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Card machine contract exit calculator

Leaving a card machine contract early usually costs something. This shows whether the savings from switching cover that cost, and how quickly.

£

Leave blank to assume the remaining rental.

£
£

How to read the result

There are two ways to switch: pay to leave now and start saving straight away, or wait until the contract ends and start saving then. The calculator compares both over the period you choose.

Switch now: net saving = monthly saving × months compared − exit cost. Wait: net saving = monthly saving × (months compared − months left). The break-even month is when the savings since switching first cover the exit cost.

A few things the numbers can't capture: whether the new provider's rate is fixed or can rise, whether you'll need new hardware (add its cost to the exit fee), and any notice period. If your current provider offers to match the new price, that may beat both options. The switching guides cover the practical steps.

Worked example

Ten months left at £20 a month, no stated exit fee (so £200 assumed), saving £35 a month by switching. Over 24 months, switching now saves £35 × 24 − £200 = £640; waiting saves £35 × 14 = £490. Switching pays for itself in month 6.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my early termination fee?
In your merchant agreement or terminal rental agreement, usually under "termination" or "early cancellation". Some providers charge the remaining rental in full; others charge a fixed fee or a reduced amount. Ask the provider for a written figure.
What if I don't know the exit fee?
Leave it blank and the calculator assumes you pay the remaining rental (months left × monthly rental). That is a common arrangement but not universal, so check.
Will a new provider pay my exit fee?
Some providers offer to cover all or part of an exit fee to win your business. If they do, enter the part you would still pay yourself.
How do I work out my monthly saving?
Use the card machine fees calculator with your takings, then compare its estimate with what your current statement shows you paid.

Last reviewed 14 October 2026 by Oliver Burton. Editorial policy.