Volgograd explained how to return money for unused subscription
The issue of a refund for a subscription that was not used worries many users. In Rospotrebnadzor explained: the consumer has the right to refuse the contract for the provision of services, but there are no guarantees of a full refund of the amount.
The service can withhold the costs that it actually incurred in the performance of the contract, and if access has already been opened for the paid period, the service can be considered rendered. Much depends on the terms of the contract, the type of subscription and the specific circumstances.
Start with a written statement to the service. You need to specify your name and contacts, the name of the service and account data, the date and amount of the write-off, as well as the requirement to cancel the subscription and return money for the unused period, indicating a convenient method of return. If the subscription was made through the app store or payment platform, you may need to apply there.
In order for the service to have no chance to declare that there was no application, send it in a way that records both the content and the fact of receipt: through the feedback form with the address number, by e-mail or by registered letter with an inventory of the attachment and a notice of delivery. Confirmation of payment, cancellation of subscription and all correspondence should be retained.
The amount of refund is determined simply: you can keep only the actually incurred costs associated with the execution of the contract, so you should request their calculation and supporting documents. If the service was not provided and the costs of the service were not, you can claim the full amount. However, the fact of the access granted can be taken into account when considering the claim, even if you did not use it.
Another problem is subscriptions that continue to charge money. In this case, you need to disable autorenewal in the settings of the service or platform and save the cancellation confirmation. From March 1, 2026, the services are not entitled to use the stored payment data for periodic write-offs after the consumer refuses. If the money is still written off, demand a refund by attaching supporting documents.
When the service ignores the appeals or does not explain why it withheld the amount, the next step is a written claim demanding to return the money and provide a settlement. If this does not work, you can contact Rospotrebnadzor or its territorial authority, as well as protect your interests through the court.
