Five ways to avoid headaches with online dating subscriptions

by Andrew Summersgill
Editor
Monday, 4th April 2011

Having spent a huge amount of time reviewing online dating websites, we know the largest number of complaints they generate concern re-billing and cancelled subscriptions.

To be fair re-billing problems aren't restricted to online dating. Many services that rely on monthly subscription payments generate the same public ire; sometimes because firms are slack with cancellations but most times because people don't fully understand their rights.

Thankfully problems can be avoided if you plan ahead, know where you stand and take control from the outset.

1. Be realistic

A common misconception is that if you want to leave a dating site, subscription payments cease the moment you say "stop". This isn't entirely true - there's nearly always a notice period.

Every reputable dating site will have a clear cancellation policy in their terms and conditions. This will explain how much notice you need to give and how to go about cancelling the subscription.

Read it and ensure you understand it before you go further. It'll save unnecessary surprises.

2. Take a non-recurring payment option (if you can)

Some dating sites offer a non-recurring billing option. This is by far and away the safest way to pay for and use a dating service. It means you pay for the period you want and won't pay a single penny more unless you decide to extend your subscription.

Sounds easy? It is and this should always be you first choice.

Unfortunately it isn't always so simple. The majority of online dating websites do not provide a non-recurring billing option. They prefer the automatic re-bill option which is more profitable for them.

Which is why you need to stay one step ahead and keep reading...

3. Use PayPal, direct debit or standing order

If you can't avoid some kind of automatic billing process then you can save a pile of hassle by choosing a method of payment YOU can cancel.

Setting up subscription payments via PayPal, direct debit or standing order leaves you in control. These methods of payment can be cancelled very easily. PayPal allows you to cancel automatic payments online. Direct debits and standing orders can be cancelled via your bank; this could take minutes if you bank online.

Again not all dating sites offer these forms of payment. If you can pay this way, always take it.

4. Know your rights with credit/debit cards

Card payments are the elephant in the room because there's a big catch when you authorise a company to take regular payment from credit/debit cards: you can't cancel the payments.

What?! Yes, it’s true. Calling up your bank or card company and asking to cancel your monthly payment to ACME Dating is a waste of your time - only the company you are paying can cancel the payment.

There are ways around this.

The first is to use a pre-paid card. These require you to top-up the card with cash before you can spend anything so there's no way to overpay if you keep the balance low.

If you use a standard card, which most of us do, then the alternative is to follow a strict procedure for cancellation. It’ll save you a lot of frustration.

5. Cancelling dating subscriptions - the right way!

Whilst card payments can be problematic, you’re not without rights. Take charge and cancel a subscription as follows.

1. Call the company concerned and ask to cancel your subscription. Follow this up by emailing or writing to them confirming your desire to cancel. (This is important, you’re now in control.)
2. If you paid via PayPal, direct debit or standing order cancel the payments yourself. Job done.
3. If you paid via credit/debit card, you can't cancel payment directly but any further payments taken will become unauthorised transactions. These can be disputed via your bank or card company who are duty-bound to sort it out.
   
   Should additional payments get taken, show your bank proof you requested cancellation and let them do the rest. They should initiate a charge back, refund the money and prevent future payments.
4. In the worst case scenario (mercifully rare!) your financial institution may be unresponsive. Make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman which is completely free.

Happy dating!

topic tags: online dating, re-billing

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about the author

As Managing Director of London's premier speed dating firm Original Dating, Andrew has huge experience of the dating scene and has been helping people meet since 2002. Andrew co-founded Dating Trail in 2008 and is a driving force behind this website.

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