The Unsubscribe Act 2026: Congress Wants to Make Canceling Easy Again

Updated February 2026 · 6 min read

TL;DR: The FTC tried to make canceling subscriptions easier. A court killed the rule. Now Congress is trying again with the Unsubscribe Act — but it could take years. Here's what you need to know and what you can do right now.

The Timeline: How We Got Here

October 2024: FTC Finalizes Click-to-Cancel

The Federal Trade Commission announced a rule requiring companies to make canceling as easy as signing up. If you subscribed with one click, you should cancel with one click. Simple.

July 2025: Appeals Court Strikes It Down

A federal appeals court blocked the rule just days before it was set to take effect. The court ruled the FTC had overstepped its regulatory authority. Companies breathed a collective sigh of relief. Consumers were stuck exactly where they started.

January 2026: Congress Steps In

In response, Congress introduced multiple bills — the most prominent being the Unsubscribe Act, with companion versions in both the House and Senate. CNBC reported that the bipartisan push reflects growing frustration from constituents who can't cancel gym memberships, streaming services, and software subscriptions without jumping through absurd hoops.

What the Unsubscribe Act Would Do

• Same-medium cancellation: If you signed up online, you cancel online. No forced phone calls.
• No retention mazes: Companies can't force you through multiple "are you sure?" screens or transfer you between departments.
• Clear disclosure: Subscription terms, renewal dates, and cancellation methods must be clearly stated before you sign up.
• Enforcement teeth: Unlike the FTC rule, this would be a federal law — harder to strike down in court.

Why Companies Fight So Hard Against This

Because retention through confusion works. The numbers are staggering:

• Americans spend an average of $924/year on subscriptions
• The average person has 12 active subscriptions — and has forgotten about 2-3 of them
• Companies like gyms and cable providers have built entire business models around cancellation friction
• Dark patterns — confusing UI designed to prevent cancellation — are a multi-billion dollar retention strategy

Every month someone forgets to cancel or gives up trying, that's recurring revenue for the company. Some of the hardest subscriptions to cancel require phone calls during business hours, certified mail, or even in-person visits.

The Reality: This Won't Help You Today

Even if the Unsubscribe Act passes — and that's a big "if" given how slow Congress moves — you're looking at:

• Months of committee hearings and amendments
• A floor vote in both chambers
• A 6-12 month compliance window for companies
• Potential legal challenges from industry groups

Realistically, you won't see any change until 2027 at the earliest. And even then, enforcement will be inconsistent.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don't need to wait for Congress. Here's what works today:

1. Find Every Subscription You're Paying For

Most people don't even know what they're subscribed to. Upload your bank statement to JustCancel — it scans for recurring charges and shows you exactly what you're paying, with direct links to cancel each one. It costs $5 and typically saves users over $200/year.

2. Use the Right Cancellation Method

Every company has a specific cancellation process. We've documented 440+ services with step-by-step instructions, difficulty ratings, and direct cancel links. Email templates are ready to copy and paste.

3. Know Your Rights

Even without the Unsubscribe Act, you have options:

• Credit card chargebacks: If a company won't let you cancel, dispute the charge with your bank
• State consumer protection: Many states have their own cancellation laws — California and New York are particularly strong
• FTC complaints: While the federal rule is dead, the FTC still investigates companies with especially deceptive practices
• Social media pressure: Companies respond fastest when cancellation complaints go viral on Twitter/X

4. Do a Quarterly Subscription Audit

Set a calendar reminder every 3 months to review your subscriptions. Use our subscription calculator to see how much you're really spending. The average person who does an audit saves $50-100/month.

The Bottom Line

The Unsubscribe Act is a step in the right direction, but legislation moves slowly and companies will lobby hard against it. The smartest move is to take control of your subscriptions now rather than waiting for Congress to fix the problem.

FAQ

What is the Unsubscribe Act?

The Unsubscribe Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress in January 2026. It would require companies to let consumers cancel subscriptions using the same method they used to sign up — if you subscribed online, you must be able to cancel online.

What happened to the FTC's click-to-cancel rule?

The FTC finalized its click-to-cancel rule in October 2024, but a federal appeals court struck it down in July 2025 before it took effect. The court ruled the FTC exceeded its authority, which is why Congress is now trying to pass it as a law instead.

When will the Unsubscribe Act take effect?

As of February 2026, the bill is still being debated. Even if passed quickly, companies would have a compliance window. Realistically, consumers won't see changes until 2027 at the earliest.

How can I cancel hard-to-cancel subscriptions right now?

Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to find all active subscriptions and get direct cancel links. Browse our 440+ cancel guides for step-by-step instructions for specific services.