Ending your Our Time membership made easy

About Our Time

Our Time is a popular dating platform specifically designed for singles over 50 in the UK. Launched as part of the People Media family of dating sites, which is owned by Match Group, Our Time focuses exclusively on mature dating, helping older adults find companionship, friendship, and romance. The service recognises that dating preferences and needs change as we age, offering a tailored experience that differs significantly from mainstream dating apps aimed at younger demographics.

The platform attracts thousands of UK members who appreciate its straightforward approach to online dating. Unlike swipe-based apps, Our Time emphasises detailed profiles, meaningful connections, and a user-friendly interface that doesn't require technical expertise. Members can browse profiles, send messages, and use various communication tools to connect with potential matches in their local area or across the UK.

However, many members eventually decide to cancel their subscriptions for various reasons. Some find a successful match and no longer need the service. Others become frustrated with the quality of matches, the volume of messages, or simply find that online dating isn't meeting their expectations. Financial considerations also play a role, particularly for those on fixed retirement incomes who may find the monthly subscription fees add up over time.

Additionally, some members report concerns about automatic renewal practices, feeling that the service makes it deliberately difficult to cancel. This is precisely why understanding the proper cancellation process, particularly through postal methods, becomes crucial for anyone wanting to terminate their membership cleanly and definitively.

Plans, features and pricing

Our Time UK operates on a subscription-based model with several membership tiers. Whilst you can create a profile and browse other members for free, meaningful interaction requires a paid subscription. Understanding these pricing structures is important because your cancellation timing may affect how much you ultimately pay.

Membership options and costs

Our Time typically offers three main subscription lengths, with longer commitments providing better value per month. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on current promotions, and the platform occasionally runs special offers for new members.

Most importantly, all paid subscriptions automatically renew unless you actively cancel them. This is the single biggest complaint from former members who thought their subscription would simply expire, only to discover another charge on their credit card or bank statement months later.

Premium features included

Paid members gain access to unlimited messaging, the ability to see who has viewed their profile, advanced search filters, and priority placement in search results. The platform also offers a "ConnectMe" feature that allows members to speak on the phone without sharing personal numbers, and virtual gifts to show interest in other members.

However, many users find that even with premium features, the experience doesn't justify the ongoing cost. The pool of active members in some UK regions can be limited, leading to repetitive browsing experiences. Others discover that many profiles haven't been updated in months, making it difficult to gauge who is genuinely active on the platform.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Our Time's terms of service is absolutely critical before you attempt to cancel. These terms govern your membership and outline your rights and obligations, including how and when you can terminate your subscription.

Automatic renewal provisions

Our Time's terms explicitly state that all subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled beforehand. This means your one-month subscription will continue indefinitely, charging your payment method each month until you take action to stop it. The same applies to three-month and six-month subscriptions, which renew for another full term.

The company argues this provides convenience for members who want uninterrupted service. However, in practice, many members forget about the renewal or assume they can simply stop using the service without formal cancellation. This leads to unwanted charges that can be difficult to recover, particularly if several billing cycles have passed.

Notice periods and refund policies

Here's where things get particularly important: Our Time requires advance notice to cancel your subscription. You cannot simply cancel on the day your subscription expires and expect to avoid the next charge. Most importantly, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to prevent automatic renewal.

Additionally, Our Time generally does not offer refunds for unused portions of your subscription period. If you paid for six months upfront and cancel after two months, you won't receive a refund for the remaining four months. You will, however, retain access to premium features until the end of your paid period.

There are limited exceptions to the no-refund policy. Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you purchase your subscription. If you cancel within this window, you're entitled to a full refund, minus any value you've already received from using the service. Keep in mind that this cooling-off period only applies to new purchases, not to automatic renewals.

UK consumer protection rights

UK law provides important protections for subscription services. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that terms must be fair and transparent. If Our Time makes cancellation unreasonably difficult or hides important terms in fine print, these provisions may be unenforceable. Furthermore, under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, you have the right to cancel recurring card payments by contacting your bank directly, though this should be a last resort rather than your primary cancellation method.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Our Time subscription, and I always recommend it to members who want absolute certainty that their request has been properly documented. Whilst the company may offer online cancellation options, postal methods create an undeniable paper trail that protects you if disputes arise later.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

First, postal cancellation provides physical proof of your cancellation request. When you send a letter via Recorded Delivery, you receive a certificate of posting and tracking information showing exactly when your letter was delivered. This becomes crucial if Our Time later claims they never received your cancellation request or if unwanted charges continue appearing on your account.

Next, written cancellation removes ambiguity. Phone conversations can be misunderstood, and representatives may not properly process your request. Online cancellation forms can malfunction or fail to submit properly. A physical letter, however, states your intentions clearly and unambiguously, leaving no room for interpretation or technical errors.

Additionally, postal cancellation puts the burden of proof on the company. Once you can demonstrate that your letter was delivered to their registered address, they cannot reasonably claim ignorance of your cancellation request. This is particularly valuable if you need to dispute charges with your bank or credit card company later.

Essential information to include

Your cancellation letter must contain specific information to be effective. Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your Our Time account. Include your email address associated with the account, as this is typically the primary identifier the company uses. If you know your membership number or customer reference number, include this as well, though it's not always essential.

Most importantly, state clearly and unambiguously that you are cancelling your subscription and requesting that all automatic renewals be stopped immediately. Use direct language such as "I am writing to cancel my Our Time subscription effective immediately" rather than vague phrases like "I would like to discuss cancelling."

Include the date you're writing the letter and specify that you want confirmation of your cancellation in writing. Request that this confirmation be sent to your postal address or email address. This creates an obligation for the company to respond and provides additional documentation of the cancellation process.

Keep in mind that you should also reference any upcoming billing dates. For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th of the month and you're writing on the 8th, mention this explicitly: "My subscription is due to renew on 15th March 2024, and I require this cancellation to be processed before that date to prevent further charges."

Sending your letter correctly

Always send your cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery. This costs a few pounds but provides tracking and proof of delivery, which is invaluable insurance. Never send cancellation requests via standard post, as you'll have no proof the letter arrived if problems occur later.

The correct postal address for Our Time UK cancellations is:

• Our Time
• PO Box 10159
• Chelmsford
• CM1 9HH
• United Kingdom

Make absolutely certain you use this exact address. Double-check the postcode particularly, as CM1 9HH is the correct designation for their PO Box. Address your envelope clearly and legibly, or better yet, print a label to ensure there's no confusion about where the letter should be delivered.

Additionally, keep copies of everything. Photocopy or photograph your letter before sealing the envelope. Keep your Recorded Delivery receipt and tracking number. When you receive confirmation that the letter was delivered, save this information as well. Store all these documents together in case you need to reference them later.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Timing is absolutely critical when cancelling by post. Remember that Our Time requires at least 24 hours notice before your billing date, but postal delivery takes time. I recommend sending your cancellation letter at least 5-7 working days before your next renewal date to ensure it arrives with time to spare.

Keep in mind that Royal Mail Recorded Delivery typically takes 1-2 working days for delivery, but delays can occur. If your renewal date is approaching quickly, you may want to take additional protective measures, such as contacting your bank to block future payments from Our Time whilst your postal cancellation is being processed.

Here's a practical timeline for postal cancellation:

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

Whilst you can certainly handle postal cancellation yourself, services like Postclic can streamline the entire process significantly. Postclic specialises in sending tracked letters on your behalf, which is particularly useful if you're mobility-limited, don't live near a post office, or simply want to ensure everything is handled correctly the first time.

The main advantage of using Postclic is convenience. You can compose and send your cancellation letter entirely online without visiting a post office or purchasing Recorded Delivery services separately. Postclic handles the printing, enveloping, and posting, whilst providing you with digital proof of sending and delivery tracking.

Additionally, Postclic ensures professional formatting and correct addressing, eliminating common mistakes that can delay or invalidate cancellation requests. The service maintains records of your correspondence, which can be invaluable if you need to prove you sent a cancellation letter months or even years later.

Most importantly, Postclic provides peace of mind. You'll receive confirmation when your letter is posted and again when it's delivered, with all documentation stored digitally for easy access. For the relatively small cost involved, many people find this worthwhile compared to the hassle of handling everything manually.

Tips from former members

Having processed thousands of subscription cancellations, I've learned valuable lessons from members who've successfully terminated their Our Time subscriptions and from those who encountered problems. These insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cancellation goes smoothly.

Document everything from the start

First and foremost, start documenting your membership from day one. Take screenshots of your subscription confirmation email, noting the exact renewal date and amount. Save copies of all correspondence with Our Time, including promotional emails that might reference your membership terms. This documentation becomes crucial if disputes arise later about what you agreed to or when your subscription was supposed to renew.

Next, set calendar reminders well before your renewal dates. Many members report being caught off guard by automatic renewals because they forgot when their subscription was due to renew. Set a reminder at least two weeks before each renewal date, giving yourself ample time to decide whether to continue or cancel.

Check your bank statements immediately

After sending your cancellation letter and receiving confirmation of delivery, monitor your bank statements closely. Most importantly, check your account on and immediately after your scheduled renewal date. If a charge appears despite your cancellation, contact your bank immediately to dispute the transaction. The sooner you report unauthorised charges, the easier they are to reverse.

Additionally, continue monitoring your statements for at least three months after cancelling. Some members report that charges mysteriously reappear weeks or months after apparently successful cancellations. This might indicate that your cancellation wasn't properly processed or that there were multiple subscriptions on your account.

Be wary of retention offers

Keep in mind that Our Time may respond to your cancellation request with special offers designed to retain you as a member. These might include discounted subscription rates, free months of service, or enhanced features. Whilst these offers might seem attractive, accepting them typically means your cancellation is withdrawn and your subscription continues.

If you're genuinely finished with the service, don't be swayed by retention offers. Companies count on members accepting these deals and then forgetting to cancel again when the promotional period ends. If you've decided to cancel, stick to your decision and insist that the cancellation be processed as requested.

Understanding common cancellation mistakes

One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming that deleting the Our Time app from your phone cancels your subscription. It doesn't. Your subscription is tied to your account, not the app, and continues regardless of whether you have the app installed. Similarly, simply stopping using the service doesn't cancel your subscription. You must actively cancel through proper channels.

Another common error is cancelling too close to the renewal date. Members often think they can cancel the day before renewal and avoid charges, but processing times mean this rarely works. Always allow several days' buffer, particularly when using postal cancellation methods.

Furthermore, some members try to cancel by replying to promotional emails or sending messages through the Our Time platform itself. These methods are unreliable and often don't reach the appropriate department. Always use official cancellation channels, with postal cancellation being the most dependable option.

What to do if cancellation fails

If you've sent a cancellation letter via Recorded Delivery, have proof of delivery, and yet charges continue appearing on your account, you have several options. First, contact Our Time directly with your delivery confirmation, demanding immediate cancellation and refund of any charges incurred after your cancellation letter was delivered.

Next, if Our Time doesn't resolve the issue promptly, contact your bank or credit card provider. Explain that you've cancelled the subscription in writing with proof of delivery, yet charges continue. Request a chargeback for any unauthorised transactions. Most UK banks are sympathetic to customers in these situations, particularly when you have documentation supporting your case.

Additionally, consider reporting the issue to Citizens Advice or the relevant consumer protection authorities if the company refuses to honour your cancellation. Whilst this is rarely necessary, it's an option available to you under UK consumer protection laws.

Protecting yourself from future charges

Even after successfully cancelling, take steps to prevent any possibility of future charges. Consider asking your bank to block transactions from Our Time or Match Group specifically. Most banks can set up blocks that prevent specific merchants from charging your account, providing an additional layer of protection.

Keep in mind that you should also keep all cancellation documentation indefinitely. Don't delete emails or throw away postal receipts once you think the matter is resolved. Members have reported charges appearing years after cancellation, and having historical documentation makes resolving these issues much simpler.

Final advice for a clean break

Most importantly, approach cancellation methodically and don't rush the process. Take time to gather your account information, compose a clear cancellation letter, and send it with proper tracking. The few pounds spent on Recorded Delivery or a service like Postclic is worthwhile insurance against months of potential billing disputes.

Remember that Our Time is a business designed to retain subscribers, so some friction in the cancellation process is unfortunately normal. Don't take it personally, but do be persistent and thorough in documenting your cancellation request. With proper preparation and the right approach, you can terminate your membership cleanly and move forward without ongoing charges or complications.

Lastly, if you found a successful match through Our Time, congratulations. If the service didn't meet your needs, remember that online dating isn't for everyone, and there's no shame in deciding it's not the right approach for you. Whatever your reason for cancelling, following the guidance in this article will help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, giving you peace of mind and protecting your finances going forward.