How to cancel your GoFundMe account in australia and stop recurring charges
What GoFundMe is and why australians use it
GoFundMe is a global crowdfunding platform that lets you create a fundraiser for personal needs, medical expenses, community causes, or charitable organisations. The service accepts one-off donations and recurring monthly contributions, stores donor receipts, and processes payments through third-party payment processors to transfer funds to beneficiaries. GoFundMe does not charge you a platform fee to create or host a fundraiser; instead, it applies transaction charges and a separate recurring-donation fee for donors who opt into monthly support. The platform also offers the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which investigates suspected misuse and returns funds to donors where appropriate.
If you are an Australian donor or fundraiser organiser, you may decide to cancel your account, stop a recurring donation, deactivate a fundraiser, or request a refund. Yafee has prepared this guide to walk you through every cancellation option available to you.
How GoFundMe charges you in australia
GoFundMe generates revenue through transaction fees and recurring-donation fees charged to donors. When you donate, GoFundMe applies a percentage-based transaction fee plus a small fixed amount - typically around 1.9% plus AUD $0.30 per transaction in Australia. If you choose monthly recurring support, you also pay a separate recurring-donation fee. These fees are deducted from your donation before the full amount reaches the fundraiser organiser. Understanding these charges helps you recognise them on your bank statement and makes cancelling easier if you decide recurring support is no longer needed.
Common reasons australians cancel GoFundMe
Australian users cancel GoFundMe for several reasons: they accidentally enabled recurring donations and did not realise they would be charged monthly; they donated to a time-limited fundraiser that has now closed or reached its goal; they no longer wish to support a particular cause or person; they experienced fraudulent charges or unauthorised transactions; or they are an organiser who wishes to close an inactive fundraiser. Yafee can help you identify which cancellation path applies to your situation.
Your consumer rights under australian consumer law
Australian Consumer Law protects you when you donate or make purchases online, including on crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
Refunds and the australian consumer law
Under the Australian Consumer Law, you have the right to a refund if GoFundMe or a fundraiser organiser engages in misleading or deceptive conduct, if the service was not provided as described, or if you cancel within 14 days of purchase (the cooling-off period). However, this 14-day right does not apply to all donation types, and GoFundMe's own Giving Guarantee provides an alternative dispute mechanism. If you believe you were misled about recurring charges or if you donated to a fraudulent fundraiser, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your state's Office of Fair Trading. Yafee recommends documenting all communications and transaction records before lodging a complaint.
Chargeback rights and your bank
If GoFundMe refuses to refund an unauthorised or fraudulent charge, you can contact your bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback or dispute. Your financial institution can reverse the transaction if they agree the charge was unauthorised or the merchant failed to provide the service. This is your strongest lever if GoFundMe's support does not respond within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 to 10 business days). Keep all email correspondence and transaction confirmations to support your chargeback claim.
Methods to cancel or stop charges on GoFundMe
GoFundMe offers three distinct ways to reduce or end your involvement with the platform, each with different outcomes.
Account deactivation versus data deletion
GoFundMe distinguishes between account deactivation and data deletion. Account deactivation hides your profile and fundraisers from public view but retains your account data and allows you to reactivate later. Data deletion is permanent and removes all your personal information and fundraising history from GoFundMe's servers. Most users who wish to step back from the platform choose deactivation first; you can always delete your data later if you decide you no longer want any connection to GoFundMe. Yafee advises you to consider your long-term intentions before selecting either option.
Stopping recurring donations
If you are a donor who has set up a monthly recurring donation and want to cancel it without deleting your account, you can stop the recurring payment directly through your account settings. This is the fastest way to end unwanted monthly charges and does not affect your account or fundraiser visibility.
Closing an inactive fundraiser
If you are a fundraiser organiser and wish to close a campaign that is no longer active, you can deactivate the fundraiser through your organiser dashboard. Consequently, the fundraiser will no longer accept donations, but you retain access to any funds already raised.
Step-by-step guide to cancelling your GoFundMe account in australia
Follow these procedures to cancel your account, stop donations, or delete your data entirely.
How to deactivate your GoFundMe account
- Log in to your GoFundMe account using your email address and password.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page until you see the "Deactivate account" button.
- Click "Deactivate account" and confirm your choice when prompted.
- GoFundMe will send you a confirmation email. Your profile and all fundraisers will be hidden from public view immediately.
Deactivation does not charge you any fee and does not affect donations already made or funds already received. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in.
How to stop a recurring donation as a donor
- Log in to your GoFundMe account.
- Click on your profile icon and select "Settings".
- Navigate to the "Donations" or "Contributions" section (exact naming may vary).
- Find the recurring donation you wish to cancel and click "Manage" or "Cancel subscription".
- Confirm that you wish to cancel the recurring donation.
- GoFundMe will stop charging you monthly from your next billing cycle.
The final charge will appear on your bank statement on your next scheduled billing date. Once cancelled, you will no longer receive reminders or receipts for that donation.
How to request a permanent data deletion
- Log in to your GoFundMe account.
- Go to Settings and scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Select "Delete account" or "Request data deletion" (this option appears below the deactivation button).
- Read the warning that explains data deletion is permanent and irreversible.
- Confirm your request by entering your password or clicking the confirmation link sent to your email.
- GoFundMe will process your deletion request within 30 days. You will receive a confirmation email when your data has been removed.
Data deletion removes all personal information, fundraising history, donation records, and account details from GoFundMe's systems. You cannot reactivate your account after deletion; you would need to create a new account if you return to the platform.
How to close a fundraiser as an organiser
- Log in to your GoFundMe organiser dashboard.
- Select the fundraiser you wish to close from your active campaigns list.
- Click "Manage campaign" or "Campaign settings".
- Scroll to the bottom and select "Deactivate fundraiser" or "Close campaign".
- Confirm your choice. GoFundMe will stop accepting donations to that fundraiser immediately.
- You can withdraw any funds already raised at any time after deactivation.
Closing a fundraiser does not delete it from GoFundMe's database; it simply stops accepting new donations. You retain access to all funds raised and can reactivate the fundraiser later if needed.
Your legal position if GoFundMe refuses to help
If GoFundMe does not respond to your cancellation request, ignores your dispute, or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to, you have enforceable legal remedies under Australian law. The Australian Consumer Law gives you the right to dispute misleading or deceptive conduct and to seek remedies if a service was not provided as described. In accordance with these protections, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) at accc.gov.au or contact your state's Office of Fair Trading. If GoFundMe charged you without your consent or applied unauthorised recurring fees, you also have the right to request a chargeback through your bank or credit card issuer. Document all communications, transaction records, and screenshots of the charges in question before escalating.
Refunds and dispute resolution on GoFundMe
Understanding GoFundMe's refund policies and dispute mechanisms will help you recover money if a charge was unauthorised or if a fundraiser was fraudulent.
When GoFundMe will issue a refund
GoFundMe's Giving Guarantee allows you to request a refund in the following circumstances: you donated to a fundraiser that turned out to be fraudulent or the organiser misused your funds; you were charged for a recurring donation you did not authorise; you made a donation by mistake and request a refund within 14 days; or GoFundMe applied a platform fee in error. Yafee advises you to contact GoFundMe support within 30 days of the disputed charge to maximise your chances of a refund.
How to request a refund from GoFundMe
- Log in to your GoFundMe account and navigate to your donation or transaction history.
- Locate the transaction you wish to dispute and click "Report a problem" or "Request a refund".
- Select the reason for your refund request from the dropdown menu.
- Provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the charge was unauthorised or fraudulent.
- Attach any supporting documents (screenshots, emails, proof of unauthorised charging).
- Submit your request and note the reference number GoFundMe provides.
- GoFundMe support will investigate and respond within 5 to 10 business days.
If GoFundMe denies your refund request, you can escalate to your bank or the ACCC. Furthermore, keep the reference number in case you need to file a chargeback dispute.
Chargebacks and disputing with your bank
If GoFundMe does not issue a refund and you believe the charge was unauthorised or fraudulent, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Inform them that you wish to dispute the transaction and explain why you believe it was unauthorised. Your bank can reverse the charge if they agree the transaction was not authorised by you. This process typically takes 5 to 10 business days but can take up to 30 days in complex cases. Provide your bank with the reference number from your GoFundMe support request and any evidence of repeated unauthorised charges.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling GoFundMe
Cancelling your GoFundMe account or stopping donations is straightforward, but a few common pitfalls can slow down the process or leave charges active longer than necessary.
Confusing deactivation with deletion
Many users believe deactivating their account also deletes their data, but GoFundMe retains your personal information, donation history, and fundraising records indefinitely after deactivation. If you are concerned about privacy or no longer want any connection to the platform, you must explicitly request data deletion in addition to deactivation. Yafee recommends selecting "Delete account" if privacy is your primary concern, as this is the only option that removes your data permanently.
Forgetting to cancel recurring donations before deactivating
If you deactivate your account without first stopping recurring donations, GoFundMe will continue to charge you monthly. Deactivation only hides your profile; it does not affect active payment subscriptions. Consequently, you must cancel recurring donations separately through your payment settings before or immediately after deactivating your account.
Not checking your bank statement after cancellation
After you request cancellation, verify your bank statement over the next two to three billing cycles to confirm that no further charges appear. If GoFundMe continues to charge you after you have cancelled a recurring donation, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback for the unauthorised charges. Furthermore, file a complaint with the ACCC if the problem persists.
Assuming you cannot reactivate after deactivation
Deactivation is reversible; you can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in. Nevertheless, data deletion is permanent. If you are unsure whether you will return to GoFundMe, choose deactivation first and delete your data later if you decide you will not use the platform again.
What happens after you cancel your GoFundMe account
Cancelling your GoFundMe account does not instantly erase all records of your activity, and you may still see residual effects for a short period.
Your profile and fundraisers become invisible
Once you deactivate your account, your profile, fundraisers, and donation history are hidden from public search and cannot be discovered by other users. Nevertheless, GoFundMe retains this data internally. If you reactivate, your profile will be restored to its previous state. Yafee notes that this process is instantaneous; your profile will be hidden within minutes of deactivation.
Recurring donations stop at the next billing cycle
If you cancelled a recurring donation, GoFundMe will process one final charge on your next scheduled billing date. After that date, no further charges will appear on your bank statement. Always check your statement one billing cycle after cancellation to confirm the charges have stopped.
You may still receive emails for 7 to 14 days
GoFundMe may continue to send you transactional emails (receipt confirmations, refund notifications) for up to 14 days after deactivation. These emails are part of the cancellation and refund process and do not indicate that your account is still active. If you continue to receive marketing emails or donation reminders after 30 days, log in and adjust your email notification settings or contact GoFundMe support.
Refunds can take 5 to 10 business days
If GoFundMe approves a refund, the funds will be returned to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If you donated by credit or debit card, the refund will appear as a credit on your next statement. If you used a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) or bank transfer, the refund will be processed to that account. In accordance with Australian Consumer Law, GoFundMe must issue refunds for disputed charges within 30 days of your request.
Pricing and fee comparison table
The following table outlines GoFundMe's charges and how they compare to the costs of cancelling.
| Charge type |
Cost in Australia |
When applied |
Can you avoid it? |
| Transaction fee (donation) |
1.9% + AUD $0.30 |
Per donation |
No (charged by GoFundMe) |
| Recurring donation fee (monthly) |
As specified by fundraiser |
Monthly on billing date |
Yes (cancel subscription) |
| Account deactivation fee |
Free |
Upon request |
N/A |
| Data deletion fee |
Free |
Within 30 days of request |
N/A |
| Refund processing fee |
None |
GoFundMe absorbs cost |
N/A |
| Chargeback fee (if initiated by your bank) |
AUD $25-100 |
If you dispute via bank |
Yes (cancel before chargeback needed) |
Whether you should cancel GoFundMe
Your decision to cancel depends on your current and future use of the platform.
Cancel now if you
- Have a recurring donation you no longer want to support
- Were charged without authorisation for a fundraiser
- Donated to a fraudulent or inactive fundraiser
- Are an organiser with no active fundraisers and no plans to launch new campaigns
- Want to remove your personal data from GoFundMe's servers entirely
- Prefer to use competing crowdfunding platforms (such as JustGiving or Facebook Fundraisers)
Keep your account if you
- Regularly donate to causes or individuals on GoFundMe
- Are an organiser with active fundraisers or future campaign plans
- Want to maintain access to your donation history and receipts for tax purposes
- May return to the platform in the future and wish to avoid the hassle of re-registering
- Prefer to deactivate (hide your profile) rather than permanently delete your account
Customer reviews and common concerns
Australian users consistently report that the cancellation process on GoFundMe is straightforward once you locate the correct settings menu. Nevertheless, many users note that they did not realise recurring donations were active until they reviewed their bank statement months later. Yafee encourages all users to review their payment settings quarterly to ensure no unwanted charges are active. Users also report that GoFundMe support responds quickly to refund requests (typically within 5 to 10 business days) if you provide clear evidence of unauthorised or fraudulent charges. Common praise includes the simplicity of deactivation and the option to reactivate later. Complaints centre on the time it takes to process data deletion (up to 30 days) and the lack of clarity in GoFundMe's communication about recurring fees at the point of donation.
If you need further assistance with your cancellation or refund request, contact GoFundMe's support team directly. Yafee recommends using the in-app support form first, as GoFundMe prioritises requests submitted through your account dashboard. You can also visit the GoFundMe Help Centre at support.gofundme.com to access FAQs and submit a ticket. For complaints that GoFundMe does not resolve within 30 days, escalate to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) at accc.gov.au or your state's Office of Fair Trading. Provide GoFundMe's support reference number, screenshots of all charges, and copies of your cancellation requests when filing an external complaint.
Final summary and next steps
Cancelling your GoFundMe account in Australia is a simple process that you can complete in minutes by logging in, navigating to Settings, and selecting Deactivation or Data Deletion. If you wish to stop a recurring donation without closing your account, cancel the subscription directly through your payment settings. Understand that deactivation hides your profile but retains your data, whilst data deletion permanently removes all information from GoFundMe's servers. If GoFundMe applied unauthorised charges or refuses to issue a refund, you have strong legal protections under Australian Consumer Law and can dispute the charge through your bank or lodge a complaint with the ACCC. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate cancellations and disputes across crowdfunding and subscription services, and our guides are designed to give you the clearest steps and strongest legal footing. Review your bank statement one billing cycle after cancellation to confirm that no further charges appear. If you have further questions about your rights or the cancellation process, consult the resources provided by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or contact GoFundMe support directly with your account details and transaction reference numbers.