Questions about those "free" $25 T-Mobile refill cards

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To qualify for this offer, account must be active on the qualified T-Mobile To Go Service plan when the refill offer is processed to be eligible. Limit one offer per wireless phone number. Maximum of one refill card per name or address. Please see refill card for more details.

I don't need a new phone, but I need to refill soon. I am tempted to get a new phone (either nokia 2610 for 29.99 or the motorola V195 for 39.99-quad band) and then use the $25 refill card with my existing T-Mobile account. The questions is: do they link the free refill card to the new SIM card that you get with the phone, or can I use the refill card with my existing account?

[lafinfil]

You can't use the activation card that comes with the phone on an existing account

I have tried in the past and the answer is always no.

I usually just sell my old phone with the card & SIM and recoup some of the cost of the new phone.

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I don't get it.

I have an old phone with old SIM card in it.
I get a new phone with a new SIM card and a $25 refill card.

I would like to get rid of the NEW SIM card, and keep my old SIM card (with my old phone number, and my remaining minutes) and add $25 to that. I can use that SIM card in either phone. Does that work? or the $25 refill card is good only with the NEW SIM?

BTW: I am not interested din the new activation card at all, I guess that's the initial $10 credit you're talking about on the new SIM, I don''t need that, I want to keep my old sim with my old number.

[lafinfil]

If you are talking about the $25 card that comes with the new phone it is only good
for new number activation. It's called a promotion - incentive to sign up etc ...

[nwyaker]

I used a free refill card from another TMobile phone deal to add minutes to my Moto V195 - no problem. After 90 days I also got an unlock code from TMobile. I like the V195 - no frills, good reception, great battery life, USB charging.

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Thanks lafinfil

[lafinfil]

[quote nwyaker]I used a free refill card from another TMobile phone deal to add minutes to my Moto V195 - no problem. After 90 days I also got an unlock code from TMobile. I like the V195 - no frills, good reception, great battery life, USB charging.
You've had better luck than me

I've tried every time I got a new phone and was always denied.

I think it even says so on the card.

[nwyaker]

Looking at one of the cards right now. It looks just like a refill card you can buy at Target or other retailers. No verbage directly restricting use.
I do recommend adding minutes through your online TMobile pay-as-you-go account, instead of by calling directions on card. Madness lies there ...

[lafinfil]

I've always tried to do it via phone with no luck

I have one from my last phone. It was one of those buy $100 card get a free phone deals
that Target ran last year. Hated the phone and it's sitting on a shelf here somewhere.

I'll try it online and see if it works

[raz]

I just used one today (for new service), and it's sitting here on my desk. There is no verbiage about any restrictions.