How to Get out of a Cell Phone Contract Without Paying

Cell phone user contracts are typically nearly impossible to get out of. Leaving before your contract expires can cost you hundreds of dollars; even prorated fees can be considerable. In some circumstances, however, you may be able to get out of your cell phone contract without paying.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cancel within 30 days of starting your plan. Most of the major providers now offer a 30-day trial period. If you give your phone back and cancel your contract before the 30-day period ends, you may not have to pay any fees.

2. Monitor network issues you are experiencing and report every instance to your provider. If you are having constant connection issues when talking on the phone, browsing the Internet or sending text messages, for instance, creating an issue trail is a bargaining tool for ending your contact with your current cellular provider.

3. File Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau complaints if you are having major system issues with your cell phone company. Typically, these complaints, if warranted, will force your carrier's hand in negating your contract.

4. Check your contract for bandwidth usage limits. If no limit is set on your contract, tether your cell phone to an Internet connection and continually download as many files as possible. Tethering is the simple practice of using your phone via a data cable as a cable modem with your home or business computer. Under certain circumstances, your provider will suspend your service, thus voiding your contract because it stated no data limit. Mention this to your provider and offer the company a chance to end your contract free of charge before you file a complaint. This rarely works on new contracts, because most providers have included a data user clause; however, on slightly older contracts, it's a quick workaround.

5. Find a friend who is looking to use the carrier your contract is on. Most carriers today allow for a transfer of service if the new party passes their credit check. You will both need to sign paperwork for this to occur, and the new party will simply take over the contract until such time that the contract ends. CellTradeUSA also provides the ability to find users looking for a partial contract, to whom you then sign over your contract. See the website in "Additional Resources."

Tips & Warnings

• Tethering a device should be used only as a last resort, particularly if you have experienced bad service and other issues, and you've exhausted other avenues of support.

References

• Cell Trade--Contract Trade Service

Resources

• Transfer Your Cell Phone Contract Without Paying Fees