2026 Appliance Trade-In Subsidy Guide: These 4 Categories Have the Biggest Discounts
Last week my washing machine broke and I needed a new one. Looking into it, I discovered the 2026 appliance trade-in subsidy policy is even better than last year.
Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and TVs have the biggest subsidies—up to 15% of the product price, plus you can stack platform discounts.
I spent two days researching the policy and finally figured out how to maximize it. Sharing the guide today.
Which Appliances Get Subsidies?
The subsidy scope has expanded from last year. Previously only the “big four”—fridges, washing machines, AC units, TVs—had subsidies. Now water heaters, range hoods, and gas stoves are included too.
But subsidy rates still differ:
Tier 1 (15% subsidy): Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, TVs
Tier 2 (10% subsidy): Water heaters, range hoods, gas stoves
Tier 3 (5% subsidy): Small appliances like microwaves, rice cookers
My washing machine purchase falls in Tier 1—15% subsidy. Original price 3,000 yuan, subsidy is 450 yuan.
How to Get the Subsidy?
The process is simple—three steps:
Step 1: Register on the “China Consumer Goods Trade-In Platform” mini-program, fill in old appliance info.
Step 2: When buying new appliances, select “trade-in” channel. Both online platforms (JD, Tmall) and offline stores support it.
Step 3: Submit old appliance recycling proof, subsidy hits your account within 7 business days.
I bought mine on JD—selected “trade-in” at checkout, old appliance recycling and subsidy application all in one go.
How to Stack for Maximum Savings?
National subsidy alone isn’t enough—learn to stack for real savings.
National subsidy + Platform coupon + Store discount—triple stacking.
For example:
Washing machine I bought: original price 3,000 yuan.
- National subsidy 15%: -450 yuan
- JD 618 platform coupon: -200 yuan
- Brand store discount: -300 yuan
Final price: 2,050 yuan—essentially 32% off.
But note: subsidy is calculated on the “discounted price.” So plan your stacking carefully.
Pro tip: If you have credit card installment offers, save even more. China Merchants Bank and China Construction Bank have interest-free installment promos for appliances—combining with subsidies is like getting “free” interest-free loans.
What About Old Appliances?
Don’t worry—the recycling system is well-established now.
When buying new appliances, select “trade-in” and the merchant arranges doorstep pickup. After recycling, you get a proof document to apply for subsidies.
If your old appliance still works, you can get additional trade-in value. My broken washing machine still got 100 yuan credit.
Things to Watch Out For
Some easy pitfalls:
Subsidy caps: Maximum 500 yuan per appliance. So for very expensive appliances, the effective subsidy rate drops below 15%.
Old appliance requirements: Must be manufactured after 2000 and still power on. Completely dead appliances can’t get subsidies.
Application deadline: Must submit within 30 days of purchase, or it expires.
A friend of mine bought an AC unit, forgot to apply, and lost over 400 yuan. Watch those deadlines.
My Recommendation
If you have old appliances to replace, 2026 is a great time. Generous policy, simple process.
Especially for refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and TVs—the subsidies are biggest. While quotas last, act early.
I learned this the hard way—originally planned to wait for Singles’ Day, but realized subsidy quotas are limited. Buy early, enjoy early.
A few hundred yuan saved isn’t huge, but spent wisely beats wasted any day.