How to cancel anything

Your rights when canceling, in plain English

• Signed up online? A federal law, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), requires sellers of online subscriptions to show the key terms before taking your billing information, get your express consent before charging you, and give you a simple way to stop recurring charges (15 U.S.C. § 8403).
• The FTC’s “click to cancel” rule is not in effect. The FTC adopted it in 2024, but a federal appeals court vacated it in July 2025 before it took effect. In March 2026 the FTC asked for public comment on a possible new rule. As of October 2026 no replacement rule has been adopted (rulemaking status).
• State automatic renewal laws. Many states have their own rules. For example, California’s law says that if you signed up online, you must be able to cancel online, and it requires reminders before some renewals (California AG). Rules differ by state.
• Gym contracts. Many states also have health club laws. Depending on the state, these can include a short window to cancel after you sign, or a right to cancel if you move far away or become disabled. Check your state consumer protection office (find yours).
• Charged after you canceled? For a credit card, you can dispute a billing error in writing. The FTC says your letter should reach the card issuer within 60 days after the first bill with the error was sent to you (FTC). For automatic debits from a bank account, tell the company you’re revoking authorization, then tell your bank. To stop the next payment, notify your bank at least three business days before it’s scheduled (CFPB).

This is general information, not legal advice. Your contract and your state’s law decide what applies to you.