Verizon Removes Loyalty Discounts Then Offers New Ones: What Wireless Dealers Need to Know
- Wireless Dealer Group
- 2 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Verizon is removing legacy loyalty discounts for some customers starting September 1, 2025—discounts worth \$10 to \$25 per month that longtime subscribers have enjoyed for years. At the same time, Verizon is increasing administrative fees by \$0.28 to \$2.37 per line, tablet activation fees by \$5/month, and device activation fees from \$35 to \$40. But here's the twist: customers who request transfer PINs to switch carriers are now receiving new loyalty offers to prevent churn. For wireless dealers, Verizon loyalty discount removal wireless dealers creates a massive opportunity—either to win frustrated Verizon customers switching to AT&T or T-Mobile, or to help existing Verizon customers negotiate better deals and prevent defection.
What's Changing at Verizon?
1. Loyalty Discounts Being Removed
Verizon is discontinuing legacy loyalty discounts for a "small number of customers" (Verizon's official statement). Affected customers received notifications that their discounts will be removed no sooner than September 1, 2025.
Discounts Being Removed:
$25/month: Multi-line loyalty discount
$15/month: Long-term customer loyalty discount
$10/month: Standard loyalty discount
For a family with 4 lines losing a \$25 discount, that's \$300/year in increased costs—on top of fee increases.
2. Administrative Fee Increases
Verizon is raising its Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge fees (the same fees it increased in December 2024):
Administrative Fee (Voice Lines): $3.78/line (up from $3.50) = +$0.28/line/month
Administrative Fee (Data-Only Lines/Tablets): $3.97/line (up from $1.60) = +$2.37/line/month
Telco Recovery Charge: $0.21/line (up from $0.19) = +$0.02/line/month
For a typical family with 4 smartphone lines, that's an additional \$1.12-\$1.20/month (\$13-\$14/year). For customers with tablets, the increase is much steeper.
3. Tablet Plan and Activation Fee Increases
Tablet-Only Plans: +$5/month
Device Activation Fees: $40 (up from $35)
4. Verizon's Three-Year Price Lock Doesn't Apply
Verizon introduced a three-year price lock on its myPlan earlier in 2025, promising that plan prices wouldn't increase. However, the price lock doesn't cover taxes, fees, or loyalty discounts—so customers are seeing higher bills despite the "price lock" guarantee.
The Plot Twist: New Loyalty Offers for Customers Trying to Leave
Here's where it gets interesting: customers who request transfer PINs (the code needed to port your number to another carrier) are now receiving new loyalty offers from Verizon to prevent them from switching.
According to reports on Reddit and tech blogs like Droid Life, Verizon is offering fresh discounts—sometimes matching or exceeding the removed discounts—to customers on the verge of leaving.
Translation: Verizon is removing discounts from loyal customers who aren't complaining, then offering new discounts to customers who threaten to leave.
Why This Matters for Wireless Dealers
1. Massive Customer Acquisition Opportunity
Thousands of Verizon customers are losing discounts and seeing higher bills. Many are frustrated and actively looking to switch to AT&T or T-Mobile. This is your moment to capture them.
2. Retention Opportunity for Verizon Dealers
If you're a Verizon master agent, you can help customers navigate this mess—request transfer PINs to trigger new loyalty offers, negotiate better deals, or switch them to more affordable Verizon plans like Verizon Prepaid or Total Wireless.
3. Competitive Positioning Against Verizon
AT&T and T-Mobile don't have comparable loyalty discount removal scandals right now. This gives you a powerful competitive angle: "Verizon is removing discounts from loyal customers. We reward loyalty—not punish it."
4. Fee Transparency Messaging
Verizon's administrative fees are now among the highest in the industry. You can position AT&T and T-Mobile as more transparent and affordable alternatives.
How Wireless Dealers Can Capitalize on Verizon's Loyalty Discount Removal
1. Target Frustrated Verizon Customers with Aggressive Marketing
Run campaigns specifically targeting Verizon customers losing discounts:
Facebook/Instagram Ads: "Did Verizon Remove Your Loyalty Discount? Switch to T-Mobile and Save $50/Month"
Google Ads: Target "Verizon loyalty discount removed," "Verizon bill increase," "switch from Verizon"
Email Campaigns: "Verizon Just Raised Your Bill. Here's How We'll Lower It."
SMS Blasts: "Verizon removed your discount? We'll match it—and give you a better deal. Visit us today!"
2. Create "Verizon Switcher" Promotions
Offer special deals for customers switching from Verizon:
Discount Matching: "We'll match your old Verizon discount—guaranteed."
Bill Buyout: "Switch to AT&T and we'll pay your Verizon early termination fees."
Free Phones: "Trade in your Verizon phone and get a free iPhone 15 when you switch to T-Mobile."
First Month Free: "Switch from Verizon and get your first month of service free."
3. Help Verizon Customers Negotiate Better Deals (Retention Strategy)
If you're a Verizon dealer, help customers trigger new loyalty offers:
"I know Verizon removed your discount. Here's what we're going to do: I'll help you request a transfer PIN, which will trigger Verizon's retention team to offer you a new discount. If they don't, we'll switch you to a better Verizon plan or move you to Total Wireless (Verizon's network, lower price)."
4. Position AT&T and T-Mobile as "Loyalty-Friendly" Carriers
Create messaging that contrasts Verizon's approach with AT&T and T-Mobile:
"Verizon is removing discounts from loyal customers. AT&T and T-Mobile reward loyalty—not punish it. Switch today and lock in your price for 3 years."
5. Leverage Verizon's Fee Increases in Your Sales Pitch
Show customers exactly how much more they're paying:
"Verizon just raised your administrative fees by \$0.28/line, removed your \$15 loyalty discount, and increased tablet fees by \$5/month. That's \$25+ per month in new charges—\$300/year. AT&T's fees are lower, and we'll give you a \$20/month discount for switching. You'll save \$540 in year one alone."
6. Target Verizon Tablet Customers Specifically
Verizon's tablet fee increase (\$2.37/line for administrative fees + \$5/month plan increase) is massive. Target customers with tablets:
"Verizon just raised tablet fees by \$7+/month. T-Mobile's tablet plans start at \$10/month with no hidden fees. Switch and save \$84/year per tablet."
7. Offer "Bill Analysis" Services
Invite Verizon customers to bring in their bills for a free analysis:
"Bring in your Verizon bill and we'll show you exactly how much you're overpaying—and how much you'll save by switching to AT&T or T-Mobile. Free analysis, no obligation."
8. Partner with MVNOs on Verizon's Network
For customers who love Verizon's network but hate the price, offer MVNOs:
Total Wireless: Verizon's network, lower prices, no contracts
Verizon Prepaid: Same network, prepaid pricing, no fees
Other MVNOs: Visible, US Mobile, Spectrum Mobile (all use Verizon's network)
"You love Verizon's network but hate the price? Total Wireless uses the exact same network for half the cost. Same coverage, same speeds, way lower bills."
Overcoming Objections
Objection 1: "I've been with Verizon for 20 years. I don't want to switch."
Response: "I respect that loyalty—but does Verizon? They just removed your discount and raised your fees. Loyalty should go both ways. AT&T and T-Mobile will reward your loyalty with better pricing and no surprise fee increases. Let's see how much you'll save."
Objection 2: "Verizon has the best network."
Response: "Verizon's network is great, but T-Mobile just became America's Best Network according to independent testing. Plus, AT&T's network covers 99% of Americans. You'll get the same or better coverage for \$50-\$100 less per month. Is Verizon's network worth \$600-\$1,200 extra per year?"
Objection 3: "What if Verizon offers me a new discount?"
Response: "Great! Let's request a transfer PIN right now and see if they offer you a deal. If they do, we'll compare it to what AT&T or T-Mobile can offer. If Verizon's offer is better, stay with them. If ours is better, switch. Either way, you win."
Objection 4: "I don't want to deal with the hassle of switching."
Response: "We make it easy. We'll handle everything—porting your number, transferring your data, setting up your new phone. You'll be up and running in 30 minutes, and you'll save \$600+ per year. That's worth 30 minutes, right?"
The Bigger Picture: Verizon's Customer Retention Crisis
Verizon's loyalty discount removal and fee increases come amid broader struggles:
Customer Losses: Verizon lost postpaid subscribers in recent quarters
Network Rankings: T-Mobile recently claimed the #1 network spot (Verizon disputes the methodology)
Price Pressure: AT&T and T-Mobile are undercutting Verizon on price while matching or exceeding network quality
Fee Fatigue: Customers are tired of hidden fees and surprise bill increases
Verizon's strategy of removing discounts from loyal customers while offering new discounts to customers threatening to leave is a classic retention crisis move—and it creates a massive opportunity for wireless dealers who can position themselves as customer-friendly alternatives.
Action Plan for Wireless Dealers
Immediate Actions (This Week):
Launch "Verizon Switcher" Campaigns: Facebook ads, Google ads, email blasts, SMS campaigns targeting Verizon customers
Create In-Store Signage: "Did Verizon Remove Your Loyalty Discount? We'll Match It—And Beat It."
Train Your Sales Team: Equip them with talking points on Verizon's discount removal, fee increases, and competitive alternatives
Offer Free Bill Analysis: Invite Verizon customers to bring in their bills for a savings analysis
Stock Up on Phones: Prepare for an influx of switchers by stocking popular devices
Short-Term Actions (Next 30 Days):
Partner with AT&T Master Agents and T-Mobile Master Agents: Secure competitive offers and promotions for Verizon switchers
Build "Switcher Kits": Pre-packaged offers with phones, plans, and accessories for easy conversions
Host "Verizon Switcher Events": In-store events with special deals, free food, and instant activations
Create Video Content: "Why We're Switching Verizon Customers to T-Mobile" testimonials and explainer videos
Leverage Accessories Distributors: Offer free cases, screen protectors, or chargers to Verizon switchers
Long-Term Actions (Next 90 Days):
Build a "Loyalty Rewards" Program: Differentiate yourself by rewarding customer loyalty (the opposite of Verizon's approach)
Track Verizon Switcher ROI: Measure how many Verizon customers you're converting and their lifetime value
Expand MVNO Partnerships: Offer more affordable alternatives on Verizon's network via MVNOs
Create Referral Incentives: "Refer a Verizon customer and get $50"
Monitor Verizon's Response: Stay updated on Verizon's retention offers and adjust your strategy accordingly
Key Takeaways
Verizon loyalty discount removal wireless dealers represents a once-in-a-year opportunity to capture frustrated customers and grow your business. Verizon is removing \$10-\$25/month discounts from loyal customers, raising administrative fees by \$0.28-\$2.37/line, and increasing tablet and activation fees—all while offering new discounts only to customers threatening to leave.
For wireless dealers, this creates three opportunities:
Win Verizon Switchers: Target frustrated customers with aggressive marketing, competitive offers, and "loyalty-friendly" messaging
Retain Verizon Customers (If You're a Verizon Dealer): Help customers negotiate better deals, trigger retention offers, or switch to more affordable Verizon plans/MVNOs
Position Competitors as Better Alternatives: Leverage Verizon's missteps to position AT&T, T-Mobile, and MVNOs as customer-friendly, transparent, and affordable
The dealers who act fast—launching campaigns, training teams, and creating switcher promotions—will capture the most market share. Verizon's loyalty discount removal is a gift to competitors. Don't waste it.
Start today by identifying Verizon customers in your market, creating targeted campaigns, and offering irresistible switcher deals. Connect with Verizon 5G Master Agents, T-Mobile 5G Master Agents, and phone distributors to secure inventory and competitive pricing. The window is open—capture it now.
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