How Can I Get DISH to Lower My Bill?

So you need to figure out how to lower your DISH bill because you're trying to find ways to save money. Or recently, you've noticed your monthly bill has consistently been higher than what it used to be.

We'll take you through the steps to negotiate a lower monthly payment with DISH, and we're certain you'll save money for that house or car you have your eye on in no time.

It's important to know the average cost for other TV services, and you'll want to check the details such as: number of channels, availability, and required fees. This will give you an idea of if you're paying too much for DISH.

But when it comes to satellite TV, DISH is your most inexpensive option (DIRECTV has those less than convenient second-year price hikes).

If you're considering cable TV or live TV streaming, these are the prices DISH has to compete with (and take note of the number of channels).

Let DISH know that their services have been comparably expensive, so you are considering choosing an alternative. Prepare for counter-arguments from the rep, so you better prepare for this phone call like a high school debate student.

PS: If you want to make an argument against DISH with a cable company, make sure the cable TV provider is available in your area by entering your ZIP code below.

Understanding your credits and charges on your monthly bill is essential before making the phone call to DISH.

First of all, make sure you're only being charged for what you asked for. It's especially important when TV providers sometimes raise the monthly cost during the time of your service.

A random price increase shouldn't happen with DISH if you signed up for the 2-year contract because when you check out, next to the price, it says "Guaranteed for two years." So ... there should absolutely be no raising of prices, DISH.

If you get the no-contract option, you won't have as much say to the prices rising by a few cents here and there. So if you think you'll want DISH for at least two years, we recommend the contract route to save $10-15 per month with no price increases.

According to the Better Business Bureau, a huge portion of the complaints filed against DISH had to do with monthly charge problems. So double-check the monthly price, fees, and add-ons on your bill if it seems like your monthly payment keeps going up and you don't know why.

If you find an error in your monthly bill, hold onto it for the breakup phone call.

After breaking down your monthly bill and understanding what your money is going toward, it's time to evaluate what you should and shouldn't keep.

How often are you really watching Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® or STARZ? Do you use your DVR service much? Are all of your set-top boxes being used?

You can consider deleting premium channels you're no longer using, and you can do so easily through your online account.

Now consider how often the family uses each set-top box and how often you all record TV shows and movies.

Let's say you have one Hopper Duo and two Hopper 3's throughout the house. If only one is consistently being used and you just record a couple of shows and movies per week, you could cut $30 out of your bill by returning the two Hopper 3's.

It might seem like a hassle to return, but you'll save $360 in one year. (You could get a year subscription to the Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundle with that kind of money).

Make sure to ask the representative the best way to send back your equipment when you make the call.

We know how nerve-racking breakup calls can be, so here's some friendly advice: collect your thoughts, take a deep breath, pick up the phone, and dial 1-866-970-0137. (We'll get through this together).

First and foremost, it's important to be polite and courteous, especially if you want the most out of the phone call.

When you call DISH, make sure you get transferred to the Loyalty or Retention department. Let them know you're thinking about canceling your service, and you'd like to know what they can do for you in terms of lowering your monthly bill to remain a DISH customer.

Don't be afraid to ask.

You may get $15-$30 knocked off your bill or free sports or movie channels. If this is enough to get you to stay, then success!

But don't feel like you can't just cancel if they can't bring your bill down enough. Tell them nicely that you'd like to cancel, and ask them when the last day of your service will be.

Then consider ordering a new, more inexpensive service that will still give you all of the entertainment you need.

If you really want to hold onto the service, try calling back again and see if the second DISH representative is even more helpful.

Now that you know the steps of how to lower your DISH bill, apply them.

Call DISH at 1-866-970-0137 to find out what's the best deal they can give you to stay a DISH customer.

Let's recap the steps to get you on the path to saving money on your TV service:

• Step 1: Before you decide to make the phone call to lower your bill, or maybe cancel your service, analyze the TV provider competition. Do you want Sling TV because you only need a few of your favorite channels for the cheapest price possible? Or maybe you're considering cable TV because it's a little more inexpensive but still gives you that traditional TV feel?
• Step 2: Understanding and breaking down your monthly bill is also essential before making the phone call. Make sure you're only being charged for what you asked. Your monthly price should stay the same (although it could increase by cents here and there if you don't have a contract because of rising programming costs), but also check if the extra fees are correct.
• Step 3: Consider scaling your service back if your monthly bill breakdown is correct. Do you watch all of the premium channels you ordered often enough? Do you have too many unused set-top boxes in your home? Do you use the 500-hour DVR storage space, or could you manage with just 125 hours?
• Step 4: After you consider the competition, the breakdown of your bill, and what you could scale back on, you're ready to make the call to DISH. Put your friendly hat and firm tone on, let them know you'd like to cancel but would like to know what they can do for you to remain a DISH customer. We hope you leave the phone conversation with $15-$30 knocked off your bill and/or free channels. But don't be afraid to just cancel if they can't bring your bill down low enough.

Have you tried lowering your bill with DISH? Were they able to give you what you wanted? Let us know your experience!