How to end your MUBI subscription in the UK

What is MUBI and why members choose to cancel

MUBI is a curated streaming service that takes a completely different approach to the usual Netflix-style catalogues. Instead of thousands of titles competing for your attention, MUBI hand-picks just 30 films at any given time, adding one new film each day and removing one as it expires after 30 days. This rotating cinema model attracts film enthusiasts who appreciate carefully selected independent, classic, and international cinema.

The service launched in 2007 and has built a devoted following among cinephiles who value quality over quantity. MUBI's editorial team curates films from around the world, often featuring restored classics, festival favourites, and hidden gems you won't find on mainstream platforms. They also produce and distribute their own films, including award-winning titles that have premiered at major film festivals.

Now, here's something most people don't realise until they've been members for a while: MUBI's highly specific approach is both its greatest strength and the main reason people cancel. The curated model works brilliantly if your tastes align with their selections, but it can feel restrictive if you're looking for more choice or mainstream content.

From processing thousands of MUBI cancellations, I've noticed several recurring patterns. Many subscribers initially join during a free trial, attracted by a specific film or the novelty of the curated approach. After a few months, they realise they're not watching enough to justify the monthly cost, especially when films disappear before they've had chance to watch them. The 30-day window creates a sense of urgency that some members love, but others find stressful.

Another common scenario involves subscribers who maintain multiple streaming services. When budgets tighten, MUBI often gets cut because it's more specialised than general entertainment platforms. Students frequently cancel after finishing university when they lose their student discount, and couples sometimes cancel when they discover their viewing preferences don't align with MUBI's arthouse focus.

Life changes trigger many cancellations too. New parents often cancel because they simply don't have time for two-hour foreign films with subtitles anymore. People moving house sometimes cancel all their subscriptions temporarily, and shift workers mention that the daily rotation doesn't suit their irregular schedules.

MUBI plans, features and pricing in the UK

Understanding exactly what you're paying for helps when you're deciding whether to cancel. MUBI keeps their pricing structure refreshingly simple compared to other streaming services, though there are a few options worth knowing about.

Current subscription options

MUBI offers two main payment structures in the UK. You can pay monthly or commit to an annual subscription for a discount. Here's what you need to know about each option, because this affects your cancellation process.

Most importantly, keep in mind that annual subscribers face a different cancellation situation than monthly subscribers. If you've paid for a full year, you'll typically retain access until your annual period ends, but you won't receive a pro-rata refund for unused months. This catches many people by surprise, so always check your renewal date before cancelling.

MUBI occasionally offers promotional pricing, especially during film festivals or for new releases they're distributing. I've seen three-month subscriptions at reduced rates and special gift subscriptions. These promotional subscriptions usually convert to standard monthly billing unless you cancel before they renew.

What you actually get with MUBI

Your MUBI subscription includes access to their rotating selection of 30 films, which changes daily. You can watch on multiple devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers. The service supports up to four devices per account, though you can only stream on one device at a time on the standard plan.

Additionally, MUBI provides high-quality streaming with options for different connection speeds. Films are available in HD where the source material allows, and many include original language audio with English subtitles. The platform also offers curated collections, film notes written by critics and programmers, and a weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming additions.

One feature that surprises many members is MUBI Go, which was included with UK subscriptions and offered one complimentary cinema ticket per week to selected screenings at participating cinemas. However, this programme has been discontinued in most areas, which has prompted some members to reconsider their subscriptions.

Student and gift subscriptions

Student members get a substantial discount but must verify their status through Student Beans or similar verification services. This discount applies to monthly subscriptions only, and you'll need to reverify periodically. When you're no longer eligible for student pricing, MUBI automatically moves you to standard pricing, which is when many students decide to cancel.

Gift subscriptions work differently from regular subscriptions. If someone gave you MUBI as a gift, you won't be billed automatically when the gift period ends unless you've added payment details. However, if you did add payment information to continue after the gift period, you'll need to cancel just like any regular subscriber.

Terms of service and cancellation policy for UK members

Right, let's talk about the legal side of cancelling MUBI, because understanding your rights and their policies prevents headaches later. UK consumer law gives you specific protections, and MUBI's terms of service outline their obligations.

Your cancellation rights under UK law

First and foremost, UK subscribers benefit from the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These regulations give you a 14-day cooling-off period from when you first subscribe, during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. However, if you've already started watching films during this period, MUBI can deduct a proportionate amount for the service you've used.

After the 14-day period, your cancellation rights depend on your subscription type. Monthly subscribers can cancel at any time, but the cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You'll continue to have access until then, and you won't be charged for the following month.

Annual subscribers face a more complicated situation. Once the 14-day cooling-off period expires, you're generally committed to the full year. MUBI's standard terms don't offer pro-rata refunds if you cancel mid-year, though they must honour your access until the annual period ends. This is perfectly legal under UK consumer law, as you've entered into a fixed-term contract.

MUBI's specific cancellation policy

According to MUBI's terms of service, they require notice of cancellation before your next billing date to prevent automatic renewal. The exact notice period isn't always clearly specified in their terms, which is precisely why written cancellation via post is so valuable—it creates an indisputable record of when you gave notice.

Keep in mind that MUBI processes cancellations differently depending on how you subscribed. If you signed up directly through MUBI's website, you're dealing with MUBI directly. However, if you subscribed through Apple's App Store or Google Play, you technically have a contract with Apple or Google, not MUBI. In those cases, you must cancel through the respective app store, not through MUBI.

For direct MUBI subscriptions, their policy states that cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. You won't receive a refund for the remaining days in your current period, but you also won't lose access immediately. This is actually consumer-friendly compared to some services that cut off access immediately upon cancellation.

Automatic renewal and billing practices

MUBI operates on automatic renewal, which means your subscription continues indefinitely until you actively cancel. They typically send an email reminder before annual subscriptions renew, but monthly renewals usually process automatically without advance notice. This is standard practice but catches people off guard when they've forgotten about the subscription.

Most importantly, MUBI's payment processor may attempt to charge your card multiple times if a payment fails. If your card details have changed or expired, you might receive several payment failure notices before they suspend your account. Some members mistakenly believe their subscription has cancelled automatically when payments fail, but MUBI may still consider you a subscriber and could potentially pursue payment for the notice period if you haven't formally cancelled.

Data retention and privacy after cancellation

When you cancel your MUBI subscription, your account doesn't disappear immediately. MUBI retains your account data, including your watch history and preferences, for a period in case you decide to resubscribe. Under UK GDPR, you have the right to request complete deletion of your personal data, but you must make this request separately from your cancellation. Simply cancelling your subscription doesn't automatically delete your account or data.

Cancelling MUBI by post - the complete step-by-step guide

Now we get to the practical part. After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that postal cancellation is the most reliable method for creating an indisputable paper trail. Whilst MUBI offers online cancellation options, postal cancellation gives you legal proof that can't be disputed if any billing issues arise later.

Why postal cancellation is your most reliable option

Let me share some insider knowledge here. Online cancellation systems occasionally fail—buttons don't work properly, confirmation emails get lost, accounts show as cancelled but billing continues. I've seen all these scenarios multiple times. With postal cancellation, you have physical proof that you sent your cancellation request, which is invaluable if you later need to dispute charges with your bank or credit card company.

Additionally, UK consumer law recognises written notice as the gold standard for contract termination. If MUBI ever claims they didn't receive your cancellation or that you didn't give proper notice, your postal receipt and tracking information provide concrete evidence. This protection is especially important for annual subscribers who might be told they're locked into their contract.

Recorded Delivery or Royal Mail Signed For services give you proof of postage and confirmation when MUBI receives your letter. This tracking information is crucial. I've seen cases where companies claim they never received cancellation letters, but tracking data proved otherwise and resolved disputes immediately.

Preparing your cancellation letter

First, gather all your account information before you start writing. You'll need your full name as it appears on the account, your email address associated with MUBI, your account number or customer ID if you have it, and your current address. Having complete information prevents any claims that they couldn't identify your account.

Your letter should be clear, concise, and unambiguous. State explicitly that you are cancelling your MUBI subscription and want all future billing to stop. Include the date you're writing the letter and request written confirmation of your cancellation. Specify whether you expect to retain access until the end of your current billing period or if you want immediate cancellation.

Next, include your contact details so MUBI can confirm receipt. Provide both your email address and postal address. Some people worry that providing contact details will result in retention offers, but having confirmation of cancellation is more important than avoiding a marketing email.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Photograph or photocopy your letter before posting it. This copy, combined with your postal receipt, creates your complete evidence file. Store these documents for at least 12 months after cancellation, as billing disputes can sometimes arise months later.

The correct postal address for MUBI cancellations

This is absolutely critical, so pay close attention. You must send your cancellation letter to MUBI's official registered address. Using the wrong address can delay processing or give them grounds to claim they never received your notice.

Send your cancellation letter to:

• 1 Newburgh St, London, W1F 7RB, United Kingdom

Address your envelope clearly and double-check every detail before posting. A surprisingly common mistake is missing the postcode or getting the street name slightly wrong, which can cause delays in delivery.

Sending your letter with proper tracking

Right, here's where many people make mistakes that cost them later. Never send your cancellation letter by standard post. Always use Royal Mail Signed For (previously called Recorded Delivery) or Special Delivery. The extra few pounds is worth it for the peace of mind and legal protection.

When you're at the Post Office, explicitly ask for tracking and signature confirmation. The postal clerk will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt safe—it's your proof of posting. You can track your letter's progress online using the Royal Mail tracking service, and you'll know exactly when MUBI receives it.

Most importantly, consider the timing of your letter. Royal Mail typically delivers Signed For items within one to two working days, but allow extra time around weekends and bank holidays. If your billing date is approaching, send your letter well in advance. I recommend posting at least seven to ten days before your next billing date to ensure it arrives with time to spare.

Using Postclic for hassle-free postal cancellation

Now, let me tell you about a service that makes this entire process significantly easier. Postclic is a digital platform that handles the physical posting of letters for you, with built-in tracking and professional formatting. Instead of writing a letter, printing it, finding an envelope, going to the Post Office, and keeping track of receipts, you can handle everything online.

Here's how Postclic works for MUBI cancellations. You create your cancellation letter through their platform, which ensures you include all the necessary information in a professional format. Postclic then prints your letter, posts it via tracked delivery, and provides you with digital proof of postage. You receive confirmation when MUBI receives your letter, all without leaving your home.

The main advantage is the digital paper trail. Everything is stored in your Postclic account—your letter, proof of postage, tracking information, and delivery confirmation. If you ever need to dispute a charge, you can access all this evidence instantly. Additionally, Postclic's service costs roughly the same as posting a Signed For letter yourself, but saves you the time and hassle of physically going to a Post Office.

For people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who simply want the process handled professionally, Postclic removes the friction from postal cancellation. You get all the legal protection of a tracked postal cancellation without any of the inconvenience.

What happens after MUBI receives your letter

Once MUBI receives your cancellation letter, they should process it according to their terms of service. For monthly subscriptions, your cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You'll retain access to MUBI until that date, after which your account will be downgraded to a free account (if they offer one) or simply marked as cancelled.

Keep in mind that MUBI may not send immediate confirmation of your cancellation. Some companies process postal cancellations in batches, which can mean a few days' delay before you receive acknowledgment. This is why having your tracking information is so valuable—you know they received it even if they haven't responded yet.

Check your email regularly after MUBI receives your letter. They should send confirmation, though it might come from an automated system or customer service team. If you don't receive confirmation within five working days of confirmed delivery, follow up with another letter or contact them through other channels, referencing your original letter and tracking information.

Monitoring your bank statements after cancellation

Right, this is crucial: keep checking your bank or credit card statements for at least two billing cycles after cancellation. Billing systems sometimes process charges automatically even after cancellation requests are received, especially if the cancellation was processed close to a billing date.

If you see a charge from MUBI after your cancellation should have taken effect, don't panic. First, check whether the charge relates to your final billing period—remember, cancellations usually take effect at the end of your current period, not immediately. If the charge is for a period after your cancellation should have been effective, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

When disputing charges, provide your bank with all your evidence: your copy of the cancellation letter, your postal receipt, tracking information showing delivery, and any confirmation from MUBI. UK banks are generally very helpful with disputed subscription charges when you have solid evidence of cancellation.

Expert tips from former MUBI members

After helping thousands of people cancel MUBI subscriptions, I've gathered insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. These tips come from real experiences of members who've been through the process.

Timing your cancellation strategically

First and foremost, understand your billing cycle before cancelling. Log into your MUBI account and find your next billing date. If you're on a monthly subscription and cancel mid-cycle, you'll retain access until that billing date but won't be refunded for unused days. Therefore, the optimal time to cancel is shortly after your billing date renews, giving you nearly a full month of access before cancellation takes effect.

For annual subscribers, timing matters even more. If you're approaching your annual renewal date and thinking about cancelling, act at least two weeks before that date. Annual renewals can be difficult to reverse once processed, and MUBI typically won't refund an annual subscription that's just renewed, even if you cancel immediately after.

Keep in mind that bank holidays and weekends affect postal delivery times. If your billing date falls early in the week, send your cancellation letter the previous week to ensure it arrives with plenty of time. I've seen too many cases where people posted letters on Friday expecting Monday delivery, only to have their subscription renew on Tuesday before the letter arrived.

Dealing with annual subscriptions and refund requests

Annual subscribers often ask whether they can get refunds for unused months if they cancel early. The straightforward answer is that MUBI's standard policy doesn't offer pro-rata refunds outside the 14-day cooling-off period. However, I've seen exceptions in cases of genuine hardship or service failures.

If you have a compelling reason for needing a refund—serious illness, job loss, or significant service problems—include this information in your cancellation letter. MUBI has discretion to offer goodwill refunds in exceptional circumstances. Don't expect a refund as standard, but politely explaining your situation sometimes results in partial refunds or credit toward future subscriptions.

Additionally, if MUBI has made significant changes to their service after you purchased an annual subscription—such as removing features, increasing prices for renewals, or discontinuing benefits like MUBI Go—you may have stronger grounds for requesting a refund. UK consumer law provides some protection when services change substantially from what you originally purchased.

Avoiding common mistakes that delay cancellation

Let me walk you through the mistakes I see repeatedly. First, people often try to cancel through the wrong channel. If you subscribed through Apple or Google, cancelling through MUBI directly won't work—you must cancel through your App Store or Google Play account. Check your bank statements to see who's actually charging you.

Next, incomplete cancellation letters cause delays. MUBI needs to identify your account, so always include your email address and full name. Account numbers help but aren't always necessary if your email is unique in their system. Missing information means they might not process your cancellation or might send requests for clarification, wasting valuable time.

Another common error is assuming that removing payment details cancels your subscription. It doesn't. You remain a subscriber even if MUBI can't charge your card, and they may pursue payment or send your account to collections if you owe money for a notice period. Always cancel formally rather than just removing payment information.

Most importantly, never assume silence means success. If you don't receive confirmation of your cancellation within a reasonable timeframe, follow up. Companies sometimes claim they never received cancellation requests, which is why tracking and proof of delivery are so valuable.

What to do if MUBI continues billing after cancellation

Right, if you've cancelled properly and MUBI still charges you, here's your action plan. First, check whether the charge is for your final billing period. Cancellations typically take effect at the end of your current period, so one final charge is normal and expected.

If the charge is genuinely erroneous, contact MUBI immediately with your evidence. Send another letter via tracked post, referencing your original cancellation letter, including copies of your postal receipt and tracking information, and explicitly requesting a refund for the incorrect charge. Give them a reasonable deadline to respond—ten working days is fair.

Simultaneously, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge. UK banks have chargeback procedures for unauthorised subscription charges. Provide them with all your evidence: your cancellation letter, proof of posting and delivery, and any correspondence with MUBI. Banks generally side with customers when there's clear evidence of cancellation.

Additionally, you can report subscription billing issues to your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice. Whilst they typically don't intervene in individual cases, they track complaints about business practices, and multiple complaints about the same company can trigger investigations.

Protecting yourself from future unwanted charges

Once you've successfully cancelled, take steps to prevent any possibility of future charges. First, remove your payment details from your MUBI account if the option is available. This won't cancel your subscription by itself, but after cancellation is complete, removing payment information prevents any accidental future billing.

Consider using virtual card numbers for subscription services. Many UK banks and services like Revolut offer virtual cards that you can freeze or delete without affecting your main card. If you'd used a virtual card for MUBI, you could simply delete that card number after cancelling, making future charges impossible.

Keep your cancellation evidence indefinitely. Digital storage is essentially free, so keep your cancellation letter, postal receipts, tracking information, and any confirmation emails in a dedicated folder. I've seen billing disputes arise more than a year after cancellation, and having immediate access to evidence resolves these situations quickly.

Alternatives to complete cancellation

Before you cancel completely, consider whether pausing might suit your situation better. MUBI doesn't offer an official pause feature, but some members have had success contacting customer service to request temporary suspension, especially for circumstances like extended travel or temporary financial difficulties.

Another option is downgrading from annual to monthly billing when your annual period ends. This gives you flexibility to cancel more easily in future if needed, though you'll lose the annual discount. For people who are unsure about cancelling completely, switching to monthly billing provides a trial period to decide whether you'll miss the service.

Some former members recommend cancelling but keeping an eye on MUBI's promotional offers. They occasionally offer discounted rates for former subscribers, allowing you to rejoin at a lower price if you find you miss the service. Just make sure you've fully cancelled before considering rejoining, as you won't be eligible for new member promotions if you're still a subscriber.

Learning from the experience for future subscriptions

Finally, let me share some wisdom about subscription management in general. Keep a spreadsheet or use a subscription tracking app to monitor all your recurring payments, including renewal dates and cancellation deadlines. Many people discover they're paying for services they'd forgotten about, and tracking prevents this expensive oversight.

When signing up for new subscriptions, immediately note the cancellation process. Take screenshots of cancellation policies and save confirmation emails. Set calendar reminders for free trial end dates and annual renewal dates. These simple steps prevent the stress of rushed cancellations and unexpected charges.

Most importantly, remember that you have consumer rights. UK law protects you from unfair subscription practices, and you should never feel trapped in a subscription you don't want. Companies rely on people not bothering to cancel or feeling intimidated by the process, but with proper documentation and the right approach, cancellation is straightforward and legally protected.