Ending your Blaze membership made easy

About Blaze

Blaze is a free-to-air television channel in the United Kingdom that broadcasts a mix of reality shows, documentaries, and entertainment programming. Launched in September 2016, Blaze is owned and operated by A+E Networks UK, a joint venture between Hearst Communications and Sky. The channel is available on various platforms including Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, and Freesat, making it accessible to millions of UK households without requiring a subscription fee for basic viewing.

The channel primarily features popular American reality series such as Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, American Pickers, and Forged in Fire, alongside documentaries covering topics from history to modern culture. Blaze has positioned itself as a destination for factual entertainment that appeals to a broad demographic, particularly those interested in real-life stories and specialist subjects.

Whilst the channel itself is free to watch on standard television platforms, Blaze also operates a premium streaming service called Blaze+. This subscription-based offering provides viewers with on-demand access to current and archive programming, early access to new episodes, and an ad-free viewing experience. This means that whilst you can watch Blaze content on traditional television at no cost, the enhanced streaming service requires a monthly payment and therefore a formal subscription agreement.

Understanding the distinction between the free broadcast channel and the paid streaming service is essential when considering cancellation. If you have signed up for Blaze+ or any premium tier, you have entered into a contract that comes with specific terms and conditions. As a consumer, you have rights under UK law that protect you throughout this process, and understanding these rights empowers you to make informed decisions about your subscription.

Subscription plans and pricing

Blaze+ operates on a straightforward subscription model designed to provide enhanced viewing options beyond the free-to-air channel. The service offers flexibility to suit different viewing preferences and budgets, though it is worth noting that pricing and plan structures can change over time as the service evolves.

Current subscription options

The Blaze+ streaming service typically offers a monthly subscription plan that provides unlimited access to the platform's content library. Subscribers gain the ability to watch programmes on demand, pause and resume viewing across multiple devices, and enjoy content without commercial interruptions. This represents a significant upgrade from the standard free channel experience, where viewers are subject to scheduled programming and advertising breaks.

The pricing structure positions Blaze+ as an affordable addition to a viewer's entertainment portfolio, particularly when compared to larger streaming platforms. However, even modest monthly charges accumulate over time, which is why many consumers periodically review their subscriptions and cancel services they no longer use regularly.

What you get with your subscription

Subscribers to Blaze+ receive access to an extensive library of reality programming and documentaries. The content catalogue includes complete series runs of popular shows, allowing viewers to binge-watch entire seasons at their convenience. The platform supports streaming on various devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart televisions, providing flexibility in how and where you consume content.

Early access to new episodes represents another key benefit, with subscribers often able to watch the latest instalments of ongoing series before they air on the free channel. This feature appeals particularly to dedicated fans who want to stay current with their favourite programmes without waiting for the broadcast schedule.

Common reasons for cancellation

Many subscribers choose to cancel Blaze+ for entirely reasonable and practical reasons. Financial circumstances change, and even small monthly expenses can become burdensome when household budgets tighten. As a result, consumers often conduct subscription audits to identify services they can eliminate without significantly impacting their quality of life.

Content consumption patterns also shift over time. You may have subscribed to watch specific series and found that once you completed them, the remaining catalogue held less appeal. This means your initial enthusiasm for the service has naturally waned, making cancellation a sensible choice rather than continuing to pay for something you rarely use.

The proliferation of streaming services has created a situation where many households maintain multiple subscriptions simultaneously. Therefore, some consumers adopt a rotation strategy, subscribing to different services throughout the year rather than maintaining all subscriptions continuously. This approach allows access to varied content whilst managing overall entertainment expenditure more effectively.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding the contractual terms governing your Blaze+ subscription is fundamental to protecting your consumer rights. UK law provides robust protections for subscribers, but exercising these rights effectively requires knowledge of both the service's specific terms and the broader legal framework that applies to subscription contracts.

Legal requirements in the United Kingdom

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have specific protections when entering into subscription agreements. These laws establish that contract terms must be fair, transparent, and presented in plain language that consumers can reasonably understand. This means that companies cannot hide important cancellation terms in dense legal text or make the cancellation process deliberately difficult.

The regulations also stipulate that for distance contracts (those entered into online without face-to-face interaction), consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel without providing any reason. This statutory right exists regardless of what the company's own terms state, providing you with an automatic exit option if you change your mind shortly after subscribing.

Beyond the cooling-off period, cancellation rights depend on the specific terms of your subscription agreement. However, UK law requires that cancellation processes be straightforward and that companies cannot impose unreasonable barriers to cancellation. Therefore, whilst a company may require written notice, they cannot make cancellation so complex that it effectively traps consumers in unwanted subscriptions.

Notice periods and billing cycles

Most monthly rolling subscriptions, including Blaze+, operate on the principle that cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. In practice, this means that if you cancel midway through a month for which you have already paid, you will typically retain access until that paid period expires, but you will not be charged for subsequent months.

Understanding your billing cycle is essential for timing your cancellation appropriately. Your billing date typically corresponds to the date you initially subscribed, creating a monthly anniversary on which payments are processed. As a result, cancelling a few days before this date ensures you maximise the value from your final payment whilst preventing any additional charges.

Refund policies and your rights

Refund entitlement depends significantly on when and why you are cancelling. During the 14-day cooling-off period, you have a statutory right to a refund for any unused portion of the service. This means that if you have paid for a month but cancel after one week during this initial period, you should receive a prorated refund for the remaining three weeks.

After the cooling-off period expires, refund policies typically become less generous. Most subscription services, including Blaze+, do not offer refunds for partial months once the statutory cancellation period has passed. However, circumstances involving billing errors, unauthorised charges, or failure to provide the promised service may entitle you to refunds under consumer protection law regardless of the company's stated policy.

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged or that the service has failed to meet its contractual obligations, you have the right to dispute these charges. UK consumer law protects your right to receive the service you paid for, and companies must remedy situations where they have failed to deliver on their promises.

Why postal cancellation provides the best protection

Whilst digital cancellation methods may seem more convenient, sending cancellation notice by post using Recorded Delivery provides superior legal protection and creates an indisputable record of your cancellation request. This approach has proven particularly valuable when disputes arise about whether cancellation was properly requested or when it was submitted.

Recorded Delivery provides timestamped proof that your cancellation letter was sent and received. This means that if a company claims they never received your cancellation or processes it late, you have documentary evidence to support your position. In practice, this proof can be decisive in resolving billing disputes and preventing unauthorised charges.

Online cancellation systems can experience technical issues, account access problems, or unclear confirmation processes that leave you uncertain whether your cancellation was successful. Therefore, postal cancellation eliminates these digital vulnerabilities, creating a physical paper trail that exists independently of the company's systems.

Companies are legally required to process properly submitted postal cancellations, and the existence of Recorded Delivery proof makes it extremely difficult for them to claim non-receipt. As a result, this method provides peace of mind that your cancellation will be honoured and that you have recourse if any problems arise.

How to cancel Blaze by post

Cancelling your Blaze+ subscription by post involves several straightforward steps that, when followed carefully, ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and you have comprehensive documentation of your request. This methodical approach protects your consumer rights and provides clarity throughout the process.

Gathering necessary information before you cancel

Before drafting your cancellation letter, collect all relevant information about your subscription. This includes your account details, subscription number if available, the email address associated with your account, and your billing information. Having these details readily available ensures your letter contains all necessary information for the company to identify your account and process your cancellation efficiently.

Review your most recent billing statement to confirm your current billing cycle and identify when your next payment is scheduled. This information helps you time your cancellation appropriately and understand when you can expect the subscription to terminate. Therefore, checking these details in advance prevents confusion and ensures you are not surprised by any final charges.

Make note of when you originally subscribed, as this may be relevant if you are still within the 14-day cooling-off period and wish to request a refund. Understanding your subscription timeline empowers you to reference the appropriate consumer rights in your cancellation letter.

What to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and contain all essential information. Begin by clearly stating your intention to cancel your Blaze+ subscription, using direct language that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Include your full name exactly as it appears on the account, your complete address, and the email address associated with your subscription.

Provide your account number or subscription reference if you have this information available. This helps the company locate your account quickly and reduces the likelihood of processing delays. In practice, including as many identifying details as possible streamlines the cancellation process and demonstrates that you have provided all reasonable information.

Specify the date from which you wish the cancellation to take effect. Most commonly, this would be at the end of your current billing period, but if you are within the cooling-off period, you may request immediate cancellation. State clearly whether you are requesting a refund and, if so, on what basis you believe you are entitled to one.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation, specifying that you would like acknowledgment of the cancellation date and confirmation that no further payments will be taken. This request creates an obligation for the company to respond and provides you with additional documentation should any disputes arise later.

The correct postal address for cancellation

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely critical for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department and is processed without delay. Based on the information available for Blaze and its parent company A+E Networks UK, cancellation correspondence should be sent to their registered business address. However, it is important to note that specific cancellation addresses may be provided in your subscription terms and conditions, and you should always check these documents first for any designated cancellation address.

For general correspondence with A+E Networks UK, which operates Blaze, the registered office address is typically used for formal notices including cancellations:

• A+E Networks UK
• Grant Way
• Isleworth
• Middlesex
• TW7 5QD
• United Kingdom

Always verify this address against any information provided in your subscription confirmation email or terms and conditions, as companies occasionally update their correspondence addresses or designate specific addresses for subscription management. Using the correct current address ensures your letter reaches the right destination without forwarding delays.

Sending your letter with proof of delivery

Once you have prepared your cancellation letter, send it via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or another tracked postal service that provides proof of delivery. This step is essential for protecting your consumer rights, as it creates verifiable evidence that your cancellation was sent and received by the company.

Recorded Delivery provides you with a reference number that allows you to track your letter's progress and confirm when it was delivered. Keep this reference number safe along with your proof of postage receipt, as these documents constitute your evidence should any dispute arise about whether or when your cancellation was received.

The cost of Recorded Delivery is modest, typically around £3-£4, and represents excellent value for the legal protection it provides. This small investment can prevent significant problems if billing disputes occur, making it a sensible precaution that all consumers should take when cancelling subscriptions.

Using Postclic to simplify the process

For those who want to ensure their cancellation letter is professionally formatted and sent with full tracking whilst saving time on the administrative aspects, services like Postclic offer a streamlined solution. Postclic allows you to create your cancellation letter digitally, which they then print, envelope, and send via tracked delivery on your behalf.

This approach provides several advantages beyond simple convenience. The service maintains digital records of your correspondence, giving you easily accessible proof of what you sent and when. Therefore, you have both digital and postal documentation of your cancellation, providing comprehensive evidence if needed.

Postclic handles the physical aspects of sending your letter, including ensuring it is correctly addressed and posted with tracking. This means you avoid trips to the post office whilst still obtaining the legal protections that postal cancellation provides. The service essentially combines the convenience of digital communication with the legal robustness of traditional postal methods.

Whilst using such a service involves a small fee, many consumers find the time saved and peace of mind provided worth this modest cost. The professional formatting and guaranteed delivery tracking can be particularly valuable for those who want absolute certainty that their cancellation has been properly submitted and documented.

Following up on your cancellation

After sending your cancellation letter, monitor your email for confirmation from Blaze or A+E Networks UK. Most companies send acknowledgment within a few business days of receiving cancellation requests. If you have not received confirmation within one week of the tracked delivery date, follow up to ensure your cancellation is being processed.

Check your bank account or payment method around your next billing date to verify that no further charges have been applied. If you are charged after sending your cancellation with adequate notice, you have grounds to dispute this charge with both the company and, if necessary, your bank or card provider.

Keep all documentation related to your cancellation, including your copy of the cancellation letter, proof of postage, tracking information, and any correspondence from the company. This comprehensive record protects you if any issues arise and provides everything you need to demonstrate that you followed the correct cancellation procedure.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding the experiences of other consumers who have cancelled Blaze+ subscriptions provides valuable insights and helps you anticipate potential issues. Whilst individual experiences vary, certain patterns emerge that can inform your approach to cancellation and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Common experiences with cancellation

Many customers report that Blaze+ cancellations are generally processed without significant difficulty when proper procedures are followed. The service operates within the standard framework for UK subscription services, meaning that consumers who submit clear cancellation requests with adequate notice typically see their subscriptions terminated as expected.

However, some subscribers have encountered situations where online cancellation options were unclear or difficult to locate within account settings. This experience highlights why postal cancellation provides a reliable alternative that does not depend on navigating digital interfaces or account access issues. Therefore, consumers who want certainty often prefer the postal method regardless of whether online options exist.

Timing-related issues represent another common theme in customer experiences. Some subscribers have reported being charged for an additional month because their cancellation arrived just after their billing date, even though they believed they had submitted it with adequate time. As a result, being mindful of your billing cycle and sending cancellation well in advance of your renewal date helps prevent these frustrating situations.

Protecting yourself from unwanted charges

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from unauthorised charges after cancellation is to maintain meticulous records. Keep copies of everything related to your cancellation, including your letter, proof of postage, tracking information, and any confirmation received from the company. This documentation provides the evidence needed to dispute any erroneous charges quickly and effectively.

Consider setting a reminder to check your bank account a few days after your scheduled billing date to verify that no payment has been taken. Early detection of incorrect charges makes them easier to resolve, as you can contact the company immediately rather than discovering the problem weeks or months later.

If you are charged after properly cancelling your subscription, contact your bank or card provider to dispute the transaction. Under UK payment protection rules, you have rights to challenge unauthorised or incorrect charges, and financial institutions have processes for investigating these disputes. In practice, having proof of your cancellation makes these disputes straightforward to resolve in your favour.

Tips for a smooth cancellation process

Timing your cancellation appropriately is perhaps the most important factor in ensuring a smooth process. Send your cancellation letter at least seven to ten days before your next billing date to allow adequate processing time. This buffer period accounts for postal delivery times and internal processing, reducing the risk that your cancellation arrives too late to prevent the next charge.

Be clear and specific in your cancellation letter, avoiding ambiguous language that might be misinterpreted. State explicitly that you are cancelling your subscription and specify the effective date. This clarity eliminates any possibility of confusion about your intentions and makes it difficult for the company to claim they misunderstood your request.

Always use a tracked postal service for sending cancellation letters. The modest cost of Recorded Delivery is insignificant compared to the protection it provides. This proof of delivery can be decisive in resolving disputes and provides peace of mind that your cancellation has been received.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation in your letter. Whilst companies should provide this automatically, explicitly requesting it increases the likelihood that you will receive clear acknowledgment. This confirmation serves as additional evidence that your cancellation has been processed and accepted.

What to do if problems arise

If your cancellation is not processed correctly or you continue to be charged after cancellation, take immediate action. Contact the company in writing, referencing your original cancellation letter and providing copies of your proof of delivery. Clearly state the problem and specify what resolution you expect, such as a refund of incorrectly charged amounts and confirmation that no further charges will occur.

If the company does not resolve the issue satisfactorily, you have several options for escalation. Contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charges, providing them with your cancellation documentation. Financial institutions take these disputes seriously and have formal processes for investigating them.

Consider reporting the issue to Trading Standards or Citizens Advice, both of which provide support for consumer rights issues. These organisations can offer guidance on your rights and, in some cases, intervene on behalf of consumers facing unreasonable treatment from companies.

For disputes involving larger sums or particularly egregious conduct, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme or small claims court may be appropriate. However, most cancellation issues can be resolved through direct communication with the company, especially when you have solid documentation supporting your position.

Understanding your broader consumer rights

Beyond the specific cancellation process, understanding your general consumer rights empowers you to navigate subscription services confidently. UK consumer protection law establishes that contract terms must be fair and that companies cannot use their standard terms to override your statutory rights.

This means that even if a company's terms and conditions contain provisions that seem unfair or unreasonable, these provisions may not be legally enforceable if they conflict with consumer protection legislation. Therefore, if you encounter cancellation terms that seem designed to trap you in a subscription or make cancellation unreasonably difficult, these terms may be challengeable under UK law.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 specifically addresses unfair terms in consumer contracts, establishing that terms must be transparent and not create significant imbalance between the company's rights and yours. In practice, this means that whilst companies can establish reasonable cancellation procedures, they cannot make these procedures so onerous that they effectively prevent cancellation.

You also have protection under the Consumer Contracts Regulations regarding automatic renewals and ongoing payment obligations. Companies must provide clear information about renewal terms and cannot make it significantly more difficult to cancel than it was to sign up. These protections exist specifically to prevent consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscriptions.

Understanding these rights gives you confidence when cancelling subscriptions and ensures you can recognise when a company is not respecting your legal protections. As a result, you can advocate effectively for yourself and insist on fair treatment throughout the cancellation process. Remember that these rights exist to protect you, and exercising them is entirely appropriate when dealing with subscription services.