How to cancel Hint in new zealand and reclaim your consumer rights
What is Hint and how does it work
Hint is a nutrition and wellness application that provides personalised diet plans, expert consultations, and meal guidance through web and mobile platforms. You gain access to Hint by subscribing to one of several membership tiers, ranging from one-time diet plan purchases to recurring premium memberships that include ongoing dietitian support.
Your subscription method determines how you manage your account and process cancellation. If you subscribed directly through Hint's website, Hint handles your billing and cancellation directly. If you purchased through Apple App Store or Google Play, Apple or Google manages your subscription and billing relationship, not Hint. This distinction is crucial when you decide to cancel, as each platform has separate cancellation procedures.
How Hint subscriptions operate
You can initiate a Hint subscription in three distinct ways: through the official Hint website, via Apple App Store on iOS devices, or through Google Play on Android devices. Each purchase method creates a separate billing relationship, which fundamentally affects how you cancel and claim refunds.
Most Hint plans renew automatically at the conclusion of each billing period unless you explicitly cancel beforehand. Consequently, if you do not cancel before your renewal date arrives, the system will charge you again automatically. This automatic renewal model is common among subscription services, but New Zealand consumer law provides you with protections regardless.
Common Hint plans available to new zealand users
Hint offers multiple plans designed to suit different needs and budgets across New Zealand. The pricing below reflects approximate New Zealand dollar conversions; actual prices may fluctuate depending on regional rates and current exchange rates at the time of purchase.
| Plan name |
Price (approx NZ$) |
Billing period |
What you receive |
| Instant diet plan annual |
NZ$165 |
One-time purchase |
Full year of personalised diet guidance |
| Instant diet plan quarterly |
NZ$49.50 |
One-time purchase |
Three months of structured diet planning |
| Hint Premium with consultation |
NZ$16.50 |
Monthly |
Monthly plan plus one dietitian consultation |
| Hint Pro annual |
NZ$165 |
Annual |
Premium features plus unlimited consultations |
| Hint trial (first-time users) |
Free to NZ$25 |
7-14 days |
Limited access to core platform features |
Your consumer rights when cancelling Hint
New Zealand consumer law protects you comprehensively when you purchase services like Hint, even though the service operates as a digital application. Understanding your legal position strengthens your negotiating power and ensures you receive the outcomes you are entitled to.
Consumer guarantees act and your right to cancel
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you hold the right to cancel most digital services within 7 working days if you change your mind, provided you have not substantially used the service. However, if you have already accessed Hint's personalised content, downloaded meal plans, or participated in dietitian consultations, your cancellation rights may become more limited under this provision.
If Hint's service fails to function correctly, proves unfit for its stated purpose, or contains a fault-such as persistent application crashes, inaccurate diet recommendations, or missing features-you are entitled to request a full refund or replacement under the Consumer Guarantees Act. This legal entitlement exists regardless of what Hint's stated refund policy claims. Furthermore, Yafee specialises in helping consumers understand and enforce these protections.
If Hint charges you twice, bills you without your explicit consent, or continues charging after you have cancelled, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission or dispute the charge through your bank or payment provider. The Commerce Commission actively investigates such breaches and can compel refunds.
Your legal position on subscription cancellation
You have the right to:
- Cancel your Hint subscription at any time, with immediate effect
- Receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription (where applicable)
- Dispute any charge you believe is unauthorised or erroneous
- Escalate complaints to the Commerce Commission if Hint refuses to cooperate
- Request evidence of cancellation from Hint or your payment platform
Hint cannot:
- Prevent you from cancelling your subscription
- Charge you after you have successfully cancelled
- Require you to remain subscribed for a fixed term (unless explicitly agreed in writing)
- Hide their cancellation process or make it deliberately difficult to find
Your cancellation process depends entirely on where you originally subscribed. Follow the relevant steps below for your specific platform to ensure your cancellation takes effect immediately.
Step 1: cancel Hint directly through the Hint website
If you subscribed through Hint's official website and pay directly to Hint, use this method.
- Visit Hint's website and log into your account with your email address and password
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management area
- This is typically located in a menu labelled "Account", "My Account", "Settings", or "Profile"
- Locate the "Cancellation Portal" or "Manage Subscription" section
- Hint requires all direct cancellations through their online Cancellation Portal
- Do not rely on email requests alone; use the portal to ensure your cancellation is processed
- Select the option to "Cancel subscription" or "End membership"
- Hint may present you with a retention offer or discount; review this but proceed to cancel if you wish
- Follow the confirmation prompts and verify your cancellation
- You should receive an on-screen confirmation message immediately
- Hint will also send you a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours
- Save or screenshot your confirmation message for your records
- This proves cancellation was processed if any dispute arises later
Step 2: cancel Hint through apple app store
If you subscribed to Hint through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, Apple manages your subscription billing. You must cancel through Apple, not through Hint.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device
- Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu
- This opens your Apple ID profile
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu options
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID
- Find "Hint" in your active subscriptions list and tap it
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the Hint subscription details
- Apple will confirm the cancellation immediately
- Your access typically continues until the end of your current billing period
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen
- This serves as proof if Apple or Hint later dispute your cancellation
Alternatively, if you are using a Mac or have access to Apple's web portal, you can cancel through your Apple account at appleid.apple.com by selecting "Subscriptions" and following the same process.
Step 3: cancel Hint through google play
If you subscribed to Hint through Google Play on an Android device, Google handles your subscription management. You must cancel through Google Play, not directly with Hint.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
- Tap your profile icon in the upper right corner of the app
- This opens your account menu
- Select "Payments and subscriptions" from the dropdown menu
- Tap "Subscriptions" to view all active subscriptions
- You will see every subscription linked to your Google Play account
- Find "Hint" in the list and tap it
- Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen
- Google will ask you to confirm the cancellation
- Confirm by tapping "Cancel subscription" again
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation for your records
- Google provides immediate on-screen confirmation and sends a confirmation email
You can also cancel through the Google Play website (play.google.com) by logging into your account, navigating to "Subscriptions", and following the same process.
Step 4: contact Hint support if the portal is unavailable
If you experience technical difficulties accessing Hint's Cancellation Portal or if the portal is unavailable, contact Hint's support team in writing via email as a fallback option.
- Compose a clear, professional email to Hint's support address
- Subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request for [Your Account Email]"
- Include your full name, account email address, and subscription plan name
- State the date you wish your cancellation to take effect
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation
- Keep a copy of your email and Hint's response
- This email chain serves as evidence of your cancellation intent
- Allow 3-5 business days for Hint to respond and process your request
- If Hint does not respond within 5 business days, escalate your complaint
- Verify that Hint has cancelled your subscription by checking your account the following week
- Attempt to log in; you should no longer have access to premium features
Understanding refunds and charge reversal
Refunds depend on the timing of your cancellation relative to your renewal date and the specific terms of your plan. Yafee can guide you through understanding whether you qualify for a refund in your specific circumstance.
When you are entitled to a refund
You are entitled to a refund in the following circumstances under New Zealand consumer law:
- Within the 7-day cooling-off period: If you cancel within 7 working days of your initial purchase and have not substantially used the service, Hint must refund your full payment
- Service does not work as described: If Hint fails to deliver the service as advertised-such as the app crashing repeatedly or diet recommendations being inaccessible-you can claim a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act
- Unauthorised charges: If Hint has charged you after cancellation or charged you without consent, you are entitled to a full refund of those erroneous charges
- Pro-rata refund: Some plans may entitle you to a refund of your remaining subscription period, though this depends on Hint's terms and the specific plan purchased
How to request a refund from Hint
- Log into your Hint account and navigate to your subscription or billing section
- Locate your purchase receipt or invoice
- Hint typically displays this in your account dashboard or sends it via email
- Contact Hint support in writing (email) and clearly state your refund request
- Reference the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 in your email if the service has failed or was unfit for purpose
- Include your receipt or order confirmation number
- Explain specifically why you believe you are entitled to a refund
- Allow 5-10 business days for Hint to respond and process your refund
- Hint must acknowledge your request within this timeframe
- If Hint refuses your refund request, escalate to the Commerce Commission (see below)
Disputing charges through your bank
If Hint refuses to refund you and you believe the charge is erroneous or unauthorised, you can dispute the charge directly with your bank or payment provider. This process is called a "chargeback" or "dispute".
- Contact your bank's customer service team (by phone or online banking)
- Inform them that you wish to dispute a charge from Hint
- Reference your cancellation confirmation, emails, or screenshots as evidence
- Explain that you cancelled your subscription but were charged regardless
- Your bank will initiate a formal dispute with Hint's payment processor
- This process typically takes 5-15 business days
- Your bank will notify you of the outcome
- If successful, the charge will be reversed and credited back to your account
Yafee recommends keeping all documentation-receipts, cancellation confirmations, emails, and screenshots-to support your dispute claim and strengthen your position if escalation becomes necessary.
When to escalate your complaint to the commerce commission
If Hint refuses to cancel your subscription, denies a refund you believe you are entitled to, or continues charging you after cancellation, you hold the right to escalate your complaint formally. The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's primary consumer protection authority and will investigate breaches of consumer law on your behalf.
How to lodge a complaint with the commerce commission
- Gather all evidence of your dispute
- Cancellation confirmation emails or screenshots
- Receipts and invoices
- Copies of all communications with Hint
- Evidence of unauthorised charges (bank statements or card statements)
- Visit the Commerce Commission website (comcom.govt.nz) and navigate to their complaints section
- Complete the online complaint form with detailed information
- Describe exactly what happened, when it happened, and what you have done to resolve it
- Explain which consumer law you believe has been breached (in this case, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993)
- Submit your complaint along with all supporting documentation
- The Commerce Commission will assign your complaint a reference number
- The Commerce Commission will contact you and Hint to investigate
- This process typically takes 4-12 weeks depending on complexity
- If the Commerce Commission finds in your favour, they can compel Hint to refund you and may impose additional penalties
Alternative resolution options
Before escalating to the Commerce Commission, you may also attempt to resolve the dispute through other channels:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Some payment providers and financial institutions offer free dispute resolution services
- Your bank's dispute process: As explained above, your bank can initiate a chargeback or dispute on your behalf
- Small claims tribunal: If the amount is under NZ$15,000 and other methods have failed, you can file a claim in the District Court
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Hint
Cancelling a subscription can feel straightforward, but small oversights often lead to unexpected charges or disputes. Here is what to watch for and prevent.
Mistake 1: cancelling by email alone without using the portal
Many users email Hint to cancel, believing that an email request constitutes a valid cancellation. However, Hint explicitly requires cancellation through their online Cancellation Portal. Email requests alone may not trigger an official cancellation in Hint's system, and you may be charged again at your renewal date despite your email.
What to do: Always use Hint's Cancellation Portal on their website to ensure your cancellation is recorded in their system. Follow this with an email confirmation if you wish, but treat the portal cancellation as your primary method.
Mistake 2: cancelling through the wrong platform
If you subscribed through Apple App Store but attempt to cancel directly through Hint's website, your cancellation request may not process correctly. Each platform-Hint's website, Apple App Store, and Google Play-maintains separate subscription records.
What to do: Identify exactly where you subscribed. If you are unsure, check your first confirmation email from Hint or your bank statement to see which entity charged you. Cancel through that same platform.
Mistake 3: assuming cancellation takes effect immediately at renewal
You may believe that cancelling before your renewal date prevents any further charges. However, if your cancellation does not process correctly or if you cancel through the wrong channel, charges may continue. Do not assume cancellation is complete until you receive confirmation.
What to do: After cancelling, log back into your account 24 hours later to verify that cancellation is reflected in your subscription status. Check your bank or payment method one week after your renewal date to confirm no charge occurred.
Mistake 4: deleting the app without cancelling the subscription
Deleting the Hint app from your phone or device does not cancel your subscription. Your subscription remains active in the background, and you will continue to be charged at each renewal date. The subscription exists at the platform level (Hint, Apple, or Google), not on your device.
What to do: Always cancel your subscription through the official cancellation process before uninstalling the app. After cancellation is confirmed, you may safely delete the app from your device.
Mistake 5: not keeping cancellation confirmation
If you cancel but do not save your confirmation, you have no proof if Hint later disputes that you cancelled or charges you again. Screenshots and confirmation emails are your primary evidence in disputes.
What to do: Immediately screenshot or save any on-screen confirmation message. Forward the confirmation email to yourself or save it in a dedicated folder. If any unexpected charge occurs, you can reference this proof when disputing with Hint or your bank.
What happens after you cancel Hint
Once your cancellation is processed, your subscription relationship with Hint ends, but several steps remain important. Understanding the post-cancellation period protects you from surprise charges and ensures a clean break from the service.
Immediate effects of cancellation
When you successfully cancel Hint through the Cancellation Portal or your payment platform, the following occurs immediately:
- Your access to premium Hint features and meal plans ends within 24 hours
- Hint stops charging you at future renewal dates
- You receive a cancellation confirmation email from Hint or your payment platform
- Your payment method is removed from Hint's billing system
Monitoring your account after cancellation
After cancelling, monitor your account for the following week to confirm no unexpected charges appear:
- Check your bank statement or payment method every 2-3 days
- Look for any charges from Hint or their payment processor
- Log into your Hint account (if still accessible) to verify your subscription status shows "cancelled"
- If your account shows as still active, contact Hint support immediately
- Check your email for any unexpected renewal confirmations
- If you receive a renewal email after cancelling, this indicates an error in Hint's system
- Confirm your refund (if applicable) has been processed within 5-10 business days
- Refunds typically appear in your original payment method
If you are incorrectly charged after cancellation
Should you discover a charge from Hint after successfully cancelling, take the following action immediately:
- Gather your cancellation confirmation and the erroneous charge receipt
- Contact Hint support within 24 hours
- Provide your cancellation reference number and the charge date
- Request an immediate refund of the erroneous charge
- If Hint does not refund the charge within 3 business days, contact your bank
- File a dispute or chargeback claim with your bank
- Reference your cancellation confirmation as evidence
- If both Hint and your bank fail to resolve the matter, escalate to the Commerce Commission as described earlier
A final checklist for your Hint cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step correctly and protect yourself from future disputes or unexpected charges.
| Task |
Completed |
Notes |
| Identified your subscription platform |
Yes / No |
Hint website, Apple App Store, or Google Play? |
| Accessed the correct cancellation method for your platform |
Yes / No |
Used Cancellation Portal, Apple Settings, or Google Play? |
| Submitted your cancellation request |
Yes / No |
Received on-screen confirmation? |
| Saved cancellation confirmation (screenshot or email) |
Yes / No |
Do you have proof of cancellation? |
| Monitored bank statement for 7 days post-cancellation |
Yes / No |
No unexpected charges appeared? |
| Verified no refund is owed or received expected refund |
Yes / No |
Refund timeline met (5-10 business days)? |
Comparing Hint with alternative nutrition apps
If you are cancelling Hint because you want to explore other options, understanding how Hint compares to alternative services may help you choose your next platform. The table below summarises key differences across popular New Zealand-available nutrition and wellness apps.
| App name |
Approx cost (NZ$) |
Dietitian access |
Cancellation method |
| Hint |
NZ$16.50-NZ$165 |
Yes (premium plans) |
Cancellation Portal |
| MyFitnessPal |
Free to NZ$9.99/month |
Limited |
Via app settings |
| Lifesum |
Free to NZ$8.99/month |
No |
Via app settings |
| Noom |
NZ$13.49/month |
Coach support |
Via app or website |
| MacroFactor |
NZ$6.49-NZ$12.99/month |
No |
Via app settings |
Your next steps and finding additional support
Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but navigating refunds, platform differences, and consumer rights often requires expert guidance. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover unauthorised charges. If you encounter resistance from Hint or believe your consumer rights have been violated, Yafee provides clarity on your legal options and next steps.
If Hint refuses to process your cancellation or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to under New Zealand law, contact the Commerce Commission directly. You can reach them at comcom.govt.nz or by phone at 0800 943 600. Yafee specialises in supporting consumers through this process, ensuring you understand your rights and enforce them effectively.
Keep all documentation-receipts, cancellation confirmations, emails, and screenshots-in a dedicated folder for future reference. Should any dispute arise, these records serve as critical evidence. Yafee recommends reviewing your bank statements monthly, even after cancellation, to catch any errors early.
For additional consumer protection guidance specific to New Zealand, visit the Consumer.org.nz website or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau in your region. Yafee stands ready to assist you with understanding your rights and taking decisive action to protect your interests as a consumer.