How to Find and Cancel Unwanted Online Subscriptions
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide
Avoid unnecessary charges by tracking and canceling subscriptions you no longer use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage them effectively:
1. Identify Your Subscriptions
- Check Credit Card Statements: Review statements from the past year for recurring payments.
- Use Subscription Tracking Tools: Apps like Rocket Money or Trim can identify and help you cancel unwanted subscriptions.
- Tip: These tools may require account access—review their privacy policies carefully before granting permissions.
2. Opt Out of Paid Apps
- For Apple Users:
- Open the App Store Tap Account Select Subscriptions Choose an app and click Cancel.
- For Google Play Users:
- Open Google Play Tap Profile Icon Go to Payments & Subscriptions Tap Subscriptions Cancel the ones you don’t need.
- Other Services:
- Search online for instructions, e.g., “How to cancel [Service Name] subscription.”
3. Track Free Trials and Discounts
- Promotional Offers:
- Services often offer discounts or free extensions when you cancel. If you accept, set calendar reminders 2–3 days before the promotion ends to cancel in time.
- Free Trials:
- Set alerts for trial end dates to avoid auto-renewals and charges.
Pro Tip: Stay Organized
- Use a spreadsheet or note-taking app to track your subscriptions, renewal dates, and costs.
- Regularly review this list to cut down on services you no longer need.
Looking Ahead: FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule
- The proposed “Click-to-Cancel” rule by the Federal Trade Commission may soon make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up for them. Until then, these tips can save you money and frustration!
