If you’ve decided that it’s time to upgrade your mobile device, and you’re an AT&T customer, AT&T really, really wants you to consider using their installment plan. Not only is there no upgrade fee for current customers who use the company’s Next installment plans, but AT&T is offering customers an extra fifty bucks if they finance a new iPhone, but don’t order it through AT&T.

Instead of subsidizing the cost of our new phones, then recouping that custo through higher bills or early termination fees, carriers really want customers to bear that cost now. Customers who buy their new phones using AT&T Next pay the full unsubsidized retail price for their devices (that’s $650 for the cheapest iPhone 6, for example) and then that cost is spread out in payments over the next 18 to 30 months. If you get bored with your device and want to trade it in before the two and a half years are up, you can do so, and then you won’t have to make the rest of the payments.

AT&T wants to reward customers who join the financing plan without actually visiting an AT&T store, so they’re offering $50 to customers who finance their phone purchase using Next. The promotion started this week, and theoretically lasts through the end of the year.

$50 Bill Credit Offer: Ends 12/31/14. Must remain in active and in good standing on Next for 45 days to receive bill credit on your AT&T mobility bill within 3 bill cycles. Upgrades only. Requires iPhone to be purchased via AT&T Next(SM) and activated on a qualifying AT&T voice and data wireless service plan. Offer may not be combinable with other credits, discounts and offers. Offer and terms subject to change and may be discontinued at any time without notice.

It is possible to obtain an unlocked phone this way, if you pay the entire phone balance off immediately, then request a device unlock as soon as it’s paid off.

What we aren’t able to figure out is how to claim the fifty bucks: is it automatic? We’re currently trying to find out, and will update this post when we do.

AT&T Offering $50 Bill Credit for iPhone Upgrades Made Through Apple Online and Retail Stores [Macrumors]

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