When a site known for helping people make smarter money decisions recommends you as a trusted place to buy used phones, it says a lot about what you’re doing right.
In their guide on the best places to buy a used cell phone, NerdWallet walks readers through what to look for when shopping for used devices and where to actually feel safe doing it. Swappa made the list, and the reasons come down to exactly what we’ve built our marketplace around: trust, transparency, and protection.
NerdWallet calls out Swappa’s straightforward buying process and the steps we take to keep the marketplace safe. Every listing is reviewed by our team. Serial numbers are checked to make sure the device isn’t stolen. Sellers are required to upload photos of the phone powered on next to a custom listing code so buyers know the device is real and in hand. And every transaction runs through PayPal for proven buyer protections.
That last point matters more than people think. Buying a used phone online can feel like a gamble, and a lot of platforms treat safety as an afterthought. At Swappa, it’s baked into every step of the process.
NerdWallet also notes that the iPhone 14 and 13 were the top sellers on Swappa in early 2026, with average prices hundreds of dollars below what you’d pay for a new model. That’s real money back in your pocket for a phone that works just as well.
Ready to find your next phone? Browse used phones or check out our iPhone deals. And if you’ve got an old device sitting around, you can always sell it on Swappa and put that cash toward your upgrade. Take a look at our fees while you’re at it. We think you’ll like what you see.
Smart money, smarter phone shopping. NerdWallet knows it. Now you do too.
