How to cancel your Findmypast subscription and protect your genealogy data in new zealand
Understanding Findmypast and your cancellation options
Findmypast is an online genealogy platform that grants you access to historical records, newspapers, and family indexes spanning British, Irish, Commonwealth, Australian, and New Zealand archives. Many New Zealand users rely on it to trace ancestry across multiple countries and construct comprehensive family trees.
If Findmypast no longer delivers the value you expected, or if you have completed your research project, cancelling your subscription is straightforward. At Yafee, we understand that subscription management can feel complex, and we are committed to ensuring your cancellation process is transparent and efficient. Your cancellation should remain entirely under your control, with clear confirmation and no hidden charges.
Who typically uses Findmypast
Family historians, genealogy researchers, and people tracing their heritage across multiple countries form the core user base. Subscription tiers vary, so your access level depends on which plan you selected. Understanding what you paid for helps clarify whether cancelling is the right choice for your research goals.
Why cancelling might make sense for you
You might decide to cancel if you have exhausted the records relevant to your research, found better value elsewhere, hit a research dead-end, or simply want to pause your subscription temporarily. Whatever your reason, Yafee exists to ensure your cancellation is handled without friction or unexpected charges.
Findmypast pricing in new zealand and what you are paying for
Knowing your current plan and renewal date is essential before you cancel, so you can time your cancellation correctly and understand your refund eligibility under New Zealand consumer law.
Current subscription plans and pricing
Findmypast offers two main subscription tiers. The following table reflects their published Australian Dollar pricing; New Zealand users can expect similar conversion rates when billed in NZD.
| Plan |
Price (AUD) |
Billing period |
Record access |
| Australia-level (includes NZ records) |
AUD $11.22 per month or AUD $112.16 per year |
Monthly or annual |
Australian and New Zealand records only |
| World-level |
AUD $22.49 per month or AUD $224.89 per year |
Monthly or annual |
All global records including Australia and New Zealand |
Notes on new zealand pricing and app store charges
Findmypast does not publish official NZD pricing on their website. If you purchased through the Apple App Store or Google Play, Apple's regional pricing may apply, and App Store rates often differ from direct Findmypast charges. Check your last payment confirmation email or your account settings to confirm which plan you are on and when your next renewal is due. This information is crucial for timing your cancellation correctly and maximizing any refund entitlement.
How to cancel your Findmypast subscription in three clear steps
You have two reliable methods to cancel: directly through your account or by contacting Findmypast's support team. The self-service method is faster and leaves you with instant confirmation.
Method 1: cancel through your Findmypast account (fastest option)
This is the recommended approach because you retain full control and receive immediate confirmation of your cancellation.
- Sign in to your Findmypast account at findmypast.com using your email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page and reset it via email.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription settings, usually located in a menu at the top right or under a "My account" section.
- Look for a heading such as "Subscriptions", "Active subscriptions", "Billing", or "Membership".
- Locate your active subscription and select the option to cancel, manage, or modify your plan.
- You will typically see a button labelled "Cancel subscription", "End membership", or "Manage billing".
- Confirm the cancellation by following the prompts on screen.
- You may be offered a retention discount or incentive to stay; you can accept or decline.
- Read the final confirmation screen carefully to understand your cancellation effective date.
- Retain a screenshot or note the confirmation number and effective cancellation date for your records.
- Yafee recommends saving this confirmation in case of any billing disputes later.
Method 2: cancel by contacting Findmypast support directly
If you encounter technical difficulties or prefer personal assistance, contact Findmypast's support team. This method takes longer but ensures a human reviews your account.
- Send an email to the Findmypast support team at [email protected].
- Include your full name, email address registered with Findmypast, and subscription plan in the subject line.
- State clearly: "I wish to cancel my Findmypast subscription effective immediately" or specify an effective date.
- Alternatively, phone Findmypast at +44 (0)20 3326 6300 (international number; charges may apply from New Zealand).
- Have your account details ready.
- Request a cancellation confirmation number or reference.
- Allow up to 5 business days for an email response.
- If you do not receive confirmation within 10 business days, follow up with a second email marked "URGENT".
- Retain all correspondence (email thread or call notes) as proof of your cancellation request.
- This evidence protects you if Findmypast continues to charge you after you have cancelled.
Method 3: cancel via your payment provider (if other methods fail)
If Findmypast does not respond or refuses to cancel despite your requests, you can instruct your bank or payment card provider to block the subscription.
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer and inform them of the subscription you wish to cancel.
- Provide the merchant name (Findmypast), the approximate monthly charge, and the date you submitted your cancellation request to Findmypast.
- Request a stop payment instruction or request that your card issuer revoke Findmypast's recurring payment authority.
- Your bank can stop charges immediately, even if Findmypast disputes the cancellation.
- Ask your bank for a letter confirming the payment block, and save this for your records.
- This is essential evidence if Findmypast later claims you owe fees.
Your legal position and consumer rights in new zealand
Your right to cancel is grounded in New Zealand consumer law, particularly the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. Yafee advises all New Zealand consumers to understand these protections before attempting to cancel.
Consumer guarantees act 1993 and your cancellation rights
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to cancel a distance contract (such as an online subscription) within 14 calendar days of purchase, provided Findmypast has not already supplied the service. If you cancel within this period, Findmypast must refund your full payment within 30 days.
However, if you have already used Findmypast's service during those 14 days, your right to a full refund may be limited to the unused portion of your subscription. Findmypast may deduct a reasonable fee for the value of services you have already consumed.
Fair trading act 1986 and misleading conduct
Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, Findmypast is prohibited from engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct regarding cancellation terms, charges, or refund policies. If Findmypast misrepresents its cancellation process or charges you fees that are not clearly disclosed in your subscription agreement, you may lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer regulator.
Your legal position: You have a statutory right to cancel your subscription. Findmypast must provide a transparent cancellation mechanism and honour your request within a reasonable timeframe. If they refuse or delay without justification, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or your bank. Any charges imposed after cancellation can be disputed and reversed.
Escalation routes if Findmypast refuses to cancel
If Findmypast does not respond to your cancellation request within 14 days, or if they refuse without clear legal grounds, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. The Commerce Commission enforces consumer protection laws in New Zealand and can investigate breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Contact the Commerce Commission at:
What happens after you cancel your Findmypast subscription
Cancellation is complete once you receive written confirmation from Findmypast. Understanding the immediate aftermath helps you avoid confusion and protect your data.
Timing of access loss and final billing
Your access to Findmypast typically ends on one of two dates: immediately (if you cancel mid-billing cycle) or at the end of your current billing period (if you cancel before renewal). Your confirmation email or account page will specify the exact date. You will not be charged after that date. If your cancellation is effective immediately and you paid in advance, you become eligible for a pro-rata refund.
Protecting and exporting your family tree data
Before your access expires, Yafee strongly recommends exporting your family tree and any research notes you have saved in Findmypast. Findmypast allows you to download your data as a GEDCOM file (a standard genealogy format) that you can import into other genealogy platforms. To export your data:
- Log in to your account before cancellation takes effect.
- Navigate to your family tree or research section.
- Look for a "Download", "Export", or "Share" option.
- Select the option to export as GEDCOM or PDF.
- Save the file to your computer or cloud storage.
Once your subscription expires, your family tree may be archived or deleted depending on Findmypast's data retention policy. Exporting preserves your research and allows you to transfer it to a competitor platform if you wish.
Refund processing and timescales
If you are entitled to a refund, Findmypast must process it within 30 days of your cancellation. Refunds are returned to your original payment method. If you paid by credit card, the refund will appear as a credit to your card account; if you paid by bank transfer, the refund will return to your bank account. Allow an additional 5-10 business days for your bank to process the refund once Findmypast has initiated it.
Monitor your bank account and credit card statements to confirm the refund has been received. If 35 days have passed since you cancelled and you have not received a refund, contact Findmypast immediately and ask for a refund status update with a reference number.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation is rarely complicated, but small errors can lead to unwanted charges or lost refund eligibility. Stay alert and you will navigate this process cleanly.
Mistake 1: failing to download your data before cancellation takes effect
Once your subscription expires, Findmypast may restrict your access to your research files and family tree. If you have spent months building your tree, losing access is frustrating and often irreversible. Always export your GEDCOM file and any research notes at least 5 days before your cancellation effective date. Yafee recommends saving your data in two locations: your computer and a cloud storage service such as Google Drive or OneDrive.
Mistake 2: cancelling on your renewal date without checking the exact time
If your subscription renews on the 15th of the month at 11:59 pm, but you cancel at 9:00 am on the 15th, you may still be charged for the next billing period. Always cancel at least 48 hours before your renewal date to be safe. Check your account for the exact renewal time, not just the date.
Mistake 3: assuming cancellation has been processed without written confirmation
Verbal assurances or a promise from a support agent are not sufficient proof of cancellation. Always insist on written confirmation (email or account notification) showing the cancellation effective date. If you cancel by phone, ask the agent to email you a confirmation immediately or request their name and reference number so you can follow up in writing.
Mistake 4: continuing to use the service after cancellation without tracking your usage
If Findmypast grants you access after your cancellation effective date due to a system error, stop using the platform immediately. Document the date and time you discovered the continued access, take screenshots, and contact Findmypast support to confirm that access has been revoked. If you incur further charges, this evidence protects you in a dispute.
Before you cancel, it is worth considering whether another platform might better suit your research needs. The following table compares Findmypast with three popular alternatives available to New Zealand users.
| Platform |
Focus |
NZD pricing (approx.) |
Best for |
| Findmypast |
UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ records |
$18-40 per month |
Commonwealth ancestry research |
| Ancestry.com |
Global records, DNA matching |
$19-29 per month |
Broad research plus DNA testing |
| FamilySearch |
Volunteer-indexed global records |
Free |
Budget-conscious researchers |
| My Heritage |
Global records, DNA testing |
$12-25 per month |
International research and DNA |
If you are cancelling Findmypast because you have found more affordable alternatives or platforms with better record coverage for your specific ancestry, researching these options before you cancel ensures a smooth transition. Many platforms offer free trials, so you can test them before committing to a paid subscription.
Final checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step of the cancellation process correctly and protected your interests.
Before you cancel
- Check your current plan name and price on your account page.
- Note your next renewal date from your billing information.
- Export your family tree and research notes as a GEDCOM file.
- Save any important research documents or screenshots of records you found.
- Decide whether you are entitled to a refund based on your cancellation date.
- Gather your account email and password in case you need to access your account during cancellation.
During cancellation
- Use the self-service method (Method 1) if possible for instant confirmation.
- If contacting support, use email rather than phone for a written record.
- Request a cancellation reference number and note the date and time you submitted your request.
- Confirm the exact cancellation effective date (do not assume it is immediate).
- Screenshot or print any confirmation page or email for your records.
After cancellation
- Verify that you can no longer log in after the cancellation effective date.
- Monitor your bank account and credit card for any charges after the cancellation date.
- Check your email for refund confirmation within 30 days.
- If you do not receive a refund, contact Findmypast and your bank within 35 days.
- Keep all cancellation confirmations and correspondence for at least 12 months.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Findmypast subscription in New Zealand is legal, straightforward, and protected by consumer law. You have the right to cancel at any time, and Findmypast must honour your request within a reasonable timeframe. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 grants you the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase and claim a refund for unused services; the Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits Findmypast from using misleading practices to retain you or obscure the cancellation process.
Use the self-service cancellation method (Method 1) for the fastest outcome. If Findmypast does not respond or refuses to cancel, escalate to the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz or contact your bank to block the recurring payment. Always export your data before cancellation and retain written confirmation of your request. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions across every major platform, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is frictionless and fair.
If you have questions about your cancellation rights or need guidance on escalating a dispute with Findmypast, visit Yafee.com for detailed legal information and practical support tailored to New Zealand consumers. Your data, your choice, and your right to cancel-Yafee is here to protect all three.
Contact information for Findmypast
For any queries during the cancellation process, use these official Findmypast contact details:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)20 3326 6300 (international number; standard call charges apply)
- Website: findmypast.com
For consumer complaints or escalation, contact the Commerce Commission: