Subscription Cancellation
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Know Your Cancellation Rights
Federal and state laws protect consumers from unfair auto-renewal practices. Here is what you need to know.
FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule (2025)
The FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule requires businesses to make cancellation at least as easy as sign-up. If you subscribed online with one click, they must let you cancel online with comparable ease. Companies can no longer force you to call a phone line or visit in person if you signed up digitally. If a company makes cancellation unnecessarily difficult, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
FTC Cooling-Off Rule
The FTC's cooling-off rule gives you three business days to cancel purchases of $25 or more made at locations that are not the seller's permanent place of business, such as door-to-door sales, trade shows, or hotel presentations. The seller must provide you with cancellation forms at the time of sale. This applies to gym memberships sold at temporary locations or in-home demonstrations.
State Auto-Renewal Laws
Many states have their own consumer protection laws regarding automatic renewals. Some of the strongest include:
When Written Cancellation Is Required
Some services contractually require cancellation in writing. This is most common with gym memberships (especially Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Gold's Gym), magazine and newspaper subscriptions, insurance policies, some telecom contracts, and professional association memberships. Always check your original contract or terms of service to see if written notice is required and what the notice period is.
When Should You Send a Cancellation Letter?
Not every subscription requires a written cancellation, but there are several situations where having one protects you.
The Contract Requires It
Many gym and fitness center contracts specifically state that cancellation must be submitted in writing, often via certified mail. Failing to follow this process means they can continue charging you even if you stopped attending.
Online Cancellation Failed
If you tried to cancel through the app or website and charges continued, a written letter creates a documented paper trail. This is valuable evidence if you need to dispute charges with your bank.
You Need a Paper Trail
Phone cancellations are hard to prove. A written letter sent via certified mail provides timestamped proof that you requested cancellation on a specific date. This protects you from being charged after your intended end date.
Requesting a Refund
If you want a prorated refund or were charged after a previous cancellation attempt, a formal written request carries more weight than a casual email. It signals that you are serious and aware of your rights.
Before a Renewal Date
Sending a cancellation letter well before your renewal date ensures you have documentation in case the company claims they did not receive your request in time. Most contracts require 30 days notice.
Disputing with Your Bank
If you need to file a chargeback or dispute with your credit card company, having a copy of your written cancellation letter strengthens your case significantly. Banks want to see proof you tried to cancel.
Never Forget to Cancel Again
Subcut sends you reminders before every subscription renewal. See all your subscriptions in one place and cancel before you get charged.
Download Subcut FreeFree to start. No bank connection needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a written cancellation letter?
You need a written letter when the service requires cancellation in writing (common with gyms and magazines), when you want a paper trail for proof, when phone or online cancellation has failed, or when you need to dispute charges. Many gym contracts specifically require written notice sent by certified mail.
What should a cancellation letter include?
Include your full name, account details, the date, the service you are canceling, a clear cancellation request, the effective date, and a request for written confirmation. If applicable, reference consumer protection laws and request a prorated refund for unused service.
What is the FTC cooling-off rule?
The FTC cooling-off rule gives consumers three business days to cancel certain purchases of $25 or more made outside the seller's permanent business location. The FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule also requires companies to make cancellation as easy as signing up.
Can I get a refund when I cancel?
It depends on the service's terms and your state's laws. Many subscriptions won't refund the current period but will stop future charges. If charged after requesting cancellation, you may be entitled to a full refund. Always request a refund in your letter since the worst outcome is being told no.
How do I cancel a gym membership?
Most gym contracts require written cancellation via certified mail. Include your name, membership number, and a clear request to cancel. Send via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. Some states have specific gym cancellation laws that provide additional consumer protections.
How can I track subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges?
Download Subcut to see all your subscriptions in one place. The app tracks renewal dates, shows your total monthly spending, and sends reminders before charges hit so you can cancel in time. It takes about 60 seconds to set up.