The subscription model was introduced in the 17th century and used mainly by newspaper and book publishers, but it has reached new heights with the advent of software-as-a-service products. From subscription boxes to gym memberships, many services we use today are subscription-based.

While signing up for subscriptions may be simple, the cancellation is often a different story—the process can be more or less complicated depending on the platform you used to subscribe. 

To learn how to cancel a subscription successfully on any device, refer to this guide. You’ll also find out how to protect yourself against unwarranted and excessive charges from merchants and subscription services.

Note that the content in this guide is valid as of November 2023. It’s best to visit the official website of the subscription service you want to cancel to get the latest information.

How Do Subscriptions Work?

The subscription model is a type of payment method that involves regular monthly or yearly payments in exchange for access to a product or service. 

Usually, when you sign up for a subscription, you’re required to provide your card or bank account information. The merchant charges you on the day you sign up, and the subscription renews automatically each month or year until it expires or you cancel it. Many companies also offer free trials that allow you to try out their services before committing for a full month or year. 

How To Find Subscriptions on Your Device 

Since your subscriptions typically come from various sources, such as the Apple App Store if you’re on iOS or Mac or Google Play if you’re on Android or Windows, you have to look at each platform individually to find specific subscriptions.

If you are having trouble finding subscriptions to cancel, pause, or renew, the directions in the table below should help you do so. You should make sure you’re signed into the right account before you begin:

, Audible, and DashPass.

‍

Another reason why Privacy Cards are the preferred payment method for subscription services is the card settings. You can set a spending limit on your virtual card, and Privacy will decline all exceeding transactions, protecting you from overcharges. If you want to discontinue a subscription, pause or close your Merchant-Locked Card in a few clicks. Privacy will block all charges on said card, allowing you to cancel without worrying about charges sneaking through during or after the process.

Privacy Optimizes Online Purchases

Besides security and control, Privacy offers you convenience when shopping online. Privacy’s browser extension autofills virtual card numbers for you at checkout, which means there’s no need to reach for your wallet or memorize card numbers. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, as well as Safari mobile, bringing fast and seamless checkouts to iOS users.

You can also install Privacy’s Android or iOS mobile app to generate and manage your virtual cards on the go. You’ll receive a push and email notification when your cards are used or declined so you can detect potentially suspicious activity and act on it in a timely manner.

Privacy—Signup Process and Pricing Explained

To start using Privacy, proceed as follows:

1. Create an account
2. Enter the information required to verify your identity
3. Link your bank account or debit card
4. Request Privacy Virtual Cards

‍

By opting for the Personal plan, which is free for domestic purchases, you get 12 virtual cards per month, all the card controls, and access to the browser extension and app. You can choose one of the other pricing plans, Pro ($10/month) or Premium ($25/month), if you need more virtual cards (up to 60 a month) and features such as:

• Fee-free international transactions
• Priority support
• 1% cashback on specific purchases (totaling $4,500 a month)