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Soon, Californians will be able to cancel their subscription in 1 click

Soon, Californians will be able to cancel their subscription in 1 click

You will no longer have to jump through hoops and hoops to cancel any of your subscriptions, as long as you live in California.

Keeping track of subscriptions can be frustrating and expensive. U.S. adults spend an average of $91 a month on subscription services, according to a CNET survey, and nearly half have signed up for a free trial of a paid subscription and then forgotten to cancel it.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 286 this week, which makes it easier for consumers to cancel their paid subscription services. The “click to cancel” bill, as it is called, updates existing laws that determine how California companies handle cancellations, auto-renewals and continued service offerings for subscriptions.

For online subscriptions, companies must offer a simple and straightforward way to cancel online.

“AB 2863 is the most comprehensive ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation in the nation, ensuring that Californians can cancel unwanted subscription auto-renewals as easily as they signed up – with one or two clicks,” Pilar said Schiavo, member of the Assembly. Invoice.

These changes not only allow consumers to better understand what they’re signing up for, but also protect them against unexpected fees, making automatic renewals more user-friendly – ​​with better transparency, simpler cancellation options and more efficient communication. clear on fees and conditions. Here’s what you need to know about California’s new law.

To find out more, here’s how to cancel subscriptions on our iPhone or Android phone.

What is the “Click to Cancel” bill used for in California?

Under the bill, which takes effect July 1, 2025, companies must offer cancellation through the same method you used to sign up. For example, if you registered online, you must also be able to cancel the service online. If there is a toll-free number for cancellation, you should respond to it promptly during business hours and it will not be difficult for you to cancel.

A company is allowed to offer a discount to persuade you to stay, but that shouldn’t stop you from canceling.

The bill also requires companies to obtain your consent for automatic renewals and ongoing services. The Company cannot mislead you about the terms and must send annual reminders about the Subscription Service, including how much you will be charged and how often – unless you cancel in time. They should also show you how to cancel your subscription.

For free trials or promotional offers, the Company must inform you of the fees and renewal terms before confirming billing information.

Finally, the bill specifies that if your subscription fees are changed, the company must clearly notify you at least seven days before the change takes effect.