Ending your SWTOR membership made easy

About SWTOR

Star Wars: The Old Republic, commonly known as SWTOR, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by BioWare and published by Broadsword Online Games. Set in the Star Wars universe, the game allows players to explore an expansive galaxy, engage in epic storylines, and participate in both player-versus-environment and player-versus-player content. Launched in 2011, SWTOR has maintained a dedicated player base across the globe, including the United Kingdom.

The game operates on a freemium model, meaning players can access basic content without charge whilst premium subscribers enjoy enhanced features, additional content, and various quality-of-life improvements. This means UK consumers have flexibility in how they engage with the service, though many players find themselves subscribing for extended periods to access the full range of content.

As a UK-based consumer, you hold specific rights when dealing with subscription services like SWTOR, regardless of the company's location in the United States. These rights are protected under UK consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Therefore, understanding how to properly exercise these rights when cancelling your subscription is essential to protecting your interests.

Subscription plans and pricing

SWTOR offers several subscription options designed to accommodate different playing styles and commitment levels. Understanding these plans is crucial because the type of subscription you hold may affect your cancellation process and any potential refund entitlements.

Current subscription tiers

The game primarily operates with a tiered access system that includes free-to-play, preferred status, and subscriber membership. Subscribers gain access to all expansions, increased experience rates, monthly Cartel Coins (the in-game currency), and priority login queues during peak times.

Prices may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and any promotional offers running at the time of purchase. As a result, UK consumers should always check their payment confirmation emails for the exact amount charged in pounds sterling.

Payment methods and billing cycles

SWTOR typically processes subscription payments through credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. Recurring subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled beforehand. This means you must take action before your renewal date to avoid being charged for another subscription period.

Understanding your billing cycle is essential for effective cancellation. Your subscription remains active until the end of the paid period, even after cancellation is processed. Therefore, cancelling immediately after renewal means you have paid for time you may not use, though you retain access until the period expires.

Cancellation terms and conditions

As a UK consumer, you possess robust rights when cancelling subscription services, even when the provider operates from outside the United Kingdom. These protections ensure you can exit contracts fairly and receive appropriate refunds where applicable.

Your legal rights under UK law

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 grant you a 14-day cooling-off period for digital content subscriptions purchased online. This means you can cancel within 14 days of subscribing and potentially receive a full refund, provided you have not extensively used the service. In practice, this cooling-off period applies to new subscriptions or when you upgrade your subscription level.

Beyond the cooling-off period, your rights depend on the terms outlined in SWTOR's user agreement and your subscription contract. However, UK consumer law stipulates that contract terms must be fair and transparent. Therefore, any unreasonable restrictions on cancellation could be challenged under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

SWTOR's cancellation policy

According to SWTOR's terms of service, subscribers can cancel their recurring subscription at any time before the next billing date. The cancellation prevents future charges but does not provide refunds for the current subscription period. This means you continue to enjoy subscriber benefits until your paid time expires.

For longer subscription periods such as 90-day or 180-day plans, the same principle applies. Cancelling stops future renewals but does not entitle you to a pro-rata refund for unused time unless exceptional circumstances apply or the service fails to meet promised standards.

Common reasons UK consumers cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you articulate your own reasons clearly in your cancellation correspondence. Common motivations include financial constraints, insufficient time to play, dissatisfaction with recent game updates, completion of desired content, or simply moving on to other gaming experiences. Some players also cancel due to technical issues that prevent enjoyable gameplay or concerns about the game's future development direction.

Notice periods and deadlines

SWTOR requires cancellation before your next billing date to prevent automatic renewal. As a result, timing your cancellation appropriately is crucial. You should allow sufficient time for postal correspondence to reach the company and be processed, which we shall address in detail in the following section.

How to cancel SWTOR by post

Whilst many subscription services offer online cancellation methods, sending a formal cancellation letter by post provides the most robust evidence of your cancellation request. This approach creates a permanent paper trail that protects your consumer rights and provides proof should any disputes arise.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

Written cancellation letters sent via Recorded Delivery or tracked postal services offer several advantages over online methods. Firstly, you receive proof of posting and delivery, which serves as concrete evidence that you submitted your cancellation request on a specific date. This documentation becomes invaluable if the company claims they never received your cancellation or if unauthorized charges appear on your account.

Secondly, a formal letter demonstrates the seriousness of your request and creates a permanent record that cannot be disputed or \