How to cancel unused subscriptions and save

Trying to cut back on costs? You’re not the only one. Lots of us are looking for ways to stretch our money further, especially with everything going up in price.

Budgeting apps that promise to help you save by spotting unused subscriptions can seem like a smart move. But many of them charge you a monthly fee to do it. And when you’re already watching the pennies, that extra cost can feel like a step in the wrong direction.

The good news? You don’t need to pay to save. With a few simple steps, you can cancel those forgotten subscriptions yourself - for free - and keep more money in your pocket.

The hidden cost of forgotten subscriptions

Many of us are still paying for things we don’t use anymore. According to a recent study, the average UK adult wastes around £170 a year on unused subscriptions.

That’s money that could go towards your food shop, energy bills or debt repayments - or help build a bit of breathing space in your budget.

Some common subscriptions that catch people out:

• Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or NOW TV
• Free trials that quietly turn into paid plans
• Apps and in-game purchases
• Gym memberships you meant to cancel
• Magazine or wellness subscriptions you’ve stopped using

Budgeting apps - helpful, but often not free

There are lots of apps offering to help cancel your subscriptions. But what many people don’t realise is that some of these services:

• Charge a monthly fee
• Take a cut of your savings
• Or offer limited features unless you upgrade

You could end up spending £5–£10 a month, just to be told you’re spending too much.

That money could be saved instead. And the best part? You can spot and cancel your unused subscriptions yourself in just a few minutes.

Do it yourself and save for free

Here’s how to check what you’re paying for and cancel what you don’t need, without spending a penny.

Step 1: Check your bank statements

Go through the last 3 months of your statements and look for:

• Payments that repeat monthly or yearly
• Names you don’t recognise
• Charges for things like “GoCardless”, “Apple”, “Spotify”, “Fitbit”, “PlayStation”

Highlight anything that doesn’t look familiar or that you know you no longer use.

Step 2: Use your banking app

Lots of banks now help you spot regular outgoings. Look for a section called:

• “Subscriptions”
• “Regular payments”
• “Recurring outgoings”

This can show you exactly what’s coming out and when, without needing to sign up for a new app.

Step 3: Cancel what you no longer need

Found something you’re not using? Here's how to cancel:

Via an app store:

• Apple: Go to Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions
• Android: Open the Play Store > Tap your profile > Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions

Via a website:

Log into the service (like Netflix, Amazon, or a gym site), head to Account or Billing, and click “cancel”.

If you’re not sure how, search “[company name] cancel subscription” for help.

Step 4: Still being charged? Speak to your bank

If you can’t cancel with the company or it isn’t proving easy, ask your bank to stop the payment.

You have the right to cancel:

• Direct Debits
• Recurring card payments (also known as continuous payment authority or CPA)

You can usually do this through your banking app, by calling your bank, or via online chat.

Step 5: Regularly review your budget 

Taking time each month to check your budget can help you spot unwanted subscriptions and other unnecessary spending. Keep a note of all your outgoings or use a free tool like our budget planner to help you keep track of where your money is going. It can highlight regular payments you might not even realise you're making, helping you cut back and stay in control.

Step 6: Can you get a refund for unwanted or unused subscriptions?

Refunds aren’t always guaranteed, but they’re sometimes possible, so it’s worth asking. Some companies offer a grace period or may refund you as a goodwill gesture, especially if you haven’t used the service.

You might be able to get your money back if:

• The payment was taken without your permission
• The amount charged wasn’t clearly explained
• You’re still within a cooling-off or grace period

If the company won’t help and you think the charge was unfair, speak to your bank. You may be able to dispute the payment and ask for a chargeback.

We’re here if you need extra support

Taking control of your money starts with small steps. And cancelling unused subscriptions is a great place to begin. It’s quick, simple, and completely free to do.

But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your finances or not sure where to start, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. We offer expert budgeting, debt and income maximisation support to help you get back on track.