How to dispute a subscription charge after cancelling

1. Ask the company first

Send a written refund request with your cancellation proof (confirmation email, screenshot, certified mail receipt) and the date of the charge. Many companies refund quickly to avoid a dispute.

2. Credit card: file a billing dispute

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can dispute billing errors on a credit card by notifying your issuer in writing within 60 days after it sent the statement showing the charge. A charge for a service you had already cancelled is a classic dispute. Most issuers let you start the dispute online; keep a copy.

3. Debit card or bank debit

Debit transactions fall under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. Report unauthorized charges to your bank as quickly as possible — your protection is strongest when you report promptly. For bank debits, also stop future ACH payments.

4. Block future charges

Ask your card issuer whether it can block the merchant, or request a new card number. Make sure the subscription is cancelled too, so you don't end up owing money.

5. Escalate if needed

If the company and your bank don't fix it, report the company to the FTC and your state attorney general.