How to Stop Recurring Payments on a Credit Card

Recurring payments on a credit card are automatic charges from a merchant for services or subscriptions, like streaming platforms or gym memberships. While convenient, consumers often need to stop these payments when canceling a service, ending a free trial, or if a charge is unexpected.

Information to Gather Before Acting

Before attempting to stop a recurring payment, gathering specific details about the charge is important. Identify the exact merchant name, the precise amount of the recurring charge, and the date or dates of recent transactions. Knowing when the service or subscription began can also be helpful, along with any account numbers or reference IDs you have with that merchant. You should also check for any terms of service or cancellation policies, which might outline specific notice periods or requirements.

This information is typically found on your credit card statements, email confirmations from the merchant, or within your account settings on the merchant’s website. Having these details readily available will streamline the cancellation process, ensuring you can provide accurate information to either the merchant or your card issuer.

Stopping Payments with the Merchant

The initial step to stopping a recurring payment involves direct communication with the merchant. You can contact the merchant by calling their customer service line, navigating their website’s account management section, or sending an email. When calling, be prepared to state your request to cancel the recurring payment and refer to the account information you gathered.

When interacting with the merchant, securing a confirmation number for your cancellation request is important. If using an online portal, look for sections labeled “Subscriptions,” “Payments,” or “Account Settings.” If you opt for email, include all relevant details. Maintaining a record of all communications—including dates, times, names of representatives, and any confirmation numbers—provides documentation if further action becomes necessary.

Stopping Payments Through Your Card Issuer

If direct contact with the merchant proves unsuccessful, or if the charges are unauthorized, you can contact your credit card issuer to halt the payments. This step is typically pursued when a merchant is unresponsive, refuses to cancel, or if the charge is erroneous or fraudulent. Credit card issuers can place a “stop payment” order on future recurring charges. You can initiate this by calling the customer service number on your credit card, using their online dispute resolution portal, or by sending a formal written dispute letter.

When contacting your card issuer, you will need to provide the information previously gathered about the merchant and the charge, along with evidence of your attempts to resolve the issue directly with the merchant. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) provides consumer protections for billing errors, including recurring transactions you have canceled. Under the FCBA, you have 60 days from the statement date containing the error to notify your creditor in writing. For a stop payment order, it is advisable to submit the request at least three business days before the next scheduled charge date.

Confirming and Monitoring

After taking steps to stop a recurring payment, it is important to confirm and monitor your credit card statements. Regularly check your statements for at least the next two to three billing cycles to ensure the recurring charge no longer appears. This vigilance helps verify that your cancellation or stop payment request was successfully processed.

If the charge reappears, contact both the merchant and your credit card issuer again. Referencing your previous communications, including dates and confirmation numbers, will be important for these follow-up interactions. If available, check your account status on the merchant’s website to see if the service is marked as canceled.