DIRECTV Account Transfers: Billing Protection After a PTR or Change of Ownership

What Every Customer Should Know About Third-Party Billing After a Transfer

When you switch to a new DIRECTV dealer — through a Property Transfer Request (PTR) — or a property changes hands through a Change of Ownership (COO), your existing DIRECTV account is transferred, not cancelled. The old account number is automatically voided, and no formal cancellation is required. This is by design, and it protects you.

However, there is one area where you need to stay alert: billing. Some dealers use third-party billing, meaning they handle your DIRECTV invoice directly. After a transfer is complete, the outgoing dealer may continue sending invoices — sometimes by accident. Here is what you need to know.

The Rule: Billing Stops at Transfer

Once a PTR or COO is processed and approved by DIRECTV, the outgoing dealer loses all rights to bill you. The effective date of the transfer is on record with DIRECTV, and any charges the old dealer attempts after that date are unauthorized.

What to Do if the Old Dealer Keeps Billing You

Step 1: Reach Out to the Old Dealer Directly

In many cases this is simply an oversight in their system. Contact them, reference your transfer date, and request a credit for any charges made after that date. Keep the conversation in writing so you have a record.

Step 2: Escalate to DIRECTV if Needed

If the old dealer is unresponsive or refuses to issue a credit, contact DIRECTV directly. Because the PTR or COO is on file with DIRECTV, they can confirm:

• The exact effective date of the transfer
• That the outgoing dealer no longer has billing rights
• That any charges after the transfer date must be reversed

Step 3: Know That DIRECTV Will Side With You

In a billing dispute following a completed PTR or COO, DIRECTV's position is clear: the losing dealer will be required to credit you for any unauthorized charges. You are protected by the transfer record.

Proactive Steps to Avoid Issues

A little preparation after your transfer goes a long way:

• Monitor your statements for 1–2 billing cycles after the transfer to confirm you are no longer receiving invoices from the old dealer.
• Cancel any auto-pay you had set up with the outgoing dealer as soon as the transfer is confirmed.
• Save your transfer confirmation — a copy of your PTR or COO documentation gives you a clear reference point if any dispute arises.
• When in doubt, reach out. Your new dealer can help you verify transfer status and assist if the old dealer causes any issues.