Ending your Times membership made easy

About Times

The Times is one of Britain's most respected and longest-running national newspapers, first published in 1785. What began as a daily broadsheet has evolved into a comprehensive digital and print media platform serving millions of readers across the United Kingdom and beyond. The publication is known for its in-depth political coverage, investigative journalism, business analysis, and cultural commentary.

Today, The Times operates as a subscription-based service offering both print editions and digital access through its website and mobile applications. The digital platform provides unlimited access to articles, exclusive features, podcasts, and multimedia content. Subscribers can read breaking news, opinion pieces from renowned columnists, detailed sports coverage, lifestyle features, and the famous Times2 supplement content online.

The Times is part of News UK, a subsidiary of News Corp, and shares some resources with its sister publication, The Sunday Times. Many subscription packages bundle both publications together, giving readers seven-day-a-week access to premium journalism. The service has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, offering personalised news feeds, newsletters on specific topics, and interactive features that complement the traditional newspaper experience.

Subscribers gain access to decades of archived content through The Times digital archive, making it valuable for researchers, students, and anyone interested in historical perspectives. The publication maintains strict editorial standards and employs hundreds of journalists worldwide, producing original reporting across politics, international affairs, science, technology, arts, and entertainment.

Plans, features and pricing

The Times offers several subscription tiers designed to accommodate different reading preferences and budgets. Understanding these options helps you determine what you've been paying for and ensures you cancel the correct subscription if you hold multiple packages.

Digital subscription options

The Digital subscription provides unlimited access to thetimes.co.uk and The Times mobile app. This package includes all online articles, newsletters, podcasts, and digital-exclusive content. Subscribers can access content on multiple devices and download the digital edition for offline reading. Pricing typically starts around £26 for an introductory period, then increases to approximately £26-£30 per month after promotional rates expire.

The Times and Sunday Times Digital Bundle combines both publications in one subscription, offering seven days of digital journalism. This represents better value for readers who want weekend content alongside weekday coverage. Standard pricing runs approximately £30-£35 monthly after introductory offers.

Print and combined packages

Print-only subscriptions deliver physical newspapers to your door on selected days. You can choose weekday delivery (Monday to Saturday), weekend delivery (Saturday and Sunday), or seven-day delivery including both The Times and The Sunday Times. Print subscriptions typically cost between £30-£70 monthly depending on delivery frequency and location.

The Print and Digital Bundle represents the premium tier, combining home delivery with full digital access. This package suits readers who enjoy the traditional newspaper experience but want digital access when travelling or for convenience. Expect to pay £50-£80 monthly for comprehensive seven-day access across all formats.

Key features across subscriptions

Most importantly, keep in mind that introductory rates typically last three to twelve months before reverting to standard pricing. Many subscribers find themselves paying significantly more than initially expected once promotional periods end, which often triggers cancellation requests.

Common pricing structures

The Times frequently runs promotional campaigns offering substantial discounts for new subscribers. You might have signed up paying just £1 for two months, then £26 monthly thereafter. These promotional structures make it essential to review your bank statements to understand your actual current charges, as the amount you're paying now likely differs from your initial rate.

Additionally, annual subscriptions sometimes offer better value than monthly rolling contracts, but they require upfront payment and may have different cancellation terms. Always check which payment structure applies to your specific subscription before initiating cancellation.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding The Times' cancellation policy prevents unnecessary charges and ensures you follow the correct procedure. The publication's terms of service outline specific requirements that subscribers must meet when terminating their subscription.

Notice periods and requirements

The Times typically requires advance notice before cancellation takes effect. For monthly rolling subscriptions, you generally need to provide notice before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another month. This means if your subscription renews on the 15th of each month, your cancellation request must be received and processed before that date.

Print subscriptions often require longer notice periods, sometimes up to 14 days, to allow the distribution network to stop deliveries. This is particularly important because even if you stop receiving newspapers, you may still be charged if proper notice wasn't given according to their terms.

UK consumer rights and protections

Under UK consumer law, you have specific rights when cancelling subscriptions. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides protections, particularly if you signed up online or over the phone. For distance sales, you typically have a 14-day cooling-off period from when you subscribe, during which you can cancel without penalty.

However, this cooling-off period doesn't apply if you've already started receiving the service and agreed to waive this right, which is common with newspaper subscriptions where you begin accessing content immediately. Beyond the cooling-off period, you're bound by The Times' specific cancellation terms.

Refund policies

The Times generally does not provide refunds for partial months on monthly subscriptions. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you'll typically retain access until the end of your paid period, but won't receive money back for unused days. Annual subscriptions may have different refund calculations, potentially offering pro-rata refunds for unused months, though this varies based on promotional terms.

Keep in mind that promotional subscriptions often have specific terms stating that cancellation during or immediately after the promotional period may result in charges for the discounted amount. Always review the specific terms that applied when you subscribed.

Automatic renewals

Most Times subscriptions operate on automatic renewal, meaning your payment method is charged automatically unless you actively cancel. This continues indefinitely until you take action. The publication should send renewal reminders, but these sometimes go to spam folders or outdated email addresses, leaving subscribers unaware of upcoming charges.

This automatic renewal system is precisely why having written proof of your cancellation request becomes absolutely critical. Without documented evidence that you requested cancellation, disputes about whether notice was properly given become difficult to resolve.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation represents the most reliable method for terminating your Times subscription, providing documented proof that protects you from disputed charges and continued billing. Having processed thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that postal methods consistently outperform other approaches when disputes arise.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

Written cancellation requests create an indisputable paper trail that proves you requested termination. When sent via Recorded Delivery, you receive tracking information and signature confirmation showing exactly when The Times received your letter. This evidence becomes invaluable if you're later charged incorrectly or the company claims they never received your cancellation.

Online cancellation systems sometimes experience technical glitches, leaving no proof you attempted to cancel. Phone cancellations rely on representatives accurately processing your request and updating systems correctly, which doesn't always happen. Postal cancellation removes these variables, giving you complete control over documentation.

Additionally, written requests force you to include all necessary information upfront. You'll provide your full account details, subscription number, and explicit cancellation instructions in one comprehensive communication. This reduces back-and-forth exchanges and speeds up processing.

Information to gather before writing

First, locate your most recent Times invoice or billing statement. This contains your customer reference number, subscription ID, and account details that identify your specific subscription. You'll need these identifiers in your cancellation letter.

Next, check your bank or credit card statements to identify exactly how much you're being charged and when. Note the billing date, as this determines your cancellation deadline. If you're charged on the 20th monthly, your letter must arrive well before the 20th of the next month to prevent another charge.

Additionally, confirm your registered email address and postal address associated with the subscription. The Times will send cancellation confirmation to these addresses, so ensuring they're current prevents missing important communications.

Most importantly, decide your preferred cancellation date. You can request immediate cancellation or specify a future date. Be explicit about this in your letter to avoid confusion.

What to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and contain all essential information. Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your subscription account. Include your complete postal address and email address registered with The Times.

State your customer reference number or subscription ID prominently. This helps The Times locate your account quickly in their system. If you have multiple subscriptions, specify which one you're cancelling or state that you want all subscriptions terminated.

Write a clear statement requesting cancellation. Use direct language like \