Ending your Medium membership made easy

About Medium

Medium is a popular online publishing platform that has transformed how people read and share long-form content on the internet. Founded in 2012 by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams, Medium serves as a hybrid between a traditional blog platform and a social network, hosting millions of articles on topics ranging from technology and business to personal development and creative writing. The platform has built a reputation for quality content, with contributions from both amateur writers and established journalists, making it a go-to destination for readers seeking thoughtful, in-depth articles.

In the United Kingdom, Medium operates as a subscription-based service, offering readers unlimited access to premium content through its Medium membership programme. As a UK consumer, you have specific rights when it comes to cancelling subscriptions, and understanding these rights is essential for protecting your interests. The platform generates revenue through paid memberships, which allow subscribers to read an unlimited number of articles without hitting the paywall that restricts free users to a limited number of stories each month.

Medium's business model centres on providing value to both writers and readers. Writers can earn money through the Partner Programme based on how much time paying members spend reading their work, whilst readers gain access to a vast library of quality content. This means that when you subscribe to Medium, you're not just paying for access to articles—you're supporting a community of writers and contributing to a platform that aims to elevate thoughtful discourse online.

The platform has evolved significantly since its launch, introducing various features such as publications, which are curated collections of articles around specific themes or topics. Many well-known publications now use Medium as their primary publishing platform, including industry-specific magazines and company blogs. This has made Medium an increasingly important part of the digital publishing landscape in the UK and worldwide.

Subscription plans and pricing

Medium offers a straightforward subscription structure for UK customers, designed to provide flexibility whilst maintaining access to premium content. Understanding the pricing options available to you is crucial when considering whether to maintain or cancel your subscription, as different plans come with different billing cycles and therefore different notice requirements.

Current pricing structure

Medium's membership plans are designed to cater to different user preferences regarding payment frequency. The platform typically offers both monthly and annual subscription options, with the annual plan providing a discount compared to paying monthly. This pricing strategy is common among subscription services and rewards customers who commit to longer-term subscriptions.

These prices reflect the typical range for Medium subscriptions in the UK market, though the exact pricing may vary based on promotional offers or currency fluctuations. As a consumer, you should always verify the current pricing on your account statement or subscription confirmation email, as these documents provide the definitive record of what you agreed to pay.

What your subscription includes

When you pay for a Medium membership, you receive several benefits that distinguish your experience from that of free users. Understanding what you're paying for helps you make an informed decision about whether the subscription continues to meet your needs. Your membership includes unlimited access to all member-only stories, which represent a significant portion of Medium's content library. You also gain the ability to listen to audio versions of articles, which is particularly useful for consuming content whilst commuting or exercising.

Additionally, members receive a customised reading experience with fewer interruptions and the ability to bookmark articles for later reading. The membership also supports writers directly, as your reading time contributes to their earnings through the Partner Programme. This means your subscription has a tangible impact on the content creators whose work you enjoy.

Common reasons for cancellation

Many UK subscribers choose to cancel their Medium membership for various legitimate reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you determine whether cancellation is the right choice for your circumstances. Financial considerations often play a role, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty when households review their discretionary spending. Even modest monthly subscriptions can add up when you're managing multiple services.

Changes in reading habits represent another common reason for cancellation. You may find that you're not using the platform as frequently as you initially anticipated, or your interests have shifted away from the content available on Medium. Some subscribers discover that they can access sufficient free content without needing a paid membership, whilst others find alternative sources for the type of articles they enjoy.

Technical issues or dissatisfaction with recent platform changes also prompt cancellations. Medium, like many digital services, periodically updates its interface and features, and not all changes resonate with existing users. Some subscribers feel that the quality of content has declined or that the platform's direction no longer aligns with their expectations. These are all valid reasons for exercising your right to cancel.

Cancellation terms and conditions

As a UK consumer, you benefit from robust legal protections when it comes to cancelling subscription services. Understanding these protections and how they apply to your Medium subscription empowers you to take action confidently and ensures that service providers respect your rights. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 establish clear frameworks for subscription cancellations, giving you specific entitlements that companies must honour.

Your legal rights in the UK

Under UK consumer protection law, you have the right to cancel subscription services, though the specific terms depend on how you purchased the subscription and how long you've held it. If you signed up for Medium online, which is the typical method, you benefit from the Consumer Contracts Regulations, which provide a 14-day cooling-off period. This means that if you've only recently subscribed, you have an automatic right to cancel within 14 days of purchase and receive a full refund, regardless of how much you've used the service.

After the cooling-off period expires, your cancellation rights depend on the terms of the contract you entered into with Medium. However, UK law requires that cancellation processes must be straightforward and that companies cannot make it unreasonably difficult for you to end your subscription. This principle protects consumers from deliberately complex cancellation procedures designed to discourage people from leaving.

Medium's cancellation policy

Medium's standard cancellation policy allows subscribers to cancel their membership at any time. When you cancel, you typically retain access to member benefits until the end of your current billing period, whether that's monthly or annual. This means you won't receive a partial refund for unused time within your billing cycle, but you also won't be charged for the next period. Therefore, timing your cancellation appropriately can ensure you maximise the value you've already paid for.

The platform generally processes cancellations to take effect at the end of the current subscription period rather than immediately. This approach is standard practice among subscription services and is considered fair, as you've already paid for access through that date. In practice, this means that if you cancel on the 10th of the month but your billing date is the 25th, you'll continue to have access until the 25th, at which point your subscription will not renew.

Notice periods and refund policies

Understanding notice periods is crucial for effective subscription management. For monthly Medium subscriptions, you effectively need to cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another month. There's no extended notice period beyond this requirement, which means you can cancel relatively close to your renewal date and still prevent the next charge.

Annual subscriptions follow similar principles but with longer timeframes. If you have an annual membership, you'll want to cancel before your yearly renewal date to prevent being charged for another full year. Given the larger sum involved in annual renewals, marking your calendar with a reminder several weeks before your renewal date is a prudent approach to subscription management.

Documentation and record keeping

Maintaining proper records of your cancellation request is essential for protecting your consumer rights. This documentation serves as evidence should any disputes arise about whether you cancelled in time or whether the company properly processed your request. As a result, you should always keep copies of any cancellation correspondence, including the date you sent it, the method you used, and any reference numbers or confirmation messages you receive.

When cancelling by post, which we'll discuss in detail shortly, your documentation becomes even more critical. Proof of postage and delivery confirmation provide irrefutable evidence that you submitted your cancellation request and that it reached the company. This evidence protects you if the company claims they never received your cancellation or if they continue charging you after you've properly terminated the contract.

How to cancel Medium by post

Cancelling your Medium subscription by post represents the most secure and legally robust method available to UK consumers. Whilst digital cancellation methods may seem more convenient, postal cancellation provides tangible evidence of your request and creates a formal record that protects your rights. This approach is particularly valuable when dealing with international companies or when you've experienced difficulties with online cancellation processes.

Why postal cancellation is recommended

Sending a cancellation letter by post offers several significant advantages over other methods. First and foremost, it creates a paper trail that serves as indisputable evidence of your cancellation request. When you send your letter via Recorded Delivery or another tracked postal service, you receive proof of both sending and delivery, which means the company cannot credibly claim they never received your cancellation.

Postal cancellation also ensures your request reaches the appropriate department within the company. Online cancellation processes sometimes encounter technical glitches, and email requests can be filtered into spam folders or overlooked in busy inboxes. A physical letter sent to the company's registered address must be processed through their official correspondence channels, making it less likely to be ignored or lost.

Furthermore, a formal written cancellation demonstrates that you're serious about ending the subscription and aware of your consumer rights. Companies recognise that customers who take the time to send recorded letters understand their legal position and are more likely to pursue complaints if their rights aren't respected. This often results in more prompt and professional handling of your request.

Essential information for your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should include specific information that clearly identifies you as a customer and unambiguously states your intention to cancel. Begin with your full name as it appears on your Medium account and subscription records. Include your email address associated with the account, as this is typically the primary identifier Medium uses for customer accounts. If you have a customer reference number or subscription ID, include this as well, though your email address should be sufficient for the company to locate your account.

Clearly state your intention to cancel your Medium membership subscription. Use direct, unambiguous language such as "I am writing to cancel my Medium membership subscription" rather than phrases like "I would like to discuss cancelling" or "I'm considering ending my subscription." Ambiguous language could potentially be interpreted as an enquiry rather than a definitive cancellation instruction.

Specify when you want the cancellation to take effect. You might write "Please cancel my subscription immediately" or "Please ensure my subscription is not renewed after the current billing period ends on [date]." Including the date helps prevent any confusion about timing. Request written confirmation of your cancellation, including confirmation that no further charges will be applied to your payment method. This request establishes an expectation that the company should respond and provides grounds for complaint if they fail to do so.

The correct postal address for Medium

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely critical for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department and is processed properly. For Medium subscriptions in the UK, you should send your cancellation letter to the company's official registered address. Based on Medium's corporate structure, correspondence should be directed to their San Francisco headquarters, as this is where subscription and billing matters are handled.

• Medium
• 548 Market Street
• PMB 42061
• San Francisco
• California 94104-5401
• United States

When addressing your envelope, ensure you write this address clearly and completely. International post from the UK to the United States typically takes between 5-7 working days for standard airmail and 3-5 working days for priority services. Therefore, if you're approaching your billing date, you should send your letter with sufficient time for it to arrive and be processed before you're charged again.

Using Recorded Delivery or tracked services

Always send your cancellation letter using a tracked postal service, such as Royal Mail's International Tracked & Signed service. This service provides proof of delivery and requires a signature upon receipt, giving you definitive evidence that your letter reached Medium's address. The tracking number allows you to monitor your letter's progress and confirm exactly when it was delivered.

The cost of tracked international delivery from the UK to the US typically ranges from £7 to £15, depending on the service level you choose. Whilst this represents an additional expense, it's a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind and legal protection it provides. The proof of delivery serves as powerful evidence if you need to dispute any charges or if the company claims they didn't receive your cancellation.

Keep your proof of postage receipt and make a note of the tracking number. You can track your letter's progress through the Royal Mail website, and you should check to confirm when it's been delivered. Once delivered, allow 5-10 working days for the company to process your request and update their systems. If you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe, you have grounds to follow up and can reference your tracking information as evidence of delivery.

How Postclic simplifies the process

For UK consumers who want the security of postal cancellation without the hassle of printing, posting, and tracking letters themselves, services like Postclic offer a practical solution. Postclic handles the entire process of sending your cancellation letter, including professional formatting, printing, and dispatch via tracked delivery. This approach saves you time whilst still providing the legal protection and evidence that postal cancellation offers.

The service works by allowing you to submit your cancellation details online, after which Postclic prepares and sends your letter on your behalf. You receive digital proof that your letter was sent and delivered, giving you the same evidential protection as if you'd posted it yourself. This can be particularly valuable if you're busy, don't have easy access to printing facilities, or simply want the confidence that your letter has been properly formatted and addressed.

Using a service like Postclic doesn't diminish your legal rights or the validity of your cancellation. The letter is sent on your behalf and contains your instructions, making it legally equivalent to a letter you posted yourself. The key advantage is convenience combined with professional handling, ensuring your cancellation is processed efficiently whilst maintaining the security and traceability that makes postal cancellation the recommended approach.

Customer reviews and tips

Learning from other UK consumers' experiences with cancelling Medium subscriptions provides valuable insights that can help you navigate the process more effectively. Customer feedback reveals common challenges, successful strategies, and important considerations that might not be immediately obvious from reading the company's official policies.

Common experiences with Medium cancellations

Many UK subscribers report that cancelling Medium through the platform's online account settings is relatively straightforward when it works properly. However, some customers have encountered situations where the online cancellation process didn't function as expected, leading to continued charges after they believed they had cancelled. These experiences highlight why having documented proof of your cancellation request is so important, regardless of which method you use initially.

Customers who have used postal cancellation generally report positive outcomes, particularly when they've used tracked delivery services. The formal nature of a posted letter appears to ensure that cancellation requests are processed through official channels and properly documented in the company's systems. Several consumers have noted that having proof of delivery was crucial when they needed to dispute charges or demonstrate that they had cancelled within required timeframes.

Timing considerations and best practices

Experienced subscribers emphasise the importance of timing your cancellation appropriately to avoid unwanted charges. For monthly subscriptions, cancelling at least 3-5 days before your billing date provides a safety margin that accounts for processing time. This buffer is particularly important when cancelling by post, as you need to allow time for your letter to be delivered and processed before your next billing cycle begins.

For annual subscriptions, setting a calendar reminder for at least one month before your renewal date gives you ample time to decide whether to continue and to complete the cancellation process if you choose to end your subscription. Many consumers report being caught off guard by annual renewals, resulting in charges they weren't expecting. Therefore, proactive calendar management is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining control over your subscriptions.

Checking your bank statements

Vigilant monitoring of your bank or credit card statements is essential after cancelling any subscription. Even when companies process cancellations correctly, occasionally charges slip through due to timing issues or system errors. By checking your statements regularly, you can quickly identify any unauthorised charges and take immediate action to request refunds.

If you notice a charge after you've cancelled, contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the unauthorised transaction. Under UK payment regulations, you have strong protections against unauthorised charges, and your bank can often reverse the transaction, particularly if you can provide evidence of your cancellation such as proof of delivery for your cancellation letter. This is yet another reason why documented postal cancellation is so valuable—it provides the evidence you need to support your claim.

Dealing with retention offers

Some subscription services attempt to retain customers by offering discounts or other incentives when they detect cancellation attempts. Whilst Medium's approach to retention may vary, you should be aware that you're under no obligation to accept any offers if you've decided to cancel. These offers can be tempting, particularly if they involve significant discounts, but you should consider whether the service genuinely meets your needs rather than being swayed purely by a temporary price reduction.

If you do receive a retention offer that interests you, ensure you understand the terms clearly. Ask how long the promotional rate lasts, what the price will be after the promotional period, and whether accepting the offer creates any new contractual obligations. Make sure any agreed terms are confirmed in writing so you have a record of what was promised. This protects you from misunderstandings and gives you evidence if the company doesn't honour the agreed terms.

Alternative approaches for continued access

Several UK consumers have found creative ways to continue accessing Medium content without maintaining a paid subscription. The platform allows free users to read a limited number of articles each month, and some readers find this sufficient for their needs. Others have discovered that clearing browser cookies or using private browsing modes can sometimes reset article limits, though this approach exists in a grey area regarding the platform's terms of service.

Some former subscribers choose to follow specific writers they enjoy on other platforms or to purchase individual article access when particularly interesting content appears. This à la carte approach can be more cost-effective if you only occasionally find articles worth reading on Medium. Additionally, many writers publish their work on multiple platforms, so you might find the same authors on free blogging platforms or through their own websites.

Lessons from subscription management

The experience of managing and cancelling Medium subscriptions offers broader lessons applicable to all subscription services. Many UK consumers report that they've accumulated numerous subscriptions over time, often forgetting about services they rarely use. Conducting a regular audit of all your subscriptions—perhaps quarterly or semi-annually—helps you identify services you no longer value and can cancel to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Creating a spreadsheet or using a subscription management app to track all your recurring payments, their costs, and their renewal dates puts you in control of your finances. This systematic approach prevents surprise charges and ensures you're consciously choosing to maintain each subscription rather than continuing out of inertia. As a result, you spend money only on services that genuinely enhance your life, rather than on forgotten subscriptions that drain your resources without providing value.

Final recommendations for UK consumers

Based on collective customer experiences and consumer rights principles, several recommendations emerge for UK subscribers considering cancelling their Medium membership. First, act decisively once you've decided to cancel rather than putting it off. Procrastination often results in additional unwanted charges and makes the cancellation process feel more burdensome than it actually is.

Second, always use a method that provides proof of your cancellation request. Whether you cancel online and take screenshots, or you send a letter by tracked post, having evidence protects your rights and provides recourse if problems arise. This documentation is your insurance policy against disputes and continued charges.

Third, follow up to ensure your cancellation was processed correctly. Check your account status, verify that you receive confirmation, and monitor your bank statements for the next billing cycle. This vigilance catches problems early when they're easier to resolve. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to assert your consumer rights firmly but professionally. UK law is on your side, and companies operating in the UK market must respect these protections.

Remember that cancelling a subscription is your right as a consumer, not a favour you're requesting from the company. You entered into a contract voluntarily, and you have the right to end that contract according to its terms and UK consumer protection law. Approaching cancellation with this mindset helps you navigate the process confidently and ensures you're treated fairly throughout.