| Term | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 36 monthsShift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · ()Same rule for every POS module: the longest binding term among the agreements the module needs. Shift4's online ordering terms require its processing agreement (EULA §5.a), which runs 36 months (MPA §1.2; 30 months for agreements signed before December 1, 2025), and online ordering is billed under it (§5.4.9). The online ordering license itself runs until either side ends it with 30 days' notice (EULA §9.b). |
| Automatic renewal | Renews for 12 monthsShift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · () |
| Notice to avoid renewal | 90 daysShift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · () |
| Early termination fee (ETF) | Liquidated damages: a base monthly amount per device, set by your estimated monthly card volume ($100 under $10k up to $750 over $250k), times the number of terminal IDs, times the months left in the term (MPA §8.5.5). Unreturned equipment is charged on top.Shift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · If your real volume differs materially from the estimate, Shift4 may use your average of the prior three months instead. |
| How the ETF is calculated | Not researched yet |
| Exclusive processing commitment in the contract | YesShift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · Online ordering requires processing every card only with Shift4 (EULA §5.a), and the processing agreement commits you to it for its term (MPA §6.3.5). |
| Right to raise prices | From the first anniversary, Shift4 may raise total fees each year by the greater of CPI-U + 1% or 7% (MPA §12.15), and the agreement says the bank or Shift4 can change the fees at any time. The Service Agreement lets Shift4 change its rates and fees with 30 days' written notice (§3.e) and raise them each year by the greater of CPI-U + 1% or 4% (§3.g). The online ordering terms let Shift4 amend them with 30 days' notice and, from the first anniversary, raise their fees each year by the greater of CPI-U + 1% or 4%.Shift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · |
| Trial period | 30 daysShift4 (opens in a new tab) · Contract or terms · The trial starts at installation. Charges apply during the trial, and equipment added later is not eligible. The online ordering terms give their own 30-day trial from the install date, with the processing and service charges applying during it (EULA §6.b). |
| Charges before you go live | Not researched yet |
This is general information about published contracts, not legal advice: read your own contract and check with a lawyer before you sign.