How to Cancel Subscriptions Without the Hassle

Subscriptions for apps, streaming, gyms, or software often renew automatically. If you don't cancel in time, you pay for another month or year—and many companies make cancellation harder than signing up. Knowing where to look and what your rights are can save you money and frustration. Here's how to find the cancellation terms, turn off auto-renewal, and get refunds where you're entitled.

Where to find cancellation terms

Before you sign up, or when you're ready to cancel, you need to find the right section of the agreement. It's often buried in terms of service, a "billing" or "account" page, or in the app under settings.

In the terms of service

Use your browser's search (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) for: cancel, termination, renew, auto-renew, subscription. That will jump you to the relevant paragraphs. The cancellation clause may be under "Term and Termination," "Billing," or "Subscription." Note: (1) how to cancel (in-app, email, phone, or mail), (2) how much notice you must give (e.g. 30 days before the next charge), and (3) whether you get a reminder before they charge. If the terms say you must cancel by a certain date to avoid the next charge, put that date in your calendar.

In the app or account settings

Many services let you turn off auto-renewal in the app or on the website—under "Subscription," "Billing," or "Account." If you can't find it, check the help centre or contact support and ask: "How do I cancel my subscription and turn off auto-renewal?" Get the answer in writing (e.g. email or chat transcript) so you have proof if they charge you again. Some companies require a phone call or letter; if so, note the number or address and keep a record of when you contacted them.

Before you sign up

When you're signing up for a new subscription, find the cancellation terms before you enter your payment details. If cancellation is only by phone or mail, or requires 60 days' notice, you'll know what you're agreeing to. In some jurisdictions the law requires an easy way to cancel (e.g. same channel as sign-up); the terms should still spell it out.

Turning off auto-renewal

Once you've found how to cancel, do it in time—and keep proof.

Give enough notice

If the terms say you must cancel at least 30 days before the next charge, cancel well before that. Don't wait until the last day—systems can be slow, and you want a record. If you cancel in the app, take a screenshot of the confirmation. If you cancel by email, keep the sent message and any reply. If you cancel by phone, note the date, time, and name of the person you spoke to—and follow up with an email confirming you requested cancellation.

Check that it worked

After you cancel, check your account settings: does it say "Cancelled" or "Expires on [date]" rather than "Renews on [date]"? If you're not sure, contact support and ask for written confirmation that your subscription will not renew. If they charge you anyway, you'll have proof that you cancelled in time—and you can dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer and ask the company for a refund.

If they make it hard

Some companies require you to call during business hours, wait on hold, or speak to a "retention" agent who offers discounts to keep you. You're not obliged to stay—you can say "I just want to cancel." If the only way to cancel is by phone or mail, do it and keep a record. In some places the law is changing to require cancellation to be as easy as sign-up; check your jurisdiction. If you think the process is unfair, you can also complain to a consumer watchdog or regulator.

Refunds and partial refunds

If you cancel mid-period, are you entitled to a refund for the unused portion? It depends on the terms and sometimes on the law.

What the terms say

Many subscriptions are non-refundable: you pay for a month or year, and if you cancel mid-way, you don't get money back for the remaining time. But some companies do offer partial refunds—or prorated credit—especially if you cancel soon after renewing. Check the "Refund" or "Cancellation" section of the terms. If it says "no refunds," you may still be able to ask—especially if you had a problem with the service or if you cancelled within a short trial period. Some jurisdictions give you a statutory right to a cooling-off period (e.g. 14 days) with a full refund; the terms shouldn't try to take that away where it's not allowed.

If you were charged by mistake

If you cancelled in time but were still charged, or if you were charged twice, contact the company first and ask for a refund. Provide your proof (screenshot, email, date of call). If they refuse, dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer—you can often get a chargeback for services not received or for unauthorised charges. Keep all correspondence so you can show the bank what happened.

Practical tips

• Save the terms when you sign up. Download or screenshot the cancellation and refund sections. Companies can change terms later; having the version you agreed to helps if there's a dispute.
• Set a reminder before renewal. If you're not sure you'll keep the subscription, put a reminder in your calendar a few weeks before the next charge so you can cancel in time.
• Use a virtual card or separate card for subscriptions. Some people use a card with a low limit or a virtual card for subscriptions so that if a company charges you after you've cancelled, the impact is limited. You can also revoke the card so future charges fail.
• BeforeYouSign can highlight cancellation and refund clauses in your agreement so you know what you're committing to before you sign—and where to look when you're ready to cancel.