Brand trade-in programs
Gift card by mail vs cash in person. Here is how each one works, what you get paid in, and when each is the better pick.
You are trading in an old Kindle or Echo and upgrading to a new Amazon device, or you want the gift card for Amazon shopping.
You want cash the same day, or you are selling a phone, laptop, tablet, or console that Amazon does not list as eligible.
Amazon Trade-In lets you send in eligible items for an Amazon gift card. Eligibility has changed over time and currently centers on Amazon devices such as Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, and Fire tablets, and trading in can come with a discount on a new Amazon device. Shipping is free and the final value is confirmed after Amazon receives and checks the item.
The practical differences, from how you are paid to how much work it takes.
How you're paid
When you're paid
Where it happens
Who checks your device
What they take
Broken or damaged devices
Do you need to buy something?
Your effort
| Feature | Amazon Trade-In | Sell Your Gadgets |
|---|---|---|
| How you're paid | Amazon gift card balance | Cash, or Zelle at participating stores |
| When you're paid | After the item arrives and is checked | Same day, before you leave the store |
| Where it happens | Online, by mail | 25 walk-in stores across 8 states, plus live video quotes and mail-in |
| Who checks your device | Amazon’s trade-in processing team, after shipping | A trained buyer, in person with you or over live video |
| What they take | Eligible items, mainly Amazon devices; eligibility varies | Phones, tablets, laptops, consoles, games, cameras, watches, audio, trading cards and more |
| Broken or damaged devices | Some Amazon devices are accepted in any condition; others vary | Yes, cracked, water damaged, or not powering on are all evaluated |
| Do you need to buy something? | Gift card is for Amazon purchases | No, you walk out with money, not store credit |
| Your effort | Pack and ship from home, then wait for processing | Bring the device, get an offer, get paid in one visit |
Amazon Trade-In details are our summary of its publicly available information as of September 2026. They are not verified or guaranteed and may have changed. Read the full notice.
It is free and there is no obligation. We send your request to your closest store, so you can hold our number next to Amazon Trade-In's and decide.
Amazon’s eligible list has changed over time and now focuses mainly on Amazon devices. Check the Amazon Trade-In page for your exact item. Sell Your Gadgets buys phones from all major brands.
Only if you shop on Amazon. A gift card can only be spent on Amazon. We pay cash, or Zelle at participating stores, so you can use it anywhere.
You are paid after your item arrives and is checked, so timing depends on shipping and processing. At our stores you are paid in the same visit.
Offers change with the resale market and depend on your exact model, storage, and condition, so there is no honest one-size answer. Get both quotes on the same day and compare the money you actually take home.
We based this page on Amazon Trade-In’s publicly available information as of September 2026. Programs change, so confirm current terms on Amazon Trade-In’s own website before you decide.
Have a different question? Browse 160+ answers in our full FAQ
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