Verizon Wireless Faces Backlash as ‘Lifetime’ Loyalty Discounts Vanish, Bills Set to Rise in September
A wave of outrage is sweeping through Verizon Wireless’ long-time customer base after the company confirmed it will begin removing certain “lifetime” loyalty discounts starting September 1, 2025. Many affected subscribers say they’ve relied on these monthly bill credits for years, often worth $10 to $25 per account or line, only to learn through vague email notices that they’re about to disappear.
The move impacts what Verizon calls “legacy discounts” that had no set expiration date, often awarded by executive customer service or retention teams to reward long-term subscribers or resolve prior disputes. These credits have been quietly applied to many accounts for years, helping offset Verizon’s already premium-priced plans.
Customer forums, the Better Business Bureau, and the FCC have been flooded with complaints since the first wave of emails began arriving in early August. The “Take Action” notice in some accounts reads:
“You have $25.00 in discounts expiring soon. These will be removed after Sep 1, 2025… To continue improving our industry-leading mobile network and services, certain legacy discounts will be removed from accounts.”
For many, that’s corporate-speak for “your bill is about to go up.”
Customer Shock and Frustration
On Reddit and other platforms, subscribers described years, even decades, of loyalty to Verizon, only to be met with what they see as a bait-and-switch. Some reported their rates would rise by $300 or more annually. Others say they can’t even see which discounts are disappearing because Verizon’s website links simply redirect them to their account overview page.
Several customers said they were told by representatives that nothing could be done, while others claimed they were able to secure temporary replacement discounts, usually smaller and with a set expiration date, by contacting Verizon’s executive offices. However, many reps allegedly confirmed that these “lifetime” credits are ending across the board, with no exceptions.
Adding to the tension is Verizon’s widely advertised “three-year price guarantee” on certain plans. Critics argue the guarantee is misleading, since it only locks in the plan’s base price, allowing the company to remove discounts and raise fees without technically breaking the promise.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that other fees are rising too, including activation and upgrade charges, as well as connected device line costs for tablets and watches.
Some Customers Already Jumping Ship
For many, the loyalty discount removal was the final straw after years of incremental price hikes, shrinking perks, and perceived declines in customer service. Competitors like T-Mobile and AT&T, as well as budget-friendly MVNOs such as Visible, US Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile, are already being mentioned as alternatives.
Some long-time subscribers say they’ve paid off their devices early to make switching easier, especially as several carriers offer promotions to cover remaining balances.
Verizon’s Position
Verizon says the move is part of ongoing investments to maintain “the nation’s most reliable network” and to align discounts with current plan structures. In practice, this means eliminating outdated credits that don’t match today’s promotional offers. While the company has not issued a public statement addressing the scale of the change, frontline customer service teams have acknowledged that loyalty credits without end dates are being systematically removed nationwide.
Key Questions and Answers
How can I check exactly which loyalty discounts I have and which ones are being removed?
Log into your Verizon account online or in the My Verizon app, go to “Account” > “Discounts,” and look for any credits labeled “Loyalty,” “Valued Customer,” or “Account Credit” without an expiration date. If these match the amounts in your “expiring soon” notice, they are likely being removed.
If my loyalty discount is removed, can I call Verizon and get a new discount applied?
Possibly. Some customers have had success by calling the retention department or emailing Verizon’s executive offices. Replacement discounts are usually smaller, have a fixed end date, and may require you to agree to keep your current plan.
Does the 3-year price lock still protect me if they remove my discounts?
No. The guarantee applies only to the base monthly plan cost, not to taxes, fees, or discounts. Verizon can legally remove credits without violating the guarantee.
Are all loyalty discounts being removed, or only the ones with no expiration date?
Only those with no expiration date are being targeted. Discounts with set terms, such as “$10/month for 12 months”, will remain until their scheduled end.
Will autopay, teacher, military, or other special discounts also be affected?
No. Verizon says autopay and special occupation-based discounts will remain in place.
Can I keep my current plan and still get a new loyalty discount, or will I be forced to switch to a newer plan?
In most cases, you can keep your existing plan, but Verizon may try to upsell you on a newer “myPlan” offer in exchange for applying new discounts.
If I pay off my phone early, can I switch carriers without penalties?
Yes. Once your device payments are complete and your account is current, you can port your number to another carrier.
How much will my bill increase after the loyalty discount removal, including taxes and fees?
Expect your bill to increase by the exact amount of the removed discount, plus any applicable taxes on that amount. A $25 discount removal could add $27–$30 to your monthly bill depending on local tax rates.
Is this discount removal happening nationwide or only for certain states/plans?
Reports indicate it is a nationwide policy change affecting both legacy and older unlimited plans.
What are the best alternative carriers or MVNOs that offer similar coverage to Verizon?
Popular Verizon-network alternatives include Visible and US Mobile, both offering lower prices but with some deprioritization during network congestion. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile also run on Verizon’s network and may offer bundle discounts for existing internet customers.