How to end your Unlimited Card subscription in the UK

What is Unlimited Card?

Unlimited Card is a UK-based subscription service that offers members exclusive dining discounts and cashback rewards at thousands of restaurants, pubs, and bars across the country. Operating through the Unlimit platform, this membership card provides users with savings of up to 50% on food bills at participating venues, along with additional perks like cashback on everyday purchases and access to special offers.

The service works through a mobile app where members can browse participating restaurants, book tables, and automatically receive their discounts when paying the bill. With over 6,000 venues nationwide including popular chains and independent establishments, Unlimited Card has positioned itself as a cost-saving solution for frequent diners and social eaters. The company has expanded significantly since its launch, partnering with well-known restaurant brands and hospitality groups.

Most importantly, Unlimited Card operates on a subscription model requiring ongoing monthly or annual payments. This means members need to actively cancel if they no longer wish to continue the service, otherwise payments will continue automatically. Understanding the cancellation process is crucial, particularly for those who've found the service doesn't match their dining habits or who've experienced issues with venue availability in their area.

Plans, features and pricing

Unlimited Card offers several membership tiers designed to suit different usage patterns and budgets. The pricing structure has evolved over time, and it's essential to know exactly what you're paying for before deciding whether to continue or cancel your subscription.

Current membership options

The service typically provides both monthly rolling subscriptions and annual plans with discounted rates for longer commitments. Keep in mind that annual plans often require full payment upfront, which becomes relevant when considering cancellation timing and potential refunds.

What the membership includes

Standard features across most Unlimited Card subscriptions include percentage-based discounts at participating restaurants, typically ranging from 25% to 50% off the food bill. Additionally, members receive cashback on purchases made through linked cards at various retailers, access to exclusive promotional offers, and the ability to use discounts multiple times per month at different venues.

Premium tiers usually unlock access to more popular or high-end restaurant partners, remove restrictions on usage frequency, and may include companion benefits allowing multiple diners to benefit from a single membership. Some plans also incorporate cinema discounts, retail vouchers, and priority booking at sought-after venues.

Common reasons members choose to cancel

Through processing thousands of cancellations, I've identified recurring patterns in why people terminate their Unlimited Card memberships. First, geographical limitations prove problematic when members discover few participating venues in their local area, making the subscription impractical for regular use. Next, booking availability issues arise during peak times, with popular restaurants often fully booked or blocking discount bookings on weekends.

Additionally, many members find the actual savings don't justify the subscription cost once they calculate their real usage patterns. If you're only dining out once or twice monthly, the membership fee may exceed your actual savings. Furthermore, some users report inconsistent experiences with venue participation, discovering that restaurants have left the scheme or impose unexpected restrictions.

Most importantly, financial reassessment during cost-of-living pressures leads many to cut discretionary subscriptions. When household budgets tighten, dining subscription services often become expendable, regardless of their theoretical value.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding the legal framework governing your Unlimited Card subscription is absolutely essential before initiating cancellation. The terms of service contain specific provisions that affect when and how you can cancel, along with your entitlement to refunds.

Contract duration and renewal terms

Monthly subscriptions typically operate on a rolling basis, automatically renewing on the same date each month until you actively cancel. This means if you signed up on the 15th of January, your subscription renews on the 15th of every subsequent month. Annual subscriptions lock you into a 12-month commitment period, after which they usually convert to rolling monthly contracts unless you cancel.

Keep in mind that automatic renewal is the default setting for all Unlimited Card memberships. The company will continue charging your registered payment method indefinitely unless you provide proper cancellation notice. This is perfectly legal under UK subscription regulations, but it places the responsibility on you to remember and action your cancellation.

Notice periods and cancellation deadlines

Most importantly, Unlimited Card requires advance notice for cancellations to take effect. Based on standard industry practice and consumer protection regulations, you typically need to cancel at least 48 hours to 7 days before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another period. The exact notice period should be specified in your membership terms, which you can access through your account or the original signup confirmation email.

For annual subscriptions, cancellation requests made during the initial 12-month term generally won't result in refunds for the remaining period unless you're exercising your Consumer Contracts Regulations cooling-off rights within 14 days of purchase. After the annual term expires, the same advance notice requirements apply to prevent automatic renewal.

Your rights under UK consumer law

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide a 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales, which includes online subscription signups. If you cancel within this window, you're entitled to a full refund regardless of usage. However, if you've actively used the service during this period, the company may deduct a proportionate amount for the benefits received.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you if the service isn't as described or doesn't match what was promised during signup. If Unlimited Card has materially misrepresented its offering or failed to provide contracted services, you may have grounds for cancellation with refund even outside the standard cooling-off period.

Keep in mind that payment disputes can be raised with your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (for credit cards) or through chargeback schemes (for debit cards) if the company refuses a legitimate refund request. This provides an additional layer of protection when cancelling subscriptions.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation remains the most reliable and legally robust method for terminating your Unlimited Card subscription. While digital methods may seem more convenient, a properly documented postal cancellation creates an indisputable paper trail that protects your interests if disputes arise.

Why postal cancellation is your safest option

First, written cancellation letters constitute formal legal notice under UK contract law. Unlike emails that can be filtered to spam, ignored, or claimed as never received, a letter sent via Recorded Delivery provides proof of posting and delivery that companies cannot dispute. Next, postal communication creates a permanent physical record with timestamps that become crucial evidence if you're incorrectly charged after cancellation.

Additionally, many subscription services deliberately make online cancellation difficult or impossible, hiding cancellation options deep within account settings or requiring phone calls during limited hours. Postal cancellation bypasses these obstacles entirely, giving you control over the process without depending on the company's cooperation.

Most importantly, Recorded Delivery service from Royal Mail provides legal-standard proof of delivery. If Unlimited Card claims they never received your cancellation and attempts to continue charging you, your Recorded Delivery receipt serves as definitive evidence in disputes with your bank or in small claims proceedings.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs specific information to be effective. Start by including your full name exactly as it appears on your Unlimited Card account, along with your membership number, registered email address, and the payment method's last four digits. This information ensures the company can immediately identify your account without delays or confusion.

Next, state your cancellation request clearly and unambiguously using direct language such as \