Can you actually cancel it?
Hard-to-cancel subscriptions and automatic renewals are on the ACCC's list of terms that may be unfair, and unfair terms are now illegal rather than merely void.
Illegal
since 9 November 2023 for a business to propose, use or rely on an unfair contract term, with penalties attached
What this is
Since 9 November 2023 it has been illegal, not merely void, for a business to propose, use or rely on an unfair contract term in a standard form contract, and penalties attach. The ACCC has named harmful cancellation terms, automatic renewals and non-cancellation clauses as an enforcement priority. The practical version is simpler: the subscriptions costing you the most are usually the ones you forgot you had.
Does it apply to you?
- Anyone who has never audited their recurring payments
- Anyone auto-renewed into another term without a fair chance to opt out
- Anyone facing an early termination fee that looks disproportionate
How to do it
- List every recurring payment on three months of statements. Most people find one they forgot.
- Cancel what you do not use, and screenshot the confirmation.
- If cancelling is deliberately difficult, or you were auto-renewed without a fair chance to opt out, say so in writing and cite the unfair contract terms law.
- Report it to the ACCC. Cancellation terms and subscription traps are a stated enforcement priority.
Where people lose the money
Cancelling by deleting the app.
That stops nothing. Cancel through the account, and screenshot the confirmation.
Cancelling the payment method instead of the subscription.
The debt can continue accruing and end up in collections. Cancel the contract, then the payment.
Accepting that a term is binding because it is in the contract.
An unfair term in a standard form contract is unlawful. Being written down does not make it enforceable.
Questions
What makes a term unfair?
Broadly, it causes a significant imbalance, is not reasonably necessary to protect the business, and would cause detriment if relied on. Automatic renewal and harmful cancellation terms are common examples the ACCC has named.
Can I get a refund for months I did not use?
Sometimes, particularly where cancellation was made unreasonably difficult or you were renewed without a fair opportunity to opt out. Raise it in writing first.
Where do I report it?
To the ACCC. It does not resolve individual disputes, but reports are what drive its enforcement priorities, and your state consumer agency can help with your own case.
Where these numbers come from
- ACCC, “ACCC welcomes new penalties and expansion of the unfair contract terms laws” · read 2026-09-22
Last gone over 2026-09-22. Figures change; the link above is always the current one.