Ending your Which Magazine membership made easy

About Which Magazine

Which Magazine is the flagship publication of the Consumers' Association, a UK-based charity dedicated to consumer advocacy and protection. Since its launch in 1957, Which has become one of Britain's most trusted sources for independent product testing, service reviews, and consumer advice. The magazine operates on a subscription-only model with no advertising, ensuring completely impartial reviews and recommendations.

As someone who has processed countless Which Magazine cancellations over the years, I can tell you that subscribers typically join for the comprehensive product testing and money-saving advice. The magazine covers everything from household appliances and technology to financial services and legal rights. Most importantly, Which conducts rigorous laboratory testing on products before making recommendations, which sets it apart from advertising-funded publications.

The organisation has expanded significantly beyond its print roots. Today, Which offers digital access to thousands of product reviews, expert advice articles, and interactive tools through its website. Members also gain access to Which Legal Service for document creation and legal guidance, plus dedicated customer service support for consumer complaints.

Keep in mind that Which operates as a social enterprise, meaning profits are reinvested into consumer research and campaigning rather than distributed to shareholders. This business model underpins their commitment to independence, but it also means their subscription policies are structured differently from typical commercial magazines.

Plans, features and pricing

Which Magazine offers several subscription tiers designed to suit different consumer needs. From my experience helping members navigate these options, understanding what you are actually paying for makes the cancellation decision much clearer.

Subscription options and costs

The standard Which Magazine subscription includes monthly delivery of the print magazine plus full digital access. Additionally, subscribers receive access to the complete online archive of reviews, comparison tools, and buying guides. The pricing structure typically offers better value for longer commitments, which is something to remember when considering cancellation timing.

First, note that prices fluctuate based on promotional offers, so your actual subscription cost may differ. Which frequently runs introductory discounts for new members, but these revert to standard pricing upon renewal. This price jump is actually one of the most common reasons people contact me about cancelling.

What you get with membership

Beyond the monthly magazine, Which membership provides access to an extensive online platform. Members can use comparison tools for everything from broadband providers to washing machines, read thousands of expert reviews, and access Which Money for financial guidance. The legal service included with higher-tier memberships offers document templates and telephone advice on consumer law matters.

Most importantly, members gain access to Which's customer service support team, who can intervene in disputes with retailers or service providers. This advocacy service has genuine value, particularly for complex consumer complaints. However, if you are not actively using these additional benefits, you are essentially paying for features you do not need.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Which Magazine's cancellation terms is absolutely critical before you send any correspondence. I have seen countless members make costly mistakes simply because they did not read the fine print carefully. Let me walk you through what you need to know.

Contractual obligations and notice periods

Which Magazine subscriptions fall under UK consumer contract law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you signed up online or by phone, you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel for a full refund without providing any reason. This is your statutory right, and Which must honour it.

After the cooling-off period expires, the cancellation terms depend entirely on your subscription type. Monthly rolling subscriptions offer the most flexibility, typically requiring 30 days' notice before your next billing date. Annual subscriptions are trickier because you have committed to a fixed term. Keep in mind that cancelling an annual subscription mid-term does not automatically entitle you to a refund for unused months.

Refund policies you need to understand

Here is where many subscribers get frustrated, and I want to prepare you for this reality. Which Magazine's refund policy for annual subscriptions typically offers a pro-rata refund for remaining issues, but only after deducting an administration fee and adjusting for any introductory discount you received. This means if you paid £75 for a year-long subscription that normally costs £105, the refund calculation uses the full £105 price.

Additionally, if you received any joining gifts or incentives, Which may deduct their value from your refund. Digital-only subscriptions sometimes have different refund terms because there is no physical product to account for. Always request a breakdown of how your refund was calculated if the amount seems incorrect.

Legal requirements for cancellation notices

Under UK contract law, cancellation notices must be clear and unambiguous. You need to state explicitly that you wish to terminate your subscription, include your membership number, and provide your full name and address as registered on the account. Vague language like "I am considering cancelling" does not constitute formal notice.

Most importantly, the cancellation is only effective when Which receives your notice, not when you send it. This is precisely why postal cancellation with tracking is so valuable. Without proof of delivery, you cannot demonstrate that you provided adequate notice if a dispute arises about billing.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

After handling thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you unequivocally that postal cancellation via Recorded Delivery or tracked service provides the strongest legal protection. Let me explain why this method consistently outperforms alternatives.

The proof of delivery advantage

Postal cancellation with tracking creates an indisputable paper trail. You receive proof that your cancellation letter was delivered to Which Magazine on a specific date. This documentation becomes invaluable if Which continues billing you or claims they never received your cancellation. I have seen numerous cases where members successfully challenged incorrect charges solely because they had Royal Mail tracking evidence.

Additionally, a formal letter demonstrates clear intent to cancel in writing. Email systems can fail, messages can be filtered to spam, or staff might claim technical issues prevented receipt. A tracked postal letter eliminates these excuses entirely. The signature upon delivery confirms that someone at Which's offices physically received your cancellation.

Legal standing of written correspondence

UK consumer law gives special weight to written correspondence sent by post. Courts and dispute resolution services view postal letters as more formal and deliberate than electronic communication. If you need to escalate a cancellation dispute to the Financial Ombudsman or take legal action, having sent your original cancellation by post significantly strengthens your position.

Keep in mind that many companies, including Which, specify in their terms that written notice should be sent to their registered office. Following this requirement to the letter protects you from any argument that you did not cancel properly. Next, let me show you exactly how to execute this process correctly.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now we get to the practical steps. I am going to walk you through the entire postal cancellation process, including insider tips to avoid the mistakes I see repeatedly.

Gathering your information before you start

First, locate your Which Magazine membership number. This appears on the magazine's address label, on your welcome email, and in your online account. Without this number, Which's customer service team will need extra time to identify your account, potentially delaying your cancellation processing. Additionally, note your current billing date and the date you want your subscription to end.

Check your original subscription confirmation to verify which plan you purchased. Annual subscriptions have different cancellation implications than monthly rolling memberships. If you signed up recently, calculate whether you are still within the 14-day cooling-off period, as this affects your refund entitlement.

Writing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, concise, and complete. Start with your full name and address exactly as they appear on your Which Magazine account. Include your membership number prominently at the top. State explicitly: "I am writing to cancel my Which Magazine subscription effective immediately" or specify your desired end date if you want to complete your current billing period.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation, including the final billing date and any refund amount due. If you are within the cooling-off period, state this clearly and reference the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Provide your preferred refund method, whether that is a credit to your original payment card or a cheque.

Keep in mind that you should date your letter and keep a copy for your records. Sign the letter by hand, as this adds formality and authenticity. Avoid lengthy explanations about why you are cancelling unless you want feedback considered, but remember that justifications are not required for cancellation.

The correct postal address

This is absolutely critical. You must send your cancellation letter to Which's official correspondence address. Sending it anywhere else could delay processing or give Which grounds to claim they never received proper notice. Here is the exact address you need:

• Which Magazine
• Castlemead
• Gascoyne Way
• Hertford
• SG14 1LH
• United Kingdom

Double-check this address before posting. Additionally, verify whether Which has updated their correspondence address by checking recent correspondence you have received from them, as organisations occasionally relocate offices.

Choosing the right postal service

Royal Mail Signed For (previously Recorded Delivery) is your best option for cancellation letters. This service costs approximately £2.50 on top of first-class postage and provides tracking plus signature confirmation. You receive a reference number that lets you track delivery online, and Royal Mail keeps proof of delivery for several years.

Alternatively, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm offers even stronger protection with compensation up to £500 if delivery fails, though this costs around £7.50. For a cancellation letter, Signed For typically provides sufficient protection. Most importantly, never send cancellation letters by standard post without tracking. The few pounds you save are not worth the risk if delivery cannot be proven.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

Services such as Postclic streamline the postal cancellation process significantly. Instead of writing, printing, and posting your letter manually, Postclic allows you to create your cancellation letter digitally. The service then prints, envelopes, and posts your letter via tracked delivery on your behalf.

The key advantage is time-saving and convenience. You can send your cancellation from anywhere with internet access, without visiting a post office. Additionally, Postclic provides digital proof of sending and delivery, which you can store electronically for future reference. The professional formatting ensures your letter looks official and includes all necessary elements.

Keep in mind that using Postclic costs more than posting manually, but many people find the convenience worth the premium, especially if they are cancelling multiple subscriptions simultaneously. The service is particularly valuable for people with mobility issues or those living far from post offices.

Tracking and confirming delivery

Once you have posted your cancellation letter, track it religiously. Royal Mail's tracking system updates when your letter reaches the delivery office and when it is signed for. Save screenshots of the tracking information showing successful delivery. This evidence is crucial if Which later claims non-receipt.

After delivery is confirmed, wait approximately five working days, then contact Which to verify they received your cancellation and ask for written confirmation. If they cannot locate your letter despite tracking showing delivery, reference your Royal Mail tracking number and insist they investigate internally. Most importantly, do not accept verbal confirmation alone. Request email or postal confirmation stating your cancellation date and final billing details.

Following up on your cancellation

Approximately two weeks after sending your cancellation, check your bank or credit card statements to ensure Which has not processed any new charges. If you were due a refund, this should typically arrive within 14 days of cancellation confirmation, though Which's terms may specify up to 30 days.

If you notice any unexpected charges after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank immediately to dispute the transaction. Provide them with your proof of delivery and cancellation confirmation. Additionally, file a formal complaint with Which, referencing your cancellation documentation and requesting immediate cessation of billing plus refund of any incorrect charges.

Tips from former members

Having spoken with hundreds of former Which Magazine subscribers, I have gathered insights that can make your cancellation smoother and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Common reasons people cancel

The most frequent reason subscribers cancel is simply not using the service enough to justify the cost. Many people join Which when making a major purchase, use the reviews for that specific buying decision, then realise they are not regularly reading the magazine or accessing the online content. This is perfectly valid, and you should not feel obligated to maintain a subscription you are not actively using.

Price increases at renewal time trigger numerous cancellations. Which frequently offers introductory rates that jump significantly upon renewal. Former members report feeling frustrated when their subscription cost suddenly increases by 30% or more without clear advance warning. Additionally, some subscribers find that free online reviews from other sources meet their needs adequately, making Which's subscription fee unnecessary.

Changes in financial circumstances naturally lead to subscription cancellations. When people review their monthly expenses, magazine subscriptions are often early candidates for elimination. Keep in mind that cancelling is a normal part of subscription management, not a failure or commitment breach.

What former members wish they had known

Former subscribers consistently report wishing they had understood the refund calculation method before cancelling annual subscriptions mid-term. Many expected a simple pro-rata refund but were surprised by administration fees and adjustments for introductory discounts. Reading the full terms and conditions before subscribing would have set more realistic expectations.

Additionally, several former members mentioned they wished they had downgraded to a digital-only or monthly subscription instead of cancelling entirely. These options provide flexibility and cost savings while maintaining access to Which's resources. If cost is your primary concern, consider whether a cheaper subscription tier might work better than complete cancellation.

Mistakes to avoid during cancellation

The biggest mistake I see is subscribers assuming their cancellation is complete without receiving written confirmation. Never assume silence means acceptance. Always follow up until you have documented proof that Which has processed your cancellation and confirmed your final billing date.

Another common error is cancelling too close to the renewal date. If your annual subscription renews in three days and you post your cancellation letter today, it probably will not arrive in time to prevent renewal. Plan ahead and send cancellation letters at least two weeks before any renewal or billing date you want to avoid.

Most importantly, do not discard your proof of posting and delivery. Keep this documentation for at least 12 months after cancellation. I have seen cases where billing disputes arose six months after cancellation, and having that original delivery proof was the only way subscribers could demonstrate they had cancelled properly.

Alternative options before cancelling

Before committing to cancellation, consider whether pausing your subscription might better suit your needs. Which Magazine sometimes offers subscription pauses or temporary holds, particularly for annual subscribers experiencing financial hardship. Contact them to enquire about options before cancelling permanently.

Additionally, if you are cancelling because you rarely use the service, evaluate whether you might benefit from occasional single-issue purchases instead. While this costs more per issue than subscribing, it may be more economical if you only need Which's advice once or twice yearly for specific purchases.

What happens to your account after cancellation

After cancellation, your digital access typically continues until your paid subscription period ends. If you cancelled a monthly subscription on the 15th but your billing date is the 28th, you should retain access until the 28th. However, verify this with Which when you receive cancellation confirmation, as policies can vary.

Keep in mind that Which may retain your account information for marketing purposes unless you explicitly request data deletion under GDPR. If you do not want to receive promotional emails or postal marketing after cancelling, state this clearly in your cancellation letter or contact their data protection team separately.

Final advice for a smooth cancellation

Approach your cancellation systematically and document everything. Create a simple file folder, whether physical or digital, containing your cancellation letter copy, proof of posting, tracking information, delivery confirmation, and any correspondence from Which. This organisation will prove invaluable if any issues arise.

Be polite but firm in all communications. Customer service representatives process cancellations more efficiently when interactions remain professional. If you encounter resistance or attempts to retain your subscription, simply restate that your decision is final and you require confirmation of cancellation.

Most importantly, trust the process. Postal cancellation with tracking is legally robust and effective. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you protect yourself from billing disputes and ensure your Which Magazine subscription ends cleanly and completely. Thousands of subscribers successfully cancel this way every year, and with proper preparation, your cancellation will be equally straightforward.