Cancel New Internationalist: The Right Way

How to cancel your New Internationalist subscription in canada and get a refund

Why you might cancel New Internationalist and what you need to know

New Internationalist is a global magazine and digital publisher dedicated to reporting on social justice, human rights, and international development. You access their content through print subscriptions, digital platforms, and in-app purchases via Apple's App Store. Many Canadian subscribers choose this publication to stay informed on world issues that mainstream media often overlooks.

Life circumstances change. Your reading habits shift. A publication that once matched your needs may no longer serve you. If you've decided to cancel your New Internationalist subscription, you're not alone, and Tocancel is here to walk you through the exact steps you need to take with confidence.

Common reasons to cancel

You might cancel if you're not reading the issues regularly, if you prefer free news sources, or if you need to cut subscription costs. You might also cancel after switching devices or deciding you prefer a different news format. Whatever your reason, your subscription should work for you, not against you.

Why this guide matters for canadian subscribers

New Internationalist offers multiple subscription entry points: the website, Apple App Store, and postal mail options. Each has different cancellation rules, refund eligibility, and timelines. This guide unpacks every method so you can cancel on your terms without losing money or facing unexpected charges.

Your consumer rights in canada under subscription law

Canadian consumer protection law gives you specific rights when you subscribe to services. Before you cancel, understanding what the law requires of New Internationalist and what you can demand if the company resists is essential.

Key protections under the competition act

The Canadian Competition Act requires that businesses clearly disclose subscription terms before you buy. New Internationalist must inform you of the cost, renewal frequency, cancellation method, and refund policy upfront. If they buried these details or made cancellation unreasonably difficult, that's potentially unfair under federal law.

Your legal position: You have the right to cancel at any time, and New Internationalist must honour that request within a reasonable timeframe. If New Internationalist refuses to process your cancellation or withholds a refund you're entitled to, you can escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority or Canada's Competition Bureau.

Tocancel recommends documenting every cancellation attempt (screenshots, emails, dates, times) so you have proof if you need to file a formal complaint later. Keep records of your subscription terms, billing confirmations, and any communication with customer service.

Refund rights and the unused portion rule

Under most provincial consumer protection statutes, you're entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your subscription if you cancel before the renewal date. New Internationalist's own policy supports this for website cancellations. For Apple in-app subscriptions, Apple's refund policy governs; however, you still have the right to request a refund for the current period if you act within 14 days of the charge.

This means if you paid for a full year and cancel after three months, you should receive a refund for the remaining nine months of unused service. The exact refund amount depends on how you subscribed and when you cancel relative to your renewal date.

New Internationalist subscription plans and pricing in canada

Here's what you're currently paying and what each plan includes, so you know the value you're getting and what refund you can expect.

How to cancel your New Internationalist subscription by platform

Your cancellation method depends on where you subscribed. Follow the steps for your specific platform to ensure your request is processed and documented.

Cancelling an app store subscription on iPhone or iPad

If you subscribed through Apple's App Store, you cancel directly through your device settings, not through New Internationalist. This is your fastest option.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen (Apple ID profile).
3. Select "Subscriptions."
4. Find and tap "New Internationalist" in the active subscriptions list.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
6. Choose your reason for cancelling from the dropdown menu.
7. Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Confirm" when prompted.
8. You will see a message confirming your subscription ends on your next renewal date. Screenshot this confirmation.

Your access continues until your current billing period ends. After that date, you will no longer be charged, and the app will no longer grant access to premium content.

Cancelling a website subscription directly with New Internationalist

If you subscribed directly through the New Internationalist website, you cancel through your subscriber account.

1. Visit the New Internationalist website and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Subscription Management" (usually in the top menu or user profile section).
3. Look for an option labelled "Manage Subscription," "Billing," or "Cancel Subscription."
4. Click the option to cancel and follow the prompts on screen.
5. You may be asked to confirm your cancellation or select a reason. Proceed through these screens.
6. You will receive an email confirmation of your cancellation request. Save this email as proof.
7. Log back into your account within 24 hours to verify the cancellation status shows "cancelled" or "expires on [date]."

Document the cancellation confirmation email and take a screenshot of your account settings showing the cancelled status. This evidence is crucial if a refund dispute arises later.

Cancelling a postal print subscription by registered mail

If you subscribed to the print edition by mail or phone, New Internationalist requires you to cancel via registered mail sent to their Oxford address. This is the slowest method but is legally binding.

1. Write a letter stating your full name, subscription address, and the date you want your subscription to end. Keep a copy for your records.
2. Include your subscriber number or account number if you have it (found on your print invoice or most recent issue).
3. Address the letter to:
   • New Internationalist Subscriptions
   • 55 Rectory Road
   • Oxford OX4 1BW
   • United Kingdom
4. Send your letter via registered mail (Canada Post "Signature on Delivery" or equivalent) so you receive proof of delivery.
5. Keep the receipt and tracking number from Canada Post.
6. Wait 10 business days after the letter is delivered before following up if you haven't received a confirmation.

Tocancel strongly advises sending this letter at least 14 days before your next billing date to ensure it arrives in time. Postal delays are common, so early action is essential.

Timeline: when your cancellation takes effect

Understanding when your access ends and when refunds are processed helps you plan your next news subscription or budget adjustment.

App store cancellations

Your subscription ends on the next renewal date shown during cancellation. You retain full access until that date. If you cancel on January 15 and your renewal date is March 1, your access continues until March 1. After March 1, you will not be charged again, and premium features lock.

Website cancellations

Most website cancellations take effect immediately or at the end of your current billing cycle, depending on New Internationalist's policy. Check the confirmation email for the exact end date. If it says "immediate," your access may end the same day. If it says "at renewal," you keep access until your next billing date.

Postal mail cancellations

Allow 2 to 4 weeks for registered mail to reach Oxford and for New Internationalist to process your request. You will not be refunded for issues shipped after your cancellation letter arrives. Send your letter as early as possible-ideally one month before your next renewal.

Refund eligibility and how to claim your refund

You have a legal right to a refund for unused subscription time in most cases. Here's how to claim it and what to expect.

App store refunds

Apple processes refunds for App Store subscriptions if you request them within 14 days of the charge. After 14 days, Apple rarely issues refunds. To request a refund:

1. Open the Settings app and go to "Subscriptions."
2. Tap "New Internationalist" and select "Report a Problem."
3. Describe why you want a refund (e.g., "Subscription not as described" or "Accidental charge").
4. Submit the report. Apple will email you within 48 hours.
5. Alternatively, visit Apple Support online, select your issue, and request a refund through their web form.

If Apple denies your refund and you believe you're entitled to one under Canadian consumer law, document the denial and contact your provincial consumer protection authority.

Website subscription refunds

When you cancel a website subscription, contact New Internationalist's customer service and explicitly request a refund for the unused portion. Include your subscription dates, cancellation date, and the amount you paid.

1. Find the "Contact Us" page on the New Internationalist website.
2. Email or use the contact form with the subject line: "Refund Request for Cancelled Subscription."
3. Include your subscriber account number and the cancellation confirmation email.
4. Specify the unused period and the refund amount you expect.
5. Request a response within 10 business days.
6. If you don't hear back, resend the request or escalate to Tocancel for further guidance.

If New Internationalist refuses a refund you're legally entitled to, you can file a complaint with the Competition Bureau or your provincial consumer authority. Tocancel recommends keeping all correspondence for this purpose.

Postal subscription refunds

When you cancel by registered mail, your cancellation letter should also request a refund for unused issues. Clearly state the dates of your refund period and the amount you expect. New Internationalist will typically refund you within 4 to 8 weeks via cheque or the original payment method.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancelling should be straightforward, but small errors can delay refunds or allow unwanted charges to continue. Take your time and follow these precautions.

Mistake 1: cancelling the app instead of the subscription

Deleting the New Internationalist app from your phone does NOT cancel your subscription. You will still be charged. You must cancel the subscription through your device settings or the website, then delete the app if you wish. Many subscribers mistakenly delete the app and wonder why they're still being billed.

Mistake 2: missing the 14-day refund window for app store charges

Apple's 14-day refund period is strict. If you miss it, claiming a refund becomes much harder. Cancel as soon as you know you don't want the subscription, even if you plan to continue using it until your renewal date.

Mistake 3: not saving cancellation confirmations

Screenshots and emails are your proof of cancellation. Without them, you have no evidence if New Internationalist claims you never cancelled and charges you again. Always screenshot your confirmation page and save the confirmation email.

Mistake 4: forgetting to verify the cancellation in your account

After cancelling, log back into your account 24 hours later to confirm the cancellation took effect. If your subscription status still shows "active," contact customer service immediately. Tocancel recommends this verification step as a safeguard against billing errors.

Mistake 5: failing to allow enough time for postal cancellations

Sending a cancellation letter 3 days before your renewal is risky. Canada Post delays and processing time mean the letter may arrive too late. Send your letter at least 30 days before your renewal date to guarantee processing.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling is only half the battle. Knowing what comes next-and what might go wrong-helps you stay on top of your finances and catch billing errors quickly.

Access and content availability

Your access to New Internationalist content ends on your final billing date. After that, you can no longer read new issues or access the archive (depending on your plan). Some publishers allow grace periods where you can download or save articles, but don't count on this. If there's an article you want to keep, save it before your access expires.

Ongoing billing checks

Even after cancellation, monitor your credit card or payment method for the next two billing cycles. Occasionally, a cancelled subscription will recharge due to a system error. If you see a charge, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and file a dispute. Then contact New Internationalist to ask why you were re-billed. Tocancel recommends setting a calendar reminder to check your statement 30 days and 60 days after cancellation.

Unsubscribe from marketing emails

New Internationalist may continue to send you promotional emails after cancellation. Look for an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any marketing email and click it. If emails persist, reply to ask them to remove you from their mailing list and keep the response as proof.

If New Internationalist refuses to cancel or refund

Rarely, a company will ignore your cancellation request or deny a refund you're entitled to. Here's how to escalate.

Step 1: document everything and request a written response

Send a follow-up email to New Internationalist with the subject "Cancellation Dispute - Formal Request for Response." Include copies of all prior cancellation requests, confirmations, and dates. Ask them to confirm cancellation in writing within 7 days. Tocancel advises keeping this email formal and unemotional.

Step 2: file a chargeback or dispute with your payment provider

If New Internationalist continues to charge you after cancellation, contact your bank, credit card company, or digital payment platform (Apple, PayPal, etc.). Explain that you cancelled the subscription, provide your cancellation confirmation, and request a chargeback or dispute. This often reverses unwanted charges within 7 to 14 days.

Step 3: complain to the competition bureau or your provincial authority

If New Internationalist refuses to honour your cancellation or deny a refund without explanation, you can file a complaint with Canada's Competition Bureau or your provincial consumer protection office. In Ontario, that's ServiceOntario Consumer Protection. In British Columbia, it's Consumer Protection BC. These agencies investigate unfair business practices and can compel refunds.

Tocancel recommends filing a complaint with the Competition Bureau at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca. You'll need your subscriber account details, cancellation confirmation, and proof of the disputed charges.

Checklist: cancellation and follow-up steps

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step and protected yourself legally.

How to decide: keep or cancel New Internationalist

Before you cancel, consider whether New Internationalist truly no longer fits your reading needs or whether you might want to pause or modify your subscription instead.

Reasons to keep your subscription

If you read at least one issue per month, value independent journalism on global justice issues, and can afford $2.92 per month (at the App Store annual rate), keeping your subscription supports critical reporting that mainstream outlets skip. New Internationalist covers topics from climate justice to human rights that matter if you want a global perspective.

Reasons to cancel

If you haven't opened an issue in three months, prefer free news sources (such as The Guardian's free articles, BBC, or local Canadian news), or are cutting costs due to financial hardship, cancellation is the right move. Tocancel supports you in making this decision and following through on it without penalty.

Middle-ground option: downgrade to a lower plan

If you like the content but want to save money, consider switching from the annual plan ($34.99 or $54.99) to the monthly plan ($4.99 per month). This gives you flexibility and lets you cancel without advance notice if your circumstances change. You can also try the 3-month plan ($11.99 per quarter) as a trial.

Summary: your path to cancellation

Cancelling your New Internationalist subscription in Canada is straightforward if you follow the right steps and use the correct method for your platform. Your consumer rights are protected by Canadian law, and you have the right to cancel at any time and claim a refund for unused service.

If you subscribed via the App Store, cancel through your device settings within 14 days if you want a refund. If you subscribed on the website, log in to your account and cancel there, then request a refund within days of cancellation. If you subscribed by postal mail, send a registered letter to the Oxford address at least 30 days before your renewal date.

Document everything: cancellation confirmations, refund requests, and bank statements. If New Internationalist resists, escalate to the Competition Bureau or your provincial consumer authority. Tocancel has helped thousands of Canadian consumers navigate subscription cancellations with confidence, and your cancellation is no exception. You deserve clarity, fair treatment, and your refund.

Take action today. Follow the steps that match your platform, verify your cancellation within 24 hours, and monitor your statement for the next 60 days. You control your subscriptions, not the other way around.