Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Sources: Shift4 Merchant Processing Agreement · SkyTab POS System Service Agreement · SkyTab is becoming Shift4 Dine
Owners usually look this up when a contract is coming up for renewal, a location is closing, or they want to understand what an agreement says before making a decision. Below is what Shift4’s published agreements say, who to contact, and how to handle each step properly.
Step 1: Know Who to Contact
Shift4 says SkyTab became Shift4 Dine on May 12 and that your account setup, reporting and support channels stayed the same. The service agreement is still titled “SkyTab POS System Service Agreement.”
- Shift4 Support (24/7): (888) 276-2108, or shift4.com/support.
- Shift4 Customer Hub: Shift4’s help center says you can find contact details under Support → Contact Support after you log in.
- Bought through a dealer or reseller? Start with them. They can often explain your paperwork and help you find your dates.
Step 2: Know Which Agreements You’re In
1. SkyTab POS System Service Agreement
This covers the equipment and software. It begins on the installation date (or the date Shift4 deems the system installed) and is tied to your processing agreement: it runs for the same initial and renewal terms, and ends automatically when the processing agreement ends. It also requires you to use Shift4 for processing while you use the equipment.
It includes a 30-day trial period from installation. You can cancel without penalty during that window, but charges still apply during the trial, and you cover shipping to and from your location plus any wiring done.
2. Merchant Processing Agreement (MPA)
This is the card processing contract. In Shift4’s current published version, the initial term is 36 months (older agreements may carry a shorter 30-month term, or different terms printed on your application). It then renews for successive one-year terms unless either side gives at least 90 days’ written notice before the current term ends.
3. Equipment terms
Under the service agreement, Shift4 holds a security interest in the equipment, and you must return it within the stated timeframe after termination. Equipment that isn’t returned, or is damaged beyond normal wear, can be charged to you. If you were part of Shift4’s Free Equipment Program, that program has its own separate terms, so check them too.
Step 3: Know the Notice Rules and Fees
Ending at renewal
The MPA says to give written notice at least 90 days before the end of the current term. The MPA’s notice section says notices to Shift4 go by overnight carrier or certified mail, return receipt requested, to Shift4 Payments, LLC, Legal Department, 3501 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, and that a copy also goes to the bank named in your agreement (Citizens Bank, N.A., in the current version). Keep proof of delivery, and confirm with Support that they have it.
Ending during the term
If the agreement ends during the term for any reason other than an uncured Shift4 breach, the MPA sets liquidated damages: a base monthly amount per terminal, set by the estimated monthly card volume on your application, multiplied by the number of terminals and by the months left in your term.
- Under $10k a month: $100 per terminal
- $10k–$25k: $250
- $25k–$50k: $300
- $50k–$75k: $350
- $75k–$100k: $400
- $100k–$125k: $450
- $125k–$250k: $500
- Over $250k: $750
The MPA also says Shift4 may use your average volume from the prior three months if your actual volume differs materially from the estimate on your application. Ask Shift4 for the exact figure for your account in writing.
Other charges to know about
- Unreturned equipment: the MPA says Shift4 may debit its replacement cost for payment terminals, typically $200 to $1,000 each, if they aren’t received within 60 days of termination. The service agreement says equipment that isn’t returned when due, or is damaged beyond normal wear, can be charged at Shift4’s full cost.
- Inactivity fee: the MPA says Shift4 may charge $150 per device for each month processing isn’t used after 30 days of inactivity, so plan your final processing day with that in mind.
- Annual fees and reserve: the MPA lists annual per-device fees, and says collected funds may be held in a reserve account for at least a year after termination while fees and chargeback rights are settled.
Step 4: Save Your Data Before You Close
The SkyTab service agreement says you’re solely responsible for storing and backing up your data stored on the equipment, and Shift4 isn’t liable for its loss or destruction. So pull what you need while your account is active.
- Sales and tax reports: export the date ranges your accountant needs.
- Menu and item lists, employee and time records: save copies of anything you’d have to rebuild.
- Gift card and loyalty balances: record these so customers aren’t left without them.
- Not sure how to export something? Ask Shift4 Support, and ask for the exports in writing or by email.
Step 5: Close Out Cleanly
- Ask for a written summary. Request the termination fee, any equipment charges and the effective date in one document.
- Keep processing until your last day. Remember the inactivity fee, and keep a way to take payments through your final day.
- Return equipment. After cancellation paperwork is complete, Shift4 provides shipping labels. Return everything within the stated window and keep tracking numbers.
- Watch your bank account. The agreements authorize Shift4 to debit fees for a period after termination, and the processing agreement’s debit authority can last at least two years. Review statements for a few months.
A Practical Shift4 Dine Exit Checklist
Before you send notice
- Find your signed application, POS exhibit and installation date
- Note your term end date and your 90-day notice deadline
- Count your terminals and note your estimated monthly volume
- Export reports, menus and balances
When you leave
- Send written notice the way the agreement requires and keep proof
- Get the fee and equipment instructions in writing
- Return equipment with tracking within the window
- Review your bank statements after closing
Need Help With Your POS?
Whether you’re reading your agreement, planning around a renewal date or just want a second set of eyes on the paperwork, POSUSA can help. POSUSA is a Shift4 dealer, and we’re happy to help you make sense of your paperwork.
Need help with your POS? Get POS advice.
Tell us what you’re working through and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Related Shift4 Dine Help on POSUSA
FAQ: Cancelling Shift4 Dine (SkyTab)
Is SkyTab the same as Shift4 Dine?
How much notice do I need?
Is there an early termination fee?
Can I cancel during the trial period?
What happens to the equipment?
Who do I contact at Shift4?
Last checked against Shift4’s published Merchant Processing Agreement, SkyTab POS System Service Agreement and release notes. Shift4 can update its terms, so always verify against your own signed agreement.
