Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Do you ever wish you truly understood how your upgrade program works?
You're not alone. We know that the terms and conditions, never mind the basics, can seem like they're written in Greek.
If you're considering T-Mobile service you may be tempted by the carrier's Jump!, Jump! Plus, and Jump! On-Demand upgrade programs. It's important to understand how much these programs actually cost you in the long run.
In this guide, we're going to answer the question "What is T-Mobile Jump!?" and help you figure out if it's worth it for you. We'll also give you tips on how to get a cheaper smartphone and more affordable mobile service.
Jump! On Demand seems like a great deal, and it is for people who always want the very newest device and take impeccable care of their phones. It's not so great for the budget-minded, however. Because you never own your device you're just pouring in money which you'll never recoup by selling your phone.
Entering into this program is an 18-month commitment. After that time your options are to:
Upgrade
Pay off the remaining installments on your device
Return your device
Enter a POIP (Purchase Option Installment Plan), which is a nine-month payment arrangement to pay off your phone.
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Mint Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read US Mobile review
Mobile Virtual Network Operators - or MVNOs - are smaller wireless carriers that lease space on the big three networks. They have lower overhead and marketing costs, so they pass the savings on to you in the form of cheap cell phone plans.
You get the same 4G LTE networks without the high costs, and you can keep your number and choose your own device. With MVNOs there are no contracts, commitments, or early termination fees.
Want to keep your reliable T-Mobile coverage? No problem - just pick a T-Mobile MVNO and you'll stay on the network you love.
Best T-Mobile phone deals
Device
Price
Samsung Galaxy A03s
$9/mo
Samsung Galaxy A13
$12/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20
$19/mo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
$19/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
$20/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21
$21/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
$25/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22
$29/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22+
$33/mo
Apple iPhone 14
$35/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
$37/mo
Apple iPhone SE
$39/mo
T-Mobile Jump FAQs
How does the T-Mobile Jump plan work?
With the T-Mobile Jump plan you can upgrade your phone as often as you like, however you have to be signed up to an 18 month phone lease so you'll never own your device. That means if there's damage to the phone at the end of the lease you'll be liable for it.
Do you have to trade in your phone with T-Mobile Jump?
With T-Mobile Jump you don't own your phone so you'll have to return it at the end of the contract.
Recap
Jump! may be of a minor benefit if you're unwilling to change carriers.
Jump! On Demand is probably only worth it for those who absolutely must have the newest device regardless of the monthly payment amount.
You can save over half on device payments and plan costs by simply buying your smartphone outright and switching to a cheaper wireless carrier.
Ready to make the change? Compare cell phone plans and see exactly how much money you could be putting back in your wallet.
