Your rights
How to stop recurring card payments (continuous payment authority)
Many subscriptions take money through a recurring card payment, also called a continuous payment authority (CPA). You can stop it through your card issuer.
What the FCA says
- You can ask the business to stop, or ask your card issuer to cancel the payment.
- Once asked, your card issuer must stop the payments, even if you have not contacted the business.
- Ask by the end of the business day before the next payment is due, otherwise you can still be charged.
- Further payments taken after you cancel are unauthorised, and your card issuer must refund them and any related charges immediately.
Stopping payment is not cancelling
The FCA says cancelling a recurring card payment does not necessarily end your contract, and you remain responsible for money you owe under it. Citizens Advice says the same. Cancel the subscription with the company too, using the steps on our cancel pages.
If the bank will not help
Citizens Advice says to use your card provider's complaints procedure, then the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.
Quick answers
Do I have to contact the company first?
No. The FCA says your card issuer cannot insist that you contact the business before stopping the payment, though you should let the business know where possible.
Does stopping the payment cancel my subscription?
Not necessarily. The FCA says it does not necessarily end your contract.