Strategies for Escaping a Mobile Service Agreement Without Incurring Charges
Leaving a cell phone contract early can be a daunting task, especially when faced with early termination fees (ETFs). However, with the right strategies and carrier programs, you can minimize or avoid these costs when switching from Verizon, AT&T, and other mobile carriers.
One effective approach is to take advantage of carrier switch offers that pay off your remaining balance and fees. For instance, T-Mobile's Easy Upgrade program offers a promotion where they will pay off your outstanding device balances and ETFs from Verizon, AT&T, and other carriers if you switch to T-Mobile and sign a contract with them. You receive a prepaid Mastercard to cover these costs, provided you submit proof of your outstanding balance and good standing within 30 days of switching.
Understanding unlocking and payment policies before cancelling is crucial. Federal law requires carriers to unlock your phone once it's fully paid off, usually after a set period (e.g., Verizon unlocks after 60 days, AT&T after full payment and account in good standing). To avoid losing your phone number and incurring additional fees, avoid cancelling your current service before porting your number to the new carrier. Always request unlocks before cancelling service, as it's harder after your account is closed.
Avoiding ETFs by completing device payments or using financing plans is another strategy. Device payment plans require paying the remaining balance to upgrade or cancel early, which acts like an ETF. Some carriers have early upgrade programs that allow switching phones without full payment, but you’ll remain in contract terms otherwise. If you have a subsidized "free" phone deal, cancelling early can forfeit credits and fees.
Negotiating directly with your current carrier is another option. Sometimes carriers will waive ETFs for customers who threaten to leave or when switching to competitors. This is less guaranteed but worth trying by contacting customer service.
Timing your switch appropriately can also help. The best time to switch is after your phone is eligible for unlocking but before your next billing cycle starts. This timing helps avoid extra charges and gives you the ability to transfer your number without interruption.
Using third-party retailers or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) without contracts is another viable option. Some third-party retailers offer prepaid plans or plans without long-term contracts that let you switch carriers without ETFs or activation fees.
The table below summarises the key strategies for each carrier:
| Strategy | Verizon | AT&T | Other Carriers | |--------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|------------------------| | Carrier switcher's ETF payoff offer | Available via T-Mobile | Often covered by T-Mobile| Similar offers may exist| | Unlock policy | Unlock after 60 days if paid off| Unlock after full payment & good standing| Unlock varies (e.g., T-Mobile 40 days)| | Early upgrade programs | Available but may charge remaining balance| Similar programs exist | Varies by carrier | | Negotiate waiver | Possible by calling customer service| Possible | Possible | | Use prepaid or no-contract options | Yes (prepaid plans) | Yes | Wide availability |
By leveraging these strategies and carrier programs, you can often avoid or significantly reduce early termination fees when leaving Verizon, AT&T, or other mobile carriers. It's always a good idea to research your options and negotiate with your current provider before making a decision.
[1] T-Mobile (2022). T-Mobile Easy Upgrade. Retrieved from
This article has been viewed 1,675,841 times and was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and Nicole Levine, MFA. It was last updated on July 21, 2025. Clinton M. Sandvick is a civil litigator with over 7 years of experience. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. The article has been fact-checked for accuracy. If a customer hasn't bought their phone outright from the carrier, they may be assessed a restocking fee. In some cases, a manager may allow a customer to terminate the contract due to reasons like death, change in financial situation, divorce, or legal issues. Complaints about poor phone service can be posted on social media and the Better Business Bureau website to potentially influence the carrier.
Here are two sentences that contain the given words and follow from the text:
- To know how to navigate general-news about financial matters such as early termination fees (ETFs) and device payments when switching mobile carriers, one can refer to resources like the T-Mobile Easy Upgrade program (technology) that pays off remaining balances and ETFs for customers who switch to T-Mobile.
- When facing decisions surrounding home finances and cell phone service, one can also consider utilizing home-based technology like unlocking policies to avoid losing their phone number and incurring additional fees when cancelling the current service.
