Ending your Which membership made easy

About Which membership services

Which is the United Kingdom's leading consumer advocacy organisation, operating as a registered charity under the name Which? Limited. Established in 1957, the organisation provides independent product testing, consumer research, and advocacy services to millions of UK residents. In accordance with its charitable objectives, Which operates on a membership basis, offering subscribers access to comprehensive product reviews, expert advice, and legal support services across numerous consumer categories.

The organisation's legal structure as a limited company registered with Companies House imposes specific contractual obligations upon both the service provider and its members. Furthermore, Which maintains accreditation from relevant consumer protection bodies and operates within the framework established by UK consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

Members of Which gain access to detailed product testing results, buying guides, and consumer rights information spanning categories such as home appliances, financial services, technology products, and automotive reviews. Additionally, the membership structure includes provisions for legal advice services and complaint resolution support, which constitute integral components of the contractual relationship between Which and its subscribers.

The organisation's service delivery model relies upon continuous subscription payments, thereby creating ongoing contractual obligations that require specific procedures for termination. Consequently, understanding the precise terms and conditions governing membership cancellation becomes essential for any subscriber seeking to terminate their contractual relationship with Which.

Membership subscription options and associated costs

Standard membership tiers

Which operates multiple subscription tiers, each carrying distinct contractual terms and pricing structures. The primary membership option provides digital access to the organisation's online resources, including product reviews, comparison tools, and consumer advice articles. In accordance with current pricing schedules, monthly membership typically costs approximately £10.75 per month when paid on a rolling monthly basis, whilst annual subscriptions offer reduced per-month costs at approximately £9.75 per month when paid as a single annual payment of £117.

The organisation additionally offers enhanced membership packages that incorporate access to Which? magazine in physical print format, delivered monthly to the subscriber's registered postal address. This premium tier typically costs approximately £13.50 per month on a monthly rolling contract, or approximately £11.25 per month when paid annually at £135 per annum. These pricing structures remain subject to periodic review and adjustment, with contractual provisions requiring advance notification of any price increases.

Contractual payment terms

The contractual framework governing Which memberships establishes automatic renewal provisions, whereby subscriptions continue indefinitely until such time as the member provides formal notice of cancellation. Furthermore, payment processing occurs through direct debit arrangements or continuous payment authority on credit or debit cards, creating ongoing financial obligations that persist until proper cancellation procedures are completed.

Additional service components

Certain membership packages incorporate access to Which? Legal Service, providing telephone consultations with qualified legal advisors on consumer law matters. This supplementary service operates under separate contractual terms, though it may be bundled with standard membership packages. Additionally, members may access Which? Money Compare services for financial product comparisons, though these services typically operate independently of the core membership contract.

The contractual documentation provided upon membership commencement outlines specific terms regarding service delivery, payment obligations, and cancellation procedures. Nevertheless, many subscribers fail to retain these documents, thereby creating uncertainty when attempting to terminate their membership. Consequently, understanding the standard contractual framework becomes essential for effective cancellation.

Understanding your statutory cancellation rights under UK law

Consumer Contracts Regulations and cooling-off periods

In accordance with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, consumers who enter into subscription contracts through distance selling methods—including online, telephone, or postal arrangements—possess statutory cancellation rights during a defined cooling-off period. Specifically, these regulations establish a fourteen-day cancellation period commencing from the date of contract formation, during which consumers may cancel without providing justification and without incurring penalties.

The cooling-off period provisions apply to initial subscription commencements but do not extend to subsequent renewal periods under ongoing contracts. Furthermore, if the service provider commences service delivery during the cooling-off period with the consumer's express consent, the consumer retains cancellation rights but may be charged proportionately for services already provided. Consequently, members who wish to exercise cooling-off rights must act promptly within the fourteen-day statutory window.

Contractual cancellation rights beyond the cooling-off period

Beyond the statutory cooling-off period, cancellation rights derive from the contractual terms established between Which and its members. Standard Which membership terms typically permit cancellation at any time, subject to providing appropriate notice in accordance with contractual requirements. Nevertheless, the specific notice period and cancellation procedures constitute contractual matters rather than statutory rights, meaning they are governed by the terms and conditions accepted upon membership commencement.

For monthly rolling subscriptions, contractual terms generally require notice of cancellation to be provided before the next payment date to prevent additional charges. Annual subscriptions present more complex considerations, as refund entitlements for unused portions of prepaid annual memberships depend upon the specific contractual provisions. Some subscription contracts provide pro-rata refunds for cancelled annual memberships, whilst others may not offer refunds for early termination of annual commitments.

Legal requirements for cancellation notice

UK contract law does not mandate specific formats for cancellation notices, provided the communication clearly expresses the consumer's intention to terminate the contract and contains sufficient information to identify the contracting parties and the agreement being cancelled. Nevertheless, best practices in contract termination recommend providing written notice that creates a permanent record and proof of communication.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes general principles requiring service providers to make cancellation processes straightforward and accessible. Furthermore, the Act prohibits contractual terms that create disproportionate barriers to cancellation. Consequently, whilst Which may specify preferred cancellation methods, members retain the right to cancel through any reasonable communication method, including postal correspondence.

Comprehensive postal cancellation procedure for Which membership

Why postal cancellation provides optimal legal protection

Postal cancellation via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery service offers several distinct advantages over alternative cancellation methods when terminating subscription contracts. Firstly, Recorded Delivery provides independently verifiable proof of posting and delivery, creating documentary evidence that satisfies legal requirements for demonstrating notice was provided. This proof becomes invaluable should disputes arise regarding whether cancellation notice was properly communicated.

Secondly, postal cancellation creates a permanent written record of the cancellation request, including the specific date of communication and the precise content of the notice. In accordance with principles of contract law, written communications carry greater evidential weight than verbal communications, which may be subject to misunderstanding or disputed recollection. Furthermore, written cancellation eliminates the possibility of miscommunication that may occur during telephone conversations.

Thirdly, postal cancellation through tracked delivery services prevents service providers from claiming non-receipt of cancellation notices. The tracking information generated by Recorded Delivery services provides timestamped confirmation of delivery, thereby establishing conclusively that notice was received. Consequently, postal cancellation significantly reduces the risk of continued charges resulting from disputed cancellation requests.

Additionally, services such as Postclic streamline the postal cancellation process by enabling members to compose, print, and send tracked letters digitally. These platforms provide professional letter formatting, automatic tracking number generation, and digital storage of correspondence records. Furthermore, Postclic eliminates the need to visit post offices or purchase postage separately, whilst maintaining the legal protections associated with formal postal communication.

Essential information to include in cancellation correspondence

Effective cancellation letters must contain specific information elements to ensure the communication achieves its intended purpose and satisfies contractual requirements. The following components constitute essential inclusions:

• Your complete legal name as it appears on the membership account
• Your membership number or account reference, if available
• Your registered email address associated with the membership
• Your postal address registered with Which
• Clear statement of intention to cancel the membership
• Effective cancellation date or request for immediate cancellation
• Request for written confirmation of cancellation
• Date of the letter
• Your signature (for physical letters)

Furthermore, the cancellation letter should reference your membership type and any specific contractual terms relevant to cancellation. If requesting a refund for unused portions of annual membership, the letter should explicitly state this request and reference any contractual provisions supporting refund entitlement. Additionally, including your telephone number facilitates communication should Which require clarification, though this remains optional.

Step-by-step postal cancellation process

Step one: Prepare cancellation documentation

Commence the cancellation process by gathering all relevant membership documentation, including membership numbers, payment records, and copies of the original terms and conditions. Review the contractual terms to identify any specific notice requirements or cancellation procedures stipulated in the agreement. Furthermore, verify the correct postal address for cancellation correspondence, as sending notices to incorrect addresses may delay processing or invalidate the cancellation attempt.

The official registered address for Which correspondence is:

• Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ

Nevertheless, it is advisable to verify whether Which maintains a specific department or address for membership cancellations, as large organisations frequently designate particular addresses for different correspondence types. This information may appear in membership documentation or the organisation's website terms and conditions.

Step two: Compose formal cancellation letter

Draft a concise, professional cancellation letter incorporating all essential information elements detailed previously. The letter should adopt a formal business correspondence format, including your address, the date, the recipient's address, and an appropriate salutation. Maintain a professional, courteous tone throughout the correspondence, avoiding emotional language or unnecessary explanation of cancellation reasons.

The letter's opening paragraph should immediately state the purpose: cancellation of Which membership. Subsequent paragraphs should provide identifying information, specify the desired effective cancellation date, and request written confirmation. The closing paragraph should thank the recipient for their attention and provide contact information for follow-up communication if necessary.

Platforms such as Postclic simplify this process by providing pre-structured letter templates that ensure all essential elements are included whilst maintaining professional formatting standards. These services additionally handle printing and posting, thereby reducing the administrative burden on the member whilst preserving the legal protections of formal postal communication.

Step three: Send via Recorded Delivery

Once the cancellation letter is prepared, send it via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery service to obtain proof of posting and delivery. At the post office, request Recorded Delivery service and retain the receipt containing the tracking number. This receipt constitutes proof of posting and enables tracking of the letter's delivery status through Royal Mail's online tracking system.

Alternatively, utilise digital postal services such as Postclic, which automatically send correspondence via tracked delivery methods and provide digital tracking information. These platforms eliminate the need for physical post office visits whilst maintaining equivalent legal protections. Furthermore, digital postal services typically offer faster processing times and automatic record-keeping of all correspondence.

Step four: Retain proof of cancellation

Preserve all documentation related to the cancellation, including copies of the cancellation letter, Recorded Delivery receipts, tracking numbers, and delivery confirmation. These documents constitute essential evidence should disputes arise regarding the cancellation. Furthermore, monitor your bank account or credit card statements to verify that no further payments are processed after the effective cancellation date.

In accordance with good record-keeping practices, maintain cancellation documentation for a minimum of six years, which corresponds to the limitation period for contract claims under UK law. Digital copies stored securely provide convenient access whilst ensuring documents are not lost or damaged.

Step five: Follow up if necessary

If you do not receive written confirmation of cancellation within fourteen days of the letter's delivery, contact Which to verify receipt and processing of your cancellation request. Reference your tracking number and delivery confirmation as evidence that notice was provided. Additionally, if further payments are processed after the effective cancellation date, immediately contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charges and reference your cancellation correspondence as supporting evidence.

Notice periods and effective cancellation dates

Contractual terms typically specify minimum notice periods required for cancellation to take effect. For monthly rolling subscriptions, notice periods commonly range from immediate effect to thirty days, depending upon the specific contractual provisions. Consequently, members should carefully review their membership terms to determine the applicable notice period and calculate the effective cancellation date accordingly.

For annual subscriptions, notice requirements may differ, particularly regarding refund entitlements. Some contracts require notice to be provided before the annual renewal date to prevent automatic renewal for another year. Furthermore, if seeking refunds for unused portions of annual memberships, specific claim procedures may apply, including time limits for submitting refund requests.

Common reasons members cancel Which subscriptions

Financial considerations and budget constraints

Economic factors constitute the primary motivation for many membership cancellations across subscription services generally. Members may find that ongoing subscription costs no longer align with their household budgets, particularly during periods of financial difficulty or when reassessing discretionary expenditure. Furthermore, subscribers who initially valued the service may subsequently determine that the cost-benefit ratio does not justify continued membership, especially if they infrequently utilise the available resources.

The cumulative cost of multiple subscription services across different providers creates significant annual expenditure, prompting consumers to evaluate which subscriptions provide sufficient value to warrant retention. Consequently, Which memberships may be cancelled as part of broader household budget optimisation efforts, even when members acknowledge the quality of services provided.

Insufficient utilisation of membership benefits

Many subscribers cancel memberships when they recognise they are not sufficiently utilising the available services to justify ongoing costs. Initial membership enthusiasm may diminish over time, resulting in decreased engagement with product reviews, advice articles, and other member resources. Furthermore, consumers who joined for specific purchase decisions may no longer require ongoing access once those decisions are completed.

The comprehensive nature of Which's service offering means that individual members may only require access to particular categories or services, whilst paying for complete membership packages. This mismatch between service scope and individual needs frequently motivates cancellation decisions. Additionally, members who discover alternative free resources providing similar information may conclude that paid membership no longer offers sufficient additional value.

Changes in personal circumstances

Life events and changing personal circumstances often necessitate subscription cancellations. Relocation abroad, retirement, or significant lifestyle changes may reduce the relevance of Which's UK-focused consumer advice. Furthermore, health issues or caring responsibilities may diminish members' capacity to engage with membership resources, rendering continued subscription impractical.

Household consolidation, such as marriage or cohabitation, may result in duplicate memberships between partners, prompting cancellation of redundant subscriptions. Additionally, inheritance of alternative consumer advice resources or access through other organisations may eliminate the need for individual Which membership.

Dissatisfaction with service delivery

Whilst Which maintains high standards of service delivery, some members may experience dissatisfaction prompting cancellation. Disagreement with product testing methodologies, review conclusions, or editorial perspectives may undermine member confidence in the organisation's recommendations. Furthermore, changes to membership benefits, website functionality, or service scope may disappoint existing members who valued previous arrangements.

Technical difficulties accessing online resources, delivery problems with print magazines, or unsatisfactory customer service experiences may additionally motivate cancellation decisions. In accordance with consumer protection principles, members retain the right to terminate contracts when service delivery fails to meet reasonable expectations, regardless of whether specific breaches of contract have occurred.

Preference for alternative consumer resources

The proliferation of online consumer review platforms, comparison websites, and social media discussion forums provides numerous alternatives to traditional subscription-based consumer organisations. Members may conclude that these free resources, despite potential limitations in independence or comprehensiveness, adequately serve their needs without requiring paid subscriptions. Furthermore, specialist forums and communities focused on particular product categories may offer deeper expertise than generalist consumer organisations.

Younger consumers particularly demonstrate preference for digital-native platforms and peer-generated content over institutional consumer advice. Consequently, Which faces ongoing challenges in demonstrating value to demographics accustomed to accessing information freely online. This generational shift in information consumption patterns contributes to membership cancellations as subscribers migrate to alternative resources.

Automatic renewal concerns

Automatic renewal provisions, whilst contractually legitimate and clearly disclosed, generate consumer dissatisfaction when members forget about upcoming renewals or fail to cancel before renewal dates. Unexpected charges resulting from automatic renewals frequently prompt immediate cancellation, particularly when members had intended to cancel earlier but overlooked the requirement to provide advance notice.

The subscription economy's reliance on automatic renewal mechanisms creates friction between consumer expectations and contractual realities. Many consumers expect subscriptions to expire naturally without requiring active cancellation, despite contractual terms establishing the opposite arrangement. Consequently, disputes regarding automatic renewals constitute a common catalyst for membership termination.

Protecting your legal interests during cancellation

Documenting all communications

Throughout the cancellation process, maintain comprehensive records of all communications with Which, including dates, times, methods of contact, and content of discussions. If telephone conversations occur, make contemporaneous notes documenting the representative's name, statements made, and any commitments provided. Furthermore, request reference numbers for all cancellation requests and retain these for future reference.

Email communications should be preserved in their entirety, including message headers showing transmission dates and times. Similarly, retain copies of all postal correspondence, both sent and received. This documentation becomes essential evidence should disputes arise regarding cancellation processing, refund entitlements, or continued charges.

Monitoring financial accounts

Following cancellation, vigilantly monitor bank statements and credit card transactions to verify that no further payments are processed. In accordance with banking regulations, consumers possess rights to dispute unauthorised transactions, including subscription charges continuing after proper cancellation notice. Nevertheless, exercising these rights requires prompt action, typically within specified timeframes following the unauthorised transaction.

If unauthorised charges occur, immediately contact your payment provider to dispute the transaction and request a chargeback. Provide copies of your cancellation correspondence and proof of delivery as supporting evidence. Furthermore, contact Which to resolve the matter directly, as administrative errors may be corrected without requiring formal dispute procedures.

Understanding refund entitlements

Refund rights for cancelled subscriptions depend upon multiple factors, including the membership type, timing of cancellation, and specific contractual provisions. Cancellations within the cooling-off period typically entitle members to full refunds, minus proportionate charges for services already provided. Beyond the cooling-off period, refund entitlements derive from contractual terms rather than statutory rights.

Annual subscriptions cancelled mid-term may qualify for pro-rata refunds representing unused months, though this depends upon the contract's specific provisions. Some subscription agreements explicitly exclude refunds for early termination, whilst others provide partial refunds subject to administrative fees or minimum retention periods. Consequently, reviewing the contractual terms becomes essential for understanding refund entitlements.

If Which refuses refund requests that you believe are contractually entitled, consider escalating the matter through formal complaint procedures. The organisation should maintain internal complaint handling processes, and if these fail to resolve the matter satisfactorily, external dispute resolution through ombudsman services or alternative dispute resolution schemes may be available. Furthermore, consumer advice organisations such as Citizens Advice provide free guidance on enforcing consumer rights.

Final verification of cancellation

Approximately thirty days after sending cancellation notice, verify that your membership has been fully terminated by attempting to access member-only resources on Which's website. Successful cancellation should result in access restrictions to premium content. Additionally, request written confirmation from Which explicitly stating that your membership has been cancelled, all payment arrangements have been terminated, and no further charges will be processed.

This confirmation document provides conclusive evidence of cancellation and protects against future disputes. Furthermore, it establishes a clear end date for the contractual relationship, which may become relevant for limitation period calculations should claims arise subsequently. Retain this confirmation permanently alongside other cancellation documentation as part of your personal financial records.

By following these comprehensive procedures and maintaining meticulous documentation throughout the cancellation process, members can effectively terminate their Which subscriptions whilst protecting their legal interests and ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations. The postal cancellation method, particularly when utilising tracked delivery services such as those provided by Postclic, offers optimal protection and creates verifiable proof of proper notice, thereby minimising the risk of disputes or continued charges following cancellation.