Why is it so hard to cancel some subscriptions?
Common Tactics Companies Use
Many subscription services use 'dark patterns'—design tricks that make cancellation confusing or frustrating. Examples include burying the cancel option deep in settings, requiring you to call during limited hours, or offering endless discounts to make you stay.
These tactics are designed to reduce churn (customer loss). While they can be annoying, they're not always illegal. However, some practices, like making it impossible to cancel online when you signed up online, may violate laws in certain states or countries.
- Hidden cancellation links or buttons that are hard to find.
- Requiring a phone call or chat during specific hours.
- Asking you to confirm multiple times or watch a guilt-trip video.
- Offering a discount or free month to keep you subscribed.
- Not sending cancellation confirmations, leaving you unsure.
- Auto-renewing without clear notice before the charge.
What You Can Do
If you're struggling to cancel, try searching online for '[company name] cancel subscription' to find direct links or instructions. Some companies have a dedicated cancellation page that's not obvious from your account.
If you still can't cancel, contact your credit card issuer or bank to block future charges or dispute them. You can also file a complaint with the FTC or your state's attorney general if you believe the company is violating consumer protection laws.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that all difficult cancellations are illegal—many are just frustrating but legal.
- Giving up after one attempt; persistence and using the right method often work.
- Not checking your state's laws, which may require companies to offer online cancellation if you signed up online.
