How to Cancel a Cell Phone Contract

1. Look for Changes in Your Initial ContractOne the easiest and most popular ways to ditch your current cell phone contract is to track any changes in the original agreement, and call the wireless provider out for the alterations. Simple changes, like an increase or decrease in text message costs, raising or lowering of the late fee or cancellation fee, and tacking on or removing additional taxes or regulatory fees are all reasons to legitimately cancel a cell phone contract and avoid the early termination fee. Even if the fees don't apply to you - say you have unlimited text messaging, and the cost of texting goes up - it's still grounds for you to get out of your contract, free and clear.Watch your monthly bill every month to check for changes; sometimes, they're so minute that they can pass right by you, even when you're looking out for them. Then, be prepared to call and argue your point, because your company's representatives have been trained to keep you with the company, even if you have a legitimate way out. Don't be surprised if the representative you reach tells you that the changes don't apply to you, so it doesn't matter. They may even argue that you have no right to cancel your contract - but don't you dare listen. No matter what the rep says, stay calm and hold your ground. Eventually, the rep will have to give in and cancel your cell phone contract. Otherwise, let the rep know that you'll be reporting them and the call to every agency that will listen and that you intend to not only cancel your contract without paying the EFT, but to report the rep for their unfair and unlawful consumer practices. That should be enough to get even the toughest representative to flip and honor their legal responsibilities.
2. Report Ridiculously Bad Service - RepeatedlyIf you've been having trouble with calls being drop continuously, or you can't get service at all at home or while at work, this may be a way for you to cancel your cell phone contract without paying the EFT. Pay attention to your service in the areas you spend the most time in - including work, school, and at home - and if you drop more calls than you connect, give your wireless provider a ring. Let them know that the 'service' they are providing is useless, and it's in violation of your contract. If you come across a representative who claims their map or grid says the service is fine, keep pushing the issue and tell them to come test the problem themselves. Don't give up until they offer you a solution, which in most cases, means they'll be letting you out of your contract scot-free, since the chances of the company spending tens of thousands to fix the actual problem seems far less appealing than losing a couple hundred dollars with you (and hey, don't be afraid to point that out, if you're not initially successful with this method).Note: At least one provider already has a standard provision in all wireless contracts preventing customers from trying to cancel their contract because of poor or no service. AT&T actually stipulates that they are merely responsible for providing you with a cell phone plan, and don't guarantee that the service will actually work. If you hit this bump, try mentioning that this particular provision is actually illegal, and thus, the entire wireless contract can be ruled void by a judge in civil court. So unless AT&T wants to pony up the cash to refund you your entire contract's costs - plus the value of the phone that you purchased - they may want to play by the rules and let you out of your contract.
3. Check the MapJust because you have decent service, doesn't mean your wireless provider has your area marked off on their map. Give the company's service grid a once-over - you can find it on their website, or ask for a paper copy at any of their stores - and see if your home or work is marked off as an 'uncovered' area. If so, give the company a ring and let them know that service isn't available per their own map in your particular area. Let them know you'll be canceling your contract in light of this discovery, and they will be waiving the early termination fee.
4. Move Off the MapIf your current area is located on your company's service grid, the next step is to remove yourself from that area. For some customers, this means picking up and moving to an entirely new location. Since it's logical to assume that you aren't going to sell your house, pack up all of your belongings, search for a new home, hire a moving company, secure a new job, and make the transition just for the sole sake of canceling your cell phone contract without paying the termination fee, you may need to settle for the next best idea: move your cell phone bill's mailing address. If you redirect your mail to, say, your parents' house, or a sibling or other family member or friend's house, and they happen to live outside the service area of your contract's capabilities, then your wireless company will almost definitely let you out of the contract without penalty. Be prepared to back up your claims, however; your wireless company is likely going to ask for a few pieces of mail and some other minor evidence to prove your physical address has actually changed.
5. Return Your New PhoneOkay, so this method won't necessarily work for the majority of consumers trying to cancel a cell phone contract - in fact, if you're anywhere past the first two weeks of your contract, you can skip this step entirely and move to the next one. But, if your contract is still new and you're experiencing what's known as 'buyer's remorse' (or you've found a better deal elsewhere) then canceling your contract should be a piece of cake:Most, if not all, of the major mobile service providers offer a 14-day return policy that allows you to turn in your new phone and cancel your cell phone contract without penalty. This is called buyer's remorse, and there's a good chance that somewhere towards the bottom of your contract, you'll find a buyer's remorse clause. Your phone will need to be in new- to like-new condition, and you will need to bring it to the store where you purchase the phone and signed the contract. If you purchased your phone and your plan online, then you'll likely need to give the 1-800 number listed for your mobile service provider a ring.Now, this method is easy, but it doesn't necessarily come easy. The representative you deal with has likely been trained in customer retention; that is, doing and/or saying whatever they can to get you to stick around for the length of your contract. This means they may offer you a better rate plan, match the better deal you've found, throw in some freebies, or even credit your account with some bonus minutes or money. It's up to you to decide whether or not the deal is worth it. If you're dead set on leaving the company, then stand your ground and continue to press the issue that your contract states you are well within your right to return the phone and cancel your cell phone contract without penalty under the buyer's remorse clause. Eventually, the representative will have to give in.
6. Reduce Your Monthly RateThis isn't technically a way to cancel a cell phone contract, but it certainly works as a last resort when all else fails. Drop your monthly plan down to the absolute lowest plan your wireless provider has available. Most mobile service providers allow you to change your rate plan throughout the length of your contract to suit your needs. If you only have a few months of service left to go, then spending $15 a month for a phone plan you won't be using is much cheaper than paying $250 to cancel your cell phone contract early. Just keep in mind that some companies will actually extend the length of your contract if you make even minor changes to your monthly plan, so be sure to find this out before you attempt to make any changes - and get the final word in writing to show your work in case the company tries to argue otherwise later on when you call to cancel your cell phone contract for good.