Cancelling Dojo isn't difficult, but the order of operations matters: know your terms first, get the replacement live second, give notice third. Do it in that order and leaving costs you the minimum your contract allows; do it backwards and you'll pay for two providers, or worse, spend a week unable to take cards.
Step 1: dig out the agreement before you call anyone
Everything depends on which agreement you're on. Newer Dojo terms tend to be shorter with rolling notice; older agreements - especially legacy Paymentsense-era contracts - can carry longer fixed terms and meaningful early-termination fees. Find the contract length, the notice period, any exit fee, and the terminal return terms.
If you can't find the paperwork, request a copy of your terms and your current rate schedule in writing. You're entitled to know what you're signed up to, and having it in writing keeps the later conversation factual.
Step 2: get the replacement running first
Never cancel into a gap. Choose the new provider, get the hardware in, take a live test payment, and only then give notice. Flat-rate providers (SumUp, Square, Zettle) can have you trading the day the reader arrives, so the overlap can be days rather than weeks - our switching checklist covers the full sequence including reporting continuity and staff retraining.
If your Dojo exit fee is significant, do the maths on timing: sometimes trading out the remaining months costs less than the fee, sometimes not. The fee calculator tells you what each remaining month actually costs you versus the alternative.
Step 3: give notice properly
Give notice in writing (email is fine) and ask for written confirmation of: the end date, the final billing, the terminal return process, and that no further charges follow. The rented terminal must go back - unreturned hardware is the most common source of surprise final invoices, so get proof of postage and keep it.
Watch the last statement for stragglers: a final month's rental, PCI fees, or a rate-review charge. Anything you didn't expect, query in writing - and if something's genuinely wrong, card payment complaints can ultimately go to the Financial Ombudsman for small businesses.
Leaving well is a negotiating position too
One thing worth knowing: retention teams exist. A polite 'I'm leaving because X quoted me Y' sometimes produces a better rate than the one you've been on - and if it does, you've improved your deal for the cost of a phone call. Take the improvement only if it beats the alternative all-in, not just on the headline rate.
If you're weighing where to land next, the comparison table shows every provider's real shape - and our Dojo fees explainer covers what you're actually walking away from.
FAQs
Does Dojo charge an exit fee?
It depends on your agreement: rolling terms typically need notice rather than a fee, while fixed terms can carry early-termination charges. Your contract is the answer - request a copy in writing if you can't find it.
Do I have to return the Dojo terminal?
If it's rented (most are), yes - follow the return process and keep proof of postage. Unreturned hardware is the classic cause of a surprise final bill.
How much notice do I need to give Dojo?
Commonly around 30 days on rolling terms, but agreements vary - check yours. Give notice in writing and get the end date confirmed in writing too.
