Bailing out of your cell phone contract can cost you hundreds of dollars in termination fees -- but it doesn't have to.

Your provider may or may not give you a crucial piece of information: If you find someone to take over your plan, you don't have to pay those termination fees. To that end, NewsChannel 4 found a new service that promises to match cell phone customers who want to get out with those who want to get in.

Mark Girgis, for example, wanted to ditch his service because he was unhappy with his cell phone reception. But he still had six months to go on his contract, and thought canceling early would cost him.

"It's $200 and that's it, or you wait it out," said Girgis. "I just didn't want to wait it out."

Luckily, he didn't have to. A friend told him about a new Web site called celltradeusa.com, where he could offer his phone and contract for trade.

"Within hours, you start getting people who are interested in your phone and your contract and your service," said Girgis.

The Web site came to fruition after two brothers in North Arlington, N.J., saw the need among the customers in their own cell phone store.

"When they find out they have a termination fee, the reaction that we would see from these customers would be unbelievable," said Eric Wurtenberg, of Celltrade USA.

Wurtenberg said a person who wants to get out of a contract registers on the site and lists the particulars about the phone and plan, including costs and months remaining. Anyone who wants to buy up one of these contracts can go shopping on the site.

Wurtenberg said the buyer pays nothing, the seller a one-time only fee.

"Once they want to unlock those emails and contact their get-in user, that when they're charged an access fee of $19.99 to connect," he said.

The two parties may connect on the site, but they must complete the transaction through the cell phone provider, which may require a credit check and other documentation for approval.

Verizon Wireless said that even without the Web site, customers can transfer their contracts if they have someone to assume it. That option, however, isn't spelled out in the customer agreement.

"(Customers) just have to ask," said David Samberg, of Verizon. "It's one of those things where if you have questions, call customer service."

The benefits of selling are obvious. But who wants to buy?

Lou Lucas, who runs a small Web development company, said the Wurtenbergs' Web site saved him money on phones and plans for his employees.

Indeed, Celltrade USA said it currently has more people interested in buying than selling.

Before attempting to transfer your account, check with your provider to make sure you understand your rights and obligations, and how phone number portability rules apply to the transfer.