Updated February 2026 · 7 min read
SiriusXM is the single hardest subscription to cancel in America. They don't let you cancel online (despite years of FTC complaints), the phone call takes 30-45 minutes, and you'll face 4-6 increasingly desperate retention offers. They've been sued for it — twice. Here's how to get through it in under 10 minutes.
⚠️ Difficulty: Very Hard
SiriusXM uses 4 dark patterns: no reliable online cancellation, phone-only with extreme hold times, 4-6 aggressive retention attempts, and a history of continuing charges after cancellation.
Most people spend 30-45 minutes because they engage with the retention offers. Here's how to cut it to 10:
🎯 The Broken Record Technique
The #1 mistake is giving the agent something to work with. "It's too expensive" → they offer a discount. "I don't use it" → they suggest different channels. "I switched to Spotify" → they compare features. Say nothing except "please process my cancellation." They literally cannot keep you if you don't engage.
Here's exactly what the agent will try, in order:
Round 1: "Can I ask why you're canceling?" → Fishing for objections to overcome
Round 2: "I can offer you 3 months at $4.99/month" → Lowball teaser rate
Round 3: "What if I gave you 6 months at $5/month?" → Extended discount
Round 4: "Let me see if my supervisor has any special offers" → Fake escalation (same agent, new script)
Round 5: "I can offer you our streaming-only plan for $60/year" → Plan downgrade
Round 6: "Are you sure? Once I process this, you'll lose all your presets and favorites" → Loss aversion / confirm-shaming
If you actually like SiriusXM but hate the price ($17-23/month), here's the move: call to cancel every year. The retention department will offer you $4.99-$6.99/month — rates that aren't available online. Thousands of people do this annually. It's absurd that this is the only way to get a fair price, but it works. Set a calendar reminder for when your promo rate expires.
After FTC pressure, SiriusXM added online chat cancellation. However, user reports are mixed:
SiriusXM has faced two class-action lawsuits for continuing to charge customers after cancellation. Protect yourself:
⚡ Nuclear Option
If SiriusXM won't stop charging you: (1) Dispute with your bank, (2) File an FTC complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov, (3) File a complaint with your state Attorney General. SiriusXM paid $150M in a 2023 settlement over cancellation practices. Regulators are watching.
Most people use SiriusXM for the car. Your phone + Bluetooth does the same thing for free with any of these apps.
Most new cars include a 3-month SiriusXM trial. It automatically converts to a paid subscription. If you don't want it, call to cancel before the trial ends or you'll be charged $17-23/month.
No. The satellite radio in your car deactivates within 24-48 hours of cancellation. Your car's built-in AM/FM radio still works. Use Bluetooth + your phone for streaming.
Yes. Call 1-866-635-2349 before the trial ends. If you don't cancel, it auto-converts to a paid plan. Set a reminder for 2 days before your trial expires.
💸 SiriusXM is just the tip of the iceberg
Upload your bank statement and we'll find every subscription you're paying for — including ones you forgot about.
Find All My Subscriptions — $5Average user finds $273/year in hidden subscriptions
Direct cancel link + step-by-step instructions
Want to find ALL your subscriptions at once?
Upload a bank statement and we'll detect every recurring charge in 30 seconds. Most people find 3-5 subscriptions they forgot about.
Scan My Statement — FreeNo account · No bank login · 960+ people have used JustCancel