EE Trade-In, a programme managed by BT Group’s mobile division, is the UK's largest trade-in initiative, processing around 740,000 devices in 2024. This service accepts smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches from any network provider, providing customers with two payout options: a direct cash payment via BACS or contract credit that includes an additional bonus of up to 50%.
ne.
Condition grading and refusal rules
EE uses a 4-tier grading scale:
- Like New: pristine, no marks, with original packaging
- Good: works fully, minor scratches, no screen damage (most claims fit here)
- Fair: scratches, dents, minor scuffs, works fully
- Damaged: cracked screen, body damage, or partial functional issue
Refusal criteria, common to all UK carrier programmes:
- iCloud or Google account still active (must be removed before posting)
- Reported lost or stolen on the CheckMEND database
- Water damage indicators triggered
- Device older than 2016 with no remarketing demand
Devices that fail testing are either returned free or accepted at scrap value (£2-£8).
EE Trade-In vs other carrier options
| Carrier | iPhone 13 128GB Good | Bonus available? | Open to non-customers? |
|---|
| EE Trade-In | £205 cash / £308 credit | Yes (up to 50%) | Yes |
| Vodafone Trade-In | £215 cash / £258 credit | Yes (up to 20%) | Yes |
| O2 Recycle | £225 cash | No | Yes |
| Three Trade-In | £195 cash / £254 credit | Yes (30%) | Three customers only |
| Sky Buy Back | £200 cash | No | Yes |
EE's contract-credit bonus is the highest in the UK market. For cash-out, Vodafone and O2 are usually slightly better.
Environmental claims
BT Group's 2024 Sustainability Report states 97% of EE-traded devices were either resold, refurbished by partners, used for parts, or fed into WEEE recycling. The 3% reaching landfill represented devices with no recoverable value (typically older feature phones with degraded batteries beyond replacement).
EE's trade-in stream feeds the company's certified refurbished phone range sold under EE Like New, which carries a 24-month warranty matching new device terms.
After the trade-in
EE issues a free Certificate of Disposal on request, stating the device IMEI and final outcome (resold, refurbished, harvested for parts, or recycled). Most certificates are issued within 21 days of device receipt.
For data security, EE confirms factory reset on every accepted device but recommends customers perform their own reset before posting. The recommended sequence: sign out of iCloud/Google, sign out of bank apps, perform factory reset, remove SIM and microSD.
Key takeaways
- EE Trade-In is the largest UK carrier trade-in programme by volume
- 2026 prices for an iPhone 13 128GB Good: £205 cash, up to £308 contract credit
- Up to 50% bonus when applied to a new EE contract upgrade
- Insured Royal Mail Special Delivery covers devices up to £750
- Open to non-EE customers and any UK network
Sources
EE Trade-In published price guide Q1 2026. BT Group Annual Sustainability Report 2024. CheckMEND IMEI database documentation. Vodafone / O2 / Three / Sky published trade-in prices Q1 2026.
