How to Cancel Toast POS in 2026 (Restaurant Owners: Read Your Contract First)

Toast is one of the most popular restaurant POS systems — and one of the hardest to leave. Long contracts, early termination fees, and proprietary hardware make cancellation expensive. Here's what you need to know before you call.

Step 1: Review Your Contract Terms

Find your original Toast agreement and check:

• Contract length: 1-3 years is typical for Toast
• Early termination fee (ETF): Some contracts have flat ETFs, others charge remaining months
• Equipment lease vs purchase: Leased hardware must be returned; purchased hardware is yours
• Payment processing commitment: You may be locked into Toast Payments for the contract term
• Auto-renewal clause: Many Toast contracts auto-renew for 1-year terms

Step 2: Export Your Data

Before canceling, export everything you'll need:

• Sales reports: Toast Back Office → Reports → export to CSV
• Menu data: Export your complete menu (items, prices, modifiers)
• Employee records: Export payroll and staff information
• Customer data: If you use Toast CRM, export customer emails/info
• Gift card balances: Document outstanding gift card liabilities
• Tax records: Download all tax reports for your accountant

Step 3: Call to Cancel

1. Call Toast at 1-617-682-0225
2. Ask for the cancellation department or account management
3. Have your restaurant name, account number, and contract ready
4. Ask for a written breakdown of any fees or obligations
5. Get cancellation confirmation in writing (email)

The Equipment Situation

Toast hardware is proprietary — it only works with Toast software. When you cancel:

• Leased equipment: Must be returned. Toast may charge for unreturned hardware.
• Purchased equipment: It's yours, but it's now a paperweight — Toast terminals don't work with other POS systems.
• "Free" hardware programs: Toast's Starter Kit includes hardware that must be returned if you cancel within the commitment period.

Negotiation Tips

• If near contract end: Wait until the contract expires to avoid ETFs. Set a calendar reminder for your renewal date.
• If equipment is malfunctioning: Document issues — Toast may waive fees if their hardware failed.
• If you're closing the restaurant: Some contracts have restaurant-closure provisions with reduced or no ETF.
• If processing rates increased: Rate increases may constitute a material change to your agreement, potentially allowing penalty-free exit.
• Get everything in writing: Verbal promises from phone reps are not binding.

POS Alternatives for Restaurants

• Square for Restaurants — no long-term contracts, iPad-based, free tier available. Processing: 2.6% + 10¢
• Clover — flexible hardware options, month-to-month plans available. Watch for Fiserv contract terms.
• SpotOn — competitive rates, built for restaurants, often lower processing than Toast
• Lightspeed Restaurant — strong for multi-location and reporting
• Revel Systems — iPad-based, good for high-volume restaurants

Transition Checklist

• ☐ Export all data from Toast Back Office
• ☐ Set up new POS system and test it
• ☐ Transfer gift card balances to new system
• ☐ Update online ordering links (website, Google Business, Yelp)
• ☐ Train staff on new system before switching
• ☐ Plan the switch for a slow night (Tuesday/Wednesday)
• ☐ Keep Toast running in parallel for 1-2 days as backup
• ☐ Get cancellation confirmation in writing