Should I cancel a subscription before or after I file a dispute?
Why cancellation comes first
Canceling first stops future charges and shows the company you no longer want the service. A bank reviewing a dispute often wants to see that you tried to end the subscription. Waiting can let another charge post while your case is still open.
If you already filed, you can still cancel now and ask your bank to cover any later charges that appear.
Keep a copy of the cancellation page as it looked on the day you canceled, since sites often change their wording later.
Evidence to keep
Save the cancellation confirmation, screenshots of the cancel page, and emails about the subscription. Note the date and time you canceled and any reference number. Keep copies of every message with customer support, including the dates they replied.
Balancing both steps
If the company keeps billing after cancellation, you can dispute those later charges separately. Contact the merchant first when possible, since some disagreements get resolved quickly that way. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your card issuer's rules for timelines.
If the company refuses to confirm the cancellation in writing, say so in your dispute summary, because that detail matters to the reviewer.
Common mistakes
- Disputing a charge while the subscription keeps billing and never canceling.
- Canceling by phone without asking for a written confirmation number.
