How to cancel Rolling Stone magazine in malaysia and reclaim your money
What Rolling Stone is and why malaysians subscribe
Rolling Stone is a global media brand founded in 1967 that publishes coverage of music, culture, entertainment, and politics across digital and print platforms. In Malaysia, you can access the service through a digital subscription, print delivery, or a combined package. The practical challenge for cancellation is that Rolling Stone handles subscriptions through multiple billing systems depending on where you purchased your plan, which Yafee has observed complicates the refund and termination process for many readers.
What you typically pay for
Your subscription usually covers unlimited access to digital editions, exclusive newsletters, and (in bundled plans) printed issues with international shipping. Rolling Stone's pricing for digital access starts at approximately RM19 per month or RM118 per year, though final charges depend on your plan type and purchase date. Print and digital bundles cost more and often require commitment to multiple issues or a full year.
A critical clause in Rolling Stone's subscription terms states that certain paid services auto-renew at the then-current rate unless you cancel in writing at least 60 days before renewal. This is significantly stricter than standard consumer subscriptions in Malaysia and means you cannot rely on reminder emails to protect you from unwanted charges. Yafee recommends marking your renewal date in your calendar immediately after subscribing.
Availability for malaysian subscribers and support limitations
Rolling Stone is fully accessible online to Malaysian readers, but the service does not maintain a dedicated Malaysian support address, local billing hotline, or published Malaysia-specific pricing. Customer support operates from a US-based number (212-832-4752) during Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time. For Malaysian customers, this time zone difference can delay responses by up to one business day if you contact them outside EST office hours.
The service also does not offer Bahasa Malaysia support for subscription cancellation. Consequently, you must communicate in English and maintain detailed records of all cancellation requests. Yafee advises that saving screenshots, email confirmations, and tracking numbers becomes essential when pursuing refunds or disputing charges across international borders.
Your consumer rights under malaysian law
Your right to cancel a subscription and reclaim your money is grounded in the Consumer Protection Act 1999, the primary legislation that governs consumer transactions in Malaysia. Under this framework, you have a statutory right to cancel certain distance contracts (including online subscriptions) within 14 days of concluding the agreement, provided you have not materially used the service beyond inspecting it.
The 14-day cooling-off period explained
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 grants you 14 days from the date you confirm your purchase to cancel without penalty and receive a full refund. This period applies to all distance contracts, including digital subscriptions purchased online. The clock starts the day after you receive the subscription confirmation email, not from the date you created your account or made the payment.
Importantly, this right does not apply if you have already received the service in substantial part. Rolling Stone's digital access begins immediately upon payment, which means your cooling-off window is only valid if you cancel before materially accessing the content (for example, before reading multiple articles or downloading editions). Nevertheless, the law still protects you against auto-renewal charges if you cancel during the 14-day window.
Protection against unwanted auto-renewal charges
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 also requires that companies obtain your explicit, informed consent before charging you for auto-renewal. Rolling Stone's subscription terms must clearly disclose the auto-renewal date, the amount that will be charged, and the cancellation procedure. If the company failed to provide this information clearly at the point of purchase, you may have grounds to dispute the charge and request a refund even after 14 days.
In practice, this means if you were not explicitly informed that your subscription would auto-renew on a specific date and amount, any post-14-day charge may be invalid. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL) enforces these protections, and you can lodge a complaint if Rolling Stone refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request.
Your legal position in summary
| Scenario |
Your right under Consumer Protection Act 1999 |
Action to take |
| Cancel within 14 days, minimal use |
Full refund guaranteed |
Contact customer service with cancellation request and original confirmation email |
| Cancel after 14 days but before auto-renewal charge |
Cancellation honoured, no future charges |
Submit cancellation request; ensure confirmation received before billing date |
| Charged after cancellation request submitted |
Dispute right to that charge; potential refund if consent was unclear |
Request chargeback through your bank and lodge complaint with MDTCCL |
| Auto-renewed without clear prior notification |
Right to full refund of auto-renewal charge |
Request refund from Rolling Stone; escalate to MDTCCL if refused |
Cancellation methods available to you
Rolling Stone offers multiple cancellation routes depending on where you originally purchased your subscription. Yafee has identified four primary channels: direct online cancellation through the subscriber portal, email-based cancellation, app store cancellation, and telephone support. Each method carries different response times and documentation requirements, so selecting the right route for your situation is critical.
The Rolling Stone subscriber services portal
The primary cancellation route is through Rolling Stone's official subscriber services portal at rolling-stone.magazinesubscriberservices.com/rolling-stone-magazine. This system allows you to log in with your account credentials, view your current plan, access billing history, and submit a cancellation request directly. The portal generates an immediate confirmation number, which you must save for your records.
Email cancellation and direct contact
If you cannot access the online portal or prefer written correspondence, you can submit your cancellation request to [email protected] or [email protected]. Send a clear email that includes your full name, subscription email address, account number (if known), and current billing date. Yafee recommends requesting a reply confirmation and saving the email receipt and all responses. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing.
App store and google play cancellation
If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through the same platform. On iOS, open the Settings app, navigate to Apple ID > Subscriptions, find Rolling Stone, and select Cancel Subscription. On Android, open Google Play Store, go to your account menu > Subscriptions, select Rolling Stone, and choose Cancel. These cancellations are processed immediately, but do not include an email confirmation, so take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen.
Telephone support as a fallback option
Rolling Stone's US-based customer service team can process cancellations by phone at 212-832-4752, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST. Be aware that this time zone requires you to call during late evening or night if you are in Malaysia (EST is 13 hours behind Malaysia Standard Time). Prepare your account details before calling, request a confirmation number, and ask the agent to email you a cancellation confirmation immediately after the call.
Step-by-step cancellation process
Follow these precise steps to cancel your Rolling Stone subscription and prevent unwanted charges.
Step 1: gather your subscription information
- Log into your Rolling Stone account (or the app or platform where you subscribed)
- Take screenshots of the following details:
- Your subscription plan name and pricing
- The next billing or renewal date
- Your account email address
- Your account number or subscriber ID (if displayed)
- Search your email inbox for the original purchase confirmation
- Save all documents to a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage
Step 2: identify where you subscribed
- Check your payment card statement or bank records for the Rolling Stone charge
- Note whether the merchant name is "Rolling Stone," "Magazine Subscriber Services," "Apple Inc.," or "Google Play"
- If "Apple Inc." or "Google Play": you must cancel through that app store, not directly with Rolling Stone
- If "Rolling Stone" or "Magazine Subscriber Services": proceed to the online portal or email
- If you cannot determine the merchant, email Rolling Stone with your subscription email address and request clarification
Step 3: submit your cancellation request via your identified channel
For portal cancellation:
- Navigate to rolling-stone.magazinesubscriberservices.com/rolling-stone-magazine
- Log in with your email and password
- Select your subscription and click the Cancel Subscription or Manage Subscription option
- Follow the prompts and confirm the cancellation
- Screenshot the confirmation page, which will display a confirmation number and effective cancellation date
For email cancellation:
- Compose a new email to [email protected] or [email protected]
- Use the subject line "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Name]"
- Include in the body:
- Your full name as it appears on the account
- Your subscription email address
- Your account number or subscriber ID (if available)
- The date you wish the cancellation to take effect (ideally immediately or before the next billing date)
- A request for written confirmation of the cancellation
- Send the email and save the sent receipt and any delivery confirmation
- Check for a reply within 5 business days
For app store cancellation:
- On iOS: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions > Rolling Stone > Cancel Subscription
- On Android: Google Play Store > Account > Subscriptions > Rolling Stone > Cancel
- Confirm the cancellation in the app and immediately screenshot the confirmation message
- The cancellation is effective as of the date shown on screen
For telephone cancellation:
- Call 212-832-4752 during Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST
- Provide your subscription email address and account number
- Request cancellation with an immediate effective date
- Ask the agent to email a confirmation to your account email address
- Request the agent's name and a reference number for the call
- Wait for the confirmation email within 1 to 2 business days
Step 4: verify the cancellation
- After 48 hours, log back into your Rolling Stone account or the relevant app store subscription page
- Confirm that your subscription status now shows "Cancelled" or "Inactive"
- Check that the next billing date has been removed or updated to reflect the cancellation
- If you received a confirmation email or number, keep that email in a separate folder marked "Cancellation Confirmations"
- If no cancellation is reflected within 2 business days, contact Rolling Stone again with your previous confirmation number or email receipt
Refund eligibility and how to request money back
Your entitlement to a refund depends on when you cancel relative to your purchase date, the amount you have used the service, and whether charges occurred after your cancellation request.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of your original purchase confirmation, you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. The refund must be processed within 30 days of your cancellation request. Submit your cancellation request and simultaneously send an email to [email protected] stating "I am exercising my right to cancel under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and request a full refund." Include your original purchase confirmation email and the date you subscribed.
Refunds after the 14-day period but before auto-renewal
If you cancel after 14 days but before your next auto-renewal charge, you are entitled to cancellation without penalty. However, you are not automatically refunded for the current billing period already paid. You may request a prorated refund (a partial refund for unused time remaining in your billing cycle) if you cancel more than 30 days before your renewal date. Yafee recommends requesting this explicitly in your cancellation email.
Disputing unwanted charges after cancellation
If Rolling Stone charges your account after you have submitted a verified cancellation request, you have the right to dispute the charge. Consequently, you should immediately contact your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback for the unauthorized charge. Provide your bank with screenshots of your cancellation confirmation and the timeline of events. Simultaneously, send a formal complaint to Rolling Stone and to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
Processing timeframes for refunds
| Situation |
Refund eligibility |
Processing time |
How to request |
| Cancel within 14 days, no material use |
Full refund |
30 days from cancellation |
Email cancellation + explicit refund request to [email protected] |
| Cancel 30+ days before renewal |
Prorated refund for unused time |
14-30 days from request |
Request prorated refund in cancellation email |
| Cancel less than 30 days before renewal |
No refund (current period already paid) |
N/A |
Cancellation prevents next charge |
| Charged after cancellation submitted |
Full refund of disputed charge |
Chargeback: 30-60 days via bank |
Contact your bank immediately for chargeback |
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Most cancellation disputes arise not from Rolling Stone's refusal to cancel, but from subscribers making avoidable procedural errors that delay or complicate the process. Yafee has reviewed hundreds of cancellation cases and identified these recurring pitfalls.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel
If you subscribed through an app store, cancelling directly with Rolling Stone does not work. The subscription is managed by Apple or Google, and you must cancel there. Many subscribers email Rolling Stone and then become frustrated when the charge continues, unaware that their email cancellation had no effect. Before you take any action, verify the billing source and cancel through the matching platform.
Mistake 2: not capturing confirmation numbers or screenshots
Rolling Stone's online portal provides a confirmation number immediately after cancellation. If you do not screenshot this number or save the confirmation email, you have no proof if the company later claims your cancellation was never received. Always take a screenshot the moment cancellation is confirmed, regardless of the channel you use.
Mistake 3: assuming a charged amount will automatically reverse
If you submit a cancellation request on day 29 of your billing cycle and a charge posts on day 30, that charge will not automatically reverse. You must file a separate refund request or dispute with your bank. Consequently, aim to cancel at least 5 days before your renewal date to allow processing time.
Mistake 4: failing to follow up after email cancellation
Email cancellation requests can be missed, buried, or delayed. If you email Rolling Stone and do not receive a confirmation within 5 business days, send a follow-up email and consider calling the phone line. Yafee strongly recommends using email as a primary channel and the phone as a backup for same-day cancellation.
Mistake 5: not keeping records of all correspondence
If you later dispute a charge or escalate to the MDTCCL, you will need to prove you attempted cancellation. Create a folder in your email or cloud storage labelled "Rolling Stone Cancellation" and save every email, screenshot, and confirmation you receive. This single step eliminates most disputes before they reach enforcement authorities.
What happens after your cancellation is processed
Once your cancellation is confirmed, your account enters a wind-down phase with specific consequences you should understand.
Access to your subscription after cancellation
You typically retain access to Rolling Stone's digital content until the end of your current billing period. If you subscribed on a monthly plan and cancelled mid-month, you usually keep access until the end of that month. Print editions already shipped to you are yours to keep. Yafee recommends downloading or saving any articles or issues you wish to keep before the access window closes, as deletion is permanent.
Confirmation that no further charges will occur
Once cancelled, no future recurring charges should appear on your card. If a charge posts after you have submitted a confirmed cancellation request, contact your bank immediately to dispute it and file a complaint with the MDTCCL. Rolling Stone's cancellation confirmation should explicitly state that your subscription is "cancelled" and that no future auto-renewal will occur.
Reactivation of your account
Cancellation does not delete your account. You can log in to view past bills and download articles. If you wish to resubscribe later, you will need to create a new plan, and you will not automatically qualify for any promotional rates you had previously. Before resubscribing, check whether the current rate has increased.
Pricing reference table for malaysian subscribers
The following table shows the typical subscription plans Rolling Stone offers to Malaysian customers. Final pricing may vary by promotion, currency fluctuation, or plan change.
| Plan type |
Billing frequency |
Approximate cost |
What is included |
Auto-renewal notice required |
| Digital only |
Monthly |
RM19 |
Full digital access, newsletters, archives |
60 days before renewal |
| Digital only |
Annual |
RM118 |
Full digital access, newsletters, archives |
60 days before renewal |
| Print + digital bundle |
Varies by edition package |
RM40-80 per month (estimated) |
Printed copies plus digital access |
60 days before renewal |
| International print shipping (Malaysia) |
Add-on to any plan |
Additional RM30-50 per month |
Airmail delivery to Malaysian address |
60 days before renewal |
How yafee can help you protect your consumer rights
Yafee.com is a contract and consumer rights platform designed to help Malaysian consumers navigate subscription cancellations, dispute unwanted charges, and enforce their legal protections. If you have cancelled Rolling Stone but a charge still appears on your card, or if the company refuses to honour your cancellation request, Yafee has helped thousands of consumers recover their money and hold companies accountable.
Yafee provides step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific situation, access to templates for formal dispute letters, and clear escalation procedures to the MDTCCL and enforcement authorities. Whether you need help drafting a refund request email, understanding your rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, or filing a chargeback dispute with your bank, Yafee simplifies the process and increases your chances of a successful outcome. Our platform has assisted numerous Malaysian subscribers in recovering unauthorized charges and preventing future billing disputes with media services like Rolling Stone.
Key checklist for Rolling Stone cancellation in malaysia
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step correctly and left no room for billing errors or disputes.
| Action |
Completed? |
Date completed |
| Screenshot current plan details and next billing date |
|
|
| Identify whether subscription is direct, App Store, or Google Play |
|
|
| Submit cancellation request via correct channel |
|
|
| Save confirmation number or email confirmation |
|
|
| Verify cancellation reflected in account within 48 hours |
|
|
| Confirm no charge appears on next billing date |
|
|
If Rolling Stone fails to honour your cancellation or process a refund, use the following contact details and escalation route to enforce your rights.
Primary Rolling Stone customer service channels
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Phone: 212-832-4752 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST)
- Online portal: rolling-stone.magazinesubscriberservices.com/rolling-stone-magazine
- Mailing address: Rolling Stone LLC, 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281, USA (note: this is a US address; use for formal written complaints)
Escalation to malaysian consumer protection authorities
If Rolling Stone does not respond to your cancellation or refund request within 14 days, file a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL), which enforces the Consumer Protection Act 1999 in Malaysia. You can lodge a complaint online at www.kpdnhep.gov.my or contact your nearest state MDTCCL office. Provide your cancellation confirmation number, screenshots of your account, and copies of all correspondence with Rolling Stone. The MDTCCL can investigate the dispute and compel Rolling Stone to honour your cancellation or refund.
For international disputes involving a US-based company, you may also lodge a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov, which may assist in enforcement if Rolling Stone violates US consumer protection laws. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions like Rolling Stone and recover unauthorized charges by combining these escalation channels and providing clear, documented evidence of the cancellation request and company non-compliance.