How to cancel Citation Machine and stop unwanted charges in Canada
How to cancel Citation Machine and stop unwanted charges in canada
What Citation Machine is and why cancellation matters
Citation Machine is a writing and citation platform operated by Chegg that helps students and professionals format bibliographies, check grammar, detect plagiarism, and improve essay quality. The service operates on a monthly auto-renewal subscription model, which means charges continue until you actively cancel. Understanding how this service works is the first step toward regaining control of your billing, and Yafee is here to guide you through every stage of the cancellation process.
You might be considering cancellation for valid reasons: your course or project ended, you found a more affordable alternative, the features don't match your needs, or you simply want to reduce recurring expenses. Whatever your motivation, taking action quickly protects your bank account from unexpected charges and ensures your subscription terminates on your schedule, not Chegg's.
How auto-renewal works with Citation Machine
When you subscribe to Citation Machine, your account automatically renews on the same calendar date each month. If you enrolled on the 10th, your card is charged every 10th of the following months unless you cancel beforehand. This automatic mechanism is standard practice for software subscriptions, but it places the cancellation burden entirely on you. Yafee recommends setting a calendar reminder to cancel before your next billing date arrives.
If you purchased Citation Machine through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the renewal process is managed by those platforms, not by Chegg directly. This distinction is critical: your cancellation method changes depending on where you enrolled, and addressing the wrong account will leave charges running.
Your consumer rights when cancelling Citation Machine in canada
Canadian consumer protection law provides you with specific rights regarding subscription cancellations and billing transparency, even when a company's terms claim subscriptions are non-refundable.
Legal framework protecting your cancellation rights
Under the federal Consumer Protection Act and equivalent provincial legislation (such as Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, British Columbia's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, and Quebec's Consumer Protection Act), you have the right to transparent billing and a straightforward cancellation process. These laws require that companies disclose material terms clearly and that cancellation be as simple as the enrollment process.
The Competition Bureau of Canada, the federal authority responsible for consumer protection, enforces regulations against misleading advertising and deceptive marketing. If Citation Machine misrepresented features, hidden auto-renewal terms, or made cancellation deliberately difficult, you may have grounds to lodge a complaint with the Competition Bureau or your provincial consumer protection agency.
Your legal position: If you can demonstrate that you requested cancellation and Chegg continued charging you afterward, your credit card issuer is obligated to dispute and reverse unauthorized charges under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and your bank's fraud prevention policies. Yafee advises documenting all cancellation requests via email or screenshot to establish a clear timeline.
When to escalate a cancellation dispute
If Citation Machine refuses to cancel your subscription or ignores your cancellation request, follow this escalation sequence. First, request a chargeback from your credit card company or bank by reporting the charge as unauthorized or unsatisfactory service. Provide your bank with evidence: cancellation confirmation emails, screenshots of your account settings, and billing statements showing charges after your cancellation date.
Second, file a formal complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. For example, British Columbia residents contact the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate; Ontario residents contact Service Ontario; Quebec residents contact the Office of the Protecteur du consommateur. Each province has its own agency, and they have legal authority to investigate and compel companies to refund consumers.
Third, if the dispute involves misleading marketing or deceptive practices, escalate to the Competition Bureau via their online complaint form. The Bureau can launch investigations and, in serious cases, pursue civil or criminal action against the company.
Cancelling Citation Machine directly through your account
If you enrolled directly on the Citation Machine website using your credit card or payment method, you cancel through your account dashboard.
Step one: log in to your Citation Machine account
Visit the Citation Machine website and enter your login credentials. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it via email. Ensure you log in to the account associated with the billing method you want to stop charging.
Step two: locate your subscription and billing settings
After logging in, navigate to your account settings or profile menu. Look for options labeled "Billing," "Subscription," "Payment Methods," or "Manage Subscription." If these options do not appear in your main menu, check the Help, FAQ, or Support section. Many companies intentionally bury the cancellation option to discourage exits, so take time to explore the menus thoroughly.
Step three: select the cancellation option
Once you locate your subscription details, select the option to "Cancel Subscription," "Stop Auto-Renewal," or "Downgrade to Free." The exact wording varies, but the intent is consistent: you are instructing Citation Machine to discontinue charges at your next billing date. Do not select "Pause Subscription" unless you intend to resume later.
Step four: confirm cancellation and retain proof
Citation Machine will present a cancellation confirmation, often with retention offers such as discounted rates or free trial extensions. Ignore these unless you genuinely want to keep the service. Proceed to final confirmation. Immediately after cancellation, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and note the date and time. Request that Citation Machine email you a cancellation confirmation; if they do not offer this automatically, contact support and ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date and the final billing date. Save this email in a dedicated folder for your records. Yafee recommends keeping these documents for at least one year after the subscription ends.
Cancelling Citation Machine through app store subscriptions
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you must cancel through that platform, not through Citation Machine's website, because Apple and Google manage the billing relationship.
Cancelling through apple app store (iOS)
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device and tap your name at the top.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- If you do not see a Subscriptions option, tap "iTunes & App Store" and then tap your Apple ID at the bottom.
- Tap "View Apple ID," then select "Subscriptions."
- Find Citation Machine in the active subscriptions list.
- Tap on Citation Machine and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Turn Off Auto-Renewal."
- Confirm the cancellation. Apple will display your final billing date, typically the last day of your current billing cycle.
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation screen showing the cancellation status and final billing date.
Cancelling through google play store (Android)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device and tap your profile icon in the top right.
- Select "Payments and subscriptions," then tap "Subscriptions."
- Find Citation Machine in your active subscriptions.
- Tap on Citation Machine and select "Cancel subscription."
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation. Google will ask for your reason and may offer retention incentives; proceed regardless.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation, which displays your final billing date and confirmation code.
App store cancellations typically take effect immediately, but your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after that date. However, Yafee advises verifying the cancellation status one week before your final billing date by checking your subscription list again; if Citation Machine still appears, contact Google or Apple support to escalate the issue.
Cancelling via email and registered mail
If you cannot access your account online or the web-based cancellation fails, you may cancel by sending a formal cancellation request to Chegg via email or registered mail.
Cancelling by email
Compose an email to Citation Machine's support team at the address provided in your account settings or on their website. Structure your email clearly with the following information: your full name, the email address associated with your Citation Machine account, your account ID or subscription number, the date you wish cancellation to take effect (ideally immediately or by your next billing date), and a clear statement: "I request that you cancel my Citation Machine subscription effective immediately. Please confirm this cancellation in writing and provide the date of your confirmation." Send this email from the same email address you used to register your account, and request a read receipt or delivery confirmation. Retain the sent email and any response you receive.
Cancelling by registered mail
If email contact fails, send your cancellation request by registered mail with signature confirmation. Address your letter to Chegg Inc., Citation Machine division, at the mailing address listed on the Citation Machine website or provided in your account settings. Include the same information as your email: your full name, account email, account ID, desired cancellation date, and a written request to cancel. Date the letter and sign it. Send via registered mail (in Canada, this is called "Signature Confirmation"), which provides proof of delivery and the date received. Keep a copy of your letter and the registered mail receipt. Allow 10 business days for the company to process the request after receipt.
Refund policy and what to expect after cancellation
Citation Machine's refund policy explicitly states that subscriptions are non-refundable, and this policy is generally enforceable under Canadian contract law.
When refunds are possible despite the non-refund clause
However, refunds may be obtainable if you can demonstrate one of these circumstances: you were charged for a period after you cancelled and requested cancellation; you were charged without authorizing the transaction (fraud); the service was unavailable or substantially failed to deliver promised features; or you cancelled within a statutory cooling-off period (though Citation Machine does not advertise one, some provinces provide automatic cancellation rights for digital services).
To request a refund, contact Citation Machine support with evidence: a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation, your billing statement showing the disputed charge, and a brief explanation of why you believe the charge should be reversed. If Citation Machine denies your refund request, escalate to your credit card company. File a dispute claim describing the charge as unauthorized, unsatisfactory service, or cancelled subscription. Your bank investigates and, in most cases, reverses unauthorized or fraudulent charges within 30 to 60 days.
What happens after your cancellation takes effect
Once your cancellation date passes, your account converts to a free tier if one exists, or access is terminated. You retain your data, such as saved citations and documents, typically for 90 days. If you need to export or back up your work, do so before the cancellation date. After cancellation, charges should stop immediately on your next billing cycle. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for 60 days to confirm no further charges appear. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, immediately dispute it with your bank and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Citation Machine pricing and plan comparison
Understanding Citation Machine's pricing structure helps you evaluate whether keeping or cancelling the service makes financial sense.
| Plan |
Monthly cost (CAD) |
Key features |
Billing term |
| Free tier |
$0 |
Basic citation formatting, limited grammar check |
No renewal |
| Standard (monthly) |
$9.99 to $11.99 |
Advanced plagiarism detection, essay feedback, ad-free |
Monthly auto-renewal |
| Standard (annual) |
$99.99 (one payment) |
Same as monthly; better value per month |
Annual auto-renewal |
| Premium |
$14.99 to $17.99 |
Priority support, advanced feedback, integration tools |
Monthly auto-renewal |
| Educational (institutional) |
Varies |
Bulk licensing, admin dashboard, custom branding |
Annual contract |
| Student bundles (with Chegg) |
Varies by region |
Citation Machine plus Chegg Study Pack access |
Semester or annual |
If you enrolled in a monthly plan at CAD $9.99 and do not use the service, cancelling saves you approximately CAD $120 per year. If you subscribed to an annual plan, you are unlikely to receive a refund, but cancelling at least prevents automatic renewal the following year. Yafee recommends evaluating whether the free tier meets your needs before deciding to cancel entirely; the free version offers basic citation tools that may be sufficient for many users.
Common mistakes when cancelling Citation Machine
Cancellation is straightforward, but several pitfalls can derail your effort or leave you open to continued charges.
Mistake one: cancelling the wrong account or platform
If you enrolled through both the website and an app store, cancelling one account does not cancel the other. Each platform maintains a separate billing relationship. Verify that you cancel all active subscriptions across all platforms. Log in to your Citation Machine website account, check your Apple and Google accounts, and confirm that you cancelled each one. This is especially common for users who started on desktop and later added the mobile app.
Mistake two: assuming that deleting the app cancels the subscription
Deleting the Citation Machine app from your phone or computer does not cancel your subscription or stop charges. The subscription and the app are managed separately. You must cancel through the account settings or app store subscription menu, then delete the app as a separate step.
Mistake three: ignoring retention offers and falling back into the service
When you attempt to cancel, Citation Machine often displays discounted rates or short-term promotions to retain you. Clicking these offers instead of proceeding to cancellation leaves your subscription active. Stay focused on your goal and confirm the cancellation, not the retention offer. If you are genuinely interested in a discount, note the offer code, cancel first, and then re-enrol at the discount if desired.
Mistake four: not retaining confirmation proof
Failing to screenshot or save your cancellation confirmation can create problems later if a charge appears. Without proof of your cancellation request, disputing the charge with your bank becomes harder. Screenshot the confirmation page, request an email confirmation, and save both in a folder dedicated to this subscription.
Mistake five: missing your cancellation deadline
If you request cancellation close to your billing date, the company may process the cancellation too late to prevent the next charge. Cancel at least five business days before your next billing date to ensure adequate processing time. Set a calendar alert for one week before your expected billing date.
Checklist for cancelling Citation Machine
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and documented.
- Note your current billing date and next scheduled charge date.
- Confirm whether you subscribed directly through the website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
- Log in to the relevant account or platform and locate the subscription settings.
- Select the cancellation or "Stop Auto-Renewal" option.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation and note the date and time.
- Request an email confirmation of cancellation and save it.
- If cancelling via email or mail, send your request and retain the sent message and delivery confirmation.
- Monitor your bank or credit card statement for the next 60 days to confirm no additional charges appear.
- If a charge appears after cancellation, file a dispute with your bank immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence.
- Save all documentation in a dedicated folder for at least one year.
If you encounter difficulty cancelling or have questions about your subscription, contact Citation Machine support through the following channels.
Primary contact method
Email Citation Machine's support team at the address displayed in your account settings or on their official website. Standard email support responses arrive within 2 to 5 business days. In your email, clearly state that you request immediate cancellation, provide your account details, and ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date.
Mailing address for cancellation requests
If web and email contact fail, send your cancellation request by registered mail to:
Chegg Inc. (Citation Machine)
Customer Service Department
Direct your letter to "Citation Machine Subscription Cancellation"
Send via Canada Post Signature Confirmation (equivalent to registered mail with signature required)
Allow 10 to 15 business days after receipt for processing
Check the Citation Machine website or your account settings for the most current mailing address, as corporate addresses change. Yafee recommends verifying the address before sending and retaining proof of delivery.
Dispute escalation
If Citation Machine does not respond or refuses to cancel, escalate as follows:
- File a chargeback with your credit card company or bank, providing your cancellation request and confirmation as evidence.
- Submit a complaint to your provincial consumer protection authority (e.g., Service Ontario, British Columbia's Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate, Quebec's Office of the Protecteur du consommateur).
- File a complaint with the Competition Bureau of Canada at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca if you believe the company engaged in misleading advertising or deceptive billing practices.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Citation Machine in Canada is a straightforward process once you understand your rights and the correct channels. Your consumer protection rights under federal and provincial legislation require that cancellation be transparent and easy; if Citation Machine obstructs your cancellation, you have legal remedies through your bank and government enforcement agencies. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover unauthorized charges by following these exact steps: identifying your enrollment platform, locating the cancellation option, confirming the cancellation in writing, and monitoring your billing afterward.
The most important action you can take today is to cancel immediately if you no longer use the service. Every day of delay risks another monthly charge. If you have already been charged after cancellation or if Citation Machine refuses to cancel, contact your bank first, then escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority. Yafee recommends keeping detailed records of all communication and charges, as these documents prove invaluable if you need to dispute charges or file a formal complaint.
Your financial wellbeing matters. By taking action now, you stop unwanted charges and reclaim control of your subscription accounts. For more guidance on cancelling other services and protecting your consumer rights, visit Yafee.com, where Yafee provides step-by-step cancellation guides and legal frameworks for subscriptions across Canada.