Find your provider. Cancel your service.

Step-by-step cancellation guides for major TV and internet providers. Fees, methods, equipment returns, and what to expect.

Provider	Early Termination Fee	Cancel Method	Equipment Return
DirecTV Stream	Up to $480	Phone / Online	USPS prepaid label, 14 days	View guide →
GCI	Varies	Phone / Chat / In-person / Email	GCI store or mail, 14 days	View guide →
Midco	No ETF	Phone / Chat / In-person	Midco office or UPS prepaid label, 14 days	View guide →
Optimum	No ETF	Phone	FedEx via Walgreens or FedEx Office, 30 days	View guide →
Verizon Fios	Up to $350	Phone / Online / Chat	UPS Store or prepaid label, 30 days	View guide →
CenturyLink	Up to $300	Phone	Prepaid return label, 30 days	View guide →
DirecTV	Up to $480	Phone	Prepaid kit mailed, 21 days	View guide →
Spectrum	No ETF	Phone / In-person	UPS or Spectrum store, 15 days	View guide →
Astound	No ETF	Phone	Return to local office, 15 days	View guide →
Xfinity	Up to $10/mo	Phone / Online / In-person	UPS or Xfinity store, 10 days	View guide →
Cox	Up to $240	Phone	UPS or Cox store, 10 days	View guide →
DISH	Up to $480	Phone	Prepaid box mailed, 30 days	View guide →
Mediacom	Up to $240	Phone / In-person	Mediacom office, 30 days	View guide →
Sparklight	No ETF	Phone / In-person	Local office, 5 business days	View guide →

14 providers · Last updated Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be charged an early termination fee? ›

It depends on your contract. Most cable providers (Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox) no longer enforce contracts with ETFs. However, satellite providers like DirecTV and DISH typically have 24-month contracts with ETFs up to $20/month remaining. Check your agreement or call your provider to confirm your status.

What happens to my email address if I cancel? ›

Most providers will disable your email within 60-90 days of cancellation. Spectrum keeps your email active for 60 days, Xfinity for 90 days. We recommend migrating to a free provider like Gmail or Outlook before canceling.

Can I cancel online or do I have to call? ›

Most providers still require a phone call. Xfinity and Cox offer online cancellation through their website or app. CenturyLink also supports online cancellation via chat. All other providers in our list require a phone call to their retention department.

Will I get a prorated refund for my remaining billing cycle? ›

Generally no. Most providers bill through the end of your current cycle and do not prorate. Spectrum, for example, will keep your service active until the end of your billing period but will not refund unused days. Plan your cancellation date accordingly.

What if I don't return my equipment? ›

Unreturned equipment will result in charges added to your final bill, typically $100-$300 per device. Modems, routers, cable boxes, and DVRs all need to be returned. Always get a receipt when you drop off equipment — this is your proof of return if there's a billing dispute.