Netflix. Crave. Prime. Disney+. Sports packages. Music. Cloud storage.
One subscription might not seem like much, but when they’re all coming out of your account every month, those little charges add up. Under BC’s new subscription rules, there are some things the business needs to tell you and some rights you have when it comes to automatic renewals and cancellations.
Here’s what to know before your next episode starts.
First, know what you’re signing up for
When you subscribe to a streaming service, you should be able to find important details about the subscription before you agree to it.
This includes things like:
- The total price and recurring charges
- How often you’ll be billed
- How long a promotional price lasts and what happens when it ends
- How to cancel and whether there are any fees or conditions
- Whether your subscription automatically renews and how that renewal works
The business must provide this information upfront and include it in the contract.
So that “first three months for $5” offer? Take a look at what happens when those three months are over.
That “free” or discounted trial doesn’t last forever
Streaming services often use introductory offers to get you through the door. Maybe it’s a free month, a discounted first few months or a lower price for a limited time. The new rules require businesses to disclose details about promotional offers, including how long they last and what happens when they end.
A few minutes of reading now could save you from wondering why your monthly charge suddenly looks different later.
Automatic renewal doesn’t mean you’re stuck
If your streaming subscription automatically renews, you have cancellation rights. The specific rules depend on the length of the renewal term.
For subscriptions that renew for 60 days or less, you can cancel at any time before or after the renewal, with no fees. You won’t receive a refund for unused time.
For subscriptions that renew for more than 60 days, you can also cancel before or after the renewal. The business must give you between 30 and 60 days’ notice before the renewal date, including information about the renewal, your cancellation rights and how to cancel. If you’re eligible for a refund, it must be calculated based on the services you’ve used and what’s remaining.
Changed your mind? Keep a record
If you decide it’s time to say goodbye to a streaming service, send your cancellation request directly to the business in a way that gives you proof it was delivered, such as email.
Keeping a record of your cancellation can be helpful if you’re charged again or need to follow up with the business. If the business does not respond to your request within 15 days, you can submit a complaint to our office for review.
Is it still worth the watch?
Here’s your sign to check your bank or credit card statement.
Do you still use every streaming service you’re paying for?
That sports package you signed up for during playoffs? The streaming service you needed for one show? That free trial you forgot to cancel?
Take a look at your recurring charges and decide what is still worth keeping.
Before you press play…
Streaming subscriptions are designed to make entertainment convenient. It’s worth knowing what you’re agreeing to, what you’ll pay after a promotion ends and what happens when your subscription renews.
Want to know more about the new rules? Check out our page on subscription contracts.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Please note, information on our website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For details, read our website disclaimer.