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How to Cancel Substack Subscription

You can cancel individual paid newsletter subscriptions instantly through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect immediately, but no refund is issued for the current billing period.

Easy
News & Media

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Quick Facts

Cancel online?
Yes
Pause option?
No
Refund policy
No refunds issued for partial periods. Some writers may refund at their discretion if contacted.
After cancellation
Your account and free subscriptions remain active after cancelling paid newsletters. Reading history is preserved indefinitely.

Cancellation Steps

Go directly to Substack Subscription cancellation page
  1. Sign in to Substack

    Go to substack.com and sign in with your email and password.

  2. Go to subscriptions

    Click your profile avatar and select 'Account', or go to substack.com/account/subscriptions.

  3. Find the paid newsletter

    Locate the paid subscription you want to cancel, marked with a price like £10/month.

  4. Cancel and confirm

    Click the menu icon next to the subscription, select 'Cancel subscription', and confirm. You'll get a confirmation email.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Cancel a few days before renewal to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle.
  • Contact the writer directly about discounts or pause options before cancelling.
  • Use the web version at substack.com/account/subscriptions for easiest cancellation.

Your Consumer Rights

  • UK: Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you 14 days to cancel for a refund unless the service was already provided.
  • US: FTC Negative Option Rule requires clear cancellation mechanisms and prohibits charging without explicit consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel Substack subscriptions anytime?
Yes. Cancel any paid subscription instantly with no contracts or fees. You won't be charged for the next billing period.
Will I get a refund if I cancel?
No. Substack doesn't refund partial periods, but individual writers may offer refunds if you contact them.
Do free newsletters continue after cancelling paid ones?
Yes. Free subscriptions are separate and continue automatically when you cancel a paid subscription.
Can I rejoin after cancelling?
Yes. You can rejoin any newsletter anytime. Your reading history may remain accessible depending on the writer's settings.
How quickly does cancellation take effect?
Immediately. Your subscription is removed upon confirmation, and you'll receive a confirmation email within minutes.