Cancel Times: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel your Times subscription and stop unwanted charges

Why you might want to cancel Times

Times is a premium news service delivering digital access to articles, newsletters, and a digital replica of the newspaper, with optional print delivery for weekend or weekday editions. You can choose digital-only access, digital plus weekend print, or full print plus digital bundles on monthly or annual billing cycles.

The service automatically renews at the end of each billing period unless you cancel beforehand. If you signed up during a promotional trial or discounted introductory offer, you'll be charged the full price once that promotion ends. This silent transition from discounted to full-price billing surprises many Australian subscribers.

Common reasons australians cancel Times

You're likely cancelling because the subscription costs more than you're willing to pay, you've accumulated multiple news subscriptions and want to cut back, you forgot to cancel a free trial before it converted to paid access, or you've been hit with unexpected charges when a promotional period ended. Research shows forgotten trial cancellations and surprise full-price renewals drive most subscription cancellations across digital services in Australia.

When to cancel to avoid extra charges

Timing matters. You must cancel before your renewal date to avoid being charged for another billing period. Check your bank or credit card statement now to confirm your exact renewal date and current billing cycle. This single step prevents the frustration of discovering unwanted charges after you believed you'd stopped the service. If you cancel after charges have already appeared, you'll need to request a refund separately, which takes longer and creates unnecessary friction.

Your consumer rights under australian law

Australian Consumer Law protects you when you cancel subscriptions, even though digital services have narrower protections than physical goods. Understanding your legal position strengthens your hand if Times refuses to cooperate or disputes your cancellation.

What australian consumer law says about subscriptions

The Australian Consumer Law, administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), sets out your baseline rights. You're entitled to goods and services that are of acceptable quality, safe, and fit for purpose. For subscription services like Times, this means the digital content and newspaper delivery must work as advertised and meet the standard you were promised at signup.

Cooling-off rights (the statutory 14-day return period) apply narrowly to digital subscriptions. Once you've accessed the service, cooling-off protections often don't apply, which is why Times' terms typically state that digital access charges are non-refundable after activation. However, if you were misled about what the subscription includes, or if Times fails to deliver the service you paid for, you have grounds to dispute the charge and demand a refund through your bank or credit card provider.

Automatic renewal and billing transparency under law

Australian Consumer Law requires that automatic renewal terms be transparent and that you give informed consent before recurring charges begin. Times must disclose the renewal terms, the price you'll be charged, and the cancellation process clearly before you activate your subscription. If Times failed to display these terms clearly, or if you were charged without proper notification of the renewal amount, you have a legal complaint. The ACCC enforces these rules, and you can lodge a complaint if Times breaches them.

Your legal position is this: Times cannot charge you for a renewal period without your explicit, informed consent to the automatic renewal terms. If you cancel before your renewal date, you should not be charged again.

Times subscription plans and pricing

Times offers multiple subscription tiers in Australian dollars, each with flexible billing options. Your exact price depends on any active promotional offer, your signup timing, and your chosen payment method.

Promotional pricing is common, so your first month or year may be significantly cheaper than the renewal price. Always check your confirmation email for the renewal price and date, as this determines when you must cancel to avoid being charged again.

How to cancel Times step by step

Cancelling Times requires you to contact the service directly, as there's no self-service cancellation portal available online. Follow these steps to ensure your cancellation is recorded and processed before your next renewal.

Step 1: locate your account details and renewal date

Before contacting Times, gather the following information from your subscription confirmation email or bank statement:

• Your full name as it appears on the account
• Your email address associated with the subscription
• Your subscription reference or order number
• Your current billing cycle and renewal date
• Your payment method (credit card or bank account)

This information speeds up the cancellation process and prevents delays caused by Times needing to look up your account.

Step 2: contact Times by post with a formal cancellation request

Times does not operate an online cancellation system, so you must send a signed, written cancellation request by post. Follow this process:

1. Write a clear letter on plain paper that includes:
   • Your full name (as it appears on the account)
   • Your email address
   • Your subscription reference or account number
   • A clear statement: "I request to cancel my Times subscription effective immediately" (or specify a date if you prefer)
   • Your current address
   • A request for written confirmation of cancellation
2. Sign the letter by hand (Times requires a signature for security)
3. Send your letter by registered post to the Times cancellation address (see the address section at the end of this guide)
4. Keep a copy of your letter and the registered post receipt as proof of your cancellation request
5. Allow 5 to 10 business days for your cancellation to be processed after Times receives your letter

Sending by registered post creates a paper trail and gives you proof of delivery if Times claims they never received your cancellation.

Step 3: confirm your cancellation in writing

Times will typically send you a confirmation email or letter within 10 business days of receiving your cancellation request. Check this confirmation against your renewal date to ensure your subscription stops before the next charge occurs. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact Times again and reference your registered post tracking number.

Step 4: monitor your bank account for the final charge

Even after cancellation, check your bank or credit card statement on and after your renewal date to confirm no further charges appear. If Times charges you after your cancellation date, you have the right to dispute that charge with your bank (called a chargeback) or request a refund directly from Times, citing your cancellation letter as proof.

Requesting a refund after cancellation

If Times has already charged you for a renewal period after you cancelled, or if you cancel during a billing cycle and believe you're entitled to a partial refund, you have options.

Refund eligibility under consumer law

Australian Consumer Law does not automatically entitle you to a refund for digital subscriptions you've already accessed, even if you cancel mid-cycle. However, you may be entitled to a refund if:

• Times charged you after your cancellation date (breach of your cancellation request)
• Times failed to disclose renewal terms or pricing clearly before charging you (breach of transparency obligations)
• Times failed to deliver the service as advertised (breach of acceptable quality)
• You were charged without informed consent to automatic renewal (breach of ACCC rules on automatic renewal)

If any of these apply, you have grounds to request a refund from Times and escalate to the ACCC or your bank if Times refuses.

How to request a refund from Times

Contact Times by post (using the same address as cancellation) and include:

1. Your full name, account number, and email address
2. The amount you were charged and the date of the charge
3. A clear explanation of why you believe you're entitled to a refund (e.g., "I cancelled on [date] but was charged on [renewal date]")
4. A copy of your cancellation letter and Times' cancellation confirmation (if you have it)
5. A request for refund within 14 days
6. Your preferred refund method (back to your original card or bank account)

Send this by registered post and keep your receipt. Allow 10 to 15 business days for Times to respond.

If Times refuses your refund request

If Times denies your refund or doesn't respond within 15 business days, you have two escalation paths:

• Dispute with your bank: Contact your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback. Provide them with your cancellation letter and any communication from Times as evidence. Your bank will investigate and may refund you if they agree you have a valid claim.
• Complain to the ACCC: Lodge a complaint at www.accc.gov.au if you believe Times breached Australian Consumer Law (e.g., failed to disclose renewal terms, charged without consent, or misrepresented the service). The ACCC can investigate and take action against Times on your behalf.

Tocancel resources and guides can help you understand your rights further, but the ACCC is your formal escalation point if Times refuses to cooperate.

Common mistakes when cancelling Times

Cancelling a subscription feels frustrating, especially when the process isn't straightforward. Many Australians make mistakes that delay their cancellation or leave them vulnerable to unwanted charges. Learn from these common errors so you don't repeat them.

Mistake 1: cancelling verbally without written confirmation

If you call Times and request cancellation over the phone, you may not receive a clear confirmation of your request. Times staff may agree to cancel, but without a written record, you have no proof if the cancellation doesn't process or if you're charged again. Always request written confirmation by email or post, or send a formal cancellation letter yourself.

Mistake 2: cancelling too close to your renewal date

If you cancel after your renewal date has passed, Times may have already charged you for the next period. Check your renewal date immediately and cancel at least 3 to 5 business days before that date to ensure your request is processed in time. If you've already been charged after cancelling, request a refund using the process outlined above.

Mistake 3: not keeping proof of your cancellation request

Without a copy of your cancellation letter, registered post receipt, or Times' confirmation email, you have no evidence if a dispute arises. Keep all cancellation-related documents for at least 12 months after your subscription ends. This proof is essential if you need to dispute a charge with your bank or lodge a complaint with the ACCC.

Mistake 4: assuming cancellation is complete without checking your bank statement

Many subscribers believe they've cancelled successfully but don't verify by checking their bank or credit card statement on the renewal date. A charge appearing after you thought you'd cancelled is a red flag that your cancellation request wasn't processed. Tocancel advises checking your statement within one week of your expected renewal date to catch any unauthorized charges early.

After you cancel Times

Once your cancellation is confirmed, your subscription will end and you'll lose access to Times' digital content and print delivery. Here's what happens next.

When does your access end?

Your access to Times typically ends on your renewal date (the date you would have been charged next) or immediately, depending on Times' cancellation policy. Your confirmation letter will specify the end date. If you cancel mid-cycle, you may retain access until the end of your current billing period, even though you won't be charged again.

Getting your final confirmation

Times should send you a cancellation confirmation email or letter within 10 business days. This confirmation will state your subscription end date and confirm that no further charges will be made. Keep this confirmation with your cancellation letter for your records. If you don't receive confirmation within two weeks, follow up by post with a reference to your registered post tracking number.

If you change your mind

If you decide to resubscribe to Times after cancelling, you can do so at any time by visiting their website or contacting them directly. Be aware that you may not receive the same promotional rate you had before, so check the current pricing before committing to a new subscription.

Avoiding unwanted charges from subscriptions

Once you've cancelled Times, protect yourself from similar surprises with other subscriptions by following these practices.

Create a subscription calendar

List all your active subscriptions, their renewal dates, and their monthly costs. Set a phone reminder one week before each renewal date to decide whether to keep or cancel that service. This simple habit prevents forgotten trials from converting to paid subscriptions.

Monitor your bank and credit card statements monthly

Review your statements every month and look for recurring charges you don't recognise. Report any unauthorized charges to your bank within 30 days and request a chargeback. The faster you act, the easier your bank can investigate and refund you.

Use tocancel to track and manage your cancellations

Tocancel (tocancel.com) offers guides and step-by-step cancellation advice for hundreds of Australian services, from streaming platforms to news subscriptions. If you're unsure how to cancel any service, Tocancel has a resource to help. Tocancel is designed to make cancellation straightforward and give you back control over your subscriptions.

Comparison of Times subscription plans

Before you cancel, consider whether downgrading to a cheaper plan might suit you better than cancelling completely.

If you're cancelling solely because of cost, contact Times to ask about downgrading to digital-only access before you cancel completely. This may retain your access to news content at a lower price.

Times subscription cancellation address

Send your signed cancellation request by registered post to the following address. Include your full name, email, subscription reference, and a clear cancellation statement.

Times Subscriptions
Customer Services
Times House
1 London Bridge Street
London SE1 9GF
United Kingdom

Note: Times' subscription operations are UK-based, so your cancellation request will be processed from this address even though you're an Australian subscriber. Use registered post to ensure your letter is tracked and delivered. Allow 5 to 10 business days after delivery for your cancellation to be processed, plus postal transit time (typically 10 to 15 business days to the UK from Australia).

Final steps to take today

You now have the knowledge and legal backing to cancel Times confidently. Your first action is to check your bank or credit card statement for your renewal date, then write and send your cancellation letter by registered post before that date arrives. Keep copies of everything: your cancellation letter, the registered post receipt, and any confirmation from Times.

If Times charges you after your cancellation, dispute the charge with your bank or request a refund using the ACCC's enforcement of Australian Consumer Law as your legal foundation. You have clear rights under law, and Times cannot legally charge you for a service you've cancelled.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, understand their consumer rights, and recover refunds. If you need further guidance on cancelling Times or any other Australian service, visit Tocancel (tocancel.com) to find detailed, step-by-step cancellation guides tailored to your situation. Taking action today stops unwanted charges and gives you back control over your subscriptions.