Ending your Times Online membership made easy

About Times Online

Times Online represents the digital subscription service of The Times and The Sunday Times, two of Britain's most established and respected newspapers. Published by News UK, a subsidiary of News Corp, these publications have been delivering quality journalism to British readers since 1785. The digital platform provides subscribers with unlimited access to award-winning reporting, in-depth analysis, and exclusive commentary across politics, business, culture, sport, and lifestyle.

The Times has built its reputation on investigative journalism and authoritative coverage of national and international affairs. When you subscribe to Times Online, you're accessing content from hundreds of experienced journalists, columnists, and critics. The digital service includes everything from breaking news and political analysis to restaurant reviews and travel guides. Most importantly, subscribers get access to premium features like the full newspaper archive, interactive puzzles, and exclusive newsletters from leading columnists.

The paywall system means that most content requires an active subscription to read beyond the first few paragraphs. This model has become standard among quality newspapers seeking to maintain journalistic standards whilst adapting to the digital age. However, many subscribers eventually find that their reading habits change, their budget priorities shift, or they simply don't use the subscription enough to justify the ongoing cost. Understanding how to properly cancel your subscription is essential to avoid unwanted charges.

Plans, features and pricing

Times Online offers several subscription tiers designed to suit different reading preferences and budgets. The pricing structure has evolved considerably over recent years as the publisher adapts to changing market conditions and reader demands. Each plan provides different levels of access and additional benefits beyond basic article reading.

Current subscription options

The digital subscription includes access to both The Times and The Sunday Times websites and mobile applications. Subscribers can read articles on unlimited devices, though simultaneous logins may be restricted. The apps offer offline reading capabilities, allowing you to download articles for reading without an internet connection during commutes or travel.

Additional features worth noting

Beyond basic article access, Times Online subscriptions include several premium features. The Times Puzzles section offers daily crosswords, sudoku, and other brain teasers that have developed cult followings among subscribers. The newspaper archive provides access to historical articles dating back decades, which proves invaluable for researchers and those interested in how stories developed over time. Additionally, subscribers receive exclusive newsletters from prominent columnists and access to Times Radio content.

Promotional offers frequently appear for new subscribers, sometimes reducing the first few months to just £1 or £2. However, these introductory rates automatically convert to full price after the promotional period ends. This transition catches many subscribers off guard, particularly when the price jumps from £2 monthly to £26 monthly without prominent warning. Keep in mind that promotional subscriptions still require proper cancellation procedures if you decide not to continue at the full rate.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding the contractual obligations of your Times Online subscription is crucial before attempting cancellation. The terms of service contain specific provisions about notice periods, refund eligibility, and the proper procedures for terminating your subscription. Failing to follow these requirements correctly can result in additional unwanted charges or disputes about final payments.

Legal requirements in the UK

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, UK consumers have specific rights when purchasing digital subscriptions. You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. However, this right may be waived if you've actively accessed the digital content during this period. Most importantly, the regulations require companies to provide clear information about cancellation procedures and to process cancellations without undue delay.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 also provides protections regarding subscription renewals and automatic payments. Companies must clearly communicate when subscriptions will renew and at what price. If Times Online fails to provide adequate notice of price increases or renewal dates, you may have grounds to dispute charges. Additionally, continuous payment authority rules mean you can instruct your bank to stop payments, though this should be a last resort after following proper cancellation procedures.

Notice periods and final billing

Times Online typically requires notice before your next billing date to avoid charges for an additional period. The exact notice period depends on your subscription type and payment frequency. Monthly subscribers generally need to cancel before their monthly renewal date, whilst annual subscribers should provide notice well in advance of their yearly renewal. The terms specify that cancellations take effect at the end of your current paid period, meaning you maintain access until then.

Refunds for unused portions of subscriptions are generally not provided except during the initial cooling-off period. If you've paid annually and cancel halfway through, you won't receive a refund for the remaining six months. This policy makes timing your cancellation important if you want to extract maximum value from your payment. Keep in mind that some promotional subscriptions may have minimum term commitments that could affect your cancellation rights.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

Whilst Times Online offers various cancellation methods, sending cancellation requests by post using Recorded Delivery provides the strongest evidence of your cancellation attempt. Phone cancellations leave you dependent on the representative correctly processing your request and their internal systems recording it accurately. Online cancellation portals can experience technical issues, and screenshots of confirmation pages don't always prove that the backend system processed your request.

Postal cancellation creates an undeniable paper trail with independent verification from Royal Mail. The tracking number proves when you sent the letter and when Times Online received it. If any dispute arises about whether you cancelled or when you provided notice, you have concrete proof that stands up legally. Additionally, the formal nature of a posted letter often receives more serious attention within customer service departments than digital requests that can be more easily overlooked or delayed.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Cancelling your Times Online subscription by post requires attention to detail and proper documentation. Following these steps carefully ensures your cancellation is processed correctly and you have proof of your request. Most importantly, using Recorded Delivery provides tracking and confirmation of delivery that protects you if any issues arise.

Step one: prepare your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary identification information. Start by including your full name exactly as it appears on your subscription account. Include your complete postal address and the email address associated with your Times Online account. Additionally, include your subscription number or customer reference number if you have it available from billing emails or account statements.

State clearly and unambiguously that you are cancelling your subscription. Specify the subscription type you're cancelling, such as "Digital Subscription to The Times and The Sunday Times". Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the date when your subscription will end. Include the date you're writing the letter and your signature if sending a physical letter. Keep in mind that whilst you don't need to provide reasons for cancelling, doing so can help the company improve their service.

Step two: address your letter correctly

Addressing your cancellation letter to the correct department at the proper address is absolutely critical. An incorrectly addressed letter may be delayed or misdirected, potentially causing your cancellation to miss important deadlines. Here is the correct postal address for Times Online subscription cancellations:

• Times Newspapers Limited
• Customer Services
• 1 London Bridge Street
• London
• SE1 9GF
• United Kingdom

Write the address clearly and legibly on your envelope. Double-check each line against the address above to ensure accuracy. If you're sending from outside the UK, ensure you include "United Kingdom" as the final line. Additionally, include your return address on the envelope so that any responses can reach you.

Step three: send via Recorded Delivery

Never send your cancellation letter by ordinary post. Standard mail provides no proof of sending or delivery, leaving you vulnerable if Times Online claims they never received your cancellation. Recorded Delivery costs a few pounds but provides essential protection worth many times that small investment. You'll receive a reference number that allows you to track your letter's progress and confirms when it was delivered.

Visit your local Post Office to send your letter via Recorded Delivery. The counter staff will weigh your letter, apply the appropriate postage, and provide you with a receipt containing your tracking reference number. Keep this receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. You can track your letter's progress online using the Royal Mail tracking service. Most importantly, the signature obtained upon delivery proves that Times Online received your cancellation request on a specific date.

Step four: document everything thoroughly

Comprehensive documentation protects you if disputes arise about your cancellation. Make photocopies or take clear photographs of your cancellation letter before posting it. Save your Recorded Delivery receipt and tracking number in multiple places, such as photographing it and storing the image in cloud storage. Check the Royal Mail tracking system regularly and take screenshots showing the delivery confirmation once your letter arrives.

Keep all subsequent correspondence from Times Online regarding your cancellation. Save confirmation emails, letters, or any other communications about your subscription ending. Monitor your bank statements after the expected cancellation date to ensure no further payments are taken. If you notice any charges after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank immediately and provide them with your cancellation documentation.

Using Postclic for streamlined postal cancellation

Services like Postclic simplify the postal cancellation process whilst maintaining all the legal protections of traditional Recorded Delivery. Rather than writing letters by hand, visiting the Post Office, and managing physical receipts, Postclic allows you to create and send tracked letters entirely online. You simply enter your cancellation details through their platform, and they professionally format, print, and post your letter with tracking included.

The digital nature of Postclic means you automatically receive electronic proof of sending and delivery notifications. All documentation is stored in your account, eliminating concerns about lost receipts or faded thermal paper from Post Office printers. Additionally, the professional formatting ensures your letter appears official and includes all necessary elements. Whilst not essential, such services save considerable time and effort whilst providing the same legal standing as personally posting a Recorded Delivery letter.

Tips from former members

Having processed thousands of Times Online cancellations, certain patterns and pitfalls emerge repeatedly. Learning from others' experiences helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures your cancellation proceeds smoothly. These insights come from subscribers who've successfully navigated the cancellation process and those who encountered problems along the way.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you evaluate whether cancellation is right for you or if alternative solutions might better address your concerns. Many subscribers find they simply don't read the newspaper frequently enough to justify the cost. When you calculate the per-article cost based on actual usage, it often becomes apparent that you're paying for access you rarely utilise. The monthly fee might seem reasonable in isolation, but over a year it represents a significant expense that could go toward other priorities.

Price increases drive many cancellations, particularly when promotional rates expire and jump to full price. Subscribers who signed up at £2 monthly often feel shocked when suddenly charged £26 monthly without prominent warning. Additionally, some readers find the editorial perspective or coverage priorities no longer align with their interests. Others cancel because they've found alternative news sources, whether free websites, different newspapers, or news aggregation services that better suit their needs.

Timing your cancellation strategically

The timing of your cancellation significantly impacts the value you extract from your subscription payment. If you've paid annually, cancelling immediately after renewal means forfeiting eleven months of paid access since refunds aren't typically provided. Instead, set a reminder for one month before your annual renewal date to allow time for postal cancellation processing. This approach ensures you use the full year you've paid for whilst avoiding automatic renewal.

Monthly subscribers should cancel at least one week before their next billing date to ensure the letter arrives and is processed before the next payment is taken. Keep in mind that postal delivery and internal processing both require time. Sending your cancellation letter on the day before your billing date almost guarantees you'll be charged for another month. Additionally, consider whether any upcoming major news events might make you want to retain access for a bit longer before cancelling.

What to do if problems arise

Despite following proper procedures, occasionally cancellations don't process correctly or disputes arise about timing or charges. If you're charged after your cancellation should have taken effect, immediately contact Times Online customer services with your Recorded Delivery tracking number and delivery confirmation. Remain calm but firm, clearly stating that you cancelled by post and have proof of delivery on a specific date.

If customer services don't resolve the issue satisfactorily, escalate to their complaints procedure. Times Online should have a formal complaints process outlined in their terms of service or on their website. Document all communications during this process, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with. Additionally, you can contact your bank to dispute the charge, providing them with your cancellation documentation. In extreme cases, you may report the issue to the Independent Press Standards Organisation or seek advice from Citizens Advice.

Alternatives to complete cancellation

Before cancelling entirely, consider whether other options might address your concerns whilst retaining some access. Times Online sometimes offers reduced-rate subscriptions to retain customers who are cancelling due to cost. You might receive offers for significantly discounted rates if you contact customer services about cancellation. However, these retention offers typically require phone contact rather than postal cancellation, so weigh whether the discount justifies the less documented cancellation method.

Switching from monthly to annual billing reduces the per-month cost substantially. If you're cancelling purely due to the monthly price but do read the newspaper regularly, annual payment might provide better value. Alternatively, downgrading from a print-and-digital package to digital-only reduces costs whilst maintaining online access. Some households share subscriptions among family members to split the cost, though this should comply with the terms of service regarding account sharing.

After cancellation: managing your data

Once your subscription ends, consider what happens to your account data and whether you want it retained or deleted. Your Times Online account may remain active even after subscription cancellation, allowing you to access limited free articles or resubscribe easily. However, this means Times Online retains your personal information and payment details. If you prefer complete removal from their systems, send a separate data deletion request citing your rights under UK GDPR.

Remove any saved payment methods from your account before cancellation takes effect. Whilst cancellation should stop charges, removing payment details provides additional security against accidental or erroneous charges. Additionally, unsubscribe from marketing emails if you no longer want promotional offers or newsletters. Keep in mind that you should retain your cancellation documentation for at least twelve months in case any billing disputes arise later.

Finally, monitor your bank statements for several months after cancellation to ensure no unexpected charges appear. Occasionally, technical errors or administrative mistakes result in charges after cancellation. Catching these quickly and having your documentation readily available ensures swift resolution. Most importantly, cancelling a subscription shouldn't be stressful when you follow proper procedures, maintain documentation, and use reliable methods like Recorded Delivery to protect your interests.