How to cancel your Radio Times subscription cleanly and claim any refund due

Why you might want to cancel your Radio Times subscription

Your circumstances change, and so do your media habits. You may have committed to a Radio Times subscription when printed TV guides felt indispensable, yet now your smart television, streaming platforms, and mobile apps deliver scheduling information instantaneously. Others recognise that household budgets require trimming, or that free digital programme guides meet their actual needs without the weekly cost. Whatever your reason, understanding how to cancel properly-and what you're legally entitled to-protects you from surprise charges and helps you recover any money owed.

At Yafee, we specialise in helping readers like you navigate subscription cancellations with full transparency. We've mapped every method Radio Times provides, identified the legal framework that protects you as a consumer, and outlined the steps you must follow to exit cleanly. This guide ensures you cancel without hidden fees, understand your refund position, and know exactly when your access ends.

Common reasons to cancel

Print magazines have become less urgent now that you access television listings on demand through your phone or tablet. Your viewing patterns may have shifted away from traditional broadcast television toward on-demand services, making weekly printed guides redundant. Subscription fatigue is a legitimate factor: many households juggle multiple subscriptions and must cut back. Rising energy costs and cost-of-living pressures also drive cancellation decisions. All of these reasons are valid, and none require justification to the publisher.

Cancelling at the right time saves money

Your cancellation timing directly affects whether you lose money. If you cancel immediately after an annual payment, you forfeit that entire charge. Conversely, cancelling closer to your next billing date means you've extracted maximum value from your subscription. Promotional rates and introductory discounts also matter: cancelling during a discounted period may trigger penalties or early-termination clauses depending on the promotion's terms. Check your most recent payment confirmation to establish your current billing cycle and any applicable discount periods.

Understanding Radio Times pricing and your subscription type

Radio Times offers multiple subscription formats, each with different cancellation procedures and refund eligibility.

Subscription options and current pricing

Your subscription type determines both how you cancel and what refund you might receive. Print editions arrive weekly on Tuesdays via Royal Mail, while digital subscriptions grant access through the Radio Times app and website. Some readers hold bundled subscriptions covering both formats, though these cost substantially more than either option alone. The table below outlines the main options available to UK subscribers.

Identifying promotional discounts on your account

Radio Times frequently runs promotional campaigns, particularly during autumn and winter when television viewing peaks. You may have subscribed at an introductory rate that expired or reverted to the full standard price after your first term ended. This detail matters considerably because cancelling during an active promotional period sometimes incurs early-termination penalties. Log into your Radio Times account or examine your latest payment confirmation to determine your exact current rate and any applicable promotional terms. If you cannot locate this information, contact Radio Times directly before proceeding with cancellation.

Your consumer rights and what the law says

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes your legal protections when cancelling magazine subscriptions in the United Kingdom.

What the consumer rights act 2015 means for your cancellation

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you possess the statutory right to cancel distance contracts-including subscriptions purchased online or by phone-within 14 calendar days of receipt without penalty. This cooling-off period applies to digital subscriptions and print subscriptions alike, provided you have not yet received the first issue or accessed the digital content. Once you have consumed the service (downloaded issues, accessed the app beyond a preview), your cancellation rights become limited, though you may still cancel at your contract's end date with proper notice.

Furthermore, Radio Times must provide clear terms and conditions upfront, including the cancellation process, charges, and billing frequency. Any fees or charges not expressly disclosed in writing before you subscribe are unenforceable. The Business Names Act requires that Radio Times displays its publisher information, including registered office and contact details, making it transparent and accountable to you as a customer.

Your legal position

You hold the right to cancel at any time after the 14-day cooling-off period by providing written notice to Radio Times in accordance with their cancellation terms. You must allow a reasonable notice period for processing (typically 7-14 days). If Radio Times refuses to process your cancellation or disputes a refund, you may escalate the complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or, depending on the issue, to Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Yafee recommends keeping copies of all cancellation requests and payment confirmations in case you need to evidence your cancellation later. You are not required to justify your cancellation reason, nor can Radio Times impose an administrative fee simply for exercising your cancellation right.

How to cancel your Radio Times subscription

Radio Times provides multiple cancellation methods, each with specific contact details and procedures.

Step 1: contact Radio Times by email

Email is the quickest and most traceable method. Send your cancellation request to [email protected], ensuring your email includes the following information:

• Your full name
• Your subscription account number (found on your printed edition or account login page)
• Your registered email address or phone number linked to the account
• Your postal address (especially for print subscriptions)
• A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Radio Times subscription, effective from today's date"
• Your preferred date for cancellation (if not immediate)

Send this email from the address associated with your Radio Times account. Radio Times typically responds within 5-7 working days to confirm cancellation. Request a confirmation email once your subscription has been terminated. Save this confirmation alongside your cancellation request for your records.

Step 2: telephone cancellation

Call Radio Times directly on 0330 2232 639. Have your subscription details to hand before dialling. When you reach a representative, provide your name, account number, postal address, and registered contact number. State clearly that you wish to cancel your subscription immediately or on a specified future date. Ask the representative to confirm the effective cancellation date and any final charges you may incur. Request that Radio Times email you a written confirmation of cancellation, including the date your access or deliveries will cease.

Step 3: postal cancellation

If you prefer written confirmation or have no internet access, send a cancellation letter by post to Radio Times at the following address:

Radio Times
Upwardcommons
Unit 6, Riverside Business Park
Bridge Street
Nottingham
NG2 1RD
United Kingdom

Write your letter clearly, including your full name, subscription account number, postal address, and account email address. State your cancellation request explicitly and specify your preferred cancellation date. Send this letter via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Signed For) to ensure proof of posting and delivery. Keep the receipt. Allow 10-14 working days for Radio Times to process your cancellation by post. This method is slower but creates an irrefutable paper trail.

Step 4: digital account cancellation (where available)

Some digital subscriptions can be cancelled directly through the Radio Times app or website. Log into your account, navigate to "Subscriptions" or "My Account" settings, and look for a "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" option. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation. Even if you cancel digitally, email Radio Times separately to confirm in writing and retain a record of your cancellation request.

Refunds and what you can expect to receive

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and whether you fall within the 14-day cooling-off period.

Cancellations within 14 days of purchase

If you cancel within 14 calendar days of subscribing or receiving your first issue (whichever is later), you are entitled to a full refund of all payments made, minus any reasonable costs Radio Times incurred in delivering the service if you have already consumed content significantly. For print subscriptions, if you have not yet received any issues, a full refund is due. If you have received one or two issues, Radio Times may deduct a proportionate cost for those issues from your refund, though many publishers refund in full as a gesture of goodwill within the cooling-off period.

Cancellations after 14 days

Once the 14-day cooling-off period expires, your refund depends entirely on your contract terms and when you cancel relative to your billing date. If you cancel immediately after paying for a quarterly or annual subscription, no refund is due unless your contract states otherwise. However, if you cancel well before your next billing date, you may request a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your subscription. For monthly digital subscriptions, you typically lose no money if you cancel before your next monthly charge is processed.

Yafee advises checking your subscription terms carefully or contacting Radio Times before assuming you are ineligible for a refund. Some promotional subscriptions include special refund conditions. Additionally, if Radio Times fails to deliver print editions or the digital service becomes unavailable through no fault of your own, you may have grounds to request a refund or credit regardless of the cancellation date.

How long refunds take

Radio Times typically processes refunds within 14-30 calendar days of your cancellation request. The refund is credited to your original payment method (debit card, credit card, or PayPal account). If 30 days pass and you have not received your refund, contact Radio Times again with your cancellation confirmation and payment details, requesting an update on the refund status. If Radio Times does not process the refund within a reasonable timeframe, you can escalate to Citizens Advice Consumer Service or request a chargeback through your bank if you paid by card.

What happens after your cancellation is processed

Once Radio Times confirms your cancellation, several things occur in sequence.

Print subscriptions

Your final print edition will be delivered on the next scheduled publication date after your cancellation effective date (typically a Tuesday). After that date, no further magazines will arrive. If magazines continue to arrive after your cancellation is confirmed, contact Radio Times immediately and refuse the delivery, requesting the sender collect the unopened copies. Do not simply discard them: they may be charged to your account if left unaddressed.

Digital subscriptions

Your login access to the Radio Times app and website will be disabled on the cancellation effective date. You will no longer be able to download or view articles, subscriber-only content, or the digital edition. Any offline downloads you made before cancellation remain accessible on your device, but you cannot access new content after the date of termination. Log out of the app manually on all your devices once cancellation is confirmed to prevent accidental usage.

Future billing and avoiding double-charges

Verify that no charge appears on your bank statement or payment method on or after your cancellation effective date. If a charge is posted after you cancelled, contact Radio Times immediately with your cancellation confirmation. Most payment processors allow you to dispute charges if you can prove you cancelled before the charge was levied. If Radio Times disputes the refund or continues billing you, escalate to your bank or card issuer, who can issue a chargeback on your behalf under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Most cancellation problems arise from unclear communication or incomplete information. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers avoid costly errors-follow these steps and you will protect yourself.

Mistake 1: failing to request written confirmation

Never assume verbal confirmation (by phone) or an on-screen message (after app cancellation) constitutes proof. Radio Times staff may forget to log your cancellation, or system records may be lost during staff changes. Always request a confirmation email or postal letter from Radio Times stating your cancellation date and account number. Store this email in a dedicated folder or cloud backup where you can retrieve it later if needed.

Mistake 2: cancelling without checking your billing date

Cancelling the day after an annual payment is processed means you forfeit that entire year's cost. Check your payment history first. If an annual payment was made recently, consider cancelling just before your next renewal date instead, unless you wish to cease access immediately. Yafee recommends using your bank's transaction history to identify the exact date your last subscription payment processed, then calculating when the next charge is due.

Mistake 3: providing incomplete account details

Radio Times cannot locate your subscription if you give a name only or an incomplete postal address. Always provide your full legal name, subscription account number (if you have it), the postal address on your subscription, and any registered email address. This ensures Radio Times can immediately find and cancel the correct account without delays.

Mistake 4: assuming cancellation is instant

Radio Times may take 5-7 working days (or longer if cancelling by post) to process and confirm your request. Do not assume you have cancelled simply because you have sent an email or made a phone call. Wait for written confirmation before considering the cancellation complete. During this waiting period, do not attempt to cancel through multiple channels simultaneously, as this can create duplicate cancellation requests or confusion on Radio Times' systems.

Mistake 5: not responding to verification requests

Radio Times may request additional identity verification before processing your cancellation, especially if you are cancelling from a different address than your account. Respond to these requests promptly and provide the information requested (such as a copy of your subscription confirmation email or payment card last four digits). Failure to respond may delay or block your cancellation.

Your cancellation checklist and final steps

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and unambiguous.

Comparing cancellation methods: which route is fastest

The speed and traceability of your cancellation method matter. Below is a comparison of all available options.

Escalation: what to do if Radio Times refuses to cancel

Occasionally, Radio Times may claim they did not receive your cancellation request or dispute that you are eligible to cancel. Know your rights and escalation routes.

Step 1: request escalation to a supervisor

If a Radio Times agent denies your cancellation request, ask to speak with a supervisor or manager. Explain clearly that you are exercising your consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to cancel your subscription and that any refusal must be explained in writing with reference to the specific contractual clause that prevents cancellation. Most agents lack authority to deny legitimate cancellations; a supervisor review often resolves the issue.

Step 2: send a formal cancellation notice

If verbal escalation fails, send a formal written notice by Royal Mail Special Delivery (Signed For) to Radio Times' registered office. In this letter, state that you are exercising your contractual right to cancel and that you expect confirmation within 7 working days. Reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to reinforce your legal standing. Keep the Royal Mail receipt as proof of delivery.

Step 3: contact citizens advice consumer service

If Radio Times continues to refuse cancellation or processing after 14 days, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which handles disputes between consumers and traders in the United Kingdom. You can lodge a formal complaint online or by telephone. Yafee recommends providing Citizens Advice with copies of all your cancellation requests and Radio Times' responses. Citizens Advice can intervene and pressure Radio Times to process your cancellation and refund.

Step 4: dispute the charge with your bank

If Radio Times continues billing you after a verified cancellation request, contact your bank or card issuer and request a chargeback under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Provide your bank with copies of your cancellation request and Radio Times' confirmation (or refusal). Your bank can reverse the disputed charge on your behalf, though this should be a last resort after other escalation attempts have failed.

Cancellation address and contact details

Use the details below to cancel by post, telephone, or email. Ensure you include your full subscription details in every communication.

Cancellation by email:
[email protected]

Cancellation by telephone:
0330 2232 639 (UK landline or mobile rates apply)

Cancellation by post:
Radio Times
Upwardcommons
Unit 6, Riverside Business Park
Bridge Street
Nottingham
NG2 1RD
United Kingdom

Send postal cancellations via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Signed For) to create proof of delivery. Include your full name, subscription account number, postal address, registered email, and a clear statement requesting cancellation effective immediately or on a specified date.

Key takeaways and next steps

Cancelling your Radio Times subscription is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure and ground yourself in your consumer rights. You hold the statutory right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to cancel your subscription; Radio Times cannot refuse without legal justification. The 14-day cooling-off period protects you if you have just subscribed, and any cancellation after that point must be processed within a reasonable timeframe.

Contact Radio Times via email ([email protected]) or telephone (0330 2232 639) with your account details, and request written confirmation of your cancellation date. Monitor your bank statements for 30 days thereafter to ensure no further charges appear. If Radio Times refuses to cancel or continues billing, escalate to Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and recover refunds they were owed-follow this guide and you will achieve the same result. Save all correspondence, act within your legal rights, and hold Radio Times accountable to their obligations under consumer law.