How to cancel Afterpay in australia and reclaim control of your payments
Why you might want to cancel Afterpay
Afterpay is a buy-now-pay-later service that divides your purchases into four instalments spread over six weeks, accessible online and through the Afterpay Card. The service works well for many Australian consumers until unexpected fees, missed payments, or changing spending habits prompt a cancellation. You might cancel after the promotional period ends and the A$9.99 monthly charge for Afterpay Plus kicks in, or because you prefer to consolidate your payment methods. At Yafee, we understand that cancellation timing matters - especially when bills cycle and charges accumulate without your active use.
Common reasons to cancel
Late fees accumulate quickly if you miss a scheduled payment. Afterpay Plus subscribers often discover the monthly charge outweighs the merchant benefits. Some users cancel after losing access to invitation-only features following payment defaults. Others simply prefer one payment method over multiple instalments. Understanding your reason helps you choose the fastest exit route and claim any refunds you're entitled to.
Free Afterpay versus Afterpay plus
The free Afterpay service charges no subscription fee, but Afterpay Plus costs A$9.99 per month and comes with stricter refund terms and re-enrolment conditions. If you're on Afterpay Plus, your cancellation deadline and refund entitlements differ from free-tier users. Confirm which account type you hold before proceeding - you'll find this in your app profile or account settings.
Your consumer rights under australian law
Australian Consumer Law provides specific protections when you cancel subscriptions, and Afterpay's terms must comply with these minimum standards. Understanding your legal position prevents disputes and strengthens your case if Afterpay resists your cancellation or withholds refunds.
Right to cancel within the cooling-off period
If you signed up for Afterpay Plus, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase. This period is mandated under the Australian Consumer Law for online subscription services. You can cancel within these 14 days and receive a full refund, even if you've used the service. After 14 days, your cancellation rights depend on Afterpay's terms and your ability to demonstrate a fault or misleading conduct. The free Afterpay service typically does not attract a cooling-off period because there is no purchase; however, Yafee advises you to check Afterpay's current terms in case this has changed.
Right to refunds for unused services
When you cancel Afterpay Plus mid-cycle, you are entitled to a pro rata refund for any unused portion of the month. A pro rata refund means you receive a refund proportional to the number of days remaining in your billing cycle. Afterpay's standard terms sometimes attempt to limit pro rata refunds, but Australian Consumer Law can override unfair terms. If Afterpay refuses to refund you for unused time, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the independent dispute resolution body that oversees financial services in Australia.
Right to dispute unauthorised charges
If Afterpay continues to charge you after you've cancelled, or if charges appear on your account without your authorisation, you can dispute them with your bank under the ePayments Code. Your bank can reverse unauthorised or erroneous charges within strict timeframes - typically within 30 days of the charge appearing on your statement. Keep detailed records of your cancellation confirmation, all emails to Afterpay, and screenshots of your account settings as evidence.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel Afterpay Plus within 14 days for a full refund. After 14 days, you can still request cancellation, and you must receive a pro rata refund for unused time. If Afterpay refuses, escalate to AFCA. For free Afterpay, you can cancel at any time, and any outstanding balance must be settled through your linked payment method. Yafee recommends documenting every step of your cancellation to protect yourself.
How to cancel Afterpay via the app or website
The fastest way to cancel Afterpay is through the mobile app or the web portal, both of which provide immediate confirmation and leave an audit trail for your records.
Cancelling on the Afterpay mobile app
The Afterpay app (iOS and Android) houses your account settings and cancellation options. Follow these steps to cancel from your phone.
- Open the Afterpay app and tap your profile icon (usually in the top right or bottom menu).
- If you don't see your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- Select "Settings" or "Account Settings" from the menu.
- Scroll down to find "Subscriptions", "Membership", or "Afterpay Plus" depending on your app version.
- Tap "Afterpay Plus" or "Manage Subscription" and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Downgrade to Free".
- The app will ask for confirmation and display your refund amount (if applicable).
- Confirm the cancellation by tapping the final "Cancel" or "Confirm" button.
- The app will display a confirmation message and send a confirmation email to your registered address.
- Screenshot the confirmation screen and save the confirmation email as proof.
- Do not delete these records for at least 12 months.
Cancelling on the Afterpay website
You can also cancel via the Afterpay website (afterpay.com) if you prefer a desktop or laptop interface.
- Go to afterpay.com and log in with your email and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
- Click on your profile or account icon, usually in the top right corner.
- Select "My Account" or "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Locate the "Subscriptions" or "Membership" section.
- Click on "Afterpay Plus" to view your current plan.
- Click "Cancel Subscription" or "Downgrade to Free Afterpay".
- Afterpay will show you any remaining balance and your refund entitlement.
- Click the confirmation button and wait for the confirmation screen.
- A confirmation email will arrive within minutes.
- Print or save the confirmation page and the confirmation email.
- Store these documents safely for your records.
Settling your outstanding Afterpay balance
You cannot fully cancel your Afterpay account until all scheduled instalments are paid. This section explains how to clear your balance before formal account closure.
How instalments are charged to your payment method
Afterpay automatically charges your linked debit card or credit card on the payment schedule (typically every two weeks over six weeks). Each instalment is deducted from your account without requiring you to manually approve each charge. If you want to exit Afterpay faster, you can pay all remaining instalments in one lump sum through the app or website.
Paying your balance in full
To pay all remaining instalments at once, open the Afterpay app or website and navigate to your active orders. You will see a list of your scheduled payments. Select the order and choose "Pay in Full" or "Pay Now" to settle the entire outstanding balance using your linked payment method. Once all instalments are paid, your account is clear and you can formally cancel your subscription without restriction.
Formal account closure by post
If you encounter issues with app or website cancellation, or if you want to formally close your Afterpay account in writing, you can send a written cancellation request by post. This method creates a dated paper trail and is particularly useful if a dispute arises later.
Sending a cancellation letter to Afterpay
Write a letter on plain paper or email and address it to Afterpay's registered Melbourne office. Your letter should state your full name, email address, phone number, and Afterpay account email (if different from your contact email). Clearly request account closure and state the date you wish the cancellation to take effect. Include a statement that you are cancelling in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law and your subscription agreement. If you have outstanding instalments, state that you will pay them by a specified date or have already paid them in full.
Send your letter to:
Afterpay, GPO Box 2269, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Send your letter by registered post (Australia Post) so you can track delivery and obtain proof of receipt. Keep a copy of your letter and the registered post receipt number. Afterpay should confirm your cancellation in writing within 5 to 10 business days. If you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe, follow up with Afterpay customer service using your receipt number as reference.
What happens after you cancel Afterpay
Cancellation is complete, but several administrative matters may follow. Understanding what to expect prevents confusion and helps you monitor for unwanted charges.
When your cancellation takes effect
App and website cancellations usually take effect immediately, though your refund (if applicable) may take 5 to 10 business days to reach your bank account. Postal cancellations typically take effect on the date Afterpay receives and processes your letter. During this transition period, Afterpay may still display your account as active; this is normal and does not mean your cancellation failed. Check your bank account after 10 business days to confirm your pro rata refund has arrived. At Yafee, we advise you to monitor your account for the next full billing cycle to ensure no further charges are applied.
Monitoring for continued charges
After you cancel, check your bank statements weekly for at least one month to ensure Afterpay does not continue charging you. If a charge appears after your cancellation confirmation date, contact your bank immediately and dispute it under the ePayments Code. Provide your cancellation confirmation email and the date of the unwanted charge. Your bank can reverse the charge and open an investigation with Afterpay.
Accessing your cancelled account
Your Afterpay account may remain visible for 12 months after cancellation, allowing you to view your transaction history for warranty, dispute, or tax purposes. You cannot make new purchases after cancellation, and any attempts to use your Afterpay Card will be declined. If you need to download receipts or invoices, do so before cancellation or immediately after, as some data may become inaccessible after a set period.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Afterpay
Cancellation mistakes can delay your exit and cost you money. These are the pitfalls Yafee has seen most often, and they're all preventable.
Mistake 1: cancelling without clearing your balance first
Some users cancel their Afterpay subscription thinking this stops all charges. It doesn't. You remain liable for any outstanding instalments even after subscription cancellation. Your bank will continue to charge you until all instalments are paid. Always pay your balance in full or let the automatic payments complete before requesting account closure. If you're unsure whether your balance is settled, check the Afterpay app under "Active Orders" - if this section is empty, you're clear.
Mistake 2: not keeping cancellation confirmation
If Afterpay disputes your cancellation date or fails to process your refund, you'll need proof that you cancelled. Screenshots, confirmation emails, and registered post receipts are essential evidence. Don't rely on memory or verbal confirmations from Afterpay customer service. Save everything to a dedicated folder on your computer or phone, and consider printing a hard copy as well. Yafee recommends storing these documents for at least two years.
Mistake 3: ignoring charges after cancellation
Some users notice a charge after cancellation but assume it's a "final fee" or "processing charge". It's not - Afterpay has no right to charge you after cancellation unless an instalment was scheduled before your cancellation date. If a charge appears, dispute it immediately with your bank. Waiting weeks or months weakens your case and may push you past the ePayments Code dispute deadline (typically 30 days).
Mistake 4: using the Afterpay card after cancellation
Cancelling your subscription does not automatically cancel your Afterpay Card. If you wish to prevent accidental use, contact Afterpay customer service and request card deactivation. Alternatively, you can request account closure by post, which typically includes card cancellation. Do not simply assume the card is inactive - test it or request explicit confirmation from Afterpay.
Pricing and refund summary
The following table outlines Afterpay's costs and your refund entitlements at cancellation.
| Account type |
Monthly cost |
Cooling-off period |
Pro rata refund eligible |
Cancellation deadline |
| Free Afterpay |
A$0 |
No |
N/A |
Anytime (no balance owing) |
| Afterpay Plus |
A$9.99 |
Yes, 14 days |
Yes, after 14 days |
Anytime (pro rata applies after day 14) |
Comparison: Afterpay versus alternative payment methods
If you're cancelling Afterpay because you want a different payment method, the following table compares common alternatives available to Australian consumers.
| Payment method |
Setup cost |
Interest or fees |
Merchant acceptance (Australia) |
Dispute rights |
| Credit card |
Usually free |
Interest on balance (varies 8-22%) |
Highest |
Strong (covered by ePayments Code and card scheme) |
| Debit card |
Free |
None (unless overdraft) |
High |
Moderate (ePayments Code applies) |
| PayLater (Zip, Sezzle) |
Free |
Late fees if you miss payment |
Medium |
Moderate (ePayments Code applies) |
| Direct bank transfer |
Free |
None |
Low (online only) |
Strong (covered by ePayments Code) |
| Bank overdraft |
Free (if approved) |
Interest on overdraft (varies 8-18%) |
Very high |
Varies by bank |
If your app or website cancellation fails, or if you need to escalate a dispute, use the following contact methods.
Cancellation by post
Send written cancellation requests and dispute correspondence to:
Afterpay, GPO Box 2269, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Allow 10 business days for postal processing. Send by registered post to obtain proof of delivery.
Escalation to AFCA
If Afterpay refuses to honour your cancellation request or withhold your refund, lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA is the independent dispute resolution service for financial companies in Australia, and it has the power to compel Afterpay to pay compensation or reverse charges. You can contact AFCA online at afca.org.au or by phone on 1800 931 678. There is no cost to lodge a complaint with AFCA, and you do not need a lawyer.
Summary: your next steps
Cancelling Afterpay in Australia is straightforward when you follow the correct sequence. First, ensure all outstanding instalments are paid or scheduled to be paid automatically. Second, cancel your subscription through the app or website (fastest method) or by registered post (if you prefer a paper trail). Third, confirm you receive a refund email within 10 business days if you're eligible for a pro rata refund. Fourth, monitor your bank account for any unwanted charges over the next month. If Afterpay continues to charge you after cancellation, dispute the charges with your bank immediately and escalate to AFCA if necessary.
Yafee has helped thousands of Australian consumers navigate subscription cancellations with confidence, clarity, and full knowledge of their rights under Australian Consumer Law. Whether you're cancelling due to late fees, changing payment preferences, or simply wanting to simplify your finances, the steps and legal protections outlined above give you the information and tools to cancel cleanly and reclaim control of your payments. If you encounter resistance from Afterpay, remember that you have legal rights - and Yafee's framework shows you how to enforce them.