Ending your Itch membership made easy

About Itch

Itch is a digital marketplace and platform that connects independent game developers with players worldwide. Founded in 2013, Itch.io has become one of the most popular destinations for indie games, offering everything from experimental art projects to fully-fledged commercial releases. The platform operates globally, including in the UK, where it serves thousands of gamers and creators who appreciate its open, creator-friendly approach to digital distribution.

What sets Itch apart from other gaming platforms is its commitment to supporting independent developers. The service allows creators to set their own prices, offer pay-what-you-want models, and keep a larger share of revenue compared to many competitors. For consumers, this means access to unique, innovative games that might not appear on mainstream platforms. The service includes both free and paid content, with optional membership tiers that provide additional benefits.

As a UK consumer using Itch, you have specific rights under British consumer protection law. This means that any subscription or purchase you make through the platform is subject to UK regulations, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These laws protect your right to cancel subscriptions and ensure fair treatment in commercial transactions.

Understanding your rights when dealing with digital services like Itch is essential. Many consumers assume that cancelling online subscriptions is complicated or that companies can make it deliberately difficult to leave. However, UK law provides clear protections, and you have the right to cancel subscriptions in writing, which creates a permanent record of your request. This is particularly important when dealing with digital platforms where online account access might be restricted or technical issues could prevent you from cancelling through a website.

Subscription plans and pricing

Itch operates on a flexible model that includes both free access and optional paid memberships. The platform itself is free to use, allowing anyone to browse, download free games, and purchase individual titles without any subscription requirement. This means you can use Itch without any ongoing financial commitment if you choose to engage only with free content or make one-off purchases.

Free membership features

The standard free account on Itch provides substantial functionality. You can create an account, build a library of games, follow developers, participate in community discussions, and purchase games individually. Free members can also download and play any free games available on the platform, which represents a significant portion of Itch's catalogue. There are no hidden charges for maintaining a free account, and you can continue using it indefinitely without upgrading.

Premium membership options

Itch offers a premium membership programme that provides enhanced benefits for dedicated users. The platform's approach to premium membership is designed to support both the service and the creator community. When you subscribe to premium features, you're not just accessing additional functionality; you're also contributing to the sustainability of the platform and supporting independent game developers.

The premium membership typically includes benefits such as exclusive access to certain games, the ability to support developers through a monthly contribution pool, and additional customisation options for your profile. Pricing for premium memberships can vary, and Itch occasionally offers different tiers or promotional rates. As a result, it's important to review your specific subscription details to understand exactly what you're paying for and when charges occur.

Understanding payment commitments

When you sign up for any paid features on Itch, you're entering into a contract that creates ongoing payment obligations until you cancel. These subscriptions typically renew automatically each month or year, depending on the billing cycle you selected. This automatic renewal is standard practice for digital services, but it also means you must actively cancel if you no longer wish to continue paying.

As a UK consumer, you should receive clear information about pricing, renewal dates, and cancellation procedures before you commit to any subscription. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 require businesses to provide this information prominently. Therefore, if you feel you weren't adequately informed about subscription terms, you may have additional grounds for cancellation and potentially a refund.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding the cancellation terms for your Itch subscription is crucial for protecting your consumer rights and avoiding unwanted charges. UK law provides significant protections for consumers who wish to cancel subscriptions, and these rights apply regardless of what a company's own cancellation policy might state. This means you have legal backing when you decide to end your relationship with any subscription service.

Your legal right to cancel

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a statutory right to cancel most online purchases and subscriptions within 14 days of signing up. This cooling-off period applies to digital services like Itch, giving you two weeks to change your mind without needing to provide a reason. This protection exists specifically because online transactions happen quickly, and consumers deserve time to reconsider their decisions.

Beyond the initial 14-day period, you retain the right to cancel your subscription at any time, though the timing of when the cancellation takes effect may vary. Most subscription services, including gaming platforms, allow you to cancel with effect from the end of your current billing period. This means you'll continue to have access until the period you've already paid for expires, which is fair and reasonable under UK consumer law.

Notice periods and timing

When cancelling a subscription service by post, timing becomes particularly important. You need to ensure your cancellation letter arrives with sufficient notice before your next billing date to prevent another charge. As a general rule, aim to send your cancellation request at least 7 to 10 working days before your renewal date. This buffer period accounts for postal delivery times and gives the company reasonable time to process your request.

In practice, most companies should process a clearly written cancellation request within a few working days of receiving it. However, sending your letter well in advance protects you if there are any delays or if the company requests additional information. Using Recorded Delivery or a tracked postal service provides proof of when your letter was sent and received, which can be invaluable if any dispute arises about timing.

Refund entitlements

Your entitlement to a refund depends on when you cancel and the circumstances surrounding your subscription. If you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, you should receive a full refund for any charges, though you may be charged for services already consumed if you explicitly agreed to immediate access. After the cooling-off period, you're generally entitled to keep access until the end of your paid period, but you won't receive a partial refund for unused time.

There are exceptions to these general rules. If you were misled about the service, if charges were taken without proper authorisation, or if the service failed to meet the standard described, you may have grounds for a refund regardless of timing. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires digital content to be of satisfactory quality and as described. Therefore, if Itch failed to meet these standards, you have additional consumer rights that may include compensation.

Common reasons people cancel Itch

Understanding why other consumers cancel their Itch subscriptions can help you evaluate your own situation and ensure you're making an informed decision. Many users initially sign up for premium features to support the platform and independent developers but later find they're not using the service frequently enough to justify the ongoing cost. This is entirely reasonable, and there's no obligation to maintain a subscription you're not actively benefiting from.

Some consumers cancel because they've discovered alternative gaming platforms that better suit their needs or preferences. Others find that their gaming habits have changed, or they're consolidating their digital subscriptions to reduce monthly expenses. Financial circumstances change, and managing your subscriptions responsibly is an important part of household budgeting. Whatever your reason for cancelling, you have the right to do so without penalty or pressure to continue.

How to cancel Itch by post

Cancelling your Itch subscription by post is the most reliable method for creating a permanent, verifiable record of your cancellation request. While many services offer online cancellation options, postal cancellation provides unique advantages that protect your consumer rights more effectively. A physical letter sent via tracked delivery creates indisputable proof that you requested cancellation, when you sent it, and when the company received it.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

When you cancel by post using Recorded Delivery or a tracked service, you receive confirmation of delivery that serves as legal evidence of your cancellation request. This protection is particularly valuable if a company continues to charge you after you've cancelled or claims they never received your request. Online cancellation methods, by contrast, can be subject to technical failures, account access issues, or disputes about whether you completed the process correctly.

Postal cancellation also ensures your request is handled through official company channels rather than automated systems that might fail or misprocess your cancellation. A physical letter must be opened, read, and acted upon by company staff, reducing the risk of your cancellation being overlooked. Furthermore, if you ever need to escalate a complaint to trading standards, a financial ombudsman, or pursue legal action, having postal proof of your cancellation request significantly strengthens your position.

Required information for your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary information to identify your account and process your request efficiently. At minimum, include your full name as it appears on the account, your email address associated with the Itch account, and any account number or username if applicable. Clearly state that you are cancelling your subscription and specify the date from which you want the cancellation to take effect.

It's also advisable to request written confirmation of your cancellation. This creates an additional layer of documentation and obligates the company to acknowledge your request. You might write something like: "Please confirm in writing that my subscription has been cancelled and provide details of when my access will end and when the final charge, if any, will be taken." This approach demonstrates you're informed about your rights and expect proper handling of your request.

Where to send your cancellation letter

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is essential for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department and is processed promptly. For Itch subscriptions, you should send your cancellation request to the company's registered office address. As of current information available, Itch operates primarily as an online platform, and specific postal addresses for UK operations may need to be obtained from their website or terms of service documentation.

When dealing with digital platforms that operate internationally, it's important to identify the correct legal entity responsible for UK customer contracts. This information should be available in the terms and conditions you agreed to when signing up. If the address isn't clearly stated, you have the right to request this information from the company, as they're legally required to provide contact details for formal communications.

Using Recorded Delivery or tracked services

Always send cancellation letters via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or another tracked postal service that provides proof of delivery. This typically costs a few pounds extra but is invaluable for protecting your rights. Recorded Delivery gives you a unique tracking number and requires the recipient to sign for the letter, creating an official record that the company received your cancellation request on a specific date.

Keep your proof of postage and tracking information in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. If you're charged after your cancellation should have taken effect, this documentation allows you to prove you cancelled correctly and on time. In practice, this evidence often resolves disputes quickly, as companies recognise they cannot dispute signed delivery confirmation.

How Postclic simplifies the process

Services like Postclic can streamline the postal cancellation process while maintaining all the legal protections of traditional posted letters. Postclic allows you to create and send tracked cancellation letters digitally, handling the printing, enveloping, and posting on your behalf. This means you get the security and proof of postal cancellation without needing to visit a post office or handle physical mail yourself.

Using Postclic provides several practical advantages. The service ensures your letter is professionally formatted and includes all necessary information, reducing the risk of errors that might delay processing. You receive digital proof of sending and delivery, which is easily stored and retrieved if needed later. This combination of convenience and legal protection makes services like Postclic particularly valuable for consumers who want to cancel subscriptions efficiently while maintaining full documentation of their actions.

Following up on your cancellation

After sending your cancellation letter, monitor your email and bank statements carefully. You should receive confirmation from Itch within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 5 to 10 working days of delivery. If you don't receive confirmation, follow up with another letter or consider escalating the matter. Document all your attempts to cancel, as this evidence demonstrates you've acted reasonably and in good faith.

Check your bank or credit card statements to ensure no further charges appear after your cancellation date. If you are charged incorrectly, contact your bank immediately to dispute the transaction. Under UK payment regulations, you have rights to reverse unauthorised or incorrect charges, particularly if you can demonstrate you cancelled the service properly. Your postal proof of cancellation is crucial evidence in these situations.

Customer reviews and tips

Learning from other consumers' experiences with cancelling Itch subscriptions can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cancellation proceeds smoothly. Many users report positive experiences with Itch's customer service, noting that the platform generally handles cancellations professionally when requests are clear and properly submitted. However, as with any subscription service, preparation and documentation are key to protecting your interests.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Some consumers report difficulty locating clear cancellation information on the Itch website, which can make the process feel more complicated than necessary. If you encounter this issue, remember that your right to cancel doesn't depend on the company making it easy to find instructions. You can cancel by post regardless of what the website says, and UK law supports your right to do so. This empowers you to take action even if the company hasn't provided straightforward guidance.

Another common challenge involves timing, particularly for users who cancel close to their renewal date. To avoid this problem, set a reminder on your phone or calendar for at least two weeks before your next billing date. This gives you ample time to prepare and send your cancellation letter with proof of delivery. Planning ahead eliminates the stress of last-minute cancellations and reduces the risk of being charged for another billing cycle.

Tips for a smooth cancellation process

First and foremost, gather all your account information before writing your cancellation letter. Log into your Itch account and note down your exact username, the email address associated with the account, and details of your subscription plan. Having this information ready ensures your letter is complete and reduces the chance of delays due to missing information. Take screenshots of your account details and subscription status as additional evidence.

Write your cancellation letter in clear, simple language. You don't need to provide detailed reasons for cancelling or justify your decision. A straightforward statement like "I am writing to cancel my Itch premium subscription effective immediately" is sufficient. Being concise and direct actually helps ensure your request is processed quickly, as it leaves no room for confusion about your intentions.

Protecting yourself from continued charges

If you want absolute certainty that no further charges will occur, consider contacting your bank or card provider to cancel the payment authority after you've sent your cancellation letter. This is sometimes called cancelling a "continuous payment authority" or recurring payment. However, do this only after you've formally cancelled with Itch, as blocking payments without cancelling the subscription could breach your contract terms and potentially affect your credit rating.

Keep detailed records of everything related to your cancellation. This includes copies of your cancellation letter, proof of postage, delivery confirmation, any email correspondence, and screenshots of your account status. Store these documents digitally and in physical form if possible. This comprehensive documentation protects you if any dispute arises and demonstrates to any third party, such as trading standards or a financial ombudsman, that you've acted properly throughout the process.

What to do if your cancellation isn't processed

If Itch continues to charge you after you've sent a proper cancellation letter with proof of delivery, you have several options for recourse. First, send a follow-up letter, again by Recorded Delivery, stating that your cancellation was not processed and demanding immediate cessation of charges and a refund of any incorrect payments. Reference your original cancellation letter and include copies of your proof of delivery.

If the company still doesn't respond appropriately, you can escalate the matter to Citizens Advice or your local trading standards office. These organisations can provide free guidance on your consumer rights and may intervene on your behalf. Additionally, if charges continue to be taken from your account, contact your bank to dispute the transactions. Provide them with your cancellation documentation, and they should be able to reverse the charges and block future payments.

Understanding your ongoing rights

Even after you've successfully cancelled your Itch subscription, you retain certain rights as a former customer. If you discover that the service was not as described or failed to meet legal standards during your subscription period, you may still be entitled to compensation or partial refunds. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you up to six years in England and Wales (five years in Scotland) to pursue claims for breach of contract or misrepresentation.

This means that discovering problems after cancellation doesn't prevent you from seeking redress. If you realise you were charged incorrectly, that terms were changed without proper notice, or that the service didn't meet the standards promised, you can still raise these issues. Document any problems you experienced during your subscription, as this information may be valuable if you decide to pursue a complaint or claim later.

Making informed decisions about digital subscriptions

Your experience with cancelling Itch can inform how you approach digital subscriptions in the future. Before signing up for any subscription service, review the cancellation terms carefully and ensure you understand how to cancel if needed. Check whether the company provides a clear postal address for formal communications, as this is a good indicator of their professionalism and compliance with UK consumer law.

Consider setting up a dedicated email folder or digital file for subscription documentation. Whenever you sign up for a new service, save the confirmation email, terms and conditions, and any correspondence in this folder. This practice makes it much easier to manage your subscriptions, track renewal dates, and gather information quickly if you need to cancel. Being organised with your digital subscriptions gives you greater control over your finances and reduces the risk of unwanted charges.

Remember that as a UK consumer, you have strong legal protections when dealing with subscription services. Companies must treat you fairly, provide clear information, and process cancellations properly. If you ever feel a company is making cancellation unreasonably difficult or ignoring your requests, don't hesitate to seek help from consumer protection organisations. Your rights exist to protect you, and using them appropriately ensures businesses maintain proper standards and treat customers with respect.