Thanks, that's what I thought, but the CSR I just spoke to was adamant that I could get the $300 credit even if I bought the phone outright. She also said that she had done this multiple times for other orders. Every time I call TMob I get a different answer to the same query. Very frustrating!
Yes and no.
Yes - if your trade is worth $300 or more, then you just do a simple trade in and get a TMobile VISA gift card for that amount in one shot.
No - if your trade in is worth less than $300, then it's the special promo that gives you $300 in equal credit over 24 months. Apple kicks in the amount short from actual trade in value to the $300 promo amount to TMobile but Apple only credits them over 24 months.