If you think about what initially attracted you to buy your new cell phone it most probably was that the cell phone was advertised as a “free phone”. So you thought it was the one of the best cell phone deals around. Most dealers and online stores make clear from the get-go that the cell phone is in fact free but only after you complete the rebate and mail it in. Most rebates are offered through the carrier and a third party.

Cell phone rebates do save you money if you fill in the rebate information properly and remember to send them in before the expiration date. Special offers for a free cell phone usually apply only if you purchase a newly activated carrier service plan. Cingular offers the most free cell phones. Tmobile also has a large assortment of cash-back and discounted new cell phones along with Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS.

These special offers are very popular at online cell phone stores, particularly those stores that carry Cingular Cell Phones.

Make sure that the mail in rebate you received with your phone matches the rate plan you purchased. Also, the carrier has strict guidelines for accepting your mail in rebate. You have to be a customer in “good standing” with no service interruptions. Please be sure to read all of the Terms and Conditions for the rebate before you purchase the cell phone.

Note: Cell phone rebates are designed to ensure that only people who buy a new phone with a new plan, and stay with the carrier, and pay their bills over a period of months actually receive the rebate. Read the fine print to make sure you will qualify.