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Cancel Subscription Email Templates — Copy & Paste

Updated February 2026 · 5 min read

Need to cancel a subscription but the company makes it impossible to find the cancel button? Email them. It's legally valid, creates a paper trail, and works for almost every service.

Below are 5 ready-to-send templates — just fill in the blanks. Or use our free AI cancellation email generator to create a custom email in seconds.

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Template 1: Simple & Direct

Works for: Most subscriptions (streaming, software, apps)

Subject: Cancel My Subscription — [Your Name] Hi, I'd like to cancel my subscription to [SERVICE NAME] effective immediately. Account email: [YOUR EMAIL] Name on account: [YOUR NAME] Please confirm cancellation in writing and ensure no further charges are made to my payment method. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

Template 2: Firm (For Companies That Push Back)

Works for: Gyms, cable companies, services that try to retain you

Subject: Cancellation Request — Immediate Processing Required To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally cancel my [SERVICE NAME] subscription/membership effective immediately. This is not a request to pause, downgrade, or modify my plan. I want full cancellation. Account holder: [YOUR NAME] Account email: [YOUR EMAIL] Per the FTC's click-to-cancel rule, I expect this to be processed without requiring a phone call or additional steps. Please confirm cancellation and that no further charges will be applied. If I am charged after this email, I will dispute the charge with my bank and file a complaint with the FTC. Regards, [YOUR NAME]

Template 3: Requesting a Refund

Works for: When you were recently charged and want your money back

Subject: Cancel Subscription + Refund Request Hi, I'd like to cancel my [SERVICE NAME] subscription and request a refund for the most recent charge of $[AMOUNT] on [DATE]. I [forgot to cancel before renewal / did not authorize this charge / have not used the service since renewal]. Account email: [YOUR EMAIL] Name: [YOUR NAME] Please process the cancellation immediately and refund the charge to my original payment method. I'd appreciate written confirmation of both. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

Template 4: Free Trial Cancellation

Works for: Preventing charges when a free trial is about to end

Subject: Cancel Free Trial Before Billing Hi, I signed up for a free trial of [SERVICE NAME] and would like to cancel before it converts to a paid subscription. Account email: [YOUR EMAIL] Name: [YOUR NAME] Please confirm that my trial has been cancelled and that my payment method will not be charged. Thanks, [YOUR NAME]

Template 5: Cancelling for a Deceased Person

Works for: Cancelling a family member's subscriptions after they pass

Subject: Account Cancellation — Deceased Account Holder Hello, I am writing to cancel the [SERVICE NAME] subscription belonging to [DECEASED'S NAME], who passed away on [DATE]. I am [their spouse/child/executor of the estate] and am requesting immediate cancellation and a refund of any charges after the date of passing. Account email: [ACCOUNT EMAIL] Account holder: [DECEASED'S NAME] I can provide a death certificate if required. Please reply with confirmation. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR RELATIONSHIP]

Tips for Sending Cancellation Emails

1. Find the Right Email Address

Check the company's website for a support or billing email. Common patterns:

Can't find it? Check our cancel guides for 440+ services — we include contact emails and methods for each one.

2. Use Your Account Email

Send from the email address associated with your account. This helps them verify your identity faster and avoids back-and-forth.

3. Keep It Short

Don't explain why you're leaving. Don't apologize. Don't negotiate. A longer email just gives them more hooks for a retention pitch.

4. Ask for Written Confirmation

Always request confirmation in writing. If they charge you later, this email is your evidence for a chargeback.

5. Set a Deadline

If you don't hear back in 3 business days, follow up. If they still don't respond, you can dispute future charges with your bank — your cancellation email is proof of intent.

What If They Won't Cancel by Email?

Some companies claim you must call to cancel. Under the FTC's click-to-cancel rule, if you signed up online, they must let you cancel online. Your email serves as legal notice either way.

If a company ignores your email and charges you anyway:

  1. File a chargeback with your bank (your email is evidence)
  2. Report them to the FTC
  3. File a complaint with your state attorney general

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FAQ

Can I cancel a subscription by email?

Yes. Most subscriptions can be cancelled by emailing the company's support address. Under the FTC's click-to-cancel rule, companies must provide an easy cancellation method. An email creates a paper trail and is legally sufficient in most cases.

What should I include in a cancellation email?

Your full name, account email, the subscription name, a clear cancellation request, and a request for written confirmation. Keep it brief — don't give reasons or negotiate.

Do I need to give a reason to cancel?

No. You're never required to explain why. "I would like to cancel my subscription effective immediately" is all you need.

What if they don't respond?

Follow up after 3 business days. If they still ignore you, dispute future charges with your bank and file an FTC complaint. Your cancellation email is proof of intent.

Related

Last updated: February 2026

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