How to cancel Yelp in new zealand and reclaim your account
What Yelp is and why new zealanders use it
Yelp operates as a global discovery platform where you find local businesses, read authentic customer reviews and make reservations or orders online. Whether you search for a café in Auckland, a plumber in Wellington or a restaurant in Christchurch, Yelp connects you with genuine user feedback and business information.
The platform offers two distinct user experiences. As a consumer, you create a free account to leave reviews, save favourite places and book tables at venues. As a business owner, you claim your listing, manage customer reviews, purchase advertising packages and access management tools. Both pathways can lead to paid subscriptions that you may decide to cancel.
Why you might want to cancel
Your reasons for cancelling are entirely valid. You may have relocated, prefer competitor review sites, want to reduce digital subscriptions or find that a paid business subscription no longer delivers measurable value. Yafee recognises that cancellation decisions are personal, and this guide exists to make your process straightforward and legally informed.
Understanding Yelp subscriptions in new zealand
Most Yelp subscriptions are managed through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or the Yelp website directly. Your cancellation method depends entirely on where and how you subscribed. This distinction matters because each platform enforces its own cancellation rules and refund policies. Yafee recommends identifying your subscription source before you begin the cancellation process.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
When you cancel a Yelp subscription in New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects your interests and provides you with enforceable legal remedies.
What the consumer guarantees act protects
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, any digital service supplied to you (including Yelp) must be of acceptable quality, fit for the purpose you specified and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. If Yelp fails to meet these standards or continues charging you after cancellation, you hold the right to dispute the charge and seek a refund or compensation.
If a paid Yelp service (such as advertising or guest management) promised specific results that it failed to deliver, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. Yafee advises documenting your subscription terms and recording any service failures before you cancel, so you possess evidence if escalation becomes necessary.
Your legal position
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you are entitled to cancel a subscription and receive a refund if the service does not meet acceptable standards. If Yelp continues charging after cancellation, the charge becomes unlawful. You can dispute it with your bank, request a chargeback and file a complaint with the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. The burden falls on Yelp to prove the charge was authorised and lawful.
Escalation pathways if Yelp refuses your cancellation
If you cancel your subscription and Yelp continues to charge you, contact them in writing first and allow 14 days for a response. If they ignore you or refuse, escalate to the Commerce Commission or contact your bank to dispute the transaction. You can also raise a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority if Yelp's advertising claims were misleading. All three organisations have statutory power to enforce consumer law.
How to cancel Yelp: step by step
Your cancellation method depends entirely on where you subscribed; follow the instructions for your platform.
Cancel a Yelp subscription on apple app store (iOS)
If you subscribed to Yelp through your iPhone or iPad, Apple's subscription settings control the cancellation process, not Yelp itself.
- Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Locate the App Store icon on your home screen or in your app library.
- Tap your profile photo in the top right corner.
- This usually appears near the search bar at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap "Subscriptions".
- You will see a list of all your active app subscriptions with their renewal dates.
- Find the Yelp subscription in the list and tap it.
- Look for "Yelp" by name; the renewal date will appear next to it.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription".
- Apple will ask you to confirm your cancellation.
- Confirm your cancellation by following the on-screen prompts.
- Your subscription will end at the next renewal date; you retain access until then.
Cancel a Yelp subscription on google play store (Android)
If you subscribed through your Android device, Google Play Store manages your subscription cancellation.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap "Manage my subscriptions".
- You will see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
- Find and tap the Yelp subscription.
- Look for "Yelp" in the active subscriptions list.
- Tap "Cancel subscription".
- Google will present cancellation options and ask you to confirm.
- Select your reason for cancellation (optional).
- Google collects this feedback but it does not affect your cancellation.
- Confirm by tapping "Yes, cancel subscription".
- Your access will end on your next billing date.
Cancel a Yelp subscription on the Yelp website
If you subscribed directly through Yelp's website or purchased a business advertising package, cancel through your Yelp account settings.
- Go to yelp.com and log into your account.
- Use the email and password associated with your Yelp subscription.
- Click on your profile icon or name in the top right corner.
- A dropdown menu will appear.
- Select "Account" or "Settings".
- This takes you to your account management page.
- Navigate to "Subscriptions" or "Billing".
- Look for a section labelled "Subscriptions", "My Services" or "Billing & Payment".
- Find your active Yelp subscription in the list.
- Note the renewal date and the amount you are being charged.
- Click "Cancel" or "Cancel subscription" next to your subscription.
- Yelp may ask you why you are cancelling; this feedback is optional.
- Confirm your cancellation.
- You will receive a confirmation email; your subscription ends at the next renewal date.
Cancel a Yelp business subscription by contacting support
If you own a business and subscribed to Yelp advertising or management tools directly, contact Yelp's business support team to cancel.
- Visit Yelp's business support page at biz.yelp.com/support.
- This page lists contact options and support channels.
- Click "Contact Support" or select your issue category.
- Choose an option related to billing or cancellation.
- Provide your business account email and subscription details.
- Include the name of your subscription and the date you wish to cancel.
- Request cancellation in writing.
- State clearly that you want your subscription cancelled and all future charges stopped.
- Ask for written confirmation of cancellation.
- Yafee recommends keeping this confirmation for your records in case a dispute arises.
Refunds and timing after cancellation
Understanding refund timelines and what happens after you cancel protects you from unexpected charges.
What happens immediately after cancellation
Once you cancel your Yelp subscription, your access typically continues until your next scheduled renewal date. This grace period allows you to use the service through the end of your paid cycle. After the renewal date passes, Yelp removes your access and your account returns to free status (consumer review account only).
Refund eligibility and timeframes
Refunds depend on when you cancel relative to your billing cycle. If you cancel more than 14 days before your renewal date, you may qualify for a partial refund of unused time, though this is not guaranteed. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, if the service failed to meet acceptable standards, you hold the right to request a full refund regardless of your cancellation date. Yafee advises checking your specific subscription terms, as some services (particularly business subscriptions) may have different refund windows.
| Timing of cancellation |
Refund likely |
Action |
| Less than 7 days before renewal |
No |
Cancel immediately to stop next charge |
| 7 to 14 days before renewal |
Possible |
Request partial refund from Yelp or your bank |
| More than 14 days before renewal |
Likely |
Request full refund for unused time |
| Service did not meet standards |
Yes (full) |
Invoke Consumer Guarantees Act; file complaint with Commerce Commission |
| Charged after cancellation |
Yes (full) |
Dispute charge with bank; file complaint with Commerce Commission |
How to request a refund from Yelp
If you cancel and believe you qualify for a refund, contact Yelp directly first. Send an email to their support team (via biz.yelp.com/support for business subscriptions or through your account settings for consumer accounts) and include your account email, subscription dates and the reason for your refund request. If Yelp refuses or does not respond within 14 days, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charge.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Yelp
Cancellation confusion is common, and small mistakes can leave you exposed to unexpected charges or data retention issues. This section clarifies what to watch for.
Mistake 1: confusing account deletion with subscription cancellation
Cancelling your Yelp subscription does not delete your account. Your reviews, profile and saved places remain on Yelp's servers indefinitely unless you explicitly request account deletion. If you want your personal data removed, you must submit a separate request to Yelp's privacy team after cancelling your subscription. Yafee recommends handling both requests in writing so you have written proof.
Mistake 2: assuming app uninstallation cancels your subscription
Deleting the Yelp app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method continues to be charged at your renewal date. You must cancel through the platform where you subscribed (Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Yelp's website) before you uninstall the app.
Mistake 3: not checking your cancellation confirmation
After cancelling, you will receive a confirmation email from Apple, Google, Yelp or your payment provider. Save this email and verify that your subscription status shows as "cancelled" or "active until" a specific date. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, contact support to confirm the cancellation went through.
Mistake 4: forgetting to monitor your next billing date
Mark your calendar for your next would-be renewal date. Check your bank or credit card statement on that date to confirm that Yelp did not charge you. If an unexpected charge appears, dispute it immediately with your bank and contact Yelp in writing. The sooner you act, the faster your bank can issue a refund.
After cancellation: what to do next
Completing your cancellation is only the first step; protecting yourself afterward ensures no surprises arise.
Monitor your statements for phantom charges
For the next 30 days after your cancellation date, check your bank statement or credit card every week. If Yelp charges you after cancellation, you have the legal right to dispute it. Contact your bank immediately and explain that you cancelled the subscription. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and New Zealand payment law, your bank must investigate and issue a chargeback if the charge was unauthorised.
Request your data or account deletion if needed
If you want Yelp to delete your account and all associated data (reviews, profile, saved places), submit a formal request to their privacy team. Go to yelp.com/privacy and look for a "Delete my account" or "Data deletion request" option. Yelp may ask you to confirm your identity. Under the Privacy Act 2020, Yelp must respond to your request within 20 working days. Yafee suggests keeping a copy of your deletion request for your records.
Report any ongoing charges to the commerce commission
If Yelp continues to charge you after cancellation and refuses to refund, file a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. Provide your cancellation confirmation, bank statements showing unauthorised charges and all written correspondence with Yelp. The Commerce Commission investigates consumer complaints and can compel businesses to issue refunds.
Pricing and subscription comparison
Understanding what you may have been paying helps you confirm you are cancelling the right subscription.
| Subscription type |
Typical cost (NZD) |
Renewal cycle |
For whom |
| Yelp consumer account |
Free |
N/A |
Anyone reading reviews and leaving feedback |
| Yelp advertising (basic) |
$9.99 - $49.99 |
Monthly |
Small business owners promoting listings |
| Yelp advertising (premium) |
$49.99 - $299.99+ |
Monthly |
Larger businesses wanting advanced tools |
| Yelp guest management tools |
$9.99 - $19.99 |
Monthly |
Restaurants managing reservations |
| Yelp app premium features |
$3.99 - $9.99 |
Monthly or annual |
Users wanting ad-free experience or bonus features |
Common questions about Yelp cancellation in new zealand
Can Yelp charge me after i cancel?
No. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, any charge after cancellation is unlawful unless you expressly re-authorised it. If this happens, dispute the charge with your bank immediately. Yafee recommends documenting the date and amount of any unauthorised charge so you have evidence for your dispute.
How long does it take for a refund to appear?
If Yelp or your payment provider approves a refund, it typically appears within 5 to 10 working days. Bank processing times vary; credit card refunds may take longer. If you do not see a refund within 15 working days, contact your bank to confirm it is being processed.
What if Yelp will not let me cancel?
Yelp must allow you to cancel. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, preventing cancellation is illegal. If Yelp refuses, contact the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz and file a complaint. Include all written correspondence showing your cancellation request and Yelp's refusal.
Will cancelling Yelp delete my reviews and profile?
No. Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account, reviews or profile. Your content remains on Yelp unless you separately request account deletion. If you want your data removed, submit a formal deletion request through yelp.com/privacy.
Can i cancel my subscription if i do not remember where i subscribed?
Yes. Check where you are being charged by reviewing your bank or credit card statement. Look for entries labelled "Yelp", "App Store" or "Google Play". Once you identify the platform, follow the cancellation steps for that service. If you still cannot find it, contact Yelp's support team directly and provide your account email and phone number.
Escalation: what to do if Yelp refuses your cancellation
If Yelp ignores your cancellation request or refuses to stop charging you, you hold legal remedies.
Step 1: send a written cancellation demand
Email Yelp's support team and clearly state that you want your subscription cancelled immediately and all future charges stopped. Include your account email, the subscription name and your requested cancellation date. Ask for written confirmation. Keep a copy of this email for your records.
Step 2: wait 14 days for a response
Give Yelp 14 days to respond to your cancellation request. If they confirm cancellation, monitor your next billing date to ensure no charges occur. If they refuse or do not respond, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: dispute the charge with your bank
Contact your bank or credit card provider and explain that you cancelled your Yelp subscription but were charged anyway. Request a chargeback (dispute reversal). Provide your cancellation confirmation email and bank statements showing the unauthorised charge. Your bank will investigate and typically issue a refund within 10 to 20 working days.
Step 4: file a complaint with the commerce commission
If your bank refund is denied or Yelp continues to charge you, file a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. Include your cancellation evidence, bank statements and all correspondence with Yelp. The Commerce Commission has the power to compel Yelp to issue refunds and may impose penalties for repeated violations.
Yelp operates internationally, and New Zealand consumers typically escalate cancellation requests through online support channels or international mail.
Online support channels
For consumer accounts: log into your Yelp account at yelp.com, click your profile icon and select "Help" or "Contact Support". For business subscriptions: visit biz.yelp.com/support and choose your issue category. Email support typically responds within 2 to 5 working days.
International mailing address for cancellation requests
If you require a postal address to send a written cancellation request, Yelp's primary mailing address is located in the United States. Send your cancellation request to: Yelp Inc., Customer Support, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118, USA. Include your full name, account email, subscription details and cancellation date. Send via registered post so you have proof of delivery. This method is slower than email but creates a formal record.
Alternative escalation: commerce commission complaint
If Yelp does not respond to your cancellation request within 14 days, escalate directly to the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. File a consumer complaint and select "Online services and subscriptions" as your complaint category. Provide your cancellation evidence, correspondence with Yelp and any unauthorised charges. The Commerce Commission will contact Yelp on your behalf and compel them to respond.
Why yafee can help you cancel
Yafee specialises in helping New Zealand consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover unauthorised charges. Our platform provides plain-language cancellation steps, monitors your cancellation status and escalates to regulators if the company refuses. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Yelp and other digital services while protecting their legal rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
If you need support navigating your Yelp cancellation or dispute, visit Yafee.com and submit your details. Our team will guide you through every step, from cancellation confirmation to Commerce Commission escalation if needed. Yafee ensures you retain evidence, meet legal deadlines and recover any unauthorised charges. Your subscription cancellation should be straightforward, and Yafee makes it exactly that.