Last reviewed March 2026 — LetterSure editorial team
Trying to cancel a contract and not sure where you stand? UK consumer law gives you strong cancellation rights in many situations. Here is everything you need to know about cancelling a contract and getting your money back.
Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14 day cooling off period for any contract agreed online, by phone, or away from a business premises. This applies to goods, services, and digital content. The 14 days starts the day after you receive your goods or agree to a service.
For contracts agreed in person at a shop or business there is generally no automatic right to cancel unless the business has its own returns policy. However you may still have grounds to cancel if the business has breached the contract or delivered something different from what was agreed.
Generate your cancellation letter in 60 seconds
Answer a few questions and get a professional letter ready to send
Generate my cancellation letter — £6.99Within the 14 day cooling off period
Any contract agreed online, by phone, or away from business premises can be cancelled within 14 days — no reason needed.
The service was not delivered as agreed
If the business failed to deliver what was promised, you have grounds to cancel and claim a refund.
The contract contains unfair terms
Terms that create a significant imbalance between you and the business may be unenforceable under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Your circumstances have changed significantly
Some contracts — particularly gym memberships and subscriptions — allow cancellation for significant life changes such as illness, redundancy, or relocation.
The business has breached the contract
If the other party has broken the terms of the contract, you are generally entitled to cancel and seek a refund.
The price has increased without notice
If a subscription or service has increased in price significantly without adequate notice, you may have grounds to cancel without penalty.
Your name and address
Include your full contact details so the business can identify your account.
Your account or order reference
Include any reference number to help locate your contract quickly.
The contract you are cancelling
Describe the service, subscription, or goods clearly.
The date you entered the contract
This establishes whether you are within the cooling off period.
Your grounds for cancellation
State clearly why you are cancelling — cooling off period, breach of contract, unfair terms, etc.
What refund you expect
State the amount you expect to be refunded and by when.
A deadline
Give the business 14 days to process your cancellation and refund.
If a company refuses a valid cancellation request, write a formal letter setting out your legal right to cancel. If they still refuse, escalate to the relevant ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme for their sector. For financial products, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
If you paid by credit card, you may be able to raise a Section 75 claim with your card provider. If you paid by debit card, request a chargeback through your bank. Citizens Advice can help you identify the right escalation route if you are unsure.
Ready to write your cancellation letter?
LetterSure generates a professional cancellation letter in under 60 seconds. Answer a few questions and download as PDF or Word.
Generate my cancellation letter — £6.99Or get Pro for £12.99/month for unlimited letters
How long do I have to cancel a contract in the UK?
For contracts agreed online, by phone, or away from business premises, you have 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This starts the day after you receive your goods or agree to a service.
Can I cancel a contract after the cooling off period?
After 14 days, cancellation depends on the contract terms. You may still be able to cancel if the business breached the contract, the service was not delivered as agreed, or the contract contains unfair terms.
Do I get a full refund when I cancel?
If you cancel within the 14 day cooling off period, you are entitled to a full refund including standard delivery costs within 14 days. After the cooling off period, the refund depends on contract terms and grounds for cancellation.
Can I cancel a gym membership or subscription?
If you signed up online or by phone you have 14 days to cancel. After that, check your contract for minimum term and notice periods. You may also cancel for significant life changes, material changes to the service, or breach of contract.
What can I do if a company refuses to let me cancel?
Write a formal cancellation letter. If still refused, escalate to the relevant ombudsman. You can also raise a Section 75 claim with your credit card provider or a chargeback through your bank.
This guide is for general information only. LetterSure letters are personal correspondence drafts and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters consult a qualified solicitor at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk.