What happens if I break my Xfinity contract?
You will need to pay early termination fees when you break the contract, although these fees can be avoided – especially in the case of cable TV.
If you are thinking of cancelling your Xfinity contract due to a multitude of reasons that include high monthly fees or you are ready to change to another subscription service, you may be hesitant to do so because of the high ETFs – penalties that you pay when you terminate the contract early. It may seem like a complex process to cancel your account, but it is surprisingly easy, as well as dodging cancellation fees.
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How much do you pay in cancellation fees?
After you know the reason why you are canceling your contract, it is important to check the fees you are supposed to pay in the event you cannot renegotiate with the Xfinity agent. It will also help you decide whether cancellation is worth it, as the fees may turn out to be expensive.
Comparison of cancellation fees from different providers
Company |
Fees |
Xfinity |
$10 for every month remaining on the contract |
Spectrum |
Either $0 or $75 if you have a Price Guarantee Package |
CenturyLink |
$300 (for a 3-year contract), or $200 (for a 2-year contract) |
DirecTV |
Prorated early termination fee, maximum of $20 for every month remaining on contract |
DirecTV Stream |
$0 (they do not offer contracts) |
Verizon FiOS |
Depending on contract terms, it can be between $175 and $350 |
Optimum |
$0 (they do not offer contracts) |
Some important considerations before calling Xfinity
Ensure you study your contract
The breakup call will require that you know all the facts relating to your contract, so it is always best to study its terms to help you know if prorated fees will apply in your case or whether you must pay the rest of the contract. Knowing what you are up against will also be the ticket you need to safely walk away without having to pay plenty of money.
Some things to consider when studying your contract are:
- Did you get all the services you were promised? – this includes whether the company failed or succeeded to provide all their promised services, whether there were unexpected increases in monthly fees, channel blockages, or the service failing for prolonged periods. If you convince the Xfinity representative that you did not get what you wanted, they can reduce the cancellation fees you will pay.
- Checking if there is some prorated cancellation fee – if the cancellation fee is prorated, chances are that you will pay higher fees for the months remaining on your contract.
Calculate the possible fee
You want to avoid canceling the service if the cancellation fee is more than what you would pay for the rest of the contract. It is good to remember that the contract is legally binding, so you cannot leave without paying the fees.
Make the call
Conversations are great, even when cancelling contracts – so ensure you call to see if you can renegotiate the contract.
Keep in mind that Xfinity will pay commissions to agents basing it on the number of users they keep active, so you can take advantage of that. For instance, you can opt to suggest that they reduce the bill you pay monthly until the contract runs out.
While doing so, ensure the agent does not simply give you access to premium channels or ‘free’ package upgrades because you can get charges in the future when you access the perks. They may even offer you some free streaming or credits to keep you as a customer. You might be surprised at the deals you get when you know what you want and how to ask for it, and the perks may make you stay for a longer time.
Return accessories
Returning Xfinity’s accessories is very important when you decide to end things with them – after all, holding on to these items will only guarantee you extra fees.
For instance, a DVR will easily cost a hundred dollars or more, and the company does not want to send their technical teams to come to your house and remove the system. Instead, they will make you work for it, because you initiated the breakup – they also do this in case you will change your mind and go back to them.
Additionally, if you are dealing with a satellite TV provider, they will not come to your roof and remove the dish. You will either leave it as it is, or remove it on your own.
Finding the best service for you
The good news is that you do not need to be stuck for months finding a good live TV streaming service, as the power of the internet allows you to access entertainment without installing expensive equipment in your home. Additionally, you can access plenty of resources without paying cancellation fees, and even try out the services of an alternative provider – especially those that do not offer contracts.
Conclusion
If the terms of your contract specify that you will pay a cancellation fee if you cancel your Xfinity contract and it does not happen, contact Xfinity immediately – otherwise, the repercussion include a downgrade to your credit score, or higher penalty fees than you thought.
FAQs
How much does it cost to break a contract with Xfinity?
It depends on the length of the contract remaining, but you will pay $10 for every month remaining on the contract.
What happens if I break Comcast contract?
They will charge you a cancellation fee, although it is possible to renegotiate the amount with an Xfinity agent.
Can I break my Xfinity contract?
Yes, you can, by calling their customer service at 1-800-XFINITY. This will allow you to talk to an agent and negotiate for a lower monthly fee or cancel the account entirely.
How far in advance should I cancel Xfinity?
You can cancel the contract within 30 days of your installation if you want to leave without paying the cancellation fee. Alternatively, cancelling it afterwards will warrant cancellation fee payments.