You can cancel all subscriptions on your debit card online, by phone, using mobile settings, or through a third-party app. Often, we continue paying for subscriptions we no longer need or use, leading to wasted money. Users on a Reddit forum shared experiences of such waste: one paid for Netflix for three years despite only watching one series, another spent significantly on a gym membership but only went thrice in a year, and a third bought a meditation app, used it daily for a month, then forgot about it when life got busy.
Subscriptions can take a sizable chunk out of our budgets each month. Data shows that people spend an average of $32.84 monthly on unused paid subscriptions, which can quickly add up over time. Knowing how to cancel these subscriptions can help you save money and simplify your finances. This article will help you learn how to cancel all subscriptions on your debit card so you can take control of your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.
How Subscriptions Work
Subscriptions are automatic, recurring payments that occur on or around a specific day each month. By automating the billing process, subscriptions make it easier to access various services. Most subscriptions follow a monthly billing cycle but can also be set up on a weekly or yearly schedule. They can also be paid through multiple methods, including recurring card payments and direct debits.
The most common subscription services include:
- Music and video streaming platforms (such as Apple Music, Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube TV, etc.)
- Gym memberships (such as LA Fitness Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness, etc.)
- Insurance (such as Lemonade Insurance, Progressive Auto Insurance, and GEICO Car Insurance)
- Magazines and newspapers (such as the New York Times)
Many subscription services provide free trial periods, usually requiring credit card details to start. Subsequently, some companies automatically debit your card once the trial period concludes, resulting in many consumers unintentionally continuing to pay for services they did not intend to keep.
To see all your subscriptions on your debit card, use Cushion. This app automatically finds and organizes your subscriptions, making it easy to manage and cancel unwanted ones. It can save you hundreds of dollars yearly by preventing unnecessary charges and helping you effortlessly keep track of your recurring expenses.
If you have subscriptions you don’t plan to keep, here are the different ways to cancel all your subscriptions on your debit card:
How to Cancel All Subscriptions on Your Debit Card
To stop all subscription charges on your debit card, you have two options:
1. Cancel each service individually
Review your monthly bank statements and compile a list of all the subscription charges. Then, cancel each one individually by following the company’s specific instructions. You can do this online, by calling the service provider, contacting your bank or card issuer, or through your iPhone settings.
Online
While the company’s specific instructions for canceling may vary, canceling all subscriptions linked to your debit card online typically involves these steps
- Log into your account with the service provider.
- Navigate to the billing settings.
- Cancel the subscription.
Contact the service provider
If online cancellation isn’t an option, you can contact the merchant or company directly. While some may have detailed cancellation procedures, others can handle it swiftly over the phone.
Contact your bank or card issuer
If you’re having difficulty canceling your subscription with the merchant or company, you may need to contact your bank or card issuer. Aim to do this at least three days before the next scheduled charge to avoid another month’s fee.
On your iPhone
You can also easily cancel all your monthly subscriptions directly from your iPhone settings. Follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings
- Tap on your name at the top.
- Click on Subscriptions, which you will find in the first section.
- Select the subscription you want to cancel from the list.
- Tap on the red Cancel Subscription button at the bottom of the page.
- Click on Confirm in the pop-up that appears.
On your Android
If you’re an Android user, here’s how you can cancel all your monthly subscriptions linked to your account:
- Open the Play Store
- Tap on your profile picture or initial at the top right of the screen.
- Click on Payments & subscriptions.
- Select
- Tap the subscription you want to cancel.
- Press the green Cancel subscription. The Play Store might suggest cheaper options and ask for a reason for canceling.
- Follow any prompts to complete the process, then press the Cancel subscription.
Note: Most subscriptions allow you to continue using the service until the end of your billing period, though some may not. Be sure to check the terms to understand what happens upon cancellation.
2. Use a Third-Party App or Service
Another option to cancel all subscriptions on your debit card is to use a third-party app or service. These apps can help find and cancel subscriptions on your behalf. However, these services usually come with a fee.
One such service is Cushion, which makes reviewing, organizing, and canceling unwanted subscriptions much easier. Plus, Cushion offers additional features like bill organization, credit building, and proactive alerts to help you effortlessly manage your finances.
Summary
Taking the time to review and cancel unnecessary subscriptions can lead to substantial savings and a more streamlined financial life. By utilizing tools like Cushion to track and manage subscriptions, you can effectively stay on top of your recurring expenses. Whether it’s through individual cancellations or subscription management applications, being proactive about managing subscriptions can contribute to better financial health.