How to Cancel Private Eye
Cancellation requires contacting Private Eye's subscriptions team directly via email or phone - there is no online self-service option. You'll receive a prorated refund for any unused issues remaining in your subscription period.
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Quick Facts
- Monthly cost
- £3.08/mo
- £37.00/year
- Cancel online?
- No — phone/letter required
- Pause option?
- No
- Refund policy
- Prorated refunds based on unused issues, processed within 5-10 working days of cancellation confirmation.
- After cancellation
- Subscription data retained for customer service purposes only. Back issues remain accessible indefinitely. No marketing use after cancellation.
Cancellation Steps
Go directly to Private Eye cancellation pageGather your subscription number
Find your subscription number from your mailing label, invoice, or confirmation email.
Contact the subscriptions team
Email subs@private-eye.co.uk or call during business hours with your subscription number and full name.
Request your cancellation date
Specify when you want your subscription to end and ask for written confirmation of the effective date.
Confirm refund details
Ask about your prorated refund amount and when it will be processed to your account.
Tips & Things to Know
- Private Eye is available at UK newsagents for £3 per issue if you only want occasional access.
- Cancel at the end of your billing period rather than mid-block to maximise your prorated refund.
- Processing takes 2-3 working days after contact; refunds arrive within 5-10 working days.
Your Consumer Rights
- UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects against unfair contract terms and provides 14-day cooling-off for distance contracts.
- Distance Selling Regulations grant 14-day cancellation rights for online purchases, though may not apply to ongoing subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I cancel Private Eye at any time?
- Yes. There are no penalties for early cancellation, but you must contact the subscriptions team manually via email or phone.
- Will I get a refund?
- Yes. Private Eye offers prorated refunds based on unused issues. Refunds process within 5-10 working days.
- How long does cancellation take?
- Contact takes 5 minutes. Processing takes 2-3 working days, with refunds arriving within 5-10 working days.
- Can I keep my back issues after cancelling?
- Yes. You retain access to all issues received during your subscription indefinitely.
- What's the alternative to cancelling?
- Buy individual issues at UK newsagents for £3 each instead of maintaining a subscription.