Understanding Spectrum Early Termination Fees

Not everyone knows what an early termination fee is, and even those people who know what it is don’t know if Charter Spectrum charge is one. We explain everything you need to know about your Charter Spectrum early termination fees.

Why does Spectrum charge early termination fees?

Early termination fees are penalty charges levied against you as the consumer if you cancel a contract prematurely. This is a very typical kind of fee for things like cell phones, internet, leases, even gym memberships. 

Companies differ in whether they charge a flat fee or a smaller fee based on the number of months left in the contract. (The latter is referred to as a prorated fee.)

For example: If you take out a Spectrum contract for 2 years and decide after 6 months you want to leave because you are moving or you found a better deal or you simply don’t like their service, then instead of making regular payments for the remainder of that 2 year contract, you pay an early termination fee.

Are early termination fees legal?

These fees are typically legal so long as they are included in the contract. The thing is, not many sales staff will point out that they are part of your contract, and they don’t have to. Reading the fine print in the terms and conditions is supposed to be up to each customer. For this reason, many people who try to cancel their Charter Spectrum account early are caught off guard by a pretty hefty fine. 

How do I know if my contract with Spectrum has an early termination fee?

Read over the details on the terms and conditions. The fine print from the terms and conditions will explain all residential policies including your early termination fees. 

If you read over your policy before signing a contract, you are in a better position to find information about the early termination fee and to try and negotiate it. You might, for example, be able to speak with customer service and get a lower fee or have the fee waived and tire Lee as part of a promotion. You might be able to turn down an element of a discount deal in exchange for waiving the early termination fee. If you do this, make sure you get it in writing.

How much is Spectrum’s early termination fee?

Charter Spectrum’s early termination fee may be $75 for early termination fees depending on your plan. 

Does Charter Spectrum always charge an early termination fee?

If you’re no longer in your initial contract commitment with Spectrum, you’re not supposed to be charged an early termination fee unless you signed a new contract.

Additionally, if you are under contract there are two situations where you may be able to avoid an early termination fee, though they don’t apply to most cases.

1. The first is that Charter Spectrum violated the terms of your agreement. If the company violates the terms of your agreement first, then you you’re not supposed to owe the early termination fee for canceling the contract in most cases.
2. The second is that a salesperson misled you regarding information such as cancellation fees, cancellation policies, cost for your account, etc.

-The second one happens more often then the first. Almost everyone has been on the receiving end of a salesperson who misled them about a promotion or failed to mention a hidden charge. If this happened to you, you might be receiving early termination fees you aren’t prepared for.

Yes. There are times when you are misled by a staff member and you don’t realize your account comes with an early termination section. 

What can I do if Charter Spectrum is charging an early termination fee?

If you are charged an early termination fee but shouldn’t be, or if you are being charged more than you should be, there are steps you can take.

Learn more about your options in consumer arbitration, and tell us your complaint…