How to Cancel a Newspaper Subscription Online

Cancelling a newspaper subscription online can be a frustrating process, especially when you're hit with a full-price charge you didn't expect. The key to successfully cancelling and protecting yourself from unwanted future charges is to follow a specific set of steps, from using the publication's own cancellation process to documenting your cancellation and disputing any unauthorized charges.

How to Find the Cancel Path

Start by trying to cancel directly through the newspaper's website or app. Look for an account page or subscription settings. Some newspapers hide the cancel button in an inconspicuous place, so be thorough in your search. If you bought the subscription through a digital storefront like Apple's App Store, you'll need to cancel through that platform.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, you should follow the company's own instructions for canceling a subscription.

If you can't find a way to cancel through the publication's site or app, look for a phone number or chat feature to connect with customer service. Be persistent – sometimes it takes multiple attempts to reach the right person.

Once you've tried canceling through all available channels, monitor your debit or credit card statement to make sure the newspaper doesn't continue charging. If unauthorized charges persist, move on to the next step.

When the Company Keeps Charging

If a newspaper or digital media company keeps charging your card even after you've tried to cancel, it's time to involve your credit or debit card issuer. The FTC recommends filing a dispute, also known as a chargeback, with your card issuer.

You can start a card dispute online through your credit or debit card account. Look for an option to report an unauthorized charge or transaction. If you don't see an online option, call the number on the back of your card and report the charge.

When filing a dispute, the FTC recommends following up in writing. Send a letter to your card company documenting when you tried to cancel, how you contacted the newspaper, and noting the unresolved unauthorized charges. Keep a copy of your letter and any responses from the card issuer in case you need to report the fraud.

Even though a card dispute can stop the charges, it's important to remember that filing one may still result in a conversation with the newspaper. A card dispute doesn't end the publisher-subscription relationship; it only rejects the charge.

If you end up needing to dispute a charge, the FTC also advises reporting the unauthorized subscription to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your state attorney general.

Keeping Proof

Throughout the cancellation and dispute process, keep detailed records. You'll want to have evidence showing when you tried to cancel, how you communicated with the publication, and what, if any, response you received. Save copies of any chats, emails, or screenshots showing the newspaper's cancellation options or lack thereof.

If you clicked on a link in an app or website that began a canceled subscription, try to take screenshots of how you found and clicked it, and note the exact copy that was around the link.

For any phone calls, note the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with, as well as the details of what happened. Send any follow-up documentation by email or letter, and keep a copy of your correspondence.

Introductory Rate and Renewal Shock

Many newspapers and digital media companies use introductory rates to lure in subscribers, with a bigger price shock awaiting unwary consumers after the first billing period. While surprise rate hikes are frustrating and can lead to unauthorized charges, there's scant primary source information establishing that a newspaper must disclose its eventual subscription rate in a specific way.

The FTC’s advice is to monitor your card statement after canceling to ensure there are no unauthorized charges, and to dispute any unauthorized charges.

State Rules Vary

Many states have laws requiring notice before automatic renewals and making cancellation easier, according to a Washington State Senate bill report on subscription cancellation.

What Not to Do First

Don't assume that canceling on one platform or channel will halt all charges. Some newspapers run charges through multiple channels, or allow independent apps and websites to charge for access. If you took out a paper-web combo subscription through one platform, you may need to cancel through a different, newspaper-maintained platform as well.

Also, don't assume that canceling through your card issuer also cancels the subscription. A card dispute and blocking a transaction can help stop ongoing charges, but won't always end the publisher-subscription relationship. Canceling through the merchant's means is still advised even if a card block or dispute is also filed.

In general, start with the company's own cancellation path, but be aware that it may take multiple attempts through multiple platforms to successfully cancel. And if charges continue, it's important to take additional steps.

The Final Step

Cancellation doesn't end when you block a payment or submit a dispute. It ends when the publisher confirms the cancellation, and your next statement reflects no further charges.

By following the cancellation process, documenting your attempts, and holding onto those records, you're protecting yourself from unauthorized renewal charges, freeing up budget, and asserting your consumer rights.