How to Cancel a Subscription (And Make Sure It Sticks)
Most people cancel incorrectly and still get charged. Here's the exact process that works.
Before You Cancel
- Find the cancellation method first. Search the T&C for "cancel" or "cancellation." Note if it's online, phone, or mail. If harder than sign-up, it's intentional.
- Remove your payment method. Delete stored cards/PayPal from account settings before cancelling. This is your strongest protection. Screenshot if the system won't let you.
- Screenshot the pricing page, account settings, and T&C cancellation section. You'll need these if billing continues.
During Cancellation
- Complete the full flow. Don't close the browser mid-way.
- Watch for "request submitted" vs "cancelled." "Request submitted" means it's not done. Keep going until you see confirmation.
- Get proof. A confirmation number, an email (check spam!), or a screenshot of the final screen showing "cancelled."
- Say no to retention offers. "3 months at 50% off" resets the clock. You're not saving money if you didn't want the service.
- Check your card statement monthly for 3 months. Most post-cancel failures happen in months 2-3.
- If charged after cancellation:
- Day 1: Contact the company (required before FCBA dispute)
- Day 3: Send written notice if no refund
- Day 7: Dispute with card issuer under FCBA — reason code: "Cancelled, billing continued after"
- Monitor for "reactivation" emails. An accidental login can count as re-subscribing. If you get "welcome back," you were never fully cancelled.
The Phone Cancellation Protocol
If phone is your only option:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Say: "I am calling to cancel effective immediately." Do not give a reason. |
| 2 | If they resist: "Under FTC Click-to-Cancel rules, you must accept my cancellation." |
| 3 | Ask for: confirmation number, email confirmation, effective date, whether any more charges will occur. |
| 4 | If they refuse: "This call is being recorded. I will dispute future charges with my card issuer." |
After Cancellation — The Critical 90 Days
Special Cases
Annual subscriptions: You should get pro-rata for remaining months. If T&C says "no refunds for prepaid," that clause may be unenforceable in your state. Request in writing. If denied, dispute unused portion.
Free trial → paid: Cancel the trial immediately after signing up. The trial will still run its full duration. This protects against forgetting before the trial ends.