Still Being Charged After Canceling a Subscription? Here's Exactly What to Do

Why Companies Keep Charging After You Cancel

If you're seeing charges after cancellation, you're not alone. A 2024 FTC study found that nearly 1 in 5 consumers reported being charged after attempting to cancel a subscription. Here's why it happens:

• Billing cycle timing — You canceled mid-cycle and were charged for the current period (this is usually legal, but you should still have access until the period ends)
• Cancellation didn't actually go through — The company's system didn't process it, or there was a "save" screen that reversed your cancellation
• Dark patterns — The company made cancellation confusing on purpose, hoping you'd give up or miss a step
• Multiple subscriptions — You canceled one plan but have another active (common with Adobe, Microsoft, Apple)
• Free trial auto-renewed — Your "free" trial converted to a paid subscription and the charge is technically for the new billing period
• Intentional fraud — Some shady companies simply ignore cancellation requests (this is illegal)

5 Steps to Take Right Now

1. Screenshot everything — Your cancellation confirmation, the new charge, your account status page
2. Check your cancellation confirmation — Search your email for "cancel" + the company name. If you don't have one, the cancellation may not have gone through
3. Log into the service — Check if your account still shows as active. Screenshot this too
4. Contact the company — Use the scripts below. Live chat is fastest; phone is most effective
5. Set a 48-hour timer — If they don't refund within 48 hours, escalate to your bank

Step 1: Contact the Company (Copy-Paste Scripts)

Email/Chat Script — Polite First Contact

Phone Script — For Stubborn Companies

Step 2: Dispute With Your Bank or Credit Card

If the company won't refund you within 48 hours, file a dispute. This is your legal right under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

How to File a Dispute

1. Call the number on the back of your card, or use your bank's app/website
2. Select "Dispute a charge" or "Unauthorized transaction"
3. Reason: "Charged after cancellation" or "Services not as described"
4. Upload your evidence: cancellation confirmation, screenshots, emails
5. The bank will issue a provisional credit (usually within 1-3 business days)

Tips for Winning Your Dispute

• File within 60 days of the charge for strongest protection
• Include your cancellation confirmation — this is your strongest evidence
• Show you contacted the company first — include your email/chat transcript
• Be specific — exact dates, amounts, and timeline of events
• Disputes have a high success rate (80%+) when you have cancellation proof

Major Bank Dispute Links

• Chase — Disputes in app → Account activity → Select charge → Dispute
• Bank of America — Online banking → Activity → Dispute Transaction
• Wells Fargo — App → Account → Select charge → Report a Problem
• Citi — App → Activity → Select charge → Dispute
• Capital One — App → Activity → Select charge → Report a problem
• Amex — Online → Statements → Select charge → Inquire About Charge

Step 3: Block Future Charges

After getting your refund, make sure it doesn't happen again:

• Remove your payment method from the service's website before canceling (if possible)
• Use virtual card numbers — Services like Privacy.com let you create single-use cards that auto-decline after cancellation
• Set up charge alerts — Most banks let you get push notifications for any charge over $1
• Check your statements monthly — Upload your statement to JustCancel to instantly find every recurring charge

Your Legal Rights: The FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule

As of 2024, the FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule requires that companies make cancellation as easy as sign-up. Key provisions:

• Companies must provide a simple, online cancellation method
• They cannot charge you after confirmed cancellation
• They must send cancellation confirmation in writing
• Pre-cancellation "save" offers cannot be confusing or manipulative
• Violations can result in FTC enforcement action and fines

How to File an FTC Complaint

If a company charged you after cancellation, report them at reportfraud.ftc.gov. While the FTC can't get you a personal refund, complaints help them take action against repeat offenders.

→ Full guide to the FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule and your rights

Companies That Do This the Most

Based on consumer complaints, these companies are most frequently reported for charging after cancellation:

1. Planet Fitness — Requires in-person or certified mail cancellation. Charges often continue 1-2 months after.
2. Adobe Creative Cloud — Early termination fees even after "canceling." Must complete the full cancellation flow.
3. SiriusXM — Aggressive retention, phone-only cancellation. Known for reactivating accounts.
4. LA Fitness — 30-day notice required. Charges during the notice period.
5. Noom — Auto-renewal at full price after trial. Cancellation flow has multiple "save" screens.
6. Xfinity (Comcast) — Equipment return required, charges until equipment is received.
7. Anytime Fitness — 30-day written notice, often via certified mail.
8. Audible — Desktop-only cancellation with multiple retention screens.

→ See the full Dark Patterns Hall of Shame: 15 worst companies ranked

How to Prevent This From Happening Again

Monthly Subscription Audit

The easiest way to catch unauthorized charges early:

1. Export your bank statement as a CSV or PDF (here's how for every major bank)
2. Upload it to JustCancel — our AI scans every transaction and flags recurring charges
3. Review the results — you'll see every subscription with cancel links
4. Cancel anything you don't need — use our direct cancel links

💡 Most people find 2-3 subscriptions they forgot about, saving an average of $240/year. Try JustCancel for $5 →

Set Calendar Reminders

• When you sign up for a free trial, immediately set a reminder for 2 days before it ends
• After canceling anything, set a reminder to check next month's statement for unexpected charges

Use Virtual Cards for Trials

Services like Privacy.com, Capital One virtual numbers, or Apple Pay with spending limits can auto-decline charges after you cancel. Set a $0 limit after canceling.