Ending your Epic Games membership made easy

What is Epic Games?

Epic Games is a globally recognised American video game and software company that has become a dominant force in the gaming industry. Founded in 1991, the company is best known for developing the wildly popular Fortnite battle royale game, as well as creating the Unreal Engine, one of the most widely used game development platforms in the world. For UK gamers, Epic Games represents far more than just a game developer—it's a complete digital ecosystem that includes the Epic Games Store, a digital distribution platform that competes directly with Steam and other gaming marketplaces.

The Epic Games Store launched in December 2018 and has quickly gained traction in the UK market by offering exclusive titles, regular free games, and competitive pricing. British gamers use the platform to purchase, download, and play games on their PCs, with the store offering everything from indie titles to AAA blockbusters. The platform has attracted millions of UK users through its aggressive strategy of offering free games every week—a tactic that has proven particularly appealing to budget-conscious gamers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What sets Epic Games apart is its multifaceted business model. Beyond selling games, the company operates Fortnite as a live service game with regular content updates, seasonal battle passes, and in-game purchases. The company also licenses its Unreal Engine technology to other developers and has expanded into film and television production. For UK consumers, this means interactions with Epic Games can involve one-time game purchases, recurring subscriptions like Fortnite Crew, or ongoing spending on virtual currency and cosmetic items.

Most importantly, Epic Games operates as a digital-first company, which means nearly all transactions and account management happen through online platforms. However, this digital focus can sometimes create challenges when UK consumers need to exercise their legal rights, particularly around cancellations and refunds. Understanding the company's structure and how it operates in the UK market is essential before attempting to cancel any services or subscriptions associated with your Epic Games account.

Plans, features and pricing

Epic Games operates with several distinct service models, each with different pricing structures and commitment levels. Understanding exactly what you're paying for is the first step in any cancellation process, as different services have different cancellation procedures and legal protections under UK consumer law.

Free Epic Games Store account

The basic Epic Games Store account is completely free and gives you access to purchase games, claim free weekly titles, and participate in the Epic ecosystem. There's no subscription fee, no monthly charge, and no obligation. However, keep in mind that even with a free account, you may have made individual game purchases that are subject to separate refund policies. Many UK users maintain free accounts for years without spending a penny, simply collecting the free games offered each week.

Fortnite Crew subscription

This is Epic Games' primary recurring subscription service, priced at £9.99 per month in the UK. Fortnite Crew members receive the current season's Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly (Fortnite's virtual currency), and exclusive cosmetic items. The subscription automatically renews each month unless cancelled. This is the service most UK consumers are looking to cancel when they contact Epic Games, particularly parents who discover their children have subscribed without permission.

One-time purchases and virtual currency

Beyond subscriptions, Epic Games offers various one-time purchases including individual games, V-Bucks packages ranging from £7.99 to £79.99, and seasonal Battle Passes at £7.99 each. These aren't subscriptions and don't require cancellation, but they may be eligible for refunds under Epic's refund policy or UK consumer protection laws, depending on circumstances and timing.

Understanding what you're actually cancelling

Here's where many UK consumers make their first mistake: they assume they need to "cancel Epic Games" when what they actually need to do varies based on their situation. If you have a Fortnite Crew subscription, you're cancelling a recurring payment. If you've just made a one-time purchase, you're actually seeking a refund, not a cancellation. If you want to stop using Epic Games entirely, you're looking to delete your account. Each of these requires a different approach, and using postal cancellation is most effective for recurring subscriptions where you want documented proof that you've requested termination.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Epic Games' terms of service are governed by both the company's own policies and UK consumer protection legislation. This dual framework is crucial to understand because your rights as a UK consumer often exceed what Epic Games voluntarily offers in their standard terms. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide significant protections that apply regardless of what Epic's terms state.

Epic Games' standard cancellation policy

According to Epic Games' official terms, Fortnite Crew subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, with the cancellation taking effect at the end of the current billing period. This means if you cancel on the 5th of the month but your billing date is the 15th, you'll retain access until the 15th and won't be charged again. The company states that cancellations should be processed through their website or app, but as we'll discuss, postal cancellation provides superior documentation and legal protection.

For game purchases, Epic offers a refund policy allowing returns within 14 days of purchase if you've played less than two hours. This actually mirrors the UK's 14-day cooling-off period for digital content, though Epic's policy is slightly more restrictive due to the two-hour play time limitation. Keep in mind that once you've exceeded these thresholds, Epic's voluntary refund policy no longer applies, though your UK consumer rights may still provide recourse in cases of faulty digital content.

UK consumer protection laws that apply

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give UK consumers a 14-day cooling-off period for digital content purchases, but there's a critical exception: if you begin downloading or streaming the content and have agreed to waive your cancellation right, the cooling-off period no longer applies. Epic Games' terms include this waiver, which most users accept without reading when they complete a purchase. However, for subscription services like Fortnite Crew, the cooling-off period applies to your initial sign-up, and you retain the right to cancel at any time thereafter.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If Epic Games fails to provide the service you've paid for—such as server outages preventing access to Fortnite Crew benefits—you may have grounds for compensation or refund beyond their standard policy. Most importantly, UK law requires that cancellation processes must be straightforward and not unreasonably difficult, which is why postal cancellation is legally valid even if a company prefers online methods.

Notice periods and timing requirements

Epic Games does not impose a notice period for Fortnite Crew cancellations—you can cancel at any point during your billing cycle, and the cancellation becomes effective at the cycle's end. However, from a practical standpoint, I always recommend sending postal cancellation notices at least 10 working days before your next billing date. This provides sufficient time for Royal Mail delivery, processing by Epic Games, and implementation of the cancellation before the next charge is processed.

Why postal cancellation provides superior protection

Here's what I've learned from processing thousands of subscription cancellations: digital cancellation methods can fail in ways that leave you vulnerable. Websites crash, accounts get locked, confirmation emails go to spam folders, and companies can claim they never received your online cancellation request. With postal cancellation via Recorded Delivery, you have physical proof of posting, a tracking number, and a signature upon delivery. If Epic Games later claims you never cancelled and attempts to charge you, your Recorded Delivery receipt provides irrefutable evidence that you sent the cancellation in writing and when it was delivered.

Additionally, UK companies are legally required to accept cancellation requests in writing. While Epic Games may prefer online cancellations for efficiency, they cannot refuse a properly formatted postal cancellation. This method also creates a paper trail that's invaluable if you later need to dispute charges with your bank or credit card company. I've seen countless cases where consumers successfully challenged unwanted charges because they had Recorded Delivery proof of cancellation, whereas those who relied solely on online methods had no documentation when the company's systems "lost" their cancellation request.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Epic Games subscription, particularly for Fortnite Crew. While the process requires more effort than clicking a button online, the legal protection and documentation you receive make it worthwhile, especially if you've had previous difficulties with the company or want absolute certainty that your cancellation will be processed.

Gathering the information you'll need

Before writing your cancellation letter, collect the following information: your Epic Games account email address, your Epic Games display name or account ID, the specific subscription you're cancelling (usually Fortnite Crew), your current billing date, and details of your most recent payment including the date and amount. If you have a transaction ID from your last payment, include that as well. This information helps Epic Games locate your account quickly and process your cancellation without delays or requests for additional information.

Next, check your current billing cycle. Log into your Epic Games account and navigate to your subscription settings to confirm when your next payment is scheduled. This is crucial for timing your postal cancellation appropriately. Remember, you want your letter to arrive at least 10 working days before your next billing date to ensure processing time. Keep in mind that Royal Mail Recorded Delivery typically takes 1-2 working days for UK delivery, but allowing extra time protects you from unexpected delays.

Writing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary information. Start with your full name and address at the top, followed by the date. Address the letter to Epic Games' customer service department. In the opening paragraph, state clearly that you are writing to cancel your subscription, specifying which subscription (e.g., "Fortnite Crew monthly subscription"). Include your Epic Games account email address and display name.

In the main body, provide your account details and state that you want the cancellation to take effect immediately or at the end of your current billing period (specify your preference). Request written confirmation of the cancellation. Additionally, explicitly state that you do not authorise any further payments to be taken from your account after the cancellation date. This creates a clear record that you've withdrawn payment authorisation, which strengthens your position if the company attempts to charge you after cancellation.

Most importantly, keep your letter factual and unemotional. You don't need to explain why you're cancelling, justify your decision, or provide elaborate details. Companies often use emotional or detailed explanations as grounds to contact you with retention offers or to delay processing. A straightforward, businesslike cancellation request is most effective. Sign the letter by hand—this adds authenticity and makes it a legally binding document under UK law.

The correct postal address for Epic Games UK cancellations

This is absolutely critical: you must send your cancellation letter to Epic Games' official UK correspondence address. Sending it to the wrong address will delay or prevent your cancellation from being processed. Based on current information for Epic Games' UK operations, correspondence should be sent to their registered office. However, Epic Games primarily operates as a digital service and may not prominently advertise a postal address for cancellations.

For UK consumer correspondence, including cancellation requests, the appropriate address is typically the company's registered UK office or their European headquarters. If Epic Games has not provided you with a specific cancellation address, you should send your letter to their registered business address in the UK or their European customer service centre. Keep in mind that gaming companies increasingly operate digitally, and you may need to send correspondence to their US headquarters if no UK postal address is provided for cancellations.

Given the lack of a clearly published UK postal address for Epic Games cancellations, many UK consumers face a genuine challenge. In such cases, sending your cancellation to the company's registered office address or using a service that can verify the correct correspondence address becomes essential. This is one area where services like Postclic prove particularly valuable—they maintain up-to-date databases of correct postal addresses for subscription cancellations and ensure your letter reaches the right department.

Sending your letter via Recorded Delivery

Never send a cancellation letter via standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, which currently costs £3.35 for a standard letter. This service provides a unique tracking reference number and requires a signature upon delivery, giving you legal proof that Epic Games received your cancellation request. Visit your local Post Office with your sealed, addressed letter and request Recorded Delivery service. The postal worker will provide you with a receipt containing your tracking number—keep this receipt safe, as it's your primary evidence of cancellation.

You can track your letter's progress using the Royal Mail tracking service online or via their app. Once the letter shows as delivered with a signature obtained, take a screenshot or print the tracking information for your records. This documented delivery is crucial if Epic Games later disputes receiving your cancellation or if you need to challenge unwanted charges with your bank. I've seen this proof of delivery save consumers hundreds of pounds in disputed charges that companies claimed were legitimate because "no cancellation was received."

What happens after Epic Games receives your letter

Once Epic Games receives your postal cancellation, they should process it according to their terms of service, with the cancellation taking effect at the end of your current billing period. However, here's a common mistake people make: they assume silence means acceptance. Epic Games may not send you confirmation that they've received and processed your cancellation. This doesn't mean it hasn't been actioned, but it also doesn't guarantee it has been.

Approximately 3-5 working days after your Recorded Delivery tracking shows the letter was delivered, log into your Epic Games account and check your subscription status. Navigate to your account settings and look at your Fortnite Crew subscription. It should show as cancelled or indicate that it won't renew. If it still shows as active with a future renewal date, you need to take additional action. Keep in mind that you have your Recorded Delivery proof, so you're in a strong legal position.

Following up if your cancellation isn't processed

If your subscription still shows as active more than five working days after delivery of your cancellation letter, you need to escalate. First, contact Epic Games through their online support system, referencing your postal cancellation and providing your Recorded Delivery tracking number as proof. State clearly that you sent a written cancellation request, it was delivered on a specific date (provide the date from your tracking), and you expect immediate confirmation that the cancellation has been processed.

Additionally, contact your bank or credit card provider and inform them that you've cancelled a subscription with Epic Games, providing them with your proof of postal cancellation. Ask them to note on your account that you've withdrawn authorisation for future payments to Epic Games. If Epic Games attempts to charge you after your cancellation date, you can dispute the transaction as unauthorised, and your bank will have your prior notification on record. This two-pronged approach—pursuing the company directly while protecting yourself at the payment level—provides maximum security.

Using Postclic to simplify postal cancellation

While you can certainly handle postal cancellation yourself, services like Postclic streamline the entire process and eliminate common mistakes. Postclic specialises in sending tracked cancellation letters on your behalf, ensuring the correct address is used, proper formatting is applied, and Recorded Delivery tracking is provided. For UK consumers who are uncertain about Epic Games' correct postal address, concerned about formatting their letter correctly, or simply want to save time, Postclic offers a practical solution.

The service maintains updated address databases for major companies, formats your cancellation letter professionally, sends it via Recorded Delivery, and provides you with digital proof of posting and delivery. This is particularly valuable for Epic Games cancellations, where the correct postal address isn't prominently advertised and many consumers struggle to find where to send their letters. The small fee for the service often proves worthwhile when compared to the time spent researching addresses, visiting the Post Office, and managing the process yourself.

Tips from former members

Why UK consumers cancel Epic Games subscriptions

Understanding why people cancel can help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions about your own subscription. The most frequent reason I encounter is parents discovering unauthorised Fortnite Crew subscriptions on their payment cards. Children often subscribe using saved payment details without fully understanding they're committing to recurring monthly charges. These parents typically want immediate cancellation and refunds for unauthorised charges, making documented postal cancellation particularly important for establishing their case.

Another common reason is declining interest in Fortnite. Many UK gamers subscribe to Fortnite Crew during a period of intense gameplay, but as their interest wanes, they realise they're paying £9.99 monthly for benefits they no longer use. Some forget about the subscription entirely until they notice the recurring charge on their bank statements months later. This highlights the importance of cancelling promptly when you decide you no longer want the service, rather than assuming you'll remember to cancel later.

Budget constraints also drive many cancellations. With the cost of living increasing across the UK, discretionary spending on gaming subscriptions is often among the first expenses consumers cut. Additionally, some users cancel because they're dissatisfied with the value provided—feeling that the monthly V-Bucks and cosmetic items don't justify the £9.99 cost, particularly when compared to other gaming subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus that offer access to full game libraries.

Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation

The biggest mistake UK consumers make is assuming that deleting the Epic Games app or uninstalling Fortnite cancels their subscription. It doesn't. Your Fortnite Crew subscription continues and charges keep processing until you explicitly cancel through Epic Games' systems or send a postal cancellation. I've seen consumers rack up months of unwanted charges because they thought removing the app was sufficient. Keep in mind that subscriptions are tied to your Epic Games account, not to whether you have software installed.

Another frequent error is cancelling through your payment provider without cancelling with Epic Games directly. Some consumers block Epic Games charges through their bank or cancel their credit card, thinking this solves the problem. While this stops payments temporarily, it doesn't cancel your subscription with Epic Games. The company may continue attempting to charge you, mark your account as having payment issues, and potentially send your account to collections. Always cancel with the company first, then manage payment methods if necessary.

Many people also fail to check their cancellation was actually processed. After submitting an online cancellation or sending a postal letter, they assume everything is handled and don't verify. Weeks or months later, they discover they're still being charged. Always confirm your cancellation was successful by checking your account status and monitoring your bank statements for the next billing cycle. If a charge appears after your cancellation should have taken effect, you need to act immediately.

Protecting yourself from unwanted charges

Here's a pro tip from someone who's processed thousands of these cases: take screenshots of everything. Before you cancel, screenshot your current subscription status showing it's active and your next billing date. After cancellation, screenshot the confirmation or your account showing the subscription as cancelled. If you're using postal cancellation, photograph your letter before sealing it, photograph your Recorded Delivery receipt, and screenshot the Royal Mail tracking showing delivery. This comprehensive documentation protects you if Epic Games disputes your cancellation or claims it was never received.

Additionally, set a calendar reminder for three days after your cancelled subscription's former billing date. Check your bank statement to confirm no charge was processed. If a charge appears, you can dispute it immediately while the transaction is still pending, which is much easier than trying to obtain a refund weeks later. This proactive approach has saved countless consumers from extended disputes with both Epic Games and their banks.

What to do if you're charged after cancellation

If Epic Games charges you after you've cancelled, act swiftly. First, contact Epic Games support immediately, providing your cancellation proof (Recorded Delivery tracking number and delivery confirmation). State clearly that you cancelled on a specific date, the cancellation was delivered, and the charge is unauthorised. Request an immediate refund and confirmation that no future charges will be processed. Be firm but professional—emotional responses often delay resolution.

Simultaneously, contact your bank or credit card provider and dispute the charge. Explain that you cancelled the subscription in writing via Recorded Delivery on a specific date (provide the date and tracking number), and the subsequent charge is unauthorised. Most UK banks take consumer protection seriously and will investigate disputed charges, particularly when you have documented proof of cancellation. Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, you have certain rights to dispute unauthorised transactions, and your proof of postal cancellation strengthens your case significantly.

Alternatives to cancellation worth considering

Before cancelling completely, consider whether pausing might suit your needs better. While Epic Games doesn't offer a formal pause function for Fortnite Crew, you can cancel and resubscribe later without penalty. Unlike some services that offer special pricing for initial subscriptions, Fortnite Crew costs the same whether you're a new or returning subscriber. This means you can cancel during periods when you're not actively playing Fortnite and resubscribe when a new season launches that interests you.

Another option is to continue with a free Epic Games account while cancelling Fortnite Crew. You'll still receive free games from the Epic Games Store each week, can purchase games during sales, and can play Fortnite without the subscription—you just won't receive the monthly V-Bucks, automatic Battle Pass, or exclusive Crew cosmetics. For many UK gamers, this provides the best balance: maintaining access to the Epic ecosystem without the recurring monthly cost.

Long-term account considerations

Keep in mind that cancelling Fortnite Crew doesn't delete your Epic Games account or remove games you've purchased or claimed for free. Your account remains active, and you retain access to all games in your library. This is different from completely closing your Epic Games account, which is a separate process with different implications. If you're only looking to stop recurring charges, subscription cancellation is all you need. Account deletion should only be considered if you want to completely sever your relationship with Epic Games and are willing to lose access to all games and content associated with your account.

Finally, if you're cancelling due to concerns about children accessing your payment methods, consider that cancelling the subscription is only part of the solution. Remove saved payment methods from your Epic Games account, enable parental controls, and set up PIN requirements for purchases. Epic Games offers various parental control features that can prevent unauthorised subscriptions and purchases without requiring you to cancel existing subscriptions. Addressing the root cause—unsecured access to payment methods—prevents future issues more effectively than simply cancelling current subscriptions.

The value of documented cancellation

After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that documented postal cancellation has saved consumers more money in disputed charges than any other method. The small investment in Recorded Delivery postage—currently £3.35—provides legal protection worth potentially hundreds of pounds if disputes arise. Companies can claim their systems show no record of online cancellations, but they cannot dispute a Recorded Delivery receipt showing your letter was delivered to their address on a specific date with a signature obtained.

This documentation also proves invaluable if you need to escalate complaints to regulatory bodies or pursue claims through small claims court. The Financial Ombudsman Service and trading standards authorities give significant weight to documented evidence of cancellation attempts. Consumers who relied solely on online methods often find themselves in "he said, she said" situations with no proof, while those who used postal cancellation have irrefutable evidence supporting their position. For this reason alone, postal cancellation remains the gold standard for subscription terminations, despite being less convenient than online methods.