How to cancel Balance and take control of your couple's finances
What is Balance and why couples cancel
Balance is a couples budgeting app designed to link multiple bank accounts and give partners a shared financial dashboard. The service tracks unlimited transactions and lets you set joint budgets, making it useful if you want transparency about money as a team. You subscribe monthly or annually, and billing happens automatically until you cancel.
Cancellation makes sense if the app no longer fits your relationship, if you prefer separate finances, or if the subscription cost no longer justifies the value you're getting. Whatever your reason, Yafee has created this guide to walk you through cancelling Balance step by step, in line with New Zealand consumer law.
Common reasons to cancel Balance
You might cancel because you've switched to a different budgeting tool, ended your relationship, moved to a bank Balance doesn't support, or simply stopped using the app regularly enough to justify the monthly charge. Others cancel because they prefer manual spreadsheets or have consolidated their finances elsewhere.
Some couples cancel because the feature set doesn't match their needs, or because they've found a free alternative that works just as well. Yafee's research shows that subscription fatigue is also a factor-many New Zealand households review their spending and cut apps they're not actively using.
Before you cancel: steps to protect your data
Export or screenshot any transaction history, budget notes, or shared financial goals you want to keep. Balance's data retention policy means you may lose access to historical records once your subscription ends.
Talk to your partner if you share the account. Cancelling removes both of you from the shared dashboard, so agreement is important. Check your next billing date so you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand and avoid an unwanted charge.
Balance pricing in new zealand
Balance displays pricing in USD, though your App Store or Google Play bill shows NZD converted at current exchange rates.
| Plan |
Price (USD) |
Billing period |
Features |
| Monthly subscription |
US$5.99 |
Every 30 days |
10 bank connections, unlimited transactions, all tools |
| Annual subscription |
US$59.99 |
Every 12 months |
Same features, lower monthly cost |
| Free trial |
NZ$0 |
Limited period |
Core features, expires after trial window |
Your actual NZD charge depends on the exchange rate at billing time. Several apps with the name "Balance" exist in app stores, so confirm you're cancelling the couples budgeting version before proceeding.
How to cancel Balance on iPhone or iPad
Apple handles all App Store subscriptions, so you manage cancellation through your Apple ID settings, not inside the Balance app itself.
Step 1: open your apple ID settings
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. Tap your Apple ID name at the very top of the screen. You'll see options including "Subscriptions" and "Media & Purchases".
Step 2: view your active subscriptions
- Tap Subscriptions to see every service you're currently paying for.
- Scroll through the list to find Balance.
- Tap Balance to open your subscription details.
Step 3: cancel your subscription
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Choose your reason for cancelling (optional, but Yafee recommends doing this so the developer understands user feedback).
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
- You'll see a confirmation message saying your subscription is now cancelled.
Your access ends on the final day of your current billing cycle. You'll receive a confirmation email from Apple to the address linked to your Apple ID.
How to cancel Balance on android devices
Google Play manages Android subscriptions through your Google Account settings, similar to Apple's approach.
Step 1: open google play settings
On your Android device, open the Google Play Store app. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Payments and subscriptions, then Subscriptions.
Step 2: locate and select Balance
- Find Balance in your active subscriptions list.
- Tap on it to view your subscription details.
- Review the next renewal date and price.
Step 3: confirm your cancellation
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Select your reason for leaving (optional feedback helps Balance improve).
- Tap Cancel subscription again to confirm.
- Google will send a confirmation email to your registered Gmail address.
Your cancellation takes effect immediately, though you retain access until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged again after that date.
If you subscribed directly through Balance's website rather than an app store, you'll cancel through your account settings.
Step 1: log in to your Balance account
Visit the Balance website and sign in with your email and password. Navigate to your account settings or billing section.
Step 2: find your subscription settings
- Look for a section labelled "Subscription", "Billing", or "Account".
- You'll see your current plan and next renewal date.
- Click or tap the option to manage or cancel your subscription.
Step 3: complete the cancellation
- Select Cancel subscription or similar wording.
- Confirm your reason for leaving (optional).
- Click the final confirmation button to complete cancellation.
- You'll receive a confirmation email immediately.
Access to the shared dashboard and all premium features ends on your final billing date. Download your data before you cancel if you need a record of transactions or budgets.
Your consumer rights and refund options
New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects your rights when you subscribe to digital services like Balance.
Your legal position
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods and services must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and supplied with care and skill. If Balance fails to deliver its core features-for example, if it crashes repeatedly or won't connect to your bank-you have the right to request a refund, replacement, or repair. The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's enforcement body for breaches of consumer law.
Yafee advises that you have up to 6 years to claim a breach of the Consumer Guarantees Act, though practical remedies are typically sought within a few months of the problem arising.
Refund eligibility after cancellation
If you cancel within your subscription period, you're generally not entitled to a pro-rata refund simply because you're leaving. However, you may be eligible for a refund if:
- Balance failed to deliver the service you paid for (defective performance).
- The app was unavailable for a significant period during your billing cycle.
- You cancelled within a statutory "cooling-off" period, if one applies.
- The company breached the Consumer Guarantees Act by misrepresenting features.
Most subscription cancellations are final once completed. Yafee recommends contacting Balance directly if you believe you're entitled to a refund due to service failure, not simply because you've changed your mind.
How to request a refund
- Gather evidence of the problem: screenshots of errors, dates the app was unavailable, or proof that features didn't work as promised.
- Contact Balance's customer support with your request, explaining the specific issue and referencing the Consumer Guarantees Act if relevant.
- If Balance refuses, escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission or the relevant industry ombudsman (if Balance has joined one).
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
Response times vary, but Balance typically replies within 5 to 10 business days.
After you cancel: what happens next
Cancelling Balance is straightforward, and you won't face any penalties or hidden fees-your access simply ends on your final billing date.
Access and account closure
You'll retain access to your shared dashboard and transaction history until your current billing period ends. After that date, your account is frozen and you can no longer view shared data or use premium features. The app remains on your device but functions as an inactive shell.
Yafee advises that you can reactivate your subscription at any time by resubscribing through your app store or Balance's website. Your historical data may or may not be preserved-check Balance's data retention policy beforehand.
Uninstalling the app
You can delete the Balance app from your device immediately after cancelling if you prefer. On iPhone, long-press the app and select Remove App, then Delete App. On Android, long-press the app and select Uninstall.
Uninstalling doesn't affect your subscription status or any pending refunds-it only removes the app from your home screen.
Communicating with your partner
Once cancelled, your partner will lose access to the shared dashboard as well. Ensure you've both downloaded any data you need before the cancellation takes effect. Consider using an alternative tool if you still want to share financial visibility-many couples switch to shared spreadsheets, dedicated banking dashboards, or family financial platforms.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation is a straightforward process, and most people complete it without issue-but a few simple missteps can cause unnecessary delays or confusion.
Mistake 1: forgetting to cancel before the renewal date
If you intend to cancel but miss the deadline, you'll be charged for another full billing period. Set a phone reminder 2 to 3 days before your renewal date. Once you're charged, contact your app store's support team to request a refund for the unwanted charge.
Mistake 2: cancelling via the wrong platform
If you subscribed through Apple App Store but you cancel through Google Play (or vice versa), your original subscription will continue and you'll be charged again. Verify which platform you used to subscribe before you cancel. Check your payment history in your app store account to confirm.
Mistake 3: expecting immediate access loss
You retain access until the end of your current billing cycle, even after you cancel. If you wanted access to end immediately, contact Balance's support team to request a manual account closure-though this doesn't guarantee an immediate refund.
Mistake 4: not downloading your data first
Balance may delete your transaction history and budgets when your subscription expires. Export or screenshot everything you want to keep before you cancel. Yafee recommends taking screenshots of your shared budget, savings goals, and transaction summaries.
Comparison table: Balance vs. alternatives
If you're cancelling Balance because it doesn't meet your needs, consider these New Zealand alternatives.
| Service |
Price (NZD/month approx.) |
Couples focus |
Best for |
| Balance |
$12-$15 |
Yes |
Couples who want a shared dashboard |
| YNAB (You Need A Budget) |
$18-$22 |
No, but family accounts available |
Detailed budgeting and goal tracking |
| PocketSmith |
Free-$18 |
Yes (shared accounts) |
NZ-based budgeting with forecasting |
| Xero |
$15+ |
No |
Small business and household accounting |
| Spreadsheet (Google Sheets/Excel) |
Free |
Yes (shareable) |
Couples who prefer manual tracking |
| Your bank's app |
Free |
Varies by bank |
Basic transaction tracking and budgeting |
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions they no longer need, and we recommend exploring at least two alternatives before you commit to a new tool. Many New Zealand banks now offer free budgeting features inside their own apps, which might eliminate the need for a separate subscription entirely.
If you encounter issues cancelling Balance-such as repeated billing despite your cancellation request-you can contact the company directly.
Customer support channels
Balance provides support through its website and in-app help system. Visit the official Balance website and look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" link. Most queries are handled via email, and Yafee advises you to document all communications for your records.
If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, you can also report billing disputes directly through your app store account. Apple and Google both have dedicated teams to investigate unauthorised charges and subscription problems.
Escalation to the commerce commission
If Balance refuses to honour your cancellation request or continues billing after you've cancelled, escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission. You can file a complaint at www.comcom.govt.nz. The Commission investigates breaches of consumer law and can compel companies to issue refunds or cease unfair practices.
Yafee recommends keeping records of all cancellation requests, confirmation emails, and any unwanted charges. This evidence strengthens your case if you need to escalate.
Checklist: before and after cancellation
| Task |
Before cancelling |
After cancelling |
| Export your data |
Download transaction history and budget notes |
Verify files are saved securely |
| Communicate with your partner |
Discuss the decision and timing |
Confirm they've also backed up their data |
| Check your next renewal date |
Mark it in your calendar (cancel 24 hours before) |
Monitor your bank statement for any unexpected charges |
| Confirm the right platform |
Verify where you subscribed (Apple, Google, or web) |
Confirm the cancellation in your app store account |
| Decide on alternatives |
Research replacement apps or tools |
Set up your new budgeting solution before access ends |
| Save your confirmation email |
Screenshot your cancellation request |
File the confirmation email in a safe folder |
Final thoughts: cancelling Balance and moving forward
Cancelling Balance is quick and reversible-you can resubscribe at any time if your circumstances change. The Consumer Guarantees Act protects you if the service fails to deliver, and Yafee's detailed steps above make the cancellation process transparent and straightforward.
Take time before you cancel to export your data, align with your partner, and choose a replacement tool if you still want shared financial visibility. Whether you're cancelling because Balance doesn't fit your needs, you're managing finances separately, or you've found a better alternative, the process takes just a few minutes.
Yafee has created this guide to empower New Zealand consumers with clear, legally grounded information. If Balance continues to charge you after cancellation or refuses a legitimate refund claim, Yafee encourages you to contact the Commerce Commission. You have rights under New Zealand law, and those rights are worth protecting.