Ending your Brilliant membership made easy

About Brilliant

Brilliant is an interactive learning platform that focuses on teaching mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering through hands-on problem-solving. Founded in 2012, the service has grown to serve millions of learners worldwide, including a substantial UK user base. The platform distinguishes itself from traditional educational resources by emphasising active learning rather than passive video watching.

The service offers courses ranging from foundational mathematics to advanced topics like quantum computing, neural networks, and differential equations. Each lesson is built around interactive exercises that guide learners through concepts step-by-step. This approach appeals particularly to professionals looking to upskill, students supplementing their formal education, and curious minds exploring STEM subjects for personal enrichment.

Brilliant operates on a subscription model, requiring members to pay either monthly or annually for full access to their extensive course library. Whilst many users find tremendous value in the platform's unique teaching methodology, others discover that the service doesn't quite match their learning style, time availability, or financial priorities. Understanding how to properly cancel your subscription is essential to avoiding unwanted charges.

Plans, features and pricing

Brilliant offers several subscription tiers designed to accommodate different learning needs and budgets. The pricing structure is straightforward, though it's worth noting that promotional offers can vary throughout the year.

What premium members receive

Premium subscribers gain unrestricted access to Brilliant's entire course catalogue, which includes over 60 courses covering topics from basic algebra to advanced machine learning. Members can download lessons for offline study, track their progress across multiple devices, and receive personalised course recommendations based on their interests and performance.

Additionally, premium members can set daily learning goals, earn achievements, and access the full archive of daily challenges. The platform regularly adds new content, ensuring that subscribers always have fresh material to explore. Most importantly for our purposes, premium members are the ones who need to properly cancel their subscriptions to avoid recurring charges.

Common reasons people cancel

Through processing numerous cancellations, I've observed several recurring patterns. Many subscribers initially sign up during promotional periods or free trials, then forget about the automatic renewal. Others find that whilst the content is excellent, they simply don't have sufficient time to justify the ongoing expense. Some users discover that the interactive format, whilst innovative, doesn't align with their preferred learning style.

Financial constraints represent another significant factor, particularly when subscribers are managing multiple streaming services, apps, and educational platforms. Additionally, some members complete their desired courses and see no reason to maintain access. Whatever your reason, cancelling properly ensures you won't face unexpected charges or complications down the line.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Brilliant's cancellation policy is crucial before you begin the cancellation process. Like most subscription services, Brilliant operates under specific terms that govern how and when you can terminate your membership.

Subscription renewal mechanics

Brilliant subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle unless you actively cancel. For monthly subscribers, this means your payment method will be charged every 30 days. Annual subscribers face renewal charges once per year. This automatic renewal system is standard practice, but it catches many people off guard if they're not paying attention to their billing dates.

Keep in mind that Brilliant typically doesn't send reminder emails before charging your account. The responsibility falls entirely on you to track your renewal dates and cancel before the next billing cycle if you wish to avoid charges. This is precisely why maintaining written proof of your cancellation request becomes so important.

Refund eligibility and timing

Brilliant's refund policy is relatively strict. Generally speaking, the company does not offer refunds for partial months or unused portions of annual subscriptions. If you cancel halfway through a billing period, you'll typically retain access until the end of that period, but you won't receive money back for the unused time.

There are exceptions in specific circumstances, particularly if you can demonstrate that you were charged incorrectly or that technical issues prevented you from using the service. However, these situations require clear documentation and often considerable back-and-forth communication. This is another reason why postal cancellation with proof of delivery provides superior protection.

UK consumer rights and protections

Under UK consumer law, you have specific rights when dealing with subscription services. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide important protections. Most relevantly, if you signed up for Brilliant online, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund.

Additionally, UK law requires companies to make cancellation processes reasonably straightforward. They cannot make it significantly more difficult to cancel than it was to sign up. However, "reasonably straightforward" doesn't necessarily mean "easy" or "convenient." Companies can still require specific cancellation methods, which is why understanding the postal route becomes so valuable.

Notice periods and effective dates

When you submit a cancellation request, the effective date depends on when Brilliant receives and processes your communication. Most importantly, your cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. This means if you cancel on the 15th of the month but your renewal date is the 25th, you'll still be charged on the 25th unless your cancellation was processed beforehand.

To protect yourself, always submit cancellation requests at least 10-14 days before your next renewal date. This buffer period accounts for postal delivery times, processing delays, and potential complications. Waiting until the last minute dramatically increases your risk of being charged for another billing cycle.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation represents the most reliable method for terminating your Brilliant subscription, particularly when you want indisputable proof that you've submitted your request. Whilst digital methods might seem more convenient, postal cancellation with Recorded Delivery provides legal-grade evidence of your cancellation attempt.

Why postal cancellation offers superior protection

First and foremost, postal cancellation creates a paper trail that's incredibly difficult for companies to dispute. When you send a cancellation letter via Recorded Delivery, you receive a tracking number and proof of delivery. If Brilliant later claims they never received your cancellation, you have concrete evidence that contradicts their assertion.

Additionally, postal communication is taken more seriously by customer service departments. A formal letter demonstrates that you're serious about cancelling and that you understand your rights. This often results in faster, more professional processing compared to casual email requests that might sit in a queue for days.

Most importantly, postal cancellation establishes clear timelines. You know exactly when you sent the letter and when it was delivered. This information becomes crucial if you later need to dispute charges or demonstrate that you cancelled before a renewal date. Email timestamps can be questioned, but Royal Mail delivery confirmations are legally recognised proof.

Gathering necessary information before writing

Before you draft your cancellation letter, collect all relevant information about your Brilliant account. You'll need your full name exactly as it appears on your account, the email address associated with your subscription, and your account number or username if applicable. Additionally, note your current subscription type and your next renewal date.

Check your payment method details as well. Knowing which credit card or bank account is being charged helps Brilliant's team quickly locate your account in their system. You should also review your recent billing statements to confirm the exact amounts you've been charged and when. This information strengthens your cancellation request and helps prevent any confusion.

Keep in mind that having your original sign-up date can also prove useful, particularly if you're attempting to claim your cooling-off period rights. Gather any relevant correspondence you've had with Brilliant, including confirmation emails, receipts, or previous customer service interactions. The more documentation you provide, the smoother the cancellation process typically proceeds.

Writing an effective cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and professional. Start with your full contact details at the top, including your postal address, email, and phone number. Date the letter clearly, as this establishes your cancellation timeline. Address the letter to Brilliant's customer service or accounts department.

In the opening paragraph, state your intention to cancel immediately and unambiguously. Use phrases like "I am writing to formally cancel my Brilliant subscription" rather than softer language like "I would like to consider cancelling." Ambiguity can lead to processing delays or misunderstandings that work against you.

Include all your account identification details in the second paragraph. Provide your full name, email address, account username, and subscription type. Mention your next scheduled renewal date and explicitly state that you do not authorise any further charges to your payment method. This clear instruction is crucial for preventing additional billing.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation in your closing paragraph. Ask Brilliant to confirm the cancellation via post or email, specifying your preferred method. Include a sentence requesting confirmation of the effective cancellation date and verification that no further charges will be applied. This request establishes an expectation of response and creates another layer of documentation.

The official Brilliant postal address

Send your cancellation letter to Brilliant's registered office address. Always verify this address is current before posting, as companies occasionally relocate. At the time of writing, correspondence should be directed to:

• Brilliant Worldwide, Inc.
• Suite 900
• 548 Market Street
• San Francisco, CA 94104
• United States

Note that Brilliant is a US-based company, which means your letter will be sent internationally. This affects delivery times and costs, so plan accordingly. International Recorded Delivery from the UK to the United States typically takes 5-7 working days, though delays can occur. Budget for at least 10 business days to be safe.

Sending via Recorded Delivery

Visit your local Post Office and specifically request International Tracked & Signed service for your cancellation letter. This service costs approximately £7-£8 and provides tracking information plus proof of delivery. Do not use standard international mail, as you'll have no way to prove Brilliant received your letter if disputes arise later.

The Post Office will provide you with a tracking number. Keep this number safe and record it immediately in multiple places - photograph it, write it down, and email it to yourself. This tracking number is your primary evidence that you sent the cancellation request. You can track your letter's progress through the Royal Mail website using this number.

Additionally, make complete copies of everything before posting. Photocopy or photograph your cancellation letter, the envelope with Brilliant's address clearly visible, and your proof of postage receipt. Store these copies in multiple locations - physical files, email attachments to yourself, and cloud storage. This redundancy ensures you'll have evidence available regardless of what happens.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

If you're looking to streamline the postal cancellation process, services like Postclic offer a modern solution that maintains all the legal benefits of traditional post. Postclic allows you to create, send, and track formal letters entirely online, eliminating trips to the Post Office whilst still providing the proof of delivery that makes postal cancellation so reliable.

The service handles the printing, enveloping, and posting of your letter with tracked delivery. You receive digital proof of postage and delivery notifications, which you can save indefinitely. This approach is particularly valuable if you're juggling multiple subscription cancellations or if your nearest Post Office has inconvenient hours. Most importantly, it maintains the legal standing of postal communication whilst adding digital convenience.

Tracking and confirming delivery

Once you've posted your letter, monitor its progress religiously. Check the Royal Mail tracking system daily using your tracking number. International tracking updates can be sporadic, so don't panic if you don't see movement for a few days. However, if a week passes with no updates, contact Royal Mail to investigate.

When tracking shows your letter has been delivered, screenshot or print the delivery confirmation immediately. Note the exact date and time of delivery. This information establishes when Brilliant received your cancellation request, which becomes crucial if they later claim they need more time to process it or if they attempt to charge you for another billing cycle.

After delivery confirmation, wait three to five business days, then follow up with Brilliant. Contact them via email referencing your posted letter, providing the date you sent it and the date it was delivered according to Royal Mail tracking. Request written confirmation that your cancellation has been processed and that no further charges will occur. This follow-up creates another documentation layer and prompts action if your letter somehow got lost in their internal processes.

Tips from former members

Timing your cancellation strategically

Based on feedback from hundreds of former Brilliant subscribers, timing is absolutely everything. The single most common mistake people make is waiting until a few days before their renewal date to cancel. This approach virtually guarantees you'll be charged for another billing cycle because there simply isn't enough time for postal delivery and processing.

Instead, aim to post your cancellation letter at least 14 days before your next renewal date. If your renewal falls on the 1st of the month, post your letter no later than the 15th of the previous month. This buffer accounts for international postal delays, potential processing backlogs, and unexpected complications. Yes, it means you might lose a few days of access that you've paid for, but that's infinitely preferable to being charged for an entire additional month or year.

Monitoring your bank statements vigilantly

Don't assume your cancellation worked just because you sent a letter and received delivery confirmation. Companies make mistakes, systems glitch, and paperwork occasionally gets misfiled. Set a calendar reminder for your expected renewal date and check your bank statement or credit card account on that day and for several days afterward.

If you spot a Brilliant charge after you've cancelled, act immediately. Contact your bank or credit card provider and explain that you cancelled the subscription with proof of delivery. Most UK banks will help you dispute the charge, particularly if you can provide your postal tracking information and delivery confirmation. Additionally, send another letter to Brilliant - again via Recorded Delivery - demanding a refund and referencing your original cancellation letter.

Preserving documentation indefinitely

Keep all cancellation-related documentation for at least 18 months after your cancellation. This includes your cancellation letter copy, proof of postage, delivery confirmation, and any correspondence with Brilliant. Store these documents somewhere you won't lose them - a dedicated email folder, a cloud storage folder, or a physical file.

This advice might seem excessive, but subscription billing errors can surface months after you think everything's resolved. I've seen cases where companies accidentally reinstated cancelled subscriptions due to system migrations or where old payment authorisations suddenly triggered charges. Having immediate access to your cancellation proof allows you to resolve these issues quickly rather than scrambling to reconstruct your paper trail.

Removing payment method authorisations

After your cancellation is confirmed and you've verified no charges appeared on your expected renewal date, take one additional protective step. Log into your bank account or credit card online portal and review your recurring payment authorisations. Look for any standing authorisations for Brilliant and revoke them.

This step provides a final safety net against accidental charges. Even if Brilliant's system somehow fails to properly record your cancellation, your bank will block any attempted charges because you've withdrawn authorisation. Keep in mind that this should be done after your cancellation is confirmed, not before, as prematurely removing payment authorisation whilst you still have an active subscription can create complications.

Learning from the experience

Use this cancellation experience to improve how you manage subscriptions going forward. Create a spreadsheet or use a subscription tracking app to record all your recurring payments, their renewal dates, and their cancellation methods. Set calendar reminders two weeks before each renewal date so you can proactively decide whether to continue or cancel.

Additionally, whenever you sign up for a new subscription, immediately research and document how to cancel it. Don't wait until you actually want to cancel to figure out the process. Knowing the cancellation procedure upfront helps you make more informed decisions about whether to subscribe in the first place and ensures you're never caught off guard by complicated cancellation requirements.

Finally, consider whether annual subscriptions truly offer value for your usage patterns. Whilst they typically cost less per month than monthly plans, they also lock you in for longer periods and make it harder to walk away if your circumstances change. Monthly subscriptions offer more flexibility, and the slightly higher per-month cost might be worth the freedom to cancel without losing a large prepaid amount.