Answers / Consumer
CONSUMER

How do I cancel a subscription that won’t let me cancel?

SHORT ANSWER

Document your cancellation attempts, revoke authorization with your bank or card issuer, and know that "negative option" and auto-renewal laws increasingly require easy cancellation.

Companies that make cancellation deliberately hard are increasingly on the wrong side of the law. Auto-renewal and "negative option" rules in many states require clear cancellation methods and advance renewal reminders. If a company blocks you: document every attempt (screenshots, dates, chat logs), send a written cancellation request, and if they keep charging, contact your bank or card issuer to revoke authorization or dispute the charges. Persistent unauthorized charges after a clear cancellation attempt can also be reported to consumer regulators.

What to do, in order

  1. Send a clear written cancellation request and save a copy.
  2. Screenshot every step and dead-end in their process.
  3. If charged after canceling, dispute the charge with your card issuer.
  4. Revoke payment authorization through your bank if needed.
  5. Report deceptive practices to the FTC and your state AG.

Common questions

Can my bank stop a subscription charge?

Yes — you can revoke authorization or dispute unauthorized charges with your card issuer, especially after a documented cancellation attempt.

Are companies required to make canceling easy?

Increasingly, yes — many auto-renewal laws require simple cancellation and renewal reminders. Deliberately obstructive "dark patterns" can violate consumer-protection rules.

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Main AI explains documents and general legal rights in clear terms. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — verify specifics for your jurisdiction, and consult a licensed professional for advice on your situation.