How to Cancel Any Subscription

Why Cancelling Subscriptions Is So Hard

Companies deliberately make cancellation difficult. The FTC calls these "dark patterns" — multi-step processes, hidden cancel buttons, phone-only cancellation, and guilt-trip modals. The average person spends 20+ minutes trying to cancel a single subscription.

The Hidden Cost of "Forgetting to Cancel"

A 2024 study found that 42% of Americans are paying for at least one subscription they've forgotten about. At an average of $15/month per forgotten subscription, that's $180/year going to companies for services you don't use.

Tips for Actually Cancelling

• Cancel immediately after subscribing — most services let you keep access until the end of the billing period. Cancel day one and you get the full month without risk of forgetting.
• Screenshot your confirmation — some services (looking at you, gyms) deny cancellation requests. Keep proof.
• Check for annual vs monthly — if you're on an annual plan, check whether you get a prorated refund or lose the remaining months.
• Don't fall for the retention offer — many services offer a temporary discount when you try to cancel. Unless the price drop is permanent, you'll pay full price again in 3 months.
• Remove payment methods after cancelling — some services auto-resume subscriptions. Remove your card to prevent surprise charges.

Services That Require Phone Calls to Cancel

A few notorious services still require you to call to cancel (or make the online option nearly impossible to find):

• SiriusXM — call 1-866-635-2349
• Planet Fitness — requires in-person visit or certified letter
• Gold's Gym — varies by location, often requires in-person
• ADT Security — call required, may have early termination fee

For everything else, the links above will take you directly to the cancellation page — no hunting required.

How Bill Vampire Helps

This page gives you the cancel links. If the service keeps billing, hides cancellation, or refuses a refund, try Bill Vampire's Emergency Kit. Drop any bill, screenshot, or PDF and get a cancel path, refund script, support chat wording, and evidence checklist without a bank login.