Learn about DIRECTV fees

Learn about the most common fees such as Monthly Recurring Service Fees, Transactional Fees, and Regulatory Cost Recovery Fees. 

ArticleDETAILED INFO

The complete list of fees below applies to the following service type subscriptions:

  • DIRECTV via Satellite (For more information, click here)
  • DIRECTV via Internet (purchased with a 24-month term commitment. For more information, click here)
  • DIRECTV STREAM (For more information, click here).
MONTHLY RECURRING SERVICE FEES
Regional Sports Fee This fee is applicable to all programming packages that include regional sports networks. This fee is not a tax or charge which the government requires DIRECTV to collect from its customers. 

TV Access fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

Fee assessed for each receiver (for example, Genie Mini or Gemini), and DIRECTV Ready TV/Device as applicable (see Equipment Lease Agreement for more details). Pricing for All-Included programming packages for new customers includes a TV Access Fee for one television. The Access fee applies to each additional TV. 

 Advanced Receiver Service (ARS) fee 

Fee for access to advanced features on your DIRECTV devices, such as HD, DVR, Whole Home Services, and ongoing feature and software upgrades. 
The fee also allows customers with a Gemini device to perform advanced searches with Google Assistant to find and tune to their preferred programming including third-party apps where available. 


Additionally, Gemini features instant-on to quickly go back to where you last tuned in, as well as easy access to your third-party apps.


Depending on package and date of acquisition, your package pricing may have Advanced Receiver Service fee(s) included. Refer to your invoice for details. 


Note: This fee is a monthly recurring fee. It covers all DIRECTV devices on your account, no matter how many you have.

 Vacation hold

(Applies to Satellite only)

Alternate monthly recurring charge if you put your service on a temporary hold while on vacation for 2-6 months.

 Minimum Service fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

Alternative monthly recurring charge if your account is reduced to minimum service status due to non-payment.

TRANSACTIONAL FEES
Early termination feeFor DIRECTV Satellite:
This fee applies if you terminate your Service prior to completing your Programming Commitment with us (see Equipment Lease Agreement for details).
For DIRECTV via Internet and DIRECTV STREAM:
This fee applies if you terminate your service prior to completing your 24-month term commitment with us (see Terms of Service and End User License Agreement for details).
Equipment non-return fee 

DIRECTV Satellite: If you do not return your receiver(s) (e.g., Genie, Genie Mini or Gemini) after canceling service (see Equipment Lease Agreement for details).
DIRECTV via Internet: This fee applies to DIRECTV via Internet devices included with your subscription to the DIRECTV via Internet experience at no additional cost. If you do not return your device after (1) canceling service in accordance with our cancelation policy or (2) making a warranty claim.
DIRECTV STREAM: Applies to DIRECTV STREAM devices included with your subscription to the DIRECTV STREAM experience at no additional cost. If you do not return your device after (1) canceling service in accordance with our cancelation policy (click here for details) or (2) making a warranty claim (click here for details).

Leased DIRECTV Equipment Non-Return Fee

You must return your Leased Equipment when your DIRECTV service is cancelled. You can refer to our DIRECTV Equipment Lease Agreement for more details on non-return fees.

Activation feeOne-time fee for activating the service.

Dispatch fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If we must dispatch a technician to repair your service. Additional fees or costs may apply if you request additional services during installation.

Duplicate statement fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you request a duplicate written statement.

Late payment fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you don’t pay your bill by the due date (unless prohibited by law). Applied on a per payment basis.

Ledger request

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you request an itemized ledger of past payments.

Order assistance fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you make your payment with the assistance of an Authorized Retail Agent, Customer Service or Collections Representative.

Phone payment fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you talk to an agent to make your payment. To avoid this fee, pay online or through our automated system.

Receiver upgrade fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you upgrade your DVR and do not qualify for any discounts or promotions.

Restoral fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you restore your service after it is reduced to minimum service or suspended for non-payment.

Returned payment fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

If you make a payment by check or other method (such as a debit or credit card) that is declined.
REGULATORY COST RECOVERY FEES 

Federal Cost Recovery fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

Beginning January 17, 2021, your monthly bill will include a Federal Cost Recovery Fee. Previously, this fee was assessed once a year. This fee covers the amounts that DIRECTV pays to the Federal Communications Commission (subscriber, earth station, and satellite fees), and it may include costs incurred in prior years that are not yet fully recovered.

This fee is not a tax or surcharge that the government requires DIRECTV to collect from its customers. 

State and Local Cost Recovery fee

(Applies to Satellite only)

Monthly fees to recover amounts paid by AT&T or DIRECTV to state and local governments for taxes and other required payments. These fees are not taxes or surcharges which the government requires AT&T or DIRECTV to collect from its customers. 
 

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