Take a close look at your credit card bill–maybe you’ll find a few surprises in the form of forgotten monthly subscriptions. If you’re tired of paying for those you no longer use but can’t quite figure out how to cancel, you’re not alone. Consumer Reports has ways to find and cancel unwanted subscriptions.
First, divide and conquer. Identify all your subscriptions. Check your credit card statements for recurring payments.
One easy way to do this is use a subscription tracking tool, such as Rocket Money or OneMain Trim, which finds and then helps you cancel subscriptions you no longer want.
Second, opt out! For example, to see a list of apps you’re currently paying for through Apple Pay, open the app store on your phone, click “account,” then “subscriptions.” From there, click cancel on those you’re done with. These steps are similar for the Google Play store.
Finally, get organized and keep track of discounted or free trial periods. When you cancel, sometimes you get a “don’t go” offer for a free extension or discount. If you accept, set a calendar alert for two or three days before the end date of the promotion. The same goes for any free trial subscription you might sign up for.
Setting an alert for when you need to cancel will help you juggle multiple trials at a time, and your future-self will thank you!
And if you want to take your digital housecleaning a step further, check out Permission Slip by Consumer Reports. It’s a free app that lets you control what data you share with companies you do business with.
It could soon be easier to end unwanted subscriptions. Last year the Federal Trade Commission proposed a “click-to-cancel” provision that would require companies to let you cancel subscriptions as easily as you were able to sign up. Consumer Reports will keep you posted if that becomes law.
Check your credit card statements for recurring payments. One easy way to do this is use a subscription tracking tool, such as Rocket Money or OneMain Trim, which finds and then helps you cancel subscriptions you no longer want.
The best approach is to search through your emails for any subscriptions. You can cancel the subscriptions by emailing the service providers. If this proves elusive, then go through your bank statements going back 12 months. Look out for regular subscriptions that you forgot or are fraudulent.
One solution is to send letters revoking your authorization to the subscription company and your bank. Some banks offer ready-made online forms to help you do so. Another way is to give your bank a stop payment order in person, over the phone, or in writing.
Subby. Subby is a subscription-tracking app only available for Android. The app features unlimited subscriptions and notifications when payments are due. Also, you can see an overview of how much you spend on subscriptions each month or annually.
Find and cancel your subscriptions on your Android
To find all your subscriptions, launch the Play Store application, tap your profile picture or first name initial that appears on the top-right and go to Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions. Here you'll see a list of your active and inactive subscriptions.
Review your credit card statements: Carefully go through your credit card statements for the past few months. Look for any recurring payments or charges that are automatically deducted from your credit card. These could be subscriptions, memberships, or any other services you regularly pay for. 2.
Call and write the company. Call the company and tell them you are taking away your permission for the company to take automatic payments out of your bank account. The company's customer service should be able to help you, and there might be an online form you can use. Then, follow up by writing a letter or an e-mail.
Tell your bank that you have “revoked authorization” for the company to take automatic payments from your account. You can use this sample letter . Some banks and credit unions may offer you an online form.
If a company won't stop charging your account after you've tried to cancel a subscription, file a dispute (also called a “chargeback”) with your credit or debit card. Online: Log onto your credit or debit card online account and go through the dispute process.
Gym memberships are among the hardest to cancel because they don't typically have an opt-out method on their websites. In general, you have to state in writing that you wish to cancel your membership.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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