How to Cancel Comcast Without the Pain

85 thoughts on “How to Cancel Comcast Without the Pain”

1. My recent cancellation took 18 minutes to complete, much better than anticipated. We already had our new Internet service active, so I answered every question with “We already have a new provider.” That seemed to cut through the decision tree for all three people I had to talk to.

   1. I took a similar approach. I responded to every question with “I just want to cancel my account” until they gave up.

      1. I read this article before calling, then read the comments after. I used this same approach “I’d like to cancel my account” for every question. Took me all of 7 minutes.

         1. I did it in 8 minutes and 30 seconds!!! My approach is that when they start offering or try to get me to stay, I just cut them off and say I just want to cancel my account. Might be rude but it is better than wasting each others time.

         2. Hi, I read some of the articles on the website and I would like to know if there is a fee charge for canceling Comcast and my tv and internet service and switching over to Dish network. Thanks in advance.

   2. I just want to cancel my account

2. It’s fairly insane that you have to resort to these levels just to complete a simple transaction. But it probably feels pretty freeing!

   1. I know, it’s nuts, right?

3. Congrats on being able to rid yourself of Comcast. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with their “customer support”. I would rather spend 30 minutes arguing with one of those scam Microsoft support callers than having to deal with Comcast.

4. 10 hours total (after waiting and accidental “hang-ups”) to cancel mine in 2009. Never again!

5. we canceled a few years ago and switched to a smaller provider, and said you guys have gotten too expensive, and there isn’t a deal you are willing to cut that will can afford anymore and that was basically it. granted what we moved to was less channels, basically local plus WGN and a few other channels and internet. Glad we no longer live in Comcast country though

6. What worked for me was insisting that their wasn’t enough blue in their logo. Like, getting downright weird about it. (“It’s not that I don’t like the logo, but the envelopes clash with my dining room decor. Could you engage a new designer or at the very least send MY statements in a plain white envelope?”)

   By sounding completely batsh!t insane, the Comcast person couldn’t get a handle on me enough to pull a script off their computer. Either they thought I was insane or they realized I wasn’t going to let up. Either way, I was done lickety split and had fun while doing it.

   1. This made my day. I am on the phone with them as I type and I might have to give this a try if I get desperate.

   2. I did something similar with cancelling a credit card? They asked why?
      I said, your credit card is rectangular. I prefer a triangle. They cancelled it right away.

7. I don’t understand why you were nervous. What would they have done if they realized you were lying?

   1. Good question… maybe change my name on the final bill to something really nasty 😉

8. “I’m relying on Comcast being as unresponsive in changing their retention scripts as they are about actually improving their customer service overall” – classic

   1. On me canceling Comcasty includeing tv and phone and internet. Is there a fee on cancelling my contract earlier than what it’s soppose to be cancelled which is a two year contract? And also how long would it take for m,e to contact Dish network and have everything installed the next day? Thank you.

9. I called to cancel Comcast once. It was nearing the end of the 30-day money-back-guarantee. They told me on the phone that they canceled service, but being skeptical of their honesty, I decided to call back a couple days later and make sure it was canceled. The person I talked to this time said that my account was never canceled. Another couple days, and it would have been outside the money-back-guarantee. Only during this second call did they forward me to the customer retention department, who finalized the process of closing my account (after some resistance).

   1. I had a similar issue – while trying to change my service because they’d jacked up the price $40/month (it was just me &my roommate, both 24 year old girls in our first jobs, that’s like an entire week of groceries to us). The guy on the phone kept trying to talk me into *adding* phone service, saying they couldn’t do any better on price but I could jam an extra service in there, no matter how many times I explained we don’t have a landline or an interest in a landline, or even all your HD stuff, our TV is almost as old as we are, it’s a big silver box. Just as I was finally feeling confident &getting firm about it, the line was disconnected – when I called back, the woman said that I’d been signed up for the plan + phone service!

      How childish is that, to hang up on me &force a plan on me to get your commission?! Thankfully the next woman I got was much more ethical/didn’t seem to care about her job as much and took care of everything for me. I was furious. I go into every phone call with them like I’m entering both a courtroom and a boxing ring now, never more ready to put up a fight, because absurdly, you really have to fight them tooth and nail to get what you want. They frequently throttled the WiFi in that place too, but I so dreaded calling them I just rode it out until I moved. New roommates are already considering switching to Verizon, that’s surely where my vote will be.

10. I canceled but it was because I moved to Comcast Business and found that they didn’t verify that at all and were very pleasant as well about me canceling. I’d recommend this lie perhaps as an alternative to England. Also, the tech who setup business service described how the balancer in the neighborhood works so all the disconnects finally made sense, too. I’m sort of surprised that comcast’s approach to cancelling is bullying, although maybe it actually works? I’ve no clue…

11. What number did you call, I still can’t get into contact with anyone over there, I’m moving and need my services cancelled.

12. Literally just canceled and it was very easy – told them I didn’t know where I was moving to, and that no one was going to be in the apartment after me, and it was all set. Waiting to get some sort of confirmation, though…

    The whole call only took about 5 minutes, though!

13. Same as M.E.!

    The call took less than five minutes. I told the (really nice) rep I had no idea where I was headed. I asked her to send the bill to my sister’s address, which is actually my new place.

    The number to cancel services is 1-800-934-6489.

14. Been on hold for 15 minutes, this is insane

15. I am about to go to Comcast and cancel in person. This is ludicrous.

16. I have read that bringing your equipment to a local store works well. I am calling this morning, and I intend to put the call on speaker while I watch
    netflix.

17. Cancelled a few minutes ago. Told them I was traveling for work a lot and not using the service anymore. They could have easily confirmed that I was… but they let me go anyway. Took about 5 minutes total.

    Thank you for writing this post. Almost need a support group heading into the call.

18. When I cancelled I told them that I expected to be laid off soon. They offered me a job. I told them I’d keep it in mind, but I didn’t let them ask anything more.

    Although I didn’t get laid off that year, it wasn’t a lie, though.

    Still, IMHO, the solution to all of it is not to worry about if you have your story straight. Simply do not allow them to engage. “That’s really none of your business” is a fine answer and it doesn’t leave them any place to go. (Write it down on a piece of paper and have it in front of you when you make the call. Along with the date of termination and account number, which is the only information they need.)

    Remember: YOU DON’T OWE THEM AN EXPLANATION. Not even out of politeness.

    Forcing you into conversation is, in itself, a psychological trick. They don’t even need a script, as long as they keep you answering questions.

    If they say “We have to ask these questions or we’ll be fired,” and you feel bad for them, you can say “You can ask, but it’s still none of your business.” But even that can be a psychological wedge. So stick to the “none of your business” line as closely as possible. (Try to be polite with your tone, instead.)

    (Of course, if you want to have fun, you can engage them in reverse in ways that cut them off. Tell them that you’ve joined a new church which has taught you that television and internet are the Devil’s tools and you are forbidden to have them except via Brother Ezekiel’s closed circuit feed. Besides, all your money will be turned over to him next month, so they’d better get the final bill to you soon….)

19. I wonder if perhaps they’ve changed their cancellation bullying with the recent public social-shaming. I called a few weeks ago to see if I could at least get a better deal, and wasn’t granted one. I threatened to cancel and she told me to let them know if/when I made that decision. I was kind of taken aback.

    So now I actually do have to cancel, because nobody in their right mind is paying $200 a month for services that haven’t changed since before the promotion that cost about half that – or less. It’s ludicrous. Now to just find that other service…

20. I just got off the phone with them. Took me longer navigating through their shit automated system than telling them to cancel my account. I haven’t even gotten the internet installed yet and wanted to cancel.

    After I had placed my order online (new apartment), I saw an ad for a local company that is 110mbps versus xfinity 30mbps for the same price. When I called to cancel I told them that my wife had already ordered internet from a different provider.

    When they ask if they could ask you just a few questions say “NO!”, don’t make the same mistake as me. The lady on the phone was trying to sell me on a landline: Sir, please keep in mind it’s more reliable… 9/11 is local (me: not interested)… Looks like we got a good promotion for cable in your area (me: I don’t even own a television)… it’s a great deal…

    Good luck!

21. I didn’t call to cancel, I let my new provider deal with CC. Didn’t take me any time at all, other than delivering the hardware to the local office. They weren’t too happy but couldn’t really do anything about it. Though I did receive a call from CC as soon as they found out my phone was being transferred. I explained the whole story and that rep seemed to be understanding. Too little, too late.

    The reason I left: after the rates went up 70% from the yearlong promotional rate, I called to argue about the rate and the CSR on the phone was VERY agreeable and got the rates back down to very near promotional. I was ecstatic and thought CC must be trying to stay on the straight and narrow, really looking to keep customers. That feeling lasted only 5 days. When I called to let CC know that I hadn’t received the confirmation email with the new rates, I was told they could see the notes left by the CSR previously, but that program wasn’t available to me and I’d be stuck with the new 70% higher rates. But – I could turn in the extra equipment and make due with basic service to lower the rates if I wanted.

    Riiight. That was enough. I called the competition and 6 days later my phone was transferred and I’ve got a new provider.

    I don’t put up with being lied to by a CSR – bad news is one thing, lies are entirely another. I found out firsthand the depths to which they will sink. It’s sad. But, I had taken good notes and gave them the reps name and the exact time I called. Who knows if it will do any good… after all – I’m no longer a customer.

22. I told them I was getting a divorce.. they didnt have much else to say

23. My story today would be- “I am moving to a sharing accommodation where they already have Comcast connection” 😀

    1. hi, if you say to Comcast moving with someone who already has the service, do they actually need that new address and name of person u moving in with? or I don’t have to give that info to them. Im wondering what proof they might need so they don’t charge me early fees…thanks so much all.

24. >3 mins. Wham, bam, done. Used the MK suggestion, said I was moving in with a roommate who already has Comcast service. Easy cheesy.

25. >5min—EASY. Used the MK suggestion as well—”I’m moving in with a roommate who already has Comcast, and there is no one who will want to take over the service, as I don’t know who will be moving into my old apartment.” Done…aaaaand done. “Goodbye!” 🙂

    1. I am glad my suggestion is working 😉

26. i used the reason that my employer is making me work from home now and they already set up new service. i had Comcast cancelled in 5 minutes with next to no questions from the rep. (she did ask for the name of my employer. sorry, that’s top secret. LOL)

27. I did it in just 6 minutes!! When asked why I was disconnecting, I asked “Do I need to provide a reason to disconnect my service?” The rep said, “It helps us determine blah blah blah…” So I repeated, “Am I required to give a reason in order to cancel my account?” She said, “No.” So I just thanked her and asked her to disconnect immediately. It was fantastic!!!

28. Just finished with comcast rep and went with your suggestion in article above. Worked like a charm. Maybe 7-8 minutes total from start of automated answering to saying goodbye with service rep. No anxiety, no hassle, no problem. But something to note for others looking to cancel their service to lower cable bills. As soon as I said cancel, he immediately went into saying that “it looks like you are entitled to some benefits and it seems you’ve been overpaying”. Basically the script to keep me sending them money. Funny how they never contacted me if I’ve been overpaying. Why not just give me the better rate from the git-go. Anyway, the moral of the story is you can probably get your bill cut down a lot just by bringing up the word “cancel.” I can kick myself not doing that sooner. Went with CenturyLink for a lower price, but definitely will do this after my two years initial contract is over. Willing to bet they’re practice of keeping customers is the exact same.

    To reply on some of the comments regarding why its necessary to lie (withhold the complete truth) when we can just be assertive and upfront…well, in my experience it pays to be polite with the service reps instead of making them feel belittled or small. At the end of the day, they are just doing their job to receive a paycheck. I’m sure not their dream job and probably don’t like it anymore than we do. They have no say in company policy. With that said, treating them kindly may avoid a disconnect fee or some other fee that they may technically throw on you…as most of us don’t read the fine print in the contract. Not only was my cancellation quick and painless, he gave me a $40 credit for being a good customer. Can’t confirm that they HAVE to do that with everyone, but I’m guessing not. Just something to think about before you go in with the kill.

29. i read the OP and i wonder if all of that BS is necessary. just say moving out of the country, no longer needed, disconnect on the date so and so or preferably immediately, no other services necessary, no upsell necessary, email the bill. end of story. no need for too much BS.

30. it just took me a few minutes to cancel. no questions asked. scumcast monopolized area. they no longer care. i’m internet only customer so $30-45/mo no huge loss for scumcast. in my 130 units complex a new landlord corporation that bought it removed all dishes and forced everyone to go with scumcast.

31. Every time I call, I am on hold for over 30 minutes. Then, I’m given a number to call to cancel my service – a different one every time – and that number never works.

    Can anyone provide a direct line they called to cancel? Calling the direct customer service line never, ever works.

    Thanks.

32. Just cancelled in 5 minutes. Just said I’ve already switched to another provider and am locked in for 12 months. Super easy

33. Took about 5 mins. When the agent asked for my address, I said “It was…” and he caught on I’d already “moved”. Said I was living with my cousin and that we already have a different provider.

    Didn’t give much resistance presumably because I had autopay and owned my own modem.

    Good luck!

34. When I called to cancel, lady asked me if I am moving to place where is no Comcast and I said YES, she just asked if I am sure and I told YES. That’s it! It took 10 min, but I was asking how I will have a refund, as I had auto-payments.
    #ComecastNeverAgain

    1. What about the penalty for breaking the 2 year contract

35. “Well, I’m glad you asked! I’m going to prison for money laundering…and we have internet there so…hello? hello?”

36. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach either billing or tech support, and even getting incorrect info when I did, I realized that the direct route (to the money) is best. I had my credit card company block further payments to Comcast. Happy to let them come and take back the router/modem and cable box. They will have to sue me if they try to collect a cancellation fee.

    1. How did this work out. Seriously thinking of doing the same thing.

37. My two year contract was up and Comcast upped the bill from $139 to $199. I was always having issues with Comcast service anyway so I changed over to Verizon which worked great. Call to Cancel the service from Comcast refuse to cancel service and would not let me talk to a supervisor. Said I sign a contract and I had to give 2 months notice so I had to say I would have to pay 2 extra months. I told him the contract was over and your raise the price. It was the most frustrating thing I have to go through. They came back and said I can cancel after I pay any extra month. This surprise me how can a large business like Comcast resort to such dirty tactics. The lady refuse to cancel my account and refuse to let me talk to a supervisor. I will never use Comcast again. I find it hard to believe that Comcast would do this but they are.

38. Comcast have commitment on their customers and customers have commitment with Comcast as well. It’s gonna be a give and take relationship. You dont have to lie just get out of your service. What they just wanted to hear is WHY? Service issue? Bill? Call them. That’s why they have customer service representatives to assist you. Service issue? They can offer trouble shooting or even technician visit. Bill? How can Comcast know if you dont tell them you cant pay this much? There are like hundred thousands of customer. Some prefer those service with no promotion which is higher than those who are enrolled with one. Some wanted promotions for lower rate, but promotions have periods and US, as a customer, is to call Comcast to ask for assistance if it raised. They will ask you questions to know what you NEED. They have a lot of packages and bundles they can offer and it’s not gonna be thru draw lots for what they will offer you. Are you going to pay for something you dont need? That’s why they need to know. Well if your Dad is Bill Gates, maybe yes! Rep will not laugh at you if you will tell them you can’t pay this much. BUT! If you want HBO, high speed internet and other channels but dont want to pay? THINK! COMCAST IS A BUSINESS NOT A CHARITY!

    #COMCASTisQUALITY

    1. #comcastisquality ROFL!! What a joke. Does Comcast pay you to troll a blog. Great strategy for the #1 rated worst company. I will be switching to a fiber internet provider in my area soon and paying HALF of what comcast charges AND double the speeds. I heard they are now scrambling to install fiber. Too bad they spent their ill-gotten profits on buying NBC and padding the pockets of execs instead of giving people what they want. They once charged me almost $450 because they said I never returned a DVR. Complete incompetence.

       I am looking forward my call to Comcast and telling them they will never get another dime of my money.

39. This was awesome. I was able to cancel in under 7 minutes because I am moving to London.

40. To those turning in and cancelling all services, make sure you say you want ALL SERVICES STOPPED. Have a friend who just got another bill after turning all equipment in on March 4 and paying remaining and calculated bill ON THE SPOT. She was billed $470 because she did not say the words “ALL SERVICES STOPPED”.
    Sorry assed company.

    The other thing you cantell them in a lie is you lost your job and have to cut expenses. I had to do that to one of those Credit websites too.

41. I just called to cancel, but found out my service contract actually only has one month left, at $32/month after tax. If I cancel now, I lose the promotional discount I’m currently getting, and that rate somehow goes up to $74/month…plus early termination fees…so I am calling back in 30 days, and I have decided to use “I’m going to live in the wood, off grid like that kid in that movie Into the Wild” we’ll see how fast my cancellation goes with this approach. I will update this in a month.

42. You guys are f****** idiots

43. this idiot loves the thoughts and comments above. Just spoke to those idiots and they want $230 to cancel my service after paying them on time monthly for over thirteen years. Once i get my new service in place i think maybe i will have a house fire, flood, earthquake or something tragic to get my contract cancelled.

    Brilliant.
    Thanks,

44. i cancelled service as of the 14th of may, but the service is still one.????

45. i cancelled a week ago service to end the 14th of may it was not done yet.

46. I told them I was changing my faith to Scientology. After some silence I informed the Retention Officer that we would now be receiving our internet service through vibration waves, beamed down from the mothership. Total time on phone: 4 minutes. My guess is they are trained not to provoke any religious arguments, or else be liable for discrimination.

47. I simply told customer service that I had returned all phone, internet, and cable boxes and wanted a reimbursement check (pro-rated). I was told my phone was still “porting” and to call back in 10 days when communication would get to them about my new service. If anything was porting, it was my new “Century Link.” Hopefully, I will be able to pay for only the few days of service from Xfinity that I used!

48. Just hung up with Xfinity (Comcast) having shut down my account in minutes. I read this article thinking I should expect tough resistance, but after I told them that I had already found an alternate provider & that the service was already up & running – they just asked a few perfunctory questions & told me where to return my equipment.

    An interesting note: calling my billing number had gotten me the dreaded call center on another hemisphere – but to cancel they routed me to a center with clear & easy to understand American reps. I thought it funny that the only time I got great customer service from Comcast was while cancelling.

49. Took me 8 minutes!I used your strategy, moving to Vietnam, teaching English. Was amazed how similar the questions the rep asked to yours. Thank you Ken!

50. I requested to cancel through the online system. They called back within 15 minutes and cancelling took about two minutes. Very pleasantly surprised and it certainly makes me more likely to consider Comcast in the future.

    1. I looked everywhere for a place to cancel online and couldn’t find one. Can you link it?

       1. They have it nice and hidden Justin 🙂

          https://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/internet/cancel-my-xfinity-services/

          I sent mine via email.

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