Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB $0 with JB Hi-Fi Mobile $99/Month 24-Month SIM Plan (in-Store & Port-in Only) @ JB Hi-Fi

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Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB $0 with JB Hi-Fi Mobile $99/Month 24-Month SIM Plan (in-Store & Port-in Only) @ JB Hi-Fi
Go to Deal
CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 11:47 jbhifi.com.au (1300 clicks)
Last edited 26/07/2025 - 15:41 by 2 other users

Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB model, currently priced at $1697, is available for free when signing up to a $99/m SIM plan, when porting in.
(Alternatively, the 256GB and 512GB models receive a $1700 discount)

Using the 'OzBargain' method, this makes the phone effectively ~$866, about 49% off retail price (or ~$200 cheaper than the previous deal). Or ~$1000 for the 256GB/~$1200 for the 512GB. Thanks Munki!

For the uninitiated, the 'OzBargain' method is:

  1. Buy and activate a new service to port in (eg $5 Aldi Sim)
  2. Sign up for $99/m plan @ JB Hi-Fi (claim phone via 'Gift-Card Bonus' from plan sign-up)
  3. Message JB Hi-Fi or Telstra chat support and request to cancel the $99/m service
  4. Pay outstanding 'cancellation' costs (~$766.59)

Considerations:

  • Boost Mobile and Belong are (potentially) not eligible for this 'port in' deal.
  • JB/Telstra will do a 'credit check' when signing you up for a new plan. Multiple plans might also raise some red flags if you're signing up for a loan. Thanks Maths Debater!
  • This pricing was available on launch . Waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro could be a better deal. Thanks burrito24
  • There is some minor discrepancy in the final payout/cancellation costs.
    (This is due to the maximum repayment being up to $799.95, and/or the potential first month ($99) being waived.)
  • The receipt will reflect the full cost of the phone ($1697) which may be useful for Tax Deduction and/or TRS.
  • You can try returning the phone for a full refund within 30 days, meaning a potential ~$800 discount off the Pixel 10/anything else. If you can bear it, read this thread for discussion/possible outcomes.

This deal is also going for the iPhone 16, albeit that has a lower overall discount ($1250 vs $1697).

Important Notice.

There has been a change in the terms and conditions of the Maximum Voucher Repayment Fee, which significantly increases the amount you must pay when cancelling your Telstra service (up to $1000). Please read the Critical information summary for more details

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Comments

  • jimojr on 22/07/2025 - 11:56
    +20

    Waiting for the Google Pixel 10 to come out next month, you'll likely get more bonus voucher credit then.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:04
      +15

      The JB rep I dealt with on this deal this morning mentioned the minimum voucher repayment fee is being increased to $1000 (from $800) next month (August).

      Potential hearsay, but worth noting. If anyone can confirm (and source) that'd be even better.

      • spy on 22/07/2025 - 13:07
        +3

        Hardly surprising

      • AssociatedKEKDOTJPEG @ JB Hi-Fi on 22/07/2025 - 13:07
        +7

        Correct. It’ll be a variable number from $800 - $1000, depending on the deal attached to the $99

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 13:19

          Hey there, are you able to confirm the refund eligibility?
          Bit of chat about whether it's possible in the next comment thread below.

          Thanks!

        • skynet on 26/07/2025 - 15:35
          +1

          This has now changed to "up to $1000" on their website.

      • jimojr on 22/07/2025 - 13:19
        +2

        It was $1,800 in voucher credit last year, so it might go up to $2,000 this year to make it even.

      • aveeno bb on 22/07/2025 - 18:23

        I heard the same thing today when I was signing up for another phone. They thought it was already increased but when I questioned it they confirmed it's still $800 max as of today.

      • yummypinacolada on 22/07/2025 - 22:37

        If that's the case, Harvey Norman Optus bundle is probably looking more enticing

      • riklarkin on 24/07/2025 - 17:53

        Don't you mean the maximum voucher repayment fee - so it staying at $800 that's a good thing right?

    • WatchNerd on 22/07/2025 - 17:53
      +4

      Waiting for Google Pixel 11 to come out.

  • denserham on 22/07/2025 - 11:56
    +3

    Didn't know about the returning thing. So essentially you could sign up/cancel and get a $1697 jbhifi giftcard for $866?

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:00
      +3

      I've used this method for phones a few times now (again just this morning with this deal, to upgrade my Pixel 7).
      I haven't personally returned it before, but so long as you leave the phone new/sealed, I don't see why you couldn't return it?

      The receipt only shows the phone, and that it has been paid for with an '03 Online Gift Card'.
      So you would only be able to return it for a Gift-Card (not money back onto your credit card for example).

      If you do try this, as I might (pending price/features of the Pixel 10), I would just advise coming back on a different day (and ideally talking to someone else).

      • akib on 22/07/2025 - 12:39

        How many times have you done it? Do they ever ask questions?

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:47
          +4

          How many plans have I signed up to and cancelled (to get a discounted phone)?

          The first time I did it was with the S25 for my wife. Then the iPhone 16 for my MIL, and just again this morning for me with this P9P.

          No questions asked.
          (Except the rep today was very friendly/chatty, and figured out what I was doing. That's why he let me know about the ETC changing next month. He didn't care at all.)

          Each time, I had/have two pre-existing plans on my account (which are my regular/actual phone plans for myself and my wife).

          • akib on 22/07/2025 - 12:49
            +1

            @CharcoaI: Hopefully no ETC change :Do

            Thanks for the detailed reply, I'll try next time there's an iPhone 17 deal.

            • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 14:43

              @akib: To make it even more complicated, buy two phones on the same invoice. Return both at the same time. (Cash + GC) :)

              The proper way to do it is to mark down the phone instead of inflating the GC amount to match the exorbitant pricing.

          • helloworld25 on 22/07/2025 - 15:16
            -2

            @CharcoaI: It seems like you would need to pay the whole remaining voucher amount if you cancel the plan prematurely.

            Based on point 6.2 and 6.3 in https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consume…

            • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 16:00

              @helloworld25: This has been discussed in the previous deals featuring the same method.
              (See here, here and here for example).

              As mentioned in other comments, I've literally done this today and can confirm the pricing/fees.

              • helloworld25 on 22/07/2025 - 16:15
                +1

                @CharcoaI: Huh, fair enough. Thanks for the info. I don't understand why they have different information, and it feels a bit risky in case you purchase the plan and then have to pay back the whole amount, because technically, they do have that clause. I guess you could point them to the Critical Information Summary in that case.

        • svanaut on 22/07/2025 - 16:37
          +4

          I have done this multiple times now and they've started to ask me questions. When I cancelled the most recent plan the rep on the jb app was like "youre doing this for credit".

          Direct quotes from my jb convo when cancelling:
          "Oh okay, do you mean you signed up to get vouchers for new services?

          Did you not return to the same store to request for cancellation since you've only signed up today too?

          Looking here on your account, it seems it's a trend that you sign up at a JB Hi-Fi store to get new vouchers for new services, as it seems that cancelling the plans would still be at your advantage as you still gained something from the vouchers."

          Still allowed me to cancel and then returned them instore though 😅😏

          • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 17:10

            @svanaut: There's nothing illegal about it - it's just literally exploiting their own terms/conditions. If they didn't want it to happen, they probably would have closed the loophole by this point.

            • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 20:40

              @CharcoaI: They have created the loophole to boost sales and maintainimg an inflated "sold price" on the phones.

              1. JB mislead their consumer about consumer rights.
              2. The $600 unaccounted for returned amount in GC is likely "stolen" or very dodgy accounting practice by JB Hi-fi group. When offering $1100 GC on $1700 phone return.

              Whilst the consumer might be less than ethical when utilising rights under JB's terms of sale, but JB is flirting with the law.

  • ShinyDiamond on 22/07/2025 - 12:07
    +1

    keen to know if someone returns the phone and can get a $1,697 jbhifi voucher to use in future. Last time I discussed with Jb, they mentioned they will give me only $1100 voucher, while the deal was $1,700 off on Samsung S25 ultra.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:13

      That's because they also offer standard gift cards on sign up too, as they are right now.

      When you bundle the plan with one of these eligible phones (eg this deal), you don't get given a $1700 voucher directly.

      (Once you've done plan sign-up, they take you to the purchase counter and create a new gift-card to the value of the phone/offered discount (eg $1700) and redeem it. The voucher never gets handed to you.)

      Theoretically, once they hand you the phone, you could immediately then ask for a return/refund, and be given a new gift-card.

      It's likely all wrapped up in policies and Terms/Conditions with Telstra.
      I don't see why, once the phone is in your hands, you can't return it though.

      • ShinyDiamond on 22/07/2025 - 12:24
        +2

        Sorry I wasn't clear enough with my previous comment. I signed up the S25 ultra with $1700 offer. Few days later I went back to return the sealed phone, they offered me the $1100 voucher only and not the $1700 that was used during the signup. I assume this depends upon store to store and if you are lucky to get helping rep, you can get $1700 voucher back. But not sure how many people been lucky and got the vouchers this way. Please comment if you able to get full amount vouchers back….

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:26
          +1

          That's very interesting. Did you mention anything about the plan sign-up, or maybe deal with the same rep?

          How did they know you didn't buy the phone with regular gift-cards?

          • HFT on 22/07/2025 - 12:36

            @CharcoaI: I've seen something similar at JB Hi Fi Belconnen. The regular employee at checkout had agreed to refund the price drop difference. When a manager was called, the employee was then scolded.

            • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:39

              @HFT: Did you mean to reply to Charlie Dont Surf?

              I'm not sure what you're talking about regarding price-drops if not?

              • HFT on 22/07/2025 - 12:51
                +1

                @CharcoaI: After a price drop, JB usually allows a purchase to be refunded and 'repurchased' at the lower price - so long as the product remains in new condition. The refund step of this 'recost' process is similar to return the sealed phone, albeit the recost aim is for a partial rather than a full refund.

                I don't know the exact details of the situation; I only posted in the hope of pooling experiences as a way to find out more.

                • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:54

                  @HFT: Was the phone still 'sealed in box' or just in 'like-new condition'?

            • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 12:59

              @HFT: "I've seen something similar at JB Hi Fi Belconnen. The regular employee at checkout had agreed to refund the price drop difference. When a manager was called, the employee was then scolded."

              So who has pocketed the $600?

              It plays out that 1. GC issued for sign up (arbitrary amount), 2. GC amount used to offset the phone purchase - written in all their TnCs, 3. JB has a 30 days return policy.

              JB is doing a dodgy by not marking down the phone to $1100 to continue inflat the sold price, instead, inflated the discount (fair enough).

              I think the ACCC would be keen on misleading advertisment.

              My friend had a recent with JB and went NCAT. Documentation rules. No "good faith" non sense.

              Also raise a concern with JB's accounting practice. The $600 (assuming no one will pocket) needs to be accounted for P and L.

              • HFT on 22/07/2025 - 13:05

                @SetTheFaqUp: The phone was still sealed in its box with a receipt issued within two weeks from a different JB. The manager seemed fierce and my friend, who wanted the refund, didn't feel comfortable pushing back (with English being her second language).

                Appreciate the suggestion. Although a shame that there's no written evidence. Unsure if it's possible to get conditional approval from online chat and finalise instore?

                • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 13:14

                  @HFT: Just ask the store "manager" for a written response as to why it is refused. (Or ask for their permission for the verbal conversation to be recorded - by law it is required to use as evidence in court).

                • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 13:15
                  +1

                  @HFT: JB's official Terms and Conditions allow for a full refund within 30 days.
                  See here.

                  If the receipt says the item being returned cost X, they can't offer Y back to you, assuming it meets their 'Unused & Unopened, packaging in good condition (product not faulty)' guideline.

                  With all due respect, I think your friend probably went in very timid and encountered a rude/arrogant "manager".

                  • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 13:20
                    +1

                    @CharcoaI: My friend too, he said the store manager was rude - and intimidating. But he's very mild but firm in approach to things.

                  • HFT on 22/07/2025 - 13:21

                    @CharcoaI: Thank you for all that info and affirmation. It'll be useful for the next time this situation comes up.

                    • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 13:23
                      +1

                      @HFT: Try again with this phone. ;)

                      • HFT on 22/07/2025 - 13:31

                        @SetTheFaqUp: xD good pick-up! Discounts are a near guarantee when the P10's out.

                        • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 13:37
                          +1

                          @HFT: https://assets.ctfassets.net/xa93kvziwaye/6amfWjJ5x3XUu3RKSa…

                          The nuclear weapon button for reporting employee misconduct (especially when convening consumer protection laws).

                          The key is to document everything in a factual manner.

                          Any law students want to pull off a stunt and create a YouTube video out of it. Might even land him/her in a top job.

  • Asti on 22/07/2025 - 12:08

    Are you forced to port in now? Last year I just asked for a new number, I guess thats not allowed anymore.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:16

      Yeah. Not sure how they would offer you a port-in deal without porting you in. It's part of the plan sign-up procedure.

    • Foosa on 22/07/2025 - 12:31
      -1

      I bought the P9PXL in May (2 months back) at JB and just asked for a new no which I didnt end up using. Didnt have to port-in I mean.

      • FerreroRocher on 22/07/2025 - 12:39

        Probably to stop people from abusing this 'loophole' by making it a bit harder (port in) vs assign new number you won't use anyway. That and increasing termination cost.

        • SetTheFaqUp on 22/07/2025 - 13:15

          A savvy sales will tell you to buy a prepaid SIM next door and discount $10 for your inconvenience.

  • Tyler Kwok on 22/07/2025 - 12:10
    -2

    i wish there were any samsung phone plan deal. really had no love in pixel at all.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:14

      OK

      • Tyler Kwok on 22/07/2025 - 14:35
        -1

        sorry if i didn't read this deal correctly and thought it only applies on pixel phone, do you mean I can get an s25+ with nothing out of pocket if I sign up this plan for 2 year? coz a few days ago I went there and jb told me I have to sign up the $99-for-2-year deal AND pay 5xx to get the phone.

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 15:05
          +2

          Apologies my maths was off in the OP (fixed now).
          If you don't want the P9 Pro, then you should be able to return it for a full refund ($1697).

          That would mean you effectively pay ~$866, to get a ~$1700 gift card.

  • Munki on 22/07/2025 - 12:16
    +1

    128GB only? Or can you upgrade to a 256GB version?

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:21
      +4

      They're doing $1700 off the 256GB/512GB models, making the 'OzB Method' about +$150/$350 respectively. I'll add this to the OP, thanks!

    • Charlie Dont Surf on 22/07/2025 - 12:24
      +2

      I did this deal a couple months ago (on the Pro XL) and was able to upgrade to the 256GB by paying the difference.

      Pro-tip 1: Price-match/negotiate the best price you can find on the 256GB version. You can pay for that "extra" amount with discounted GCs.
      Pro-tip 2: Wait as long as possible as you can in this campaign - if there is a subsequent price-reduction you should be able to get the difference refunded in GCs (I did).

      • Munki on 22/07/2025 - 12:27
        +1

        Great tips mate!

        I suppose if you really wanted a P9 Pro, might be worth waiting for when people eventually return their BNIB phones and exchange for new P10s! hahaha

      • park it on 23/07/2025 - 23:49

        How long do we have for the price reduction?

        • Charlie Dont Surf on 24/07/2025 - 00:32

          14 days definitely. I managed to get it honoured after 19 or 20 days. I read someone in a recent thread saying they'd got it after about a month. Does seem to vary a bit depending on who you get in store.

  • jimojr on 22/07/2025 - 12:18

    The Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB Obsidian is $922 at Officeworks. You can still purchase it by selecting Port Macquarie or Tamworth as your store, or try getting a price match at other retailers.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 12:18
      +2

      That's the XL model.

      • jimojr on 22/07/2025 - 12:24
        +2

        Oops, my bad. I actually prefer the Pro XL.

        • serpserpserp on 22/07/2025 - 15:11

          It is great. Just received mine and it is pretty identical to the pixel 6 pro i was coming from. I was surprised an thought it was going to be bigger

          • FerreroRocher on 22/07/2025 - 16:10

            @serpserpserp: 'Pros' were XL sized before? Until they released the regular Pro non-XL.

            • Munki on 22/07/2025 - 21:32

              @FerreroRocher: Think they just understood the market a bit better since I truly believe not everybody wants an XL sized phone but still have all the pro features.

    • noobsir on 22/07/2025 - 22:47

      potential dumb question. how do you pick up the device if you set your store in port mac or tamworth? beside ofcourse traveling in there. curious as I want to buy the phone as well

  • Naigrabzo on 22/07/2025 - 14:14
    -1

    Does anone know whether pixel 10a would still be $849?

    • Munki on 22/07/2025 - 14:18
      +3

      Hang on let me look into my crystal ball.

      • Naigrabzo on 22/07/2025 - 15:06

        see my post below.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 14:34
      +1

      Given the 9a is only 3 months old, I'm not sure Google would even know what it costs yet.

      • Naigrabzo on 22/07/2025 - 15:06

        In the USA they have kept costs similar it seems?

        https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2468924/google-pixel-10-…

        Just curious.

        I have $500 credit from google and $300 from my pixel 7a trade in…. wonder whether I can get the 10a… :)

        • GSDan on 22/07/2025 - 15:14
          +1

          The 'a' version comes several months after the main series launches, so you're probably looking at towards a year before the 10a is out

          • Naigrabzo on 22/07/2025 - 15:14

            @GSDan: Ah ok fair call. I might get the 9a. It's practically free for me given my 7a got refunded for the overheating issue.

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 15:18
          +1

          You've shared a link to the Pixel 10 (non a)?

          Regardless, no one can answer your original question.
          If you meant to ask 'what's the likelihood of the 10a being $849", then that answer is:

          • The 10a hasn't even been confirmed, so it might not even exist.
          • If Google is working on it, the price will depend on: its specs, inflation, tariffs, world economics, competition, market share, and numerous other factors.

          No one can answer your question until we know some details about the phone, through leaks or otherwise. Hence Munki's crystal ball.

    • McFly on 22/07/2025 - 19:38
      +1

      I've heard that too much knowledge about the future is dangerous, so…

      • Naigrabzo on 23/07/2025 - 09:45

        Yeah I know! I watched that movie Back to the Future. What a disaster.

  • brandonstrandy on 22/07/2025 - 15:28
    +22

    I'd heavily caution against stating you can return the phone for a full refund. OP got lucky, the usual procedure is you'd only get the 'standard' sim sign up voucher of $1200 back, not the full 'upsized' $1700.

    And honestly this is how deals get canned and ruined for everyone. This sim loophole already nets you a huge discount worth ($8xx+) on a phone, but to push it one step further to get a voucher is just over the top imo. You're essentially banking on some poor employee to mistakenly give you a refund and get in trouble with the manager + draws more attention to this.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 15:49

      To confirm, I haven't refunded (yet).

      the usual procedure is you'd only get the 'standard' sim sign up voucher of $1200 back, not the full 'upsized' $1700

      Is that written somewhere in the terms and conditions? The only wording I could find was that sealed purchases could be returned for a 100% refund within 30 days. Given the receipt shows $1697, and only that payment was via "gift card", how would they know you didn't just use normal gift-cards to purchase the phone?

      this is how deals get canned and ruined for everyone. /// to push it one step further to get a voucher is just over the top imo

      This loophole has been around for so long now, I don't think it affects JB or Telstra. From my (admittedly very little) understanding - these discounts are offered from the hardware provider (Apple/Google/Samsung), who I'm not overly concerned about. Though I do understand what you're saying. As others have said, there is likely going to be launch discounts too. I opted to settle on this deal, as the leaks for the P10P haven't convinced me to get that over the P9P.

      You're essentially banking on some poor employee to mistakenly give you a refund and get in trouble with the manager + draws more attention to this.

      If it is written somewhere in their terms and conditions, then I obviously would not want that employee getting into trouble. As it seems there is no policy on this, if they were to get in trouble for refunding the full amount, then they should defend themselves by clarifying there is no policy identifying this.

      It would also need to be part of the contract of sale at the time of purchase, so, as long as it's not there when you buy - you should be eligible for the full refund.

      Again, if this policy is written down somewhere, please identify where so I can update the OP.

      • brandonstrandy on 22/07/2025 - 16:23
        +3

        I've done this deal many times, and you can check previous threads about people's experience with returns. There's a reason previous threads never mention returns as this thread has (that this could be a discount on OTHER phones).
        From experience they tell me during sign up (but not every time) the return amount will be $1200 instead of $1700. I haven't checked where that is on the terms. I do know if they're aware the phone was bought via a telstra deal, the manager should not sign off on the full $1700 refund, I've seen this first hand and saw comments as well.

        This deal isn't as simple as a normal sealed return in 30 days. You received a specific upsized voucher to buy a specific phone. If you want to return it to buy an iphone, I don't think any sane person can argue they are still entitled to the larger voucher for doing nothing.

        The danger here is acting as if you're entitled to that $1700. Now you are welcome to take that risk personally, but I would word this very carefully when recommending to others.

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 16:40
          -2

          (Note I said potential ~$800 discount in the OP. Even if the return/refund is reduced to $1200, it's still a ~$400 saving.)

          I'll take your word that this has been attempted numerous times before. From the sounds of it, if this is some "internal policy" that isn't made public, getting the full refund amount would likely require arguing and escalation (managers/corporate/ombudsman etc), and likely not worth that effort.

          I still don't see how they would prove the gift card source (short of pulling up CCTV footage or something), and even then, why using this workaround/deal would negate their own "100% refund" policy.

          From experience they tell me during sign up (but not every time) the return amount will be $1200 instead of $1700.

          I've done this 3 times now, and they've never once mentioned this.
          (In fact, I don't know I've ever been given 'refund information' when buying anything, anywhere. Outside of things like "we can't refund underwear for sanitary reasons" lol).

          Were you explicitly asking them for a refund at the same time as claiming the phone/deal?

          I haven't checked where that is on the terms. I do know if they're aware the phone was bought via a telstra deal, the manager should not sign off on the full $1700 refund, I've seen this first hand and saw comments as well.

          I guess this is the point of contention. I understand how it would be "difficult" at the time of signing up to the phone. But once you have the phone and receipt showing the full "purchase" amount. What is there to argue? The receipt shows $1697 and the method of payment as "gift card". This might be why it's an "internal policy" as it wouldn't hold up legally. The sealed item and original receipt should be all there is to it.

          • brandonstrandy on 22/07/2025 - 17:47
            -1

            @CharcoaI: I've just checked previous threads for you (which you should've done).

            • There's actually a no return policy for phones bought through these deals.
            • And my mistake the based voucher is $800 not $1200 (if you're lucky to get that at all)

            I still don't see how they would prove the gift card source (short of pulling up CCTV footage or something)

            People have commented JB checks IMEI which links to the phone contract, and was denied a return entirely.

            (Note I said potential ~$800 discount in the OP. Even if the return/refund is reduced to $1200, it's still a ~$400 saving.)

            Again, this is very misleading if all you have to go on, without having done this yourself, is that you think the standard 30 day policy applies, despite this being an item purchased through a telstra contract.

            This is my last time advising you to reword your post. There's already a whole wiki made on this. There's nothing to debate unless you've personally checked with JB or show us new T&Cs. Completely uncessary wording based on nothing. Do better.

            • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 18:32
              +2

              @brandonstrandy:

              I've just checked previous threads for you (which you should've done).

              I did. I've referenced them in numerous other comments on this deal. How many of them should I have read through all the comments of to satisfy you?

              There's actually a no return policy for phones bought through these deals.

              Lacking any reference. And factually incorrect based on the Wiki you linked, which does have a comment reference:

              If the phone is returned the gift card reverts to the base offer at the time. If it was $800 normally then that will be the gift card returned after refunding the phone.

              And my mistake the based voucher is $800 not $1200 (if you're lucky to get that at all)

              Also factually incorrect. The base voucher is $1100 at the moment, as I referenced here. This would make it a net ~$250 saving on the $1100 voucher.

              People have commented JB checks IMEI which links to the phone contract, and was denied a return entirely.

              That makes sense, though again, is not referenced.

              Again, this is very misleading if all you have to go on, without having done this yourself, is that you think the standard 30 day policy applies, despite this being an item purchased through a telstra contract.

              The phone isn't purchased on contract. The phone does not appear in the Telstra contract at all. The phone is redeemed from a JB HiFi gift card in-store. That's why your previous note about JB searching the IMEI makes sense, as this would appear internally on JB HiFi's internal sales records when they process the refund.

              It's also not misleading, as at no point have I made any kind of guarantee or even suggested I've done it myself. You assumed that yourself having not read any of my comments. If people are unable to read that is not my fault. Also, no one is obligated to refund the phone if the refund amount is not to that person's satisfaction. Every other aspect of this deal remains valid.

              Do better.

              Thanks for the constructive feedback.

              Let's not pretend this whole process (which you yourself have enacted multiple times) is some sort of 'moral wrong'. It presents an opportunity to exploit wording in the policies/terms and conditions of a contract to the benefit of the obligor.

              You seem to be making some kind of moral stand that exploiting the sign up bonus and cancelling the contract is fine; while at the same time, it's morally wrong to exploit the lack of detail in the contract, and their broader terms and conditions for refunds.

              I can only assume this is because you want to continue exploiting this ETC loophole, and you are worried a further exploit might prevent you from doing so again in the future if they close it. (As you initially said: "this is how deals get canned and ruined for everyone".)

              At no point have you referenced your arguments. The closest you got was referencing the Wiki, which actually found your argument wrong (as above).

              I would put to you, that if you'd like to enter a discussion or debate regarding policies, you back your arguments with sources and evidence.

              To appease your assertion I've made some sort of "guarantee of a full refund", I've added a link to this thread in the OP.

              • yummypinacolada on 22/07/2025 - 22:34
                +3

                @CharcoaI: I don’t suggest people try refunding their phone for a gift card either—not because of any moral stance, as I’ve tried it myself. I’ve done this in the past, and not only did they reject my refund, but you’ll also come across as someone trying to game the system(worse like a thief). As far as I know, only a manager can authorize a refund (usually the cashier will call the manager). If the manager is doing their due diligence, they’ll check your phone’s IMEI to see if it was purchased as part of a Telstra bundle. Maybe some people got lucky with a manager who didn’t do a proper check, but that’s not something you can count on.

                • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 23:30
                  -1

                  @yummypinacolada: It probably got lost in that… discussion, but I do agree.

                  Even if there is a (slim) chance of getting the full refund; it would likely not be worth the time and effort of dealing with managers/corporate/ombudsman and arguing terms of a contract etc.

                • cloudy on 23/07/2025 - 07:42
                  -1

                  @yummypinacolada:

                  I’ve done this in the past, and not only did they reject my refund

                  Just to be clear, they rejected the refund and you left with the phone and no gift cards of any amount? Not even $800? Or the standard gift card amount-whatever that is-

                  • yummypinacolada on 23/07/2025 - 19:04
                    +1

                    @cloudy: I didnt try to argue, because I know from the start I can't refund the phone. I remember the manager put a comment on their system in related to my invoice for no refund or swap, making sure I will not try it in other store

  • burrito24 on 22/07/2025 - 16:04
    +2

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873023 this was available 10 months ago on release…surely not worth it at this point. I had the Pixel 9 Pro but I wouldn't jump through this many hoops at this price given the Pixel 10 will likely be available for the same price in a few months with a release / preorder deal

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 16:07

      Great pickup - I'll add to the OP.

    • FerreroRocher on 22/07/2025 - 16:08

      It's out next month so not even few months. Wait for Pixel 10 at this point. It will get telephoto lens too.

      • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 16:13

        The launch event is confirmed for August 21st, but does the event coincide with when the phone will be available at retail (in Australia)?

        • xmail on 22/07/2025 - 19:13
          +1

          Generally, yes.

        • McFly on 22/07/2025 - 19:41
          +1

          AFAIK availability is a week after launch.

      • Lancerx on 25/07/2025 - 21:47

        albeit with worse sensor?

  • viirgon on 22/07/2025 - 16:50
    +2

    Will see if Google store trade-in deal and 10% credit is good enough to avoid this complicated refund way.

  • Maths Debater on 22/07/2025 - 19:20
    +1

    It's WILD to read that people keep taking out these plans and cancelling them without worrying about how they're going to look when someone needs to access their credit report.

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 19:26

      I can understand if there is a default on the contract or something - but a simple credit check isn't inherently a problem is it? And if the contract is terminated and fully paid, is that an issue?

      (One could argue "paying out" the contract might be a good thing too?)

      • Maths Debater on 22/07/2025 - 19:29
        +1

        As an ex mortgage broker, a simple inquiry went against their serviceability strength and raised red flags to the lender as to why the borrower needed to keep taking out phone plans. We don't have visibly as to whether or not they're paid back, it's the fact that they kept signing up which demonstrates irresponsible behaviour. As a result, we had to keep trying to convince the bank the reason is XYZ but whether or not they accepted it varied wildly.

        • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 19:58
          +1

          I see. Well personally I'm not signing up for a new mortgage/loan anytime soon, so not really an issue personally. I'll add it to the OP though, thanks for the heads up!

      • Tyrx on 23/07/2025 - 10:09
        +2

        You're correct - nobody is being rejected from a home loan over doing this. If that's occurring, it is because of underlying reasons with the serviceability of the loan application.

        Ignore the broker running their mouth. They are the real estate agents of the financial world.

  • Xtimesx on 22/07/2025 - 19:46

    Do you think, these Big businesses / MNC's don't understand how some of us think we are able to take benefit of the loophole?

    What if they consider us nothing but ass holes by selling us successfully these shiny and Tiny little plastic / metal objects for above $800 along with a little bait of their service which doesn't really add anything to their fixed costs.
    And on top of that how amusing it would be for them to see us celebrating our stupidity / treating it as a bargain?

  • neoapple on 22/07/2025 - 21:02

    I wonder what they do with returned stock? Surely they can't resell it for full RRP?

    • CharcoaI on 22/07/2025 - 22:07

      If it's still new/sealed in box - why not?

  • yellowfever on 22/07/2025 - 22:25
    +2

    For the sake of Ozb, please take down this post. We all know how the cancellation works and it doesn't need any further marketing here on Ozb. JB and Telstra could completely flip it on its head and it's done and dusted for all of us.

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