Can I get a refund for an auto-renewal I did not want?

Often yes, particularly if the renewal was charged without a clear reminder, if you cancelled before the renewal date, or if you have not used the service since. Ask in writing and escalate to a chargeback if refused.

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Free subscription cancellation and refund letter template

For software, streaming and membership subscriptions that auto-renewed without a clear reminder, or where the cancellation button is hidden. It cancels the plan and asks for the renewal charge back.

Who this letter is for

Cancel an auto-renewing subscription and claim back an unwanted renewal. It is written in the formal register companies, landlords and card issuers expect, and it records the facts, the remedy sought and the deadline in a way that supports any later escalation to an ombudsman or the courts.

How to use this template

1Find the renewal date, amount charged and the account or order reference.
2Download the template and state clearly that you are cancelling with immediate effect.
3Request a refund of the renewal and confirmation that billing has stopped.
4Send it to the provider's support and billing addresses on the same day.
5If ignored for 14 days, ask your card issuer for a chargeback.

What to include before you send it

Quote the exact charge date and amount you want refunded.
Ask them to confirm the cancellation reference in writing.
If they refuse, a card chargeback for an unauthorised renewal is often faster.

The rights you are relying on

Auto-renewal disclosure rules (UK CMA guidance, US ROSCA and state auto-renewal laws, and the Australian Consumer Law's unfair contract terms).

The letter template

[Your name]
[Email address on the account]
Account / customer number: [NUMBER]
[Date]

Billing Team
[Company name]

Re: Cancellation of subscription and refund of renewal charge

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to cancel my [PLAN NAME] subscription on account [NUMBER] with immediate effect, and to request a refund of the renewal charge of [AMOUNT] taken on [DATE].

I did not receive a clear, timely reminder before the renewal, and [I have not used the service since the renewal date / I attempted to cancel on [DATE] but the cancellation option was not available].

Please:

1. Cancel the subscription and confirm the cancellation reference in writing within 7 days.
2. Refund [AMOUNT] to the original payment method.
3. Delete my stored payment details so no further charges can be taken.

If the refund is not made within 14 days I will dispute the charge with my card issuer as an unauthorised recurring payment and report the renewal practice to [the relevant consumer regulator].

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a refund for an auto-renewal I did not want?: Often yes, particularly if the renewal was charged without a clear reminder, if you cancelled before the renewal date, or if you have not used the service since. Ask in writing and escalate to a chargeback if refused.

Have it drafted around your case

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