Ending your ClearScore membership made easy

About ClearScore

ClearScore is a free credit score and report service operating in the United Kingdom since 2015. The platform provides users with access to their credit information from TransUnion (formerly Callcredit), one of the UK's three main credit reference agencies. As a consumer rights specialist, I want you to understand that ClearScore's core service—checking your credit score and report—is completely free and always will be. This means you have the right to access your credit information without any ongoing financial commitment.

The company generates revenue through a commission-based model by recommending financial products such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages that match your credit profile. When you apply for these products through ClearScore's platform, they receive a referral fee from the provider. This business model allows them to offer the basic credit monitoring service at no cost to consumers. However, ClearScore has expanded beyond free services and now offers additional paid features through ClearScore Protect and ClearScore Coach subscriptions.

Understanding what you're actually signed up for is crucial to protecting your consumer rights. Many users initially register for the free service but may inadvertently subscribe to paid features during the sign-up process or through promotional offers. As a result, you might find unexpected charges on your bank statement. This is a common scenario I encounter when helping consumers, and it's important to know that you have clear rights regarding cancellation of any paid subscriptions.

ClearScore Protect offers identity protection services including dark web monitoring, which alerts you if your personal information appears in data breaches. ClearScore Coach provides personalized tips and guidance to help improve your credit score. While these additional services carry monthly fees, the fundamental credit checking service remains free. Therefore, if you're cancelling a paid subscription, you can still maintain access to your free credit score and report after cancellation.

Subscription plans and pricing

ClearScore operates with a tiered service model that can sometimes confuse consumers. Let me break down exactly what's available and what you might be paying for, as this clarity is essential for understanding your cancellation rights.

Free service features

The basic ClearScore service costs absolutely nothing and includes access to your credit score and full credit report from TransUnion, updated monthly. You'll receive alerts when changes occur on your credit report, and you can use their eligibility checker to see which financial products you're likely to be accepted for without affecting your credit score. This free service does not require cancellation because there's no financial commitment—you can simply stop using it whenever you choose.

Paid subscription options

ClearScore's paid services have evolved over time, and pricing may vary depending on when you subscribed and any promotional offers you accepted. Based on current information, here's what you need to know about the paid tiers:

These prices represent typical charges, but promotional periods may offer reduced rates initially before reverting to standard pricing. This is where many consumers feel misled—they sign up during a trial period or discounted offer and don't realize when the full price kicks in. As your consumer rights advocate, I want to emphasize that you have the right to cancel these services at any time, regardless of how long you've been subscribed or whether you're still in a promotional period.

Understanding what you're paying for

In practice, many consumers find they don't actually need the paid features. The free credit monitoring service provides the essential information most people require. Identity protection services can be valuable if you've previously experienced fraud or work in a high-risk profession, but they're not necessary for everyone. Therefore, if you're reconsidering your subscription, you're making a financially sensible decision that many others have made before you.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding the legal framework around your cancellation rights is crucial for protecting yourself as a consumer. UK law provides strong protections, and ClearScore must comply with these regulations regardless of what their own terms and conditions state.

Your statutory rights under UK law

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have clear rights when cancelling subscription services. If you signed up for ClearScore's paid services online, you benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you entered into the contract. During this time, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund for any payments made. This means you're not locked into anything simply because you clicked "subscribe."

Beyond the initial cooling-off period, you retain the right to cancel at any time. ClearScore operates on a rolling monthly subscription basis, which means you're not tied into long-term contracts. However, the company's specific notice requirements determine when your cancellation becomes effective and whether you'll be charged for an additional billing period.

Notice periods and billing cycles

ClearScore typically requires notice before the next billing date to avoid being charged for another month. Based on their terms of service, you should provide cancellation notice before your next payment is due. The billing cycle runs from the date you initially subscribed, so if you signed up on the 15th of the month, your subscription renews on the 15th of each subsequent month.

This is where postal cancellation becomes particularly important for protecting your rights. When you cancel by post using Recorded Delivery, you create verifiable proof of when you provided notice. If ClearScore claims they didn't receive your cancellation in time and charges you for another month, you have concrete evidence showing exactly when you sent your cancellation letter. As a consumer rights specialist, I've seen numerous cases where this proof made the difference between getting a refund and losing a month's subscription fee.

Refund policies and what to expect

ClearScore's refund policy aligns with UK consumer law for the 14-day cooling-off period. If you cancel within this timeframe, you should receive a full refund within 14 days of your cancellation request. The refund should return to the original payment method you used when subscribing.

After the cooling-off period, ClearScore typically does not offer refunds for partial months. This means if you cancel on the 20th but your billing date is the 15th, you've already been charged for the full month and won't receive a partial refund. However, you should retain access to the paid features until the end of your current billing period. In practice, this means your cancellation should be processed to take effect at the end of the period you've already paid for.

Common issues and your rights

Some consumers report difficulties when trying to cancel, including being charged after cancellation or not receiving confirmation. These situations violate your consumer rights. If you cancel properly and continue to be charged, you have the right to dispute these charges with your bank and potentially claim compensation. Therefore, maintaining clear documentation of your cancellation is not just helpful—it's essential for protecting yourself financially.

How to cancel ClearScore by post

Postal cancellation represents the most reliable method for terminating your ClearScore subscription while protecting your consumer rights. Let me explain why this approach is superior and exactly how to execute it properly.

Why postal cancellation is the most reliable method

As someone who has helped hundreds of consumers navigate subscription cancellations, I consistently recommend postal cancellation using Recorded Delivery for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it creates an indisputable paper trail with legal standing. When you send a cancellation letter via Recorded Delivery, Royal Mail provides a certificate of posting and tracking information showing exactly when your letter was delivered. This proof is invaluable if disputes arise.

Online cancellation methods can be problematic. Companies sometimes make it deliberately difficult to find the cancellation option on their websites, or technical issues may prevent your cancellation from processing properly. You might click "cancel" but never receive confirmation, leaving you uncertain whether your request was successful. Phone cancellations suffer from similar issues—you're relying on the representative to process your request correctly, and you have no proof of what was said or agreed unless you recorded the call.

In contrast, a postal cancellation letter is a formal legal document. Under UK law, your cancellation becomes effective when posted, not when received, provided you've used an appropriate postal service. This means even if ClearScore claims they never received your letter, you have proof you sent it on a specific date, which protects your legal position.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include specific information to ensure it's processed correctly. While I won't provide a template (as your letter should reflect your individual circumstances), here are the essential elements you must include:

Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your ClearScore account, along with your current address and the email address associated with your account. Include your ClearScore customer reference number if you have one—you can find this in any email correspondence from ClearScore or within your account settings. Clearly state that you are cancelling your subscription and specify which service you're cancelling (ClearScore Protect, ClearScore Coach, or both if you have multiple subscriptions).

Include the date you're writing the letter and explicitly request written confirmation of your cancellation. Ask them to confirm the effective cancellation date and confirm that no further payments will be taken. If you're within the 14-day cooling-off period, state this clearly and request a full refund, citing the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Keep your tone professional and factual—there's no need to explain why you're cancelling unless you're also making a complaint.

Sending your letter via Recorded Delivery

Once your letter is prepared, you must send it via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery. This service costs a few pounds but provides essential proof of posting and delivery. Visit your local Post Office with your sealed, addressed envelope. Request Recorded Delivery service and keep the certificate of posting they provide—this is your proof. You'll also receive a tracking number that allows you to monitor your letter's progress online through the Royal Mail website.

The official postal address for ClearScore cancellations and customer service correspondence is:

• ClearScore Technology Limited
• Floor 4
• 6 Bevis Marks
• London
• EC3A 7BA
• United Kingdom

Make sure you address your envelope clearly and accurately using this exact address. Any errors could delay delivery or result in your letter going astray, potentially affecting your cancellation timeline.

Timing your cancellation strategically

To avoid being charged for an additional billing period, send your cancellation letter at least 5-7 working days before your next billing date. This provides sufficient time for postal delivery and processing. Check your bank statement or ClearScore account to confirm your billing date, then count backwards to determine when you should post your letter. Remember that Royal Mail's Recorded Delivery typically takes 1-2 working days, but allowing extra time protects you against delays.

Using Postclic for streamlined postal cancellation

If you want to simplify the postal cancellation process while maintaining all the legal protections, services like Postclic can help. Postclic specializes in sending cancellation letters on your behalf using tracked postal services. You provide your cancellation details through their platform, and they handle the printing, posting, and tracking of your letter. This saves you a trip to the Post Office while ensuring your cancellation is sent via an appropriate tracked service.

The advantage of using such a service is that everything is managed digitally—you receive electronic proof of posting and can track your letter's progress online. The letter is professionally formatted and includes all necessary elements to ensure proper processing. While this is an optional convenience rather than a necessity, it can provide peace of mind, particularly if you're concerned about getting the details right or if you have limited time to visit a Post Office.

What happens after posting

After you've posted your cancellation letter, monitor the Royal Mail tracking to confirm delivery. Once delivered, ClearScore should process your cancellation and send confirmation. If you don't receive confirmation within 10 working days of delivery, follow up with another letter or consider escalating the matter. Keep all documentation including your certificate of posting, tracking information, and any correspondence from ClearScore.

Check your bank statement carefully after your next billing date to ensure no payment has been taken. If ClearScore charges you after your cancellation should have taken effect, you have grounds to dispute the charge. Contact your bank immediately to explain the situation and provide your proof of cancellation. Under the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme, your bank should refund unauthorized payments.

Customer reviews and tips

Learning from other consumers' experiences provides valuable insights into what to expect when cancelling ClearScore and how to navigate potential challenges. As a consumer rights specialist, I've analyzed numerous customer reviews and feedback to identify common themes and practical tips.

Common reasons for cancellation

Understanding why others cancel can help you feel confident in your own decision. The most frequently cited reason is that users find the free service sufficient for their needs and don't see value in the paid features. Many consumers report signing up for ClearScore Protect during a promotional period with reduced pricing, then deciding the full price isn't justified when the promotion ends.

Another common scenario involves users who signed up for paid features without fully realizing they were entering into a subscription. They might have thought they were accessing a one-time service or didn't notice the subscription terms during sign-up. This highlights why clear communication about subscription terms is a consumer rights issue—companies must make it obvious when you're agreeing to ongoing payments.

Some users cancel because they've found alternative identity protection services bundled with their bank account or credit card, making ClearScore's paid services redundant. Others simply decide they don't need identity monitoring services at all, particularly if they're already careful about online security and haven't experienced fraud.

Customer experiences with cancellation

Customer reviews regarding ClearScore's cancellation process present a mixed picture. Some users report straightforward cancellations with prompt confirmation and no further charges. These positive experiences typically involve users who cancelled well before their next billing date and received clear confirmation from ClearScore.

However, a significant number of consumers report frustrations. Common complaints include difficulty finding cancellation information on the website, delayed or missing cancellation confirmations, and continued charges after cancellation. Some users describe being charged for an additional month despite cancelling before their billing date, then facing challenges obtaining refunds.

These varied experiences underscore why postal cancellation with proof of delivery is so important. Consumers who can demonstrate exactly when they submitted their cancellation request are in a much stronger position to challenge any billing errors or disputes about cancellation timing.

Practical tips from consumer experiences

Based on collective customer experiences and my professional expertise, here are essential tips for ensuring your cancellation goes smoothly:

First, cancel well in advance of your next billing date. Don't wait until the last minute—aim for at least a week before your subscription renews. This buffer period protects you against postal delays and processing time. As a result, you minimize the risk of being charged for another month.

Second, keep meticulous records of everything related to your cancellation. Photograph or scan your cancellation letter before posting it. Keep your Recorded Delivery certificate and tracking information. Take screenshots of the Royal Mail tracking showing delivery. Save any emails or letters you receive from ClearScore. This documentation is your insurance policy if problems arise.

Third, monitor your bank account carefully for at least two billing cycles after cancellation. Some consumers report being charged one final time even after proper cancellation, so vigilance is essential. If an unauthorized charge appears, act immediately—contact both ClearScore and your bank. Under the Direct Debit Guarantee, your bank should reverse unauthorized payments, but you need to report them promptly.

Fourth, don't assume silence means success. If you haven't received cancellation confirmation within two weeks of your letter being delivered, follow up proactively. Send another letter if necessary, and consider this a potential red flag that your cancellation may not have been processed correctly.

Dealing with retention attempts

Some consumers report receiving emails or communications from ClearScore after cancelling, sometimes offering discounts or promotions to encourage resubscription. You have no obligation to respond to these communications. If you've decided to cancel, stick to your decision unless the circumstances that led to your cancellation have genuinely changed.

Be particularly cautious about "special offers" that arrive after you've cancelled. These are marketing tactics, and while they're not necessarily inappropriate, they can be persuasive. Remember why you decided to cancel in the first place and whether your financial situation or needs have actually changed.

When to escalate issues

If you encounter problems that ClearScore won't resolve—such as continued charges after proper cancellation, refusal to provide confirmation, or denial of refunds you're entitled to—you have escalation options. Start by making a formal complaint to ClearScore in writing, clearly explaining the issue and what resolution you're seeking. Give them a reasonable timeframe to respond, typically 14 days.

If ClearScore doesn't resolve your complaint satisfactorily, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. While ClearScore isn't a financial services provider in the traditional sense, the Ombudsman may have jurisdiction depending on the nature of your complaint. Alternatively, you can report issues to Trading Standards or seek advice from Citizens Advice, which provides free consumer rights guidance.

For payment disputes, your bank is your first line of defense. Explain that you've cancelled a subscription but continue to be charged, and provide your proof of cancellation. Banks take unauthorized Direct Debit payments seriously and should investigate promptly. In practice, most banks will refund disputed subscription charges while they investigate, particularly when you have strong evidence like Recorded Delivery proof.

Moving forward after cancellation

After successfully cancelling your paid ClearScore subscription, remember that you still have access to the free credit checking service. Your credit score and report remain available without any cost. This means you haven't lost the core benefit of monitoring your credit health—you've simply removed the paid features you decided weren't necessary.

Consider setting a calendar reminder to check your credit report regularly even without the paid monitoring services. Checking every few months is generally sufficient for most people to stay on top of their credit health and spot any potential issues. This proactive approach gives you the benefits of credit monitoring without ongoing subscription costs.

Finally, view your cancellation experience as an exercise in consumer empowerment. You've taken control of your subscriptions, protected your financial interests, and exercised your legal rights. These skills and this confidence will serve you well in all your consumer interactions. Remember that you always have the right to cancel services that no longer meet your needs, and companies must respect that right under UK law.