They won't cancel my account!

You can cancel at anytime but it doesn't go into effect until the end of the billing cycle as DTV no longer prorates the final bill so you pay for and receive service until the end of the billing cycle.

What do you mean they refuse? They can’t refuse. What exactly were you told? Regardless, the FCC complaint should straighten it out.

They will only allow me to talk to billing. They won't cancel service and send me a final bill. I don't know how to handle this odd situation. 

They can't send a bill until the end of the billing cycle.

My gut feeling tells me they will continue to charge me as they won't let me cancel. In other words, they want me to pay first, then they will cancel. Unethical, maybe illegal. 

When you called, did you say "cancel" at the voice prompt?

Be sure that you're calling the correct DirecTV phone number below. 

@RichI17 

Is your account currently suspended for past due? If so that may be the problem as they have to pull the account out of suspend to cancel (as retention offers apparently do not show on a suspended account). That should be the only reason they require payment before discussing further.

Otherwise, make sure you are calling the DirecTV specific number. At the voice prompt (so before you speak to an agent) say "cancel" which would route you to the retention/cancellation department. No need to talk to a billing-only department.

Canceling service does not mean you are immediately sent a 'final' bill. DirecTV bills ahead. So you pay for the service month you are already in. Canceling partway through does not prorate the bill for any unused days. So the next month you would get a courtesy statement at the normal time either showing final payment received and a $0 balance, or any one-time charges to close out the account (such as ECF if still under a service agreement or any unbilled PPVs found on you boxes when sent back to them).

Unless you got a really bad agent, I think there is more to this situation than you are saying or have a big misunderstanding how their billing and cancellation process works. Lets work on the facts, not just a "gut feeling".

We're sorry to hear about the frustration you've experienced with canceling your account. We want to make things right and ensure you receive a final bill. Please send us a direct message with your account details, so we can assist you further. We appreciate your feedback and hope to resolve this issue for you as soon as possible.

They can cancel your service but only in states like California and New York where they have enacted bills to keep them from ripping you off and charging until the end of a billing cycle, even if you are no longer using their equipment. And they will say oh it's policy but only because they are trying to get over on you. And there are some states that have said it's not ok to do that to the consumers. Complain to the FCC, the BBB, and your government representatives. Unfortunately, companies like this cannot be counted on to do the right thing... profits over people...

As stated before you can cancel service at anytime but it will not go into effect until the end of the billing cycle and you continue to receive service until then, it is up to you if you want to use it or not.  DTV is not the only company that no longer prorates the bill.

@jamesd25 

DirecTV is neither the first nor last company to do away with prorating the final month of service. It has become standard in the industry. This was changed almost 5 years ago (January 2019).

The agents are not trying to get one over you as you claim. They do go by policy which normally is the same regardless of where you live. If your state is different, then you follow local procedures.

This discussion is from months ago. But for anyone who stumbles accross it, here is the notice sent back in 2018 (kept mine for reference):

Please read this if you receive DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse® TV, AT&T Internet, AT&T Phone, and/or AT&T Fixed Wireless service(s). We want to remind you that you’re billed in advance for recurring service(s) and/or programming charges and applicable fees based on the terms of your current service agreement(s) with us. Starting January 14, 2019, subject to applicable laws, we’re updating your agreement(s) to include your recurring service(s)/programming charges and fees won’t be prorated if you cancel the above service(s) on any day other than the last day of your billing cycle. Your service(s) will continue until the end of your billing cycle but you won’t get a refund (prorated credits) for any remaining days left in your billing cycle. For products not listed above, refer to their terms of service for more information.

Same thing happened to me. 

They did the same thing to me.  

Again you can cancel at anytime but it will not go into effect until the end of the billing cycle.

Hi Shannon. Your answer does not change our experience. This is what happened and what was told to me when I called in April 2024.

I requested that my Directv service be canceled and he stated, "I cannot cancel my Directv service because I have a past due bill." I clarified that I wanted to keep my internet and could not afford Directv due to financial hardship caused by my employer. 

We know this NOW but customers are being told this. Instead of canceling my Directv service, he transferred me to another department (legacy) for them to provide a discount.