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[srblanco7]

New FTC rule that will be coming into effect over the next couple months should benefit consumers by requiring companies to make it easier for consumers to stop paying for services that they no longer want. Requirements include:

- Consumers should be able to cancel recurring subscriptions quickly and easily.
- Companies have to offer the option to cancel in the same way they got you to subscribe. So they can’t require you to speak with a live representative to cancel if you signed up online.
- It doesn’t matter how you signed up. The rule covers online, phone or in-person sign-ups. If you signed up in person, you should be able to cancel online or over the phone.
- If you signed up for a program in person, you should be offered the opportunity to cancel in person. However, companies can’t require an in-person cancellation. You should be offered a way to cancel online or on the phone.
- Companies must be clear about how they will charge you and when a free trial or promotional offer will end. They also must get your express informed consent before charging you.
- You shouldn’t be charged extra for phone cancellation.
- Companies must answer the phone or take a message promptly during regular business hours.

A positive development for all of us as monthly subscriptions have become commonplace.

[kork13]

Good. The whole "subscribe to [everything]" model is out of control, and seriously aggravating to cancel at times.

Give me one wish for what I'd add to the above requirements: an email/text/phone notification (purchase receipt, basically) must be sent each time a subscription service charges you. That would make it so much easier to tell what phantom subscriptions you have going without having to dig through credit card statements & decipher vendor codes in order to realize that an old/unused subscription is still charging you monthly or annual fees.

[bjl584]

This is good news.

I got caught on one of these a while back. A magazine started showing up at my house after I ordered something online. I came to find out that it was auto ordered as part of the item that I actually wanted. If I wanted to opt out I would have had to check a tiny box on page 3 of the fine print.

[Jluke]

Netflix already has this option online if I am remembering correctly.

I remember having to call Sirius to cancel in the past. Hoping they have the online clicks now (or soon) as our one year promo rate ends in a few months.

[myrdale]

One simple solution, regardless of this new legislation, is to set up virtual cards.

There are companies which will provide virtual credit cards, and you can make as many as you need, you could have individual cards assigned to Netflix, Amazon, Temu, gym membership, etc. When you no longer want that service, just close that card.

[disneysteve]

Give me one wish for what I'd add to the above requirements: an email/text/phone notification (purchase receipt, basically) must be sent each time a subscription service charges you.

This! All companies should have to send a notice BEFORE the charge. We get this from our cell phone, our utility bill, our home phone bill, and others, so clearly it can be done.

Just a couple of days ago, I got an email from Spirit that my Savers Club membership would auto-renew in a couple of weeks. I honestly thought I had cancelled that last year but apparently I hadn't. Thanks to the email, I logged in and cancelled it on the website. That way I won't get dinged for another $69.95.

[ua_guy]

I love this. It's a good win for consumers.

[EasyMoney00]

One simple solution, regardless of this new legislation, is to set up virtual cards.

There are companies which will provide virtual credit cards, and you can make as many as you need, you could have individual cards assigned to Netflix, Amazon, Temu, gym membership, etc. When you no longer want that service, just close that card.

Which companies? Discover used to allow you to generate a virtual cc. They put an end to that years ago. I don't believe any other cards I have have this option.

[myrdale]

Which companies? Discover used to allow you to generate a virtual cc. They put an end to that years ago. I don't believe any other cards I have have this option.

I'd heard of Privacy.com I have never used their services. Their basic service is $0 / month for 12 cards. Their premium services vary $5 to $25.

[srblanco7]

Netflix already has this option online if I am remembering correctly.

I remember having to call Sirius to cancel in the past. Hoping they have the online clicks now (or soon) as our one year promo rate ends in a few months.

Sirius was definitely one of the the more "painful" cancels. Kept you on the phone forever and kept throwing alternate offers at you.

[srblanco7]

Good. The whole "subscribe to [everything]" model is out of control, and seriously aggravating to cancel at times.

Give me one wish for what I'd add to the above requirements: an email/text/phone notification (purchase receipt, basically) must be sent each time a subscription service charges you. That would make it so much easier to tell what phantom subscriptions you have going without having to dig through credit card statements & decipher vendor codes in order to realize that an old/unused subscription is still charging you monthly or annual fees.

That'd be a great addition. I do receive notices from some vendors regarding upcoming renewals, so it's certainly feasible.