iPhone users or first-time iPhone buyers looking to upgrade their current model to a newer version, no matter how good the trade-in offers and carrier deals are, shouldn’t buy their next device directly from Apple or the wireless carrier store closest to home until they check out what Costco Wholesale has to offer. Apple hasn’t raised the iPhone’s starting price in years, but the iPhone is still a high-end device. The cheapest model in the new iPhone range starts at $799. As of this writing, this is the iPhone 17 model that has been sold out for more than two months after launch, according to BGR’s regular checks. The iPhone Pro models are more expensive, starting at $1,099 (Pro) and $1,199 (Pro Max). Buyers should consider how much they can save before purchasing a new iPhone model, especially when considering carrier deals with long-term commitments.
In some cases, choosing Costco over other options may be a better choice because buyers end up saving money compared to buying an iPhone at full retail price or opting for similar carrier offers sold at carrier stores or other electronics retailers. Additionally, Costco may offer buyers additional perks not available elsewhere, including cash back rewards, waived fees and better return windows. Not to mention that many smartphone buyers may already be shopping for groceries and other products at Costco. For these consumers, checking out the generally good iPhone inventory should be a no-brainer. Below we’ll explore all the reasons why you should buy your next iPhone from Costco.
Read more: How to control your iPad with your iPhone
You are already shopping at Costco
Self checkout sign at Costco store. -oasisamuel/Shutterstock
Many people are regular customers of Costco. They often visit one of the retail stores for their daily purchases, including groceries, household items, electronics and other items. In this case, it is convenient to buy iPhone at Costco. If you’re already there, you can check out the carrier kiosks to see what deals they have. Costco stores may be easier to navigate than Apple retail stores or other locations. Costco members will be familiar with their local store setup and know when to shop to avoid crowds.
Apple stores can be more crowded, especially on launch day or shortly after a new iPhone becomes available. The downside is that Apple stores are better able to support new iPhone buyers and help them avoid common mistakes. They can provide more advanced technical help setting up your phone. Longtime iPhone users should already be familiar with how to use the phone. They may also know how to transfer data to the new device. That said, while Costco doesn’t have a similar Apple Genius Bar, the wireless kiosks are staffed with experts who can help.
One thing to keep in mind when buying an iPhone from Costco is that you may need (or want) to deal with your carrier. After all, wireless carriers are ready to offer free iPhone deals to users. However, Costco replaced the cell phone kiosks in 2023. According to Clark, Costco locations may only have one carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon). As of this writing, Costco is running an online promotion on AT&T and T-Mobile iPhone deals. These deals are available at Costco stores across the United States. You may need to visit a different Costco store to match your current (or future) carrier.
iPhone in stock
iPhone 17 on display in a store. – Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
Another reason to buy an iPhone at Costco is the iPhone inventory in the store. Apple seems to be a good choice when it comes to buying a new iPhone. Apple retail stores are more likely to have the iPhone color and storage capacity you want. They may be more likely to stock newer iPhone models than third-party channels like Costco, especially during the busy new iPhone shopping season that follows the September launch window. However, Costco stores will have ample inventory of iPhones, including the latest models.
You may have to compromise on color choice or storage, especially during busy periods. But if you’re using a case, the color probably doesn’t matter. In addition, Apple has upgraded iPhone storage space in recent years. All iPhone 16 models come with at least 128GB of storage. All iPhone 17 versions and iPhone Air come with 256GB of storage. You may end up getting decent storage space from Costco.
In the worst-case scenario, you can still contact a Costco kiosk staff to see if another location has the iPhone model you need in stock or can order it for you to pick up later.
Costco member cash back
Costco logo showing various membership options. – Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
The best reason to buy an expensive iPhone from Costco is to save money, and that’s where a Costco membership comes in handy. For Costco subscribers, upgrading from Costco Gold Star ($65/year) to Costco Executive ($130/year) is worth considering. The more expensive membership includes 2% cash back on all purchases at Costco, up to $1,250 per year. Frequent shoppers may qualify for executive level fees through cash back offers. You can also get 2% back on any iPhone purchase at Costco. It may not sound like much, but it’s still a way to save money.
Purchasing an iPhone with the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card offers Costco members additional rewards, including 5% back on gas, 4% back on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging, 3% back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, and 2% back on all purchases at Costco and Costco.com. The latter will help you reduce the price of your iPhone by another 2%.
Carrier discounts for Costco members
People walk past a T-Mobile store. – Kevin Carter/Getty Images
In addition to credit card cashback, buying an iPhone at Costco may be a better option than going directly to a carrier store because Costco members can get better prices under certain conditions. As of this writing, Costco members can get $400 (a $150 Costco digital store card and a $250 prepaid Visa card) when they switch to T-Mobile. The carrier is running a “Free iPhone 17” promotion at Costco stores, allowing users to save $830 (via 24-month bill credits) when they switch to T-Mobile and subscribe to the Beyond Experience plan. In addition, Costco buyers can receive a $75 Costco Digital Store Card when activating a new T-Mobile line and a $100 Costco Digital Store Card when upgrading a device. After activating the new product line, you can receive a $25 Costco digital store card with the purchase of additional Apple gear, including an Apple Watch or iPad.
Buying an iPhone at Costco through AT&T means getting $350 ($250 bill credit and $100 Costco virtual store card) when you switch carriers. AT&T is also offering a free iPhone 17 Pro to AT&T subscribers who purchase an iPhone 14 Pro Max or later from Costco. Activating a new AT&T line will reward customers with a $200 bonus ($100 bill credit, plus a $100 Costco virtual store card), while upgrading to a new iPhone through an installment plan will result in a $150 bonus ($50 bill credit, plus a $100 Costco virtual store card). Like T-Mobile’s offer, get a free $25 Costco store card with the purchase of an iPad and Apple Watch on qualifying installment plans and additional wireless data plans.
Extensive return window and activation fee
A person browses the electronics section at a Costco store in Canada. -Julia Dorion/Shutterstock
AT&T’s iPhone deal at Costco also says buyers won’t have to pay any activation fees, which is another way to save. T-Mobile’s terms for the offer don’t mention an activation fee, but be aware that the promotion may be combined with additional discounts. Costco members can check out additional benefits in-store.
One thing to keep in mind when buying an iPhone from Costco or other retailers is whether you’re buying a locked or unlocked device. You may want to check with a wireless representative at a Costco kiosk to see if the iPhone you want to buy is carrier locked. An unlocked device is more useful because it can connect to any network if you decide to switch carriers, or give your iPhone to someone in your family who uses a different network.
Then again, buying an iPhone and keeping it are two different things. You may not like upgrading. Here’s another reason to shop at Costco: The retailer offers a 90-day return window on products, including iPhones. AT&T’s current offer mentions the same return period, and please note that a $55 restocking fee may apply. In contrast, Apple only provides users with a 14-day return period. Costco may also let you return the phone without a receipt.
iPhone users interested in free AppleCare+ should know that iPhones purchased at Costco do not include free AppleCare+, according to AT&T and T-Mobile offers. The only Apple product to receive this offer is the AirPods Pro 3 wireless headphones, launching in September 2025. As for Costco extended warranties, the retailer offers Allstate protection plans for a variety of electronics, including tablets and computers, but not smartphones.
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