Trying to cancel

The Economist

? Avoid the runaround.

You can cancel The Economist subscription renewal at any time to stop future charges. But whether you can end early and get a refund depends on when you started (or last renewed) your subscription.

Here’s what Australian subscribers should know:

• Newer subscriptions are typically non-cancellable mid-term (no early exit):
  If you purchased a new subscription (or renewed/changed your subscription under the newer terms), The Economist’s policy generally treats the subscription as non-cancellable and non-refundable for the current term. Practically, that means:
  
  • You can stop auto-renewal so it doesn’t renew again, but
  • Your current paid term (monthly or annual) will usually continue until it expires.
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• Legacy subscribers may have different rights (in some cases pro-rated refunds):
  If you were an existing subscriber under older terms (before the newer policy took effect for your account), you may be able to:
  
  • Cancel renewal so it ends at the term end, or
  • Request immediate cancellation and a pro-rated refund for unused time (typically handled via phone or live chat).
    This usually changes once you renew into the newer terms.
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• Auto-renew is the default:
  Unless you explicitly turn it off, subscriptions generally renew automatically at the end of each term (monthly or annual). Price changes are typically communicated ahead of renewal, so keep an eye on your email.
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• App Store / Google Play subscriptions:
  If you subscribed through Apple or Google, you must cancel through that platform. The Economist can’t cancel app-store billing for you.
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• Gift subscriptions:
  Gift subscriptions generally can’t be cancelled for a refund after they’ve been redeemed.
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• Australia note:
  Australia typically doesn’t have a guaranteed “cooling-off” refund window like the EU/UK statutory 14 days, so it’s safest to assume there's no refund for unused time unless your specific offer says otherwise.

The Economist cancellation usually means cancelling auto-renewal so you won’t be billed again. Many subscribers report that this is handled through customer service (often via live chat).

Step-by-step (most reliable path)

1. Log in to your Economist account
   Go to your account/subscription area (My Account).
2. Open subscription management
   Look for "Manage subscription" or "Subscription settings."
3. Start cancellation (usually leads to support)
   In many cases, the site will route you to live chat or a support flow rather than a single “instant cancel” button.
4. Tell the agent exactly what you want
   Use direct wording like:
   
   • “Please cancel my subscription renewal so it does not auto-renew.”
   • “Please confirm the cancellation effective at the end of my current billing period.”
     Agents may offer discounts to stay. If you’re set on cancelling, politely decline and repeat the request.
5. Get proof
   
   • Ask for an email confirmation, and/or
   • Save your chat transcript / take screenshots.
     This is your backup if you’re charged again.

Other cancellation methods

• Phone: Call customer service and request cancellation of renewal.
• Online contact form: Submit a written cancellation request (slower, but creates a record).

What happens after cancellation: In most cases, you keep access (digital) or continue receiving print issues until the end of your paid term, then it stops.

The key is cancelling before your renewal is processed.

• Annual subscriptions:
  Cancel any time before the annual renewal date to prevent another year being charged. A smart habit is to set a reminder 2–4 weeks before renewal so you’ve got time to complete the support process.
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• Monthly subscriptions:
  Cancel at least a few days before the next monthly charge date. Because cancellation may require support, leaving a buffer reduces the risk of a last-minute renewal charge.
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• Trials or introductory offers:
  If you’re on an intro deal that rolls into full price, cancel before the promo ends to avoid the full-rate renewal.
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• After you cancel:
  Your subscription typically continues until your current paid term ends. That’s normal under a “cancel renewal” model.

• No cancellation fee:
  The Economist doesn’t usually charge a separate “cancellation fee.”
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• The real cost risk is renewal:
  If you miss the cancellation window, you may be charged for the next term (month or year). Under the newer policy settings, refunds after renewal can be difficult.
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• No mid-term refunds (common under newer terms):
  If your subscription is treated as non-refundable for the current term, you won’t get money back for unused time. You’ll simply keep access until the term ends.
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• Third-party billing:
  If you subscribed via Apple/Google, you’ll follow their billing rules and timelines for cancellation.