Cancel a subscription that won't let you go
Some companies make signing up take ten seconds and cancelling take an afternoon. Here's how to get out cleanly, and how to make sure the charges actually stop.
Before you start
- Find the latest charge on your bank or card statement. Note the company name as it appears, the amount and the date.
- Find your account email, username or member number. Search your inbox for the company's name plus "welcome" or "receipt".
- Note your next billing date. Cancel at least a few days before it.
Step 1: Check how you signed up
Where you subscribed is usually where you cancel.
- Through an iPhone or iPad app: open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions.
- Through an Android app: open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Payments & subscriptions.
- Through a website: log in and look under Account, Settings, Billing or Membership.
- Bundled with another service (your phone carrier, Amazon, a cable company): cancel through that company.
Step 2: Try the online cancel button
Look for "Cancel," "End membership," "Turn off auto-renew" or "Manage plan." Click through every "Are you sure?" screen and decline each offer. You're done only when you see a confirmation screen or get a confirmation email. Screenshot it.
Tip. Some states, including California, require companies to let you cancel online if you signed up online. If the online option is missing, mention that when you call.
Step 3: If there's no button, call
Gyms and some memberships still insist on a phone call. Keep it short and don't offer a reason they can solve.
"Hi, I'm calling to cancel my membership. It's under [NAME], account number [NUMBER]. I'd like it cancelled effective today."
When they offer a discount or ask why:
"Thanks, but I'm not interested in any offers. I've made my decision. Please process the cancellation."
Before you hang up:
"Can you confirm it's cancelled and that I won't be charged again? Can I have your name and a reference number, and will I get a confirmation email?"
Step 4: If they insist on a letter
Some contracts require written notice. Send a short letter by certified mail with a return receipt, keep a copy, and write the tracking number in your notes. Include your name, account number, the date, and one sentence: "Please cancel my membership effective immediately and stop all future charges."
Step 5: Make sure the charges stop
- Check your statement after the next billing date.
- If you're charged anyway, contact the company first with your reference number.
- If they won't refund it, dispute the charge with your bank or card company. For credit cards you generally have 60 days from the statement date to dispute a billing error.
- Last resort: ask your bank to block future charges from that merchant, or get a replacement card number.
Hard Phone Calls script pack
This guide's call script plus 11 more: refunds, disputes, insurance denials, landlords, government agencies and getting past "there's no supervisor available."
One dreaded thing, made easy
This guide is general information for people in the United States, not legal, financial or medical advice. Laws and company policies change and vary by state, so confirm the details for your situation.