How to cancel 123RF in new zealand and reclaim control of your account
What is 123RF and why you need a clear cancellation strategy
123RF is a global digital asset marketplace where you licence millions of royalty-free images, vectors, videos and audio files for creative projects. You pay in USD, which converts to NZD at checkout, and manage your entire account online without needing to contact a physical office. The platform offers flexible credit packs, monthly subscriptions, annual plans and Plus memberships with extended commercial licensing rights. Many New Zealand designers, marketers, content creators and small business owners use 123RF to source affordable creative assets quickly.
The critical issue that catches thousands of New Zealand users off guard is the auto-renewal feature. Your subscription automatically renews at the end of each billing cycle unless you actively disable it in your account settings. This means unexpected charges can accumulate over months if you forget to cancel. At Yafee, we help you understand exactly how to regain control and avoid unwanted fees.
How 123RF subscriptions and auto-renewal work
When you purchase a 123RF subscription or credit pack, the platform sets up automatic renewal by default. Your account remains fully active until the renewal date passes, meaning you retain all download limits and premium features right up until that moment. Cancelling your subscription does not cut you off immediately. Instead, you simply prevent the next charge from occurring on your next billing date.
This distinction is crucial. If your billing cycle ends on 15 March 2025 and you cancel on 10 March, you keep access to all features until 15 March. You are not charged again after that date. However, if you do not cancel and your renewal date passes, 123RF will charge you without further notice.
Why cancellation matters under new zealand consumer law
New Zealand consumer protection law, particularly the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, grants you specific rights when dealing with digital services. These laws protect you if a service is faulty, fails to match the description, or is supplied without reasonable care. Furthermore, the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer enforcement body) has stated that automatic renewal subscriptions must include clear, prior disclosure and an easy cancellation mechanism.
Many New Zealand users discover they have been charged for months without using the platform, or they signed up for a trial that rolled into a paid subscription with no clear reminder. Taking action now stops further charges and may unlock refunds you did not know were available. Yafee recognises that knowledge of your rights is the first step to protecting yourself.
Your legal position and consumer rights in new zealand
Under New Zealand law, you have explicit protections when cancelling digital subscriptions.
Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 guarantees that services supplied to you must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and supplied with reasonable care and skill. If 123RF has failed to deliver these guarantees, you have grounds to seek a refund or cancellation without penalty. This protection applies regardless of whether you paid upfront or via ongoing subscription.
Fair trading act 1986 and automatic renewal rules
The Fair Trading Act 1986 explicitly addresses automatic renewal contracts. It requires that:
- The business must obtain your clear, express consent before charging you on a recurring basis.
- The business must provide an easy, accessible cancellation mechanism that works as smoothly as the sign-up process.
- The business must send you a reminder before charging you again, with clear information about how to cancel.
- You have the right to cancel at any time without penalty or justification.
If 123RF has not provided these protections, you may have grounds to claim a refund or dispute charges with your bank or payment provider.
Your legal position in practice
You have the right to cancel your 123RF subscription at any time. 123RF must not charge you after cancellation. If the company refuses to process your cancellation or continues to charge you after you have cancelled, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission. You are also entitled to dispute the charge with your bank under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 if 123RF continues to debit your account after you have requested cancellation in writing.
Cancellation methods: which route suits you
You can cancel your 123RF subscription via three distinct methods, each with different timelines and confirmation processes.
Method 1: cancel directly via your account settings (fastest and most reliable)
Cancelling through the 123RF website is the quickest and most verifiable method. This approach turns off auto-renewal while keeping your account and download history intact until your current period expires. Follow these steps:
- Visit the 123RF website at www.123rf.com and sign in with your email address and password.
- Use the account tied to the subscription you want to cancel.
- If you share a computer, log out of any other accounts first to avoid cancelling the wrong subscription.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Look for "Account Settings", "My Account", or "Subscription settings" in the dropdown menu.
- If multiple options appear, select the one that mentions billing or subscriptions.
- Locate the "Subscriptions", "Billing", or "Auto-renewal" section within your account area.
- This section lists all active subscriptions and their renewal dates.
- If you do not see it immediately, scroll down; some accounts hide this option.
- Find the subscription you want to cancel and click the "Turn off auto-renewal", "Cancel subscription", or "Disable renewal" button.
- Do not click "Delete account" unless you want to remove your entire profile permanently.
- A confirmation message should appear immediately once you disable renewal.
- Verify that the renewal status has changed to "Inactive", "Cancelled", or "Off".
- Take a screenshot of this confirmation screen and save it to your device.
- Keep the email confirmation that 123RF sends you immediately after the cancellation.
- Your subscription will continue to work until the end of your current billing period, after which access to subscription features will be disabled.
- You will not be charged again after this date.
- Any remaining downloads or features expire on that final date.
Method 2: contact 123RF support via email
If you cannot access your account, have forgotten your password, or do not see a cancellation option in your settings, contact 123RF support directly.
- Send an email to [email protected] requesting that your subscription be cancelled with immediate effect.
- Use the email address associated with your 123RF account.
- Include your full name, email address, and account number in the email.
- State clearly: "I request that my 123RF subscription be cancelled and auto-renewal be disabled."
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and the date your subscription will end.
- Ask 123RF to provide the email confirmation within 2 business days.
- Keep a copy of both your request and their response for your records.
- If you do not receive a response within 5 working days, send a follow-up email and reference your original request.
- If support still does not respond after 10 working days, escalate to the Commerce Commission (see section below).
Method 3: contact 123RF via phone (Australia/New zealand shared line)
New Zealand users share a regional support number with Australia. Call 123RF and request cancellation verbally, then ask for written confirmation by email.
- Call +64 9 889 8808 during business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM AEST/AEDT, which is 11 AM to 7 PM NZST).
- Keep a note of the date, time and name of the person you speak to.
- State clearly: "I want to cancel my 123RF subscription effective immediately."
- Request that cancellation confirmation be sent to your email within 24 hours.
- Write down the confirmation number or reference they provide.
- If they do not offer one, ask for it explicitly.
- Follow up with a written email to [email protected] referencing your phone call, the date and time, and the name of the person you spoke to.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation.
- This creates a paper trail if disputes arise later.
Pricing structure and subscription options for new zealand users
Understanding what you are paying for helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move.
| Subscription type |
Typical cost (NZD) |
Billing cycle |
Auto-renewal? |
| Standard monthly subscription |
$25-$45 |
Monthly |
Yes (default) |
| Annual subscription |
$180-$300 |
12 months |
Yes (default) |
| Plus membership with extended rights |
$35-$65 per month |
Monthly or annual |
Yes (default) |
| Credit packs (pay as you go) |
$15-$200+ (one-time) |
No recurring charge |
No |
| Trial period (first month) |
$0-$5 |
30 days |
Yes (rolls into paid subscription if not cancelled) |
All prices shown are approximate NZD conversions. 123RF charges you in USD, so the exact NZD amount depends on the exchange rate at the time of purchase. If you use a monthly or annual subscription, Yafee advises you to mark your calendar 7 days before renewal to give yourself time to cancel if you wish.
Should you cancel? when cancellation makes sense
Cancellation is the right choice if you meet any of these conditions.
Reasons to cancel immediately
- You are not using 123RF and have not downloaded assets in the past 30 days.
- You signed up for a free trial that automatically converted to a paid subscription without clear notification.
- You were charged repeatedly without authorisation or with unclear billing practices.
- You found a cheaper alternative (such as Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay) for your design needs.
- You no longer work in a field that requires commercial-licensed assets.
- Your business has closed or your project has ended and you no longer need ongoing access.
- 123RF has failed to deliver the features or quality promised at the time of purchase.
Reasons to keep your subscription
- You actively use 123RF multiple times per week and rely on the asset library for client work.
- The subscription cost is less than the time you would spend sourcing assets from free alternatives.
- You need extended commercial licensing rights for client deliverables that free platforms do not permit.
- You have unused credits and plan to download more assets before your subscription expires.
Refunds and charges after cancellation
Understanding what happens to your money and future charges is essential before you cancel.
Refund eligibility after you cancel
If you cancel before your renewal date, 123RF will not charge you again. However, 123RF typically does not refund amounts already paid for the current subscription period. This is standard practice for digital services under New Zealand consumer law, provided the service has been supplied as described.
Nevertheless, you may be entitled to a refund if you can demonstrate that:
- You were charged without clear consent (particularly if you did not intentionally sign up for auto-renewal).
- You were not given an easy cancellation mechanism at the time of purchase.
- You signed up for a free trial and were charged immediately without a clear reminder or opt-in confirmation.
- The service was faulty or did not perform as described (assets were unavailable, downloads failed repeatedly, etc.).
Disputing charges with your bank
If 123RF continues to charge your card after you have cancelled via your account settings or email, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. In New Zealand, contact your bank's fraud or disputes team and request a chargeback under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. Provide your bank with:
- Screenshots or printouts of your cancellation confirmation from 123RF.
- Email confirmations from 123RF confirming cancellation.
- A record of all unauthorised charges after your cancellation date.
- Copies of your request to cancel (if sent via email).
Your bank has 30 days to investigate and will typically refund the disputed amount within that timeframe if they find in your favour.
Charges you will not see after cancellation
Once your cancellation is confirmed, you will not be charged:
- On your next scheduled renewal date.
- For any future subscription periods.
- For premium features or downloads after your current period expires.
You will continue to have access to assets already downloaded until your current billing period ends. After that date, your account reverts to a free account (if one exists) or read-only access.
What happens after you cancel your subscription
Knowing what to expect after cancellation removes confusion and helps you plan your workflow.
Access to your downloads and account after cancellation
Once your subscription expires, you retain ownership of all assets you have already downloaded. These files remain on your computer and in your personal files permanently. Your 123RF account will remain active, but you will lose access to:
- Future downloads from the 123RF library.
- Search filters and collections you created (these may become read-only).
- Premium preview features and high-resolution file access.
- Extended licensing rights (your licence reverts to the basic terms unless already purchased).
Keeping your download history and files organised
Before your subscription expires, Yafee advises you to download or export any assets you still need and save them securely on your computer or cloud storage. Create backups of any project files that reference 123RF assets. If you have created collections or mood boards on 123RF, take screenshots or export them manually, as these may not be available after your subscription ends.
Re-subscribing in the future if you change your mind
Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account. You can return and subscribe again at any time using the same email address. Your download history, old projects and credits will remain tied to your account. If you re-subscribe within 6 months, 123RF may offer you a discounted renewal rate as an incentive to return.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
You are not alone if you have struggled with cancelling 123RF-thousands of New Zealand users face the same friction. Learning from common errors protects your bank balance and your time.
Mistake 1: confusing "turn off auto-renewal" with "delete account"
Many users accidentally delete their entire account instead of just cancelling the subscription. This removes your profile, download history and credits. To avoid this, look specifically for buttons that say "Cancel subscription", "Turn off auto-renewal", or "Disable renewal". Do not click any button that mentions "Delete profile" or "Remove account" unless you are absolutely certain you want to erase your entire presence on 123RF.
Mistake 2: cancelling too late (after the renewal has already processed)
If you cancel after your renewal date has passed, you have already been charged for the next period. Although you can request a refund on the grounds that auto-renewal was not clearly disclosed, 123RF may resist. Instead, cancel at least 5 days before your renewal date to prevent the charge from going through. Check your renewal date in your account settings and set a calendar reminder 7 days beforehand.
Mistake 3: not saving confirmation of your cancellation
If you do not save screenshots and emails confirming your cancellation, you will have no proof if 123RF charges you again or disputes your claim. Always take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page, save any email confirmations, and note the date and time of cancellation. Store these files securely in a folder labelled "123RF Cancellation" on your computer.
Mistake 4: assuming cancellation via email is instant
Email cancellation requests can take 3 to 7 working days to process. If your renewal is due in 2 days and you only email your cancellation request today, the charge may still go through. For urgent cancellations, use the website method (immediate) or call support directly to get verbal confirmation and a reference number.
Mistake 5: not checking for hidden charges or linked services
If you signed up for 123RF through a third-party platform (such as a design software bundle or marketplace), cancelling on 123RF may not stop charges from the third party. Check your bank statements to see who is actually charging you. If the charge comes from an intermediary rather than 123RF directly, you must cancel through that intermediary instead.
Escalation: what to do if 123RF refuses to cancel
If 123RF does not respond to your cancellation requests or continues to charge you after you have asked to cancel, you have formal recourse.
Step 1: send a formal cancellation notice via email
Send a clear, documented email to [email protected] with the subject line "Formal Cancellation Request - Account [Your Email]". Include:
- Your full name and account email address.
- Your 123RF account number (if you have it).
- The date you first requested cancellation.
- A clear statement: "I formally request that my subscription be cancelled effective immediately and that no further charges be processed against my account."
- Your preferred payment method for any refund (bank account or credit card).
- A deadline for response (usually 10 working days).
Send this email via registered or tracked email if possible, and keep a copy for your records.
Step 2: dispute the charge with your bank
If 123RF continues to charge you after you have submitted a formal cancellation request, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback. Provide your bank with all documentation of your cancellation attempts and the formal notice. Your bank will investigate and typically rule in your favour if you have clear evidence that you requested cancellation.
Step 3: lodge a complaint with the commerce commission
If your bank refund is unsuccessful or 123RF refuses to refund charges, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer enforcement authority. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. You can file a complaint online at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz or by calling 0800 943 600.
Provide the Commission with:
- Your full name and contact details.
- Details of your subscription and account with 123RF.
- Copies of all cancellation requests (email, screenshots, phone call notes).
- Copies of all charges after your cancellation request.
- A summary of the problem and what you are seeking (refund, cancellation confirmation, etc.).
The Commerce Commission has the authority to compel 123RF to cease unfair practices and may order a refund on your behalf.
Cancellation checklist: ensure nothing is overlooked
Use this checklist to verify that you have completed every step correctly.
| Action |
Completed? |
Date |
| Log in to your 123RF account and verify your subscription status |
☐ |
|
| Locate your renewal date and set a calendar reminder 5 days before |
☐ |
|
| Download or export any assets or collections you need to keep |
☐ |
|
| Cancel auto-renewal via account settings (or email if you cannot access settings) |
☐ |
|
| Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page and save it securely |
☐ |
|
| Save the email confirmation from 123RF |
☐ |
|
| Verify that your renewal status shows as "Inactive" or "Cancelled" |
☐ |
|
| Check your bank statement on the renewal date to confirm no charge was processed |
☐ |
|
| If charged after cancellation, dispute with your bank immediately |
☐ |
|
Frequently asked questions about 123RF cancellation in new zealand
How long does it take for 123RF to confirm cancellation?
If you cancel via your account settings, the change is instant. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes. If you cancel via email to [email protected], allow 3 to 7 working days for processing. If you cancel by phone at +64 9 889 8808, ask for a reference number and request email confirmation within 24 hours.
Can i get a partial refund if i cancel mid-cycle?
123RF typically does not offer prorated refunds for unused time. However, if you can demonstrate that you were not given clear notice of auto-renewal or that the service was faulty, you may be entitled to claim a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Contact your bank's disputes team or the Commerce Commission for assistance.
Will i lose access to assets i have already downloaded?
No. Once you download an asset from 123RF, it belongs to you. Cancelling your subscription does not revoke the licence for assets you have already downloaded. You retain the right to use them according to your original licence type. Only future downloads become unavailable after your subscription expires.
What if i signed up for a free trial that became paid without my consent?
This is a common complaint in New Zealand, and you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, 123RF must obtain your clear, express consent before converting a free trial into a paid subscription. If you did not receive a clear reminder before the charge, contact your bank and file a chargeback, or lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
Can i cancel my subscription and still access my old downloads?
Yes. Your previously downloaded files are yours to keep permanently. However, you will not be able to download new assets or use premium preview features after your subscription expires. Your download history and past projects will remain visible in your account if you ever wish to re-subscribe.
Comparing 123RF with alternative stock asset providers
If you are considering cancelling 123RF, you may want to explore alternatives that better suit your workflow and budget.
| Provider |
Monthly cost (approx. NZD) |
Asset types |
Auto-renewal? |
Best for |
| 123RF |
$25-$65 |
Images, vectors, videos, audio |
Yes (default) |
Budget-conscious professionals |
| Adobe Stock |
$40-$120 |
Images, vectors, videos, 3D assets |
Yes (default) |
Creative Cloud users needing seamless integration |
| Shutterstock |
$45-$150 |
Images, vectors, videos, music |
Yes (default) |
High-volume users and agencies |
| Unsplash (free) |
Free |
High-quality images |
No |
Personal projects and non-commercial work |
| Pexels (free) |
Free |
Images and videos |
No |
Bloggers and social media creators |
All paid providers above use auto-renewal by default and require you to cancel manually to avoid unwanted charges. If you are frustrated with auto-renewal, consider free alternatives like Unsplash or Pexels for non-commercial use, or negotiate a custom licence directly with creators on platforms like Etsy.
How yafee can help you cancel and stay protected
Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but 123RF's process creates unnecessary friction. At Yafee, we have helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel digital subscriptions, dispute unfair charges and recover refunds. Our team of contract law specialists understands the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 inside out, and we translate legal rights into clear, actionable steps.
Whether you are unsure whether cancellation is right for you, struggling to find the cancellation button, or facing resistance from 123RF's support team, Yafee provides personalised guidance tailored to your situation. We also help you draft formal cancellation notices, prepare evidence for bank disputes, and lodge complaints with the Commerce Commission if necessary. Visit Yafee.com to explore how we can support your cancellation and protect your consumer rights.
Key takeaways: cancelling 123RF in new zealand
Cancelling your 123RF subscription is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In summary:
- Log in to your account settings and turn off auto-renewal (the fastest method).
- Alternatively, email [email protected] or call +64 9 889 8808 to request cancellation.
- Save screenshots and email confirmations of your cancellation for your records.
- Verify that your renewal status has changed to "Inactive" or "Cancelled" before your next billing date.
- Check your bank statement on your renewal date to confirm no charge was processed.
- If 123RF continues to charge you after cancellation, dispute the charge with your bank or lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
- You retain ownership of all assets you have already downloaded, even after your subscription expires.
New Zealand consumer law protects you. If 123RF has charged you without clear consent, failed to provide an easy cancellation mechanism, or refused to honour your cancellation request, you have the right to claim a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or dispute the charge under the Fair Trading Act 1986. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover wrongful charges and assert their rights against companies that use friction to prevent cancellation. Visit www.yafee.com today to speak with our contract law specialists and take control of your digital subscriptions.
Use these contact methods to cancel or dispute charges with 123RF.
123RF support channels (shared with australia)
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +64 9 889 8808 (AEDT/AEST business hours)
- Website account settings: Log in at www.123rf.com and navigate to Account Settings > Subscriptions
New zealand consumer protection authorities
- Commerce Commission (complaints about unfair trading or auto-renewal breaches): www.consumerprotection.govt.nz or 0800 943 600
- Your bank (for chargebacks and unauthorised charges): Contact your bank's disputes or fraud team immediately if 123RF continues to charge you after cancellation.
- Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 495 213 (free advice on consumer rights)
123RF does not maintain a dedicated New Zealand postal address. All cancellation requests must be submitted via the account settings portal, email ([email protected]), or phone (+64 9 889 8808). Yafee advises you to always use documented methods (email, phone with reference numbers, or screenshots) so that you retain proof of your cancellation request.