How to Cancel Ahrefs: Complete Guide

What is Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a subscription-based suite of search engine optimisation tools that offers site explorer, keyword research, rank tracking, site audit and API access for data exports. The service is credit-based for certain plans and offers optional add-ons for additional credits, reporting and AI features. Furthermore, Ahrefs publishes tiered plans (Lite, Standard, Advanced, Enterprise) with differing project limits, historical data retention and user/credit allowances, and it distinguishes pay-as-you-go credits from included monthly allowances.

The official documentation states that plan changes, downgrades and cancellations become effective at the end of the current billing period and that the account will revert to a free level with limited access after a paid subscription ends. The provider also records that refunds are generally not issued, although requests for non-use may be considered at the company’s discretion.

Notes: monthly figures are approximations converted from GBP on the provider pricing page and marked as “approx”; annual figures reflect the provider’s “two months free” annual billing model (pay for 10 months). Conversion used an early Jan 2026 GBP-AUD rate and is indicative only.

Customer experience with cancellation

What users report

Public reviews and forum threads show a mix of experiences: some subscribers report straightforward end-of-cycle terminations, while others report difficulty securing refunds or confusion about the credit system and automatic charges for pay-as-you-go consumption. Trustpilot entries and community posts repeatedly mention frustration with the credit accounting model and with refund denials for accounts with recorded activity.

Specific user feedback often emphasises three practical points: (1) the credit-based usage model can deplete balances faster than expected; (2) refunds are not routinely granted and are handled case-by-case; (3) billing disputes sometimes require persistence and careful documentation. Several reviewers describe partial refunds issued under exceptional circumstances, but many describe refund requests being declined.

Recurring issues and practical takeaways

Recurring themes in public feedback include lack of transparency about credit consumption and surprise charges for additional credits or users. Consequently, monitoring usage counters and export credits is essential while subscribed.

Users also report that cancelled subscriptions remain active through the paid period and that access downgrades to a free limited tier after the paid term ends; this is consistent with the provider’s documentation. Therefore, expect continued access to your paid features until the billing cycle terminates.

How cancellations typically work for Ahrefs subscriptions

Legal framework: Ahrefs treats subscriptions as recurring services that terminate at the end of the paid period; cancellation stops renewal but does not generally shorten the paid term. This contractual approach is explicitly stated in the terms and in the help articles.

Notice and timing: cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period and access to plan features continues until then. There is no general entitlement to prorated refunds for unused time unless a specific exception applies under the provider’s discretion or applicable consumer law.

Proration and credits: Ahrefs uses pay-as-you-go credits for certain features and charges for additional user activity beyond included limits; these charges can be automatic and span multiple billing cycles for purchased PAYG credits. Verify how pay-as-you-go credits are consumed and their expiry rules if you rely on prorations.

Refunds and non-use: the provider’s policy states that refunds are not generally issued and that refund requests for non-use are evaluated on a discretionary basis. Where usage logs or account activity show material use, refund requests are frequently declined according to public reports.

Account deletion and outstanding obligations: deletion of an account is subject to settlement of outstanding payments; contractual obligations for past due sums are retained until paid. Keep invoices and billing history to establish your payment position.

Documentation checklist

• Invoice and billing ID: keep the invoice number and invoice date for the last payment.
• Payment method record: bank/credit-card statement entry showing the charge amount and date.
• Subscription start and renewal dates: record the date you were first charged and any renewal dates.
• Usage logs: screenshots or export showing credit consumption and tool activity around the time of any disputed charge.
• Terms of service snapshot: save the version of the Terms of Service and help articles that applied when you subscribed.
• Request log: maintain a dated log of any contact attempts and responses, including subject lines and brief summaries.
• Refund or dispute references: note any internal case or ticket numbers if provided.

Table of plan feature limits

Data source: official plan comparison and help articles; feature caps and limits can change over time so preserve the version that applied to your subscription.

Short note on consumer rights relevant to Ahrefs

Under the Australian Consumer Law, digital services are subject to consumer guarantees including that services be supplied with due care and skill and be fit for purpose; where a service has a major failure you may be entitled to a remedy such as a refund for the unused portion. Nevertheless, contractual “no refunds” language does not negate statutory rights. Apply these principles when assessing a denial of refund from a subscription provider.

Disputes, chargebacks and escalation

Billing disputes should be documented and escalated through formal dispute channels available to your payment instrument; payment providers typically have time limits and evidentiary requirements, so act promptly and preserve all supporting documents. Recent rule changes have shortened some chargeback windows and require timely merchant responses, making early action important.

If statutory consumer guarantees appear breached (for example persistent inaccuracy of core features or unavailability of promised services), the consumer protection regulator’s guidance can assist in framing a complaint and understanding likely remedies. Keep your presentation factual and supported by the documentation checklist above.

What to do after cancelling Ahrefs

Export or archive any account data, project reports and historical exports you will need once the paid access ends, because your access level will change after the billing period expires and some data or export allowances may no longer be available.

Monitor your bank or card statements for the renewal date and for any post-termination charges; if you identify an unauthorised or disputed charge, gather the documentation checklist items and raise a formal dispute with your payment provider within their prescribed timeframe.

Consider legal options when a refund is refused despite clear evidence of a major failure or misleading conduct; remedies can include lodging a complaint with the regulator, using a small claims jurisdiction or seeking tailored legal advice. Keep all communications factual, dated and organised to preserve evidentiary value.

Address

• Address: Ahrefs Pte Ltd 16 Raffles Quay #33-03 Hong Leong Building Singapore 048581