Understand early termination fees

If you buy a device under a term contract and cancel service before it ends, we’ll charge you an early termination fee (ETF).

Learn more about early termination fees

We charge you an early termination fee (ETF) if you do both of these things:
  • Agree to a contract for wireless service, also known as a service commitment, when you activate or upgrade your device. 
  • Cancel service before completing the term period. 

You may see an ETF if you get a discount on a device when you agree to a service commitment. The final ETF amount depends on the type of device you buy.

New or AT&T Certified Like-New deviceEarly termination fee
Smartphone with data service$325, minus $10 for each full month of completed service commitment 
Basic phone, tablet, mobile hotspot, AT&T Wireless Internet, or another connected device  $150, minus $4 for each full month of completed service commitment 

Example: You purchased a tablet with a 2-year term service commitment, but canceled service after 15 full months. The ETF would be $90 – or $150 minus $60 ($4 times 15 months of completed service).

Heads up: A service commitment or contract is different from an installment plan.
Last updated: December 7, 2022

Did you get the help you needed?



Community forums

Have questions about your Wireless service? Explore our community forums for answers.