Switching & Setup · 6 min read

What to do with your old POS hardware and contract

The new system is the easy part. Closing out the old one cleanly is what prevents a surprise charge three months later.

Figure out who owns your current hardware

Some businesses own their equipment outright, some lease it, and some have it provided by their processor with terms attached. Check your contract or ask your provider directly before you assume you can just unplug it.

Read the cancellation terms before you switch

Look specifically for notice periods, early termination fees, and any auto-renewal clause. Some contracts require written cancellation a set number of days before your renewal date, not just a phone call.

Time your cancellation carefully

Don't cancel the old account until your new system is live and you've confirmed your final deposit from the old processor has landed. Canceling too early can strand a batch of transactions.

Returning leased equipment

If your hardware is leased, get return instructions and a tracking number, and keep proof of return. Leasing companies have been known to keep billing after equipment ships back without documented proof.

Get everything in writing

Confirm your cancellation, your final statement, and the closure of your merchant account in writing, not just a phone call. Keep these records for at least a year.

Watch for months of double billing

It's common for an overlap month to occur where you're billed by both providers. Budget for it, but also flag it and follow up — it shouldn't continue past the first month.

Common questions

What if I'm still under contract with my current provider?

Read the early termination terms first. In some cases the cost of finishing the term is still worth switching for the ongoing savings; in others it makes sense to wait for renewal.

Do you help with canceling our old account?

We can walk you through the process and timing, though the cancellation itself has to come from you as the account holder.

What happens to my old hardware if I own it?

It's yours to keep, sell, or dispose of. Some businesses keep an old terminal as a backup.

Will canceling early hurt my credit or business standing?

Typically no — early termination fees are contractual charges, not credit reporting events, but check your specific contract.

How do I know if I'm on a contract at all?

Check your original signed agreement or ask your provider directly. Month-to-month agreements have no termination fee.

Still not sure?

Two minutes on the phone usually beats another hour of reading. We'll tell you what fits and what doesn't.

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