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Shift4 Early Termination Fees (ETF)

last updated: May 15, 2026

Overview

Shift4's early termination fee (ETF) calculation methodology was simplified as of September 1, 2025. The new system is based on a merchant's monthly processing volume and number of devices, rather than simply multiplying remaining contract months by monthly fees.

How ETF is calculated (high level)

New method (September 1, 2025 – present)

  • Formula (agreement language / liquidated damages): If the agreement terminates during the term (for any reason other than an uncured breach by Shift4/Company), the merchant owes liquidated damages calculated as:
    • Base monthly termination fee (from tier table) Γ— # of terminal IDs (TIDs)
    • Then Γ— months remaining in the term
  • Volume tiers (base monthly termination fee per TID):
    • <$10k β†’ $100
    • $10k–$25k β†’ $250
    • $25k–$50k β†’ $300
    • $50k–$75k β†’ $350
    • $75k–$100k β†’ $400
    • $100k–$125k β†’ $450
    • $125k–$250k β†’ $500
    • >$250k β†’ $750
  • Volume source note (per agreement): If actual monthly volume differs materially from the estimated monthly volume on the application, Shift4 may use the average monthly processing volume of the prior 3 months for the liquidated damages calculation.
  • Example: $125K monthly volume tier, 5 devices, 15 months remaining β†’ $500 Γ— 5 Γ— 15 = $37,500
  • Source: Merchant Processing Agreement Terms & Conditions (12/01/2023): https://www.shift4.com/pdf/Merchant-Processing-Agreement-Terms-and-Conditions-20231201.pdf

Previous method (before September 1, 2025)

  • ETF = Remaining Months Γ— Monthly Fees
  • Monthly fees included hardware, software, and service fees.

Cancellation options (merchant-facing)

When a merchant wants to cancel their Shift4 contract, they typically have two options:

  1. Continue paying monthly until the contract ends.
  2. Pay a one-time termination fee (buyout) based on the ETF calculation.

Cancellation process (internal)

⚠️Critical: The merchant must be the account owner and must contact Shift4 Customer Service directly to begin cancellation or request refunds/waivers. Partners cannot do this on the merchant’s behalf.

Practical note (Feb 2026)

  • The verification and waiver process tends to be much harder once equipment has shipped (the contract is treated as in full effect once shipped).

What happens after the merchant calls

  • Customer Service sends a cancellation letter.
  • The merchant signs electronically (DocuSign).
  • The account closes.

DocuSign requirement

  • The merchant should watch for the DocuSign email.
  • Updated Jan 2026: This is typically a simple click-to-sign flow (no download/print required).

ETF waiver requests

ℹ️Updated process (Dec 2025): ETF waiver requests must go through MRT (Merchant Relations Team). Will/account management can help escalate, but cannot unilaterally approve waivers.

Escalation guidance (internal)

If a merchant is unhappy with the ETF amount:

  1. Customer Service β†’ request review/credit.
  2. MRT β†’ request waiver review.
  3. If still unresolved, escalate through the existing internal protocol.

When ETF can be avoided (Feb 2026)

  • If no equipment has shipped and the account has been sitting for 6–7 months, Shift4 may close the account without an ETF (case-by-case; confirm with Customer Service).

Multi-location exception

βœ…Shift4 allows multi-location restaurant groups to cancel one or more locations without ETF as long as at least one location remains active.