How do I dispute or cancel a subscription charge I never approved?
Answer
Canceling the subscription directly through the provider's official account settings, and separately disputing the charge with the bank or card issuer, are usually both needed to get a refund and stop future billing.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Be cautious of any offer to 'refund' the charge that asks for remote access to a computer or a gift card payment.
Follow these steps
Search for an account tied to the subscription
Check email for a welcome message or receipt from the subscription service, and try signing in to the service's official website or app using that email address.
You should see: Either an existing account is found, or no account can be located with that email.
Cancel the subscription through official settings
If an account is found, cancel the subscription directly from its official billing or account settings page rather than calling a number from a text message.
You should see: A cancellation confirmation is shown or emailed.
Contact the bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of the card or use the bank's official app to report the charge as unauthorized and request a dispute or refund.
You should see: The bank opens a dispute case and provides a case number.
Ask the bank to block future charges from the merchant
Request that the bank block or flag future charges from the specific merchant name shown on the statement, in case cancellation through the service did not fully stop billing.
You should see: The bank confirms the merchant is blocked or flagged for review.
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Extra tips
What to look for: An unexpected charge on a bank or card statement from a subscription service, along with any confirmation email for a plan that was never signed up for
Before you change anything: Confirm the exact merchant name shown on the statement, since it can differ from the app or service name. Check email for a receipt or welcome message from the subscription to find an account tied to it. Confirm any cancellation is done through the official app, website, or bank, not a number found in a text message. Never share your password, card number, or verification codes with anyone who contacts you first.