How to cancel auto renewal on a credit card?

1socrates1

I just purchased a 3 year membership on chess24, a chess playing site (because the World championships are being held in London, and have been following).

Anyway it is $143 for 3 years but it says in the fine print that my membership will be renewed on Nov 27 2021 unless you cancel it before that date. I was searching the HSBC internet banking dashboard for a way to cancel the renewal of this contract but did not see any. I paid with my credit card. Is there a simple way to make sure I am not automatically charged in the future?

Any advice

Thanks

Vortigern

When you take out any membership or subscription whether magazines, gyms or chess clubs, you should cancel your contract with the same organisation - in your case contact chess24. Either do it now, or set a reminder for a suitable date.

Cancelling the payment method does not cancel your contract, as many have found out to their cost.

1socrates1

Thanks for the information. I have written them an email.

jimbo26

You have a LEGAL RIGHT to have payments cancelled. Even if companies refuse, banks MUST cancel them for you.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/recurring-payments/

kwame41

I had a similar issue with Xbox live subs. In the end I contacted my bank and they blocked future payments for me.

MallyGirl

No one is saying that OP has been refused the right to cancel - OP was just asking the easy way to do it.

It is important to cancel with the company providing the service, not just cancel the continuous/recurring payment authority with the bank. We see it all the time - usually gym membership, where people cancel the DD and then wonder why they are being chased for a debt when they haven't cancelled the contract with the gym.

D_M_E

See what they say in reply to your email.

Also, if you had to open an account to take out the subscription, there may be a box which allows autorenewal if ticked.
If there is, then simply untick the box to stop it and membership will expire at the end of the period for which you paid.

Don't forget to also tell your bank you have contacted the company to cancel autorenew and that they should also cancel it from their end but this is best done a month or so before renewal.

PRAISETHESUN

Although you are supposed to have the right to cancel, you'd probably not be surprised how difficult it can be to do so sometimes. You've done the right thing by sending Chess an email - I'd also contact your bank to ensure that the future payment is not taken. For HSBC, sending them a secure message through your online banking will probably be the easiest way forward - and there will also be a record that you asked for it if the payment does go through down the line and you need to contest it