Actually, with these new plans, T-Mobile allows you to pay the whole cost upfront if you want.[1] But with time value of money and all that, I don't see why you

Actually, with these new plans, T-Mobile allows you to pay the whole cost upfront if you want.[1] But with time value of money and all that, I don't see why you would want to, especially considering they're giving you a loan at 0% APR. That also means, though, that it's not any cheaper for you to pay upfront. They just take that full price, subtract out your down payment, and divide by 24 months. Also, what they're not telling you is that you need to have good credit to get those super-low down payments. For those with mediocre credit, they might charge up to 50% of the cost of the phone for money down.[2] [1] http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/?features=371e5c4a-3dc6-4404-86d0-c59f8d8baa3b http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/?features=371e5c4a-3dc6-... ("or pay in full today at checkout") [2] Same link as above: "0% APR On Approved Credit for well-qualified buyer."