Guide to DIRECTV Fees and Hidden Costs

Considering getting DIRECTV? You’re not alone. Consumers like DIRECTV. In fact, 2021 data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index rates them at 66/100, higher than any of the cable companies and in the top five of all subscription services. So, they’re doing something right.

At the same time, some may recall the CBS News report from 2017 which highlighted customer complaints about overcharging and confusion over the rates they were being charged for DIRECTV. But don’t fear. We’re here to help!

If knowing is half the battle, then get fully educated on the types of fees you may face with your DIRECTV service … and give yourself the best chance to avoid paying more than is necessary.

Common DIRECTV fees

DIRECTV fee	What it is	Amount
Activation fee	This one-time charge occurs when you begin service. Be sure to check on this one. It is often waived with promotional deals.	$19.95
Advanced receiver service	Monthly fee for DVR, HD and Whole-Home services.	$25.00
Early termination fee	A charge for each month remaining on your contract. So, depending on when you cancel, you could owe more than $400.	$20 for each month remaining on contract
Dispatch fee	Charged whenever a technician is sent to repair your service.	$99.00
Federal cost recovery charge	Annual charge to recover fees paid to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).	$0.19/mo
Late fee	This will post to your account if you are late with your monthly payment.	$4.25
Phone payment fee	This charge is incurred whenever you talk to an agent for payment. To avoid it, make all payments online or enroll in autopay.	$5.00
Regional sports fee	This monthly fee applies to the Choice package and all higher levels as well.	$11.99/mo.
TV access fee	Monthly charge for Genie receivers included with service (first one is free).	$7.00/mo.
Unreturned equipment fee	Price paid per receiver that is not returned. So, even if you move quickly or unexpectedly, try to find time to get that gear back to DIRECTV.	$45 – $135

For a full list of recurring and optional fees, visit https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-residential-customer-agreement-fee-schedule/.

Frequently asked questions

Can I try DIRECTV for 30 days to see if I like it?

No. When you sign up with DIRECTV, you agree to a two-year contract.

If I decide to cancel my contract, do I have to pay a termination fee?

Yes. In addition to a deactivation fee, you will receive a hefty, prorated charge of up to $480. Since customers are used to plunging into 30-day trial runs, often free, in order to catch up on their favorite, binge-able TV obsessions (Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, Stranger Things, etc.) — then cancelling said service without charge (or, at worst, paying a one-month fee because you didn’t get to it in time) — getting a potential $480 bill is quite the shocker.

I’m a big football fan and want to buy the NFL Sunday Ticket. Do I have to get DIRECTV to get it?

No, as of 2023, YouTube TV is the only way to get the NFL Sunday Ticket.

Why has my DIRECTV bill gone up?

Almost all of the promotional deals and enticing offers from DIRECTV are only effective for the first 12 months of the contract. Once you get into the second year of the agreement, the cost increases to the regular rate for your given package, which is typically more than double the promo rate.

If you have any further questions or would like to explore more about getting DIRECTV for your home, reach out and call our TV experts today!