Avoid Early Termination Fees: How to Transfer Your Cell Phone Contract

Several years ago I wanted a new cell phone contract. Luckily, I was able to transfer my cell phone plan to a coworker. It was a win-win situation. He wanted to get onto the Verizon network, and I wanted to avoid paying early termination fees for breaking my contract. That saved me from paying a $175 Early Termination Fee (ETF), and he got a free phone! Most cell phone providers charge an ETF in the $150 – $200 range, but you can avoid paying early termination fees by transferring your service to another person or finding other ways to get out of your contract.

Transferring my cell phone without paying early termination fees

Sometimes it can be difficult to cancel or transfer your cell phone without paying any fees. However, if you can find someone willing to take over your contract, you can transfer your phone and 100% liability with an Assumption of Liability transfer. This assumption of liability transfer legally transfers the terms of the contract to another person’s name. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.

My friend needed a new cell phone carrier, so luckily I had someone who could take the contract over for me. If you need help finding someone to take you contract over, Cell Trade USA is willing to help you out for a $20 fee. Trade My Cellular also provides this service free of charge.

The deal was great for both of us – I needed out of a contract, and he needed a new carrier. Ironically, he had Sprint, which was the company I wanted to go to. But he had awful reception in his apartment. He also wanted a new cell provider because his girlfriend had service with Verizon and they were not able to take advantage of free mobile to mobile minutes. As a result, it was costing both of them more money every month because they were charged the regular rate for their calls. (I assume they talk a lot!)

My coworker was able to assume my contract, which had roughly a year left and I gave him my Motorolla Razr for free. His old contract with Sprint had just ended so he did not have to pay an early termination fee to cancel his old service. He was also able to port his old number over with no problems. Even though I tried my best, I was not able to transfer my old number without canceling my old service and paying the early termination fees. Some services will allow you to keep your phone number, even if you let someone else take over your plan through an Assumption of Liability transfer. However, not all cell phone providers allow this, so check with your provider.

In the end, this was a win-win deal for both of us. He gets better cell phone reception, free mobile to mobile minutes with his girlfriend, a free phone, and he doesn’t have to lock himself into a long term contract. He even got some free ring tones! As for me, I saved a lot of time and money trying to get out of my cell phone contract. I will also save a few dollars per month on my cell phone bill and get a better package, including unlimited data usage! Can you tell I am excited!?!

Can’t Find Someone to Transfer Your Contract to?

Here are some more was you can cancel a cell phone contract without paying fees. You can also try going to a new service provider. Some companies are even offering to pay your Early Termination Fee if you take your business to them. T-Mobile, for example, currently has such an offer.

T-Mobile has the best current offer for getting out of your contract. Use this offer link, trade-in your current phone, and T-Mobile will pay your Early Termination Fee (ETF) with a Prepaid MasterCard®. And they won’t even make you sign an annual service contract. You can do this for up to $650 per line, for up to 12 lines on one contract. T-Mobile also offers an unlimited data plan with no contract, at a very reasonable monthly rate.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit this offer link.
• Transfer your current phone number to T-Mobile
• Process your trade-in within 14 days of your new phone purchase (T-Mobile will offer you credit based on the market value for your eligible device).
• After entering your order number and T-Mobile phone number, print the postage paid shipping label and send in your device.
• Submit your final bill. When you receive your current carrier’s final bill with your Early Termination Fees (ETFs), submit the bill to T-Mobile electronically within 2 calendar months of your number transfer to T-Mobile for reimbursement (up to 12 lines).
• Get up to $650 per line based on the Early Termination Fees (ETFs) on your carrier’s final bill.
• Eligible device trade-in, device purchase, qualifying plan and port-in required.
• Trade-in credit applied to T-Mobile bill.
• Allow 8 weeks for processing.
• One offer per line up to 12 lines.
• Visit the site for more details.

 

Check out these great cell phone deals! T-Mobile is currently offering some great deals on their individual and family cell phone plans, and here are special AT&T Wireless offers. Want to avoid contracts? StraightTalk offers great pay as you go plans.