Dispute a Subscription Charge
Subscription billing disputes arise from unauthorized renewals, failed cancellations, and 'dark pattern' practices. The FTC's Negative Option Rule and FCBA protect consumers from unauthorized recurring charges. Many subscription disputes resolve quickly — especially when cancellation confirmation exists.
Success rate: 72% · Average recovered: $145 · Time limit: 60 days under FCBA; file within 30 days for best results
Winning Arguments
- Cancellation was completed but charges continued
- Free trial converted to paid without adequate notice
- Renewal price increased without prior notification
- The subscription was never authorized in the first place
- Service was materially different from what was advertised
- The company made cancellation unreasonably difficult (FTC Negative Option Rule violation)
Laws That Protect You
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
- FTC Negative Option Rule (2023 update)
- Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA)
- California Automatic Renewal Law (ARL)
How to Dispute — Step by Step
- Gather your cancellation confirmation or evidence you attempted to cancel
- Contact the subscription company directly first via email (creates paper trail)
- If no refund, dispute the charge with your credit card under FCBA
- Cite the FTC Negative Option Rule if cancellation was intentionally difficult
- File an FTC complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File with your state AG if the company operates deceptively
What to Include in Your Dispute Letter
- Your full name, mailing address, and the account or bill number in question
- A clear statement that you are formally disputing the charge, and the specific reason why
- The law or billing right that supports your position (see the laws listed above)
- Copies — never originals — of receipts, statements, or correspondence as evidence
- A reasonable deadline for a written response, typically 30 days
A well-documented, written dispute that cites the right law puts the burden back on the biller to justify the charge. Keep a copy of everything you send, use certified mail when possible, and follow up in writing if you do not receive a timely response. ContestMyBill generates a letter that does all of this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find a cancellation option?This may be an FTC violation. Document your attempts with screenshots. The 2023 Negative Option Rule requires cancellation to be as easy as sign-up.
Can I get a refund for charges I didn't notice for months?Possibly. Contact the company with a goodwill request. For credit card disputes, FCBA limits you to 60 days, but many issuers extend this for recurring billing abuse cases.
What about PayPal or debit subscriptions?You can dispute through PayPal's Resolution Center or your bank's EFTA dispute process. These have narrower protections than credit cards.
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