Cancellation service N°1 in United Kingdom
ITVX Premium is ITV's paid subscription tier that launched in December 2022 as part of the broadcaster's revamped streaming platform. It replaced the previous ITV Hub service and represents ITV's most ambitious push into the competitive streaming market. As someone who's processed countless subscription cancellations, I can tell you that ITVX Premium sits in an interesting position amongst UK streaming services because it offers a hybrid model where basic content remains free with adverts, whilst Premium removes those adverts and adds exclusive content.
The service provides access to ITV's extensive library of programmes, including popular dramas, reality shows, documentaries, and films. What sets Premium apart from the free tier is the ad-free viewing experience and the ability to download content for offline viewing. Additionally, Premium subscribers get access to exclusive box sets and content that isn't available on the free version. This includes shows from BritBox and extended catalogues of classic ITV programmes.
Most importantly, ITVX Premium operates on a subscription model that requires careful attention to cancellation procedures. From my experience helping thousands of people terminate their subscriptions, I've noticed that many subscribers initially sign up during free trial periods or for specific shows, then find themselves wanting to cancel once they've watched what they intended. Understanding the cancellation process before you need it is absolutely crucial, and postal cancellation remains the most reliable method for creating an undeniable paper trail.
ITVX operates with two distinct tiers, and understanding these options helps you determine whether you truly need the Premium service or if the free version suffices for your viewing habits. Let me break down what you're actually paying for, because this knowledge often influences cancellation decisions.
| Feature | ITVX Free | ITVX Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £0 | £5.99 |
| Annual cost | £0 | £59.99 |
| Advertisements | Yes | No |
| Downloads | No | Yes |
| BritBox content | Limited | Full access |
| Exclusive shows | No | Yes |
The Premium subscription costs £5.99 per month when paid monthly, or £59.99 annually, which works out to roughly £5 per month if you commit to the full year. Keep in mind that annual subscriptions present particular challenges when cancelling, as many subscribers forget they've committed to a year-long payment and then struggle to obtain refunds for unused portions.
First, you get completely ad-free streaming across all ITV content. This means no interruptions during your favourite dramas or reality shows. Next, Premium unlocks the download feature, allowing you to save programmes to your device for offline viewing, which proves particularly useful for commuters or travellers. Additionally, you gain access to a broader range of content from BritBox, including classic British comedies, dramas, and documentaries that aren't available on the free tier.
Premium subscribers also receive early access to certain new releases and exclusive content commissioned specifically for the paid tier. However, from my experience processing cancellations, many subscribers find that the actual exclusive content doesn't justify the monthly cost, especially when compared to competitors like Netflix or Disney Plus that offer more substantial original programming libraries.
Most subscribers initially sign up for one of three reasons. First, they're enticed by the free trial period, typically seven days, which allows them to test the service without commitment. Second, they want to binge-watch a specific show without advertisement interruptions. Third, they're travelling or commuting regularly and need the download functionality. Understanding your original motivation helps determine whether continuing the subscription makes sense or whether cancellation is the right choice.
Now we're getting into the crucial details that every subscriber needs to understand before cancelling. ITV's terms of service contain specific provisions about cancellation rights, notice periods, and refund eligibility. From processing thousands of cancellations, I can tell you that misunderstanding these terms causes the majority of disputes and frustrations.
First and foremost, UK consumer protection law gives you significant rights when cancelling subscriptions. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you subscribe during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. This applies even if you've used the service during those 14 days. Most importantly, this right cannot be waived or restricted by the company's terms of service.
After the cooling-off period expires, your cancellation rights depend on the terms you agreed to when subscribing. However, UK law still requires that cancellation processes must be straightforward and not deliberately obstructive. Companies cannot make cancellation significantly more difficult than the sign-up process, though enforcement of this principle varies.
ITVX Premium operates on a rolling subscription basis, meaning your subscription automatically renews each month or year depending on your chosen plan. You can cancel at any time, but your access continues until the end of your current billing period. Keep in mind that ITVX does not offer pro-rata refunds for monthly subscriptions cancelled mid-period, so timing your cancellation strategically matters.
For monthly subscribers, cancellation takes effect at the end of your current monthly cycle. If you cancel on the 15th of the month but your billing date is the 1st, you'll continue to have access until the end of that month and won't be charged for the following month. For annual subscribers, the situation becomes more complex. Annual subscriptions typically don't qualify for refunds after the initial 14-day cooling-off period, meaning you'll maintain access for the full year but won't be charged again after cancellation.
ITVX doesn't require advance notice for cancellation beyond submitting your cancellation request before your next billing date. However, and this is crucial, you must ensure your cancellation request is received and processed before the renewal date. This is precisely why postal cancellation with proof of delivery provides superior protection compared to other methods.
| Subscription type | Required notice | Recommended postal timing |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Before renewal date | 7-10 days before billing |
| Annual | Before renewal date | 14 days before billing |
| Free trial | Before trial ends | 5 days before trial expiry |
Understanding refund eligibility prevents disappointment and helps you plan your cancellation timing. Within the 14-day cooling-off period, you're entitled to a full refund regardless of usage. After this period, monthly subscribers receive no refund for the current month, whilst annual subscribers typically cannot obtain refunds for the remaining subscription period unless there are exceptional circumstances or service failures.
When refunds are due, ITVX processes them back to your original payment method within 14 days, as required by UK law. However, your bank may take additional time to show the credit in your account. Keep in mind that if you paid via a third party like Apple or Google, refund requests must go through those platforms rather than directly to ITV.
Right, let's get into the practical steps for cancelling ITVX Premium by post. After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I can confidently say that postal cancellation with Recorded Delivery provides the strongest legal protection and creates an undeniable paper trail. This method might seem old-fashioned, but it's precisely this traditional approach that makes it so reliable.
First, postal cancellation creates physical evidence of your cancellation request that cannot be disputed. Online cancellation forms can mysteriously fail to submit, emails can end up in spam folders, and customer service representatives can forget to process requests. Additionally, with Recorded Delivery, you receive proof that your letter was delivered on a specific date, which becomes crucial if disputes arise about whether you cancelled before a renewal date.
Next, postal cancellation forces the company to acknowledge your request formally. They must process a physical letter that arrives at their offices, whereas digital requests can sometimes be ignored or delayed. Most importantly, if you ever need to escalate a complaint to your bank for a chargeback or to an ombudsman, having Recorded Delivery proof significantly strengthens your case.
Let me walk you through exactly how to cancel ITVX Premium by post, including the insider tips that ensure your cancellation goes smoothly without any complications or unexpected charges.
Before writing your cancellation letter, collect all relevant account details. You'll need your full name as it appears on the account, your email address associated with the subscription, your account number if you have one, and your current address. Additionally, note your next billing date so you can reference it in your letter and ensure your cancellation is processed in time.
Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary information. Keep in mind that whilst I'm not providing a template, your letter must explicitly state that you're cancelling your ITVX Premium subscription, include your account details for identification, specify your cancellation date, and request written confirmation of the cancellation.
Write your letter in plain English without unnecessary elaboration. Companies process hundreds of cancellation requests, so straightforward communication gets faster results. Include your contact information clearly at the top of the letter, and date it. Most importantly, keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
This step is absolutely critical, and errors here cause many cancellation attempts to fail. You must address your letter to the correct department at ITV's registered office. The correct postal address for ITVX Premium cancellation correspondence is:
Address your letter to \