Re: Upgrade Fee
Robbquise
Enthusiast - Level 2

Hi,

No they haven't.  I was told that since I have been with Verizon for over ten years and have never missed a payment that I wouldn't have to pay this upgrade fee.  Now that I bought the phone I am being told that I have to pay it.  I have also not seen a good explination as to why the fee even exists.

Re: Upgrade Fee
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

That's an excellent question, Robbquise. The Verizon Wireless upgrade fee is a one-time charge when you upgrade your device. No matter what type of upgrade you choose, you also gain the benefits of Verizon 4G LTE network and express self-service options, including My Verizon and My Verizon Mobile. The upgrade fee is applied for the operational cost changes associated with upgrading and activating devices.

 

LauraF_VZW

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Re: Upgrade Fee
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Robbquise, we understand that having you here as a valued member of our Verizon family is important and we are here for you t help in anyway possible. This is a standard one time fee that is applied when upgrading a new device on a current line or new line of service. We can help check on this with you. Please send us a Private message for better assistance. JoseL_VZW

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Re: Upgrade Fee
Verizonsbtch
Enthusiast - Level 1

I paid full retail and am still being charged a $40 fee. I bought the phone from Apple; Verizon did nothing. I believe this is a fraudulent fee. All they keep telling me is “all carriers do it”. That’s like justifying crime by dying “all criminals  commit crimes.” 

Re: Upgrade Fee
Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader

"I paid full retail and am still being charged a $40 fee. I bought the phone from Apple; Verizon did nothing. I believe this is a fraudulent fee. All they keep telling me is “all carriers do it”. That’s like justifying crime by dying “all criminals commit crimes.” "

 

Apple is an authorized retailer. The upgrade fee is applied to all phones purchased with Verizon Wireless service no matter if you purchase using the device payment agreement or at full retail price. 

Now if you had purchased the SIM unlocked iPhone model without a Verizon Wireless SIM card installed from the Apple store, then you wouldn't have been charged the upgrade fee. 

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

Re: Upgrade Fee
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We don't want you to feel this way. We're here to help you move forward. These fees help VZW cover the cost of activating the device and powering the network. We can check your account for additional value if any. Provide us with a number and time you'd like to be reached.

CoreyM_VZW

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Re: Upgrade Fee
Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader

DO NOT post any personal information including phone numbers on this public forum. 

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

Re: Upgrade Fee
Tigerstep
Specialist - Level 3

Never tell the Apple store you're with carrier. The moment they access your account to create the loan and/or activate a new sim card, you get hit with the fee.

Ask for the unlocked version and pop your old sim in. 

Re: Upgrade Fee
LaneMary69
Enthusiast - Level 1

Activating the device???  I put the SIM card from my previous phone into the new phone and turn it on.  THAT'S worth $40??  It's not worth forty cents??  I did the work and the phone magically turned on the way it should and hit the network......no muss no fuss.

Activation/upgrade fees, whether disclosed or not, are a scam.  You're making ME pay for the salesman to sell ME a phone that I then put MY SIM card in and turn on.   Just what, exactly, am I getting for MY $40???

And as far as "upgrading" my device, all of the phones that I've bought my wife and boys have been smart phones so just what is the upgrade that's taking place (other than to a new phone.....same basic wireless capabilities that I turn on when I put the SIM card in).

Re: Upgrade Fee
MTRegularGuy
Enthusiast - Level 2

You pay an upgrade fee even if you pay full retail.