How Can I Terminate A Cell Phone Contract Without Penalties?

By Author: Kristi Ambrose
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Did you enter into a cell phone contract and want to get out without early termination fee? Get informed and be on your way to making a deal. The reason big cell phone companies create these contracts is to ensure that they will make guaranteed profits. Maybe it is time you take a look into what you can do. You can terminate a cell phone contract without penalties. There are 7 tried-and-true ways that you can attempt to legally terminate cell phone contract. These are ways in which anyone can accomplish what they have set out to do - getting rid of that contract you really don't want anymore. Sometimes those penalties can be a major bummer.

I remember a few years back when I got my first cell phone from Verizon. I ended up hating the service - my phone was always full of static and it was always "out of service". Unbeknownst to me - I had no idea how to get out of it. In fact, I ended up just canceling and I was charged $150! That was more than the phone and the monthly payment. Disgusting! So you don't have to go through what millions of others have, let's take a look at some of these ways.

1- Free Trial: Typically, ...
... carriers provide a 14-30 day trial with new service. Take advantage of it to test your phone everywhere you will conceivably need/use it. If you disagree with the coverage, you're entitled to discontinue service, provided you return the equipment. Although you may pay a prorated amount for the time that you used it, this can save you money in the long run.

2. Store paperwork: If you bought your phone from a store, did you sign a contract? The store has to provide a hard copy of the original, signed by you. Perhaps it was lost or maybe you forgot on the way out. If they can't prove your signature, then you can break the contract. It's worth a few minutes to try.

3. Did A Family Member Die?: If this unfortunate event takes place, your carrier will give you a break. However, faking your own death isn't advisable. Usually you must produce a death certificate or equivalent proof for it to work though.

4. What Is Your Variable?: An early termination variable allows deductions of a certain dollar amount per month from your early termination fee for every month that you have paid for. This helps if you're close to the end. Although you might have to have a perfect payment record to obtain it. Certain carriers have a fixed early termination fee per line that can be paid too.

5. Share And Share Alike: Do you have a friend who needs a cell phone? There are many people online if you don't know anyone. Once you determine someone eligible, this person must meet the requirements of your carrier of a standard credit check and possible security deposit. Thus, you will be released when they take over the account.

6. Phone Swaps!: If you and a friend are both unhappy, just switch phones and pay every month! This way, both of you get what you need without resorting to drastic measures.

7. Be Educated: Last, but not least, you can find different programs that provide effective methods of terminating a contract that is cost effective and can give you the best advice.

Don't EVER feel stuck in a situation where you need to cancel and your scared. There are ways out of it. And if one of the ten options above doesn't help you out try visiting a few of the websites online. You would be really amazed at the free advice people are willing to give out so that the same thing that happened to them, doesn't happen to you. This is a sticky situation to be in but at least now you have some knowledge on different ways to go about something like this and fix it. While something like $150 isn't a lot - it is a waste to have to spend it on a contract!
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