhone 8.
4. Target will give you a gift card for up to $280 when you trade in your old iPhone.
Apple iPhones currently have the highest trade-in value through Target’s program. The most you’ll get back is a whopping $280 for an iPhone 13 (Pro or regular).
Your trade-in value will decrease for older iPhone models, like the iPhone 12, 11, XR, etc. The lowest trade-in value Target offers for iPhones is $35 (for an iPhone 8 or SE).
TIP: It pays to get a few quotes before you commit to using Target’s trade-in program. For example, you may get a higher value by going with the Apple trade-in program instead.
5. Gaming consoles have the next highest trade-in value at Target — up to $220.
You can trade in your old Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation console to Target’s program, too. Behind iPhones, you’ll get the most money back when you trade in one of these devices. Right now, Target has the highest trade-in value for an 825 GB PlayStation 5 — $220.
Here’s the most you’ll get back for other eligible gaming consoles you trade in:
- Xbox Series S, 512 GB — $100
- Nintendo Switch, 32 GB — $40
- PlayStation 4, 500 GB — $20
You can also trade in your old video games for about $5 a pop.
6. Use the eGiftCards you earn on future purchases from Target.
Once you trade in your device, Target emails you an eGiftCard for your trade-in value within seven business days.
Your eGiftCard is good to use in stores, online, or in the Target app. And no, you don’t have to use the gift card toward a brand-new device. You can use your eGiftCard on anything from Target, including Target Optical purchases or Target Starbucks.
7. Target trade-in isn’t always your best option — sometimes Amazon and Best Buy pay more.
I’ve learned to check other programs for quotes before I commit to my Target trade-in value. Why? Because Target doesn’t always offer the highest amount. It really depends on the day and the item, but Amazon and Best Buy will often pay you more for items like smartphones and gaming consoles.
Here’s how the current trade-in values for popular devices add up at these three stores:
| Trade-In Item | Target | Amazon | Best Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12, 64 GB | $230 | $265 | $225 |
| Galaxy S10, 128 GB | $35 | $76 | $50 |
| Nintendo Switch, 32 GB | $40 | $60 | $40 |
| PlayStation 4, 500 GB | $20 | $60 | $50 |
| Alexa Devices | $5 | $60 | $45 |
Like Target, both Amazon and Best Buy reward trade-ins with gift cards back to their stores. But — Amazon also gives you up to 25% off a new qualifying Amazon device on top of the gift card for your trade-in value. So if you’re in the market for a new Alexa device, going with Amazon is a no-brainer.
8. Compare your Target trade-in value to standalone programs, too.
By “standalone” I mean companies like Decluttr that are solely dedicated to tech trade-ins.
Not only can they get you a higher trade-in value, but they also offer multiple payout options like PayPal, Venmo, and direct deposit — not just gift cards. So you can trade in your old devices for cold, hard cash.
Here are some of the best tech trade-in sites to check out:
9. Don’t have any old tech? Use the Target car seat trade-in hack for 20% off a future baby gear purchase.
The Target Car Seat Trade-In event happens twice a year and runs for two weeks each time. During the event, you can trade in any old car seat in exchange for 20% off a future Target baby purchase. All you have to do is head to Target with your old car seat and drop it off at the designated trade-in boxes in the store. There, you’ll scan a barcode with your Target app to add the 20% coupon to your Target Circle account.
You can use that 20% off coupon on a bunch of baby gear from Target, like car seats, strollers, high chairs, bouncers, and more.
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