DisputeKit / Illinois
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in Illinois
The Illinois Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601/10) requires a business that makes an automatic renewal or continuous service offer online to let a consumer who accepted online cancel exclusively online, for example through a cancellation link or a pre-formatted termination email.
What the law says
The same Act requires a cost-effective, timely and easy-to-use cancellation mechanism, such as a toll-free telephone number, email address or postal address, and, for contracts of 12 months or more, a written notice 30 to 60 days before the cancellation deadline.
Cancel in writing
A written cancellation notice sent by email and certified mail creates a dated record that you cancelled. Ask for written confirmation and a refund of any charge made after your cancellation date.
If charges continue, dispute them with your card issuer and file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division complaint.
Steps
- Note the date you first tried to cancel
- Send a written cancellation notice
- Demand a refund of later charges
- Dispute charges with your card issuer if they continue
Common questions
What if they say I can only cancel by phone?
The Illinois Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601/10) requires a business that makes an automatic renewal or continuous service offer online to let a consumer who accepted online cancel exclusively online, for example through a cancellation link or a pre-formatted termination email. A written notice also protects you if a phone cancellation is never processed.
Can I get charges after cancelling refunded?
You can demand them in writing and dispute them with your card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.