How to cancel Depositphotos and claim your refund in new zealand
What is Depositphotos and why new zealand creators use it
Depositphotos is an online stock media library where you license photographs, vectors, and video clips for commercial and editorial projects. You subscribe to download credits or purchase flexible packs, gaining instant access to millions of assets with proper usage rights attached to each file.
New Zealand designers, marketers, and content creators choose Depositphotos because it offers competitive pricing in NZD, a vast library updated daily, and flexible subscription options. The platform includes advanced search filters, AI-powered tools such as background removal and image upscaling, and multiple plan structures suited to freelancers, small businesses, and enterprises. However, many users find themselves locked into recurring charges or unsure how to exercise their refund rights under New Zealand consumer law.
How subscription plans work on Depositphotos
Depositphotos operates two main subscription models. Packs plans are credit-based subscriptions where you purchase a bundle of downloads upfront, with auto-renewal enabled by default. Monthly or annual subscription plans give you a set monthly allowance of downloads, also with auto-renewal activated unless you explicitly disable it.
You can purchase directly through the Depositphotos website, or via in-app purchases through Apple's App Store or Google Play. The method you choose significantly affects how you cancel and claim refunds, as app-store purchases fall under the retailer's cancellation policy as well as Depositphotos' own terms.
Pricing structure in new zealand
| Plan type |
Credit quantity |
NZD price (approximate) |
Auto-renewal |
| Standard Pack |
25 downloads |
$24 |
Yes (default) |
| Popular Pack |
75 downloads |
$59 |
Yes (default) |
| Monthly subscription |
Unlimited |
$139 |
Yes (default) |
| Annual subscription |
Unlimited |
$1,099 |
Yes (default) |
Your consumer rights when cancelling Depositphotos
New Zealand law protects your right to cancel subscription services and claim refunds in specific circumstances. Understanding these rights before you act puts you in control of the process and strengthens your negotiating position if a dispute arises.
Consumer guarantees act protections in new zealand
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have a statutory right to cancel a distance contract (which includes online subscriptions like Depositphotos) within a reasonable time if the service fails to match its description or quality. If Depositphotos fails to deliver on promised features, charges you without clear consent, or makes cancellation deliberately difficult, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission or seek mediation through the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Depositphotos must provide you with clear cancellation instructions before you purchase. If the company buries this information in dense terms and conditions or makes the cancellation process intentionally complex, that breach of fair trading practice strengthens your position if a dispute emerges. The Commerce Commission actively investigates complaints about hidden or obscured cancellation terms, and any breach can result in enforcement action against the service provider.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel any Depositphotos subscription or pack purchase at any time. Depositphotos' 30-day refund policy (full refund only if you have not downloaded files) does not override your statutory protections. If you subscribed based on false information, experienced service failure, or were not given clear cancellation terms upfront, you can request a refund outside the 30-day window and escalate to the Commerce Commission if Depositphotos refuses. Furthermore, if you subscribed through an app store (Apple or Google), you have additional cancellation rights through that retailer's own cancellation process.
Refund eligibility under Depositphotos terms
Depositphotos' stated policy offers a full refund within 30 days of purchase or renewal only if you have not downloaded any files. Once you download media, your refund eligibility expires under their commercial terms. However, this does not override your statutory rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act if the service genuinely fails to perform or if you were misled about cancellation options at the point of sale.
How to cancel Depositphotos on the web
Cancelling through the Depositphotos website is the fastest route if you subscribed directly. Follow the correct steps for your plan type to avoid accidental renewal charges before your next billing cycle.
Step one: sign in to your Depositphotos account
Visit depositphotos.com and enter your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot password?" link and follow the reset email sent to your inbox. Ensure you have access to the email address associated with your account, as Depositphotos will send confirmation messages to this address.
Step two: navigate to your account settings and billing
- Click on your profile name or avatar in the top right corner of the website.
- Select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the left sidebar, click Plans or Subscriptions (the label varies depending on your account type).
- You will see your active subscription or pack purchase listed on this page, including:
- Your current plan name and download allowance
- The renewal date and amount you will be charged
- An auto-renewal toggle or "Manage subscription" button
Step three: turn off auto-renewal for packs plans
- Locate your active Packs plan in the Plans section.
- Toggle the Auto-renewal On/Off switch to the off position.
- The switch colour will change from green (enabled) to grey (disabled).
- A confirmation message will appear stating that auto-renewal is now disabled.
- Screenshot or save the confirmation page for your records. This acts as proof of cancellation if Depositphotos charges you again.
- You retain access to your current credits until the end of your paid period. After that date, your access expires unless you manually purchase additional credits.
- Check your account 48 hours later to verify the toggle remains in the off position. Occasionally, system glitches can reset the setting.
Step four: cancel monthly or annual subscriptions
- In the Plans section, locate your active monthly or annual subscription.
- Click the Manage subscription button or similar option next to your plan.
- Select Cancel subscription from the menu that appears.
- Depositphotos may display a retention offer (such as a discount) to encourage you to stay. You can accept this, decline it, or proceed with cancellation. Your choice does not affect your refund eligibility under consumer law.
- Confirm your cancellation by clicking the final confirmation button. A confirmation email will arrive within a few minutes.
- Save this email in a dedicated folder for your records.
Step five: verify cancellation in writing
Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Cancellation confirmation request" and include the following information:
- Your full name and registered email address on the account.
- The date you toggled off auto-renewal or clicked "Cancel subscription".
- Your order or subscription ID (visible in your account settings).
- A request for written confirmation that your subscription will not renew and no further charges will be applied.
- Request that Depositphotos confirm the date your access will expire.
Depositphotos typically responds within 24 to 48 hours. This written confirmation protects you if the company disputes whether you cancelled. In accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act, you have a right to evidence of cancellation, and Depositphotos is obliged to provide it.
How to cancel Depositphotos through app stores
If you subscribed via Apple's App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through the app store's own system, not through Depositphotos' website. Failing to do so leaves your subscription active and exposed to auto-renewal charges.
Cancel via apple app store on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Select Subscriptions.
- Locate Depositphotos in the list of active subscriptions.
- Tap Depositphotos to open the subscription details.
- Tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted. Apple will display the cancellation date and any refund eligibility.
- A confirmation email will arrive at your Apple ID email address. Save this for your records.
Cancel via google play on android devices
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Payments and subscriptions, then Subscriptions.
- Find Depositphotos in your list of active subscriptions.
- Tap Depositphotos.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation. You may see a reason-selection screen; select the reason that applies to you and tap Continue.
- Google will confirm the cancellation and the date your subscription ends. A confirmation email will be sent to your Google account email address.
Why app-store cancellation matters
When you subscribe through Apple or Google, the app store acts as the retailer and processor of your payment. Depositphotos remains the service provider, but the app store retains control over billing and cancellation. If you cancel only on Depositphotos' website and not in the app store, your subscription will automatically renew through Apple or Google at the next billing date. Consequently, you will incur charges you intended to avoid. Always cancel in both places to ensure full deactivation.
What happens after you cancel Depositphotos
Cancelling your subscription stops future billing, but it does not immediately erase your account or download history. Understanding what to expect after cancellation helps you manage your access and plan your next steps.
Access during your final billing period
After you cancel, you retain full access to Depositphotos until the end of your current paid period. If you cancelled a monthly subscription on 15 August and your renewal date was 30 August, you can download files until 30 August without additional charges. After that date, your access expires entirely unless you purchase a new subscription or pack.
What happens to your downloaded files
Files you have already downloaded to your computer or device remain yours to use, provided you comply with the usage rights attached to each asset. Depositphotos cannot revoke your downloaded files, as the license is transferred at the moment of download. However, files you have not yet downloaded will become inaccessible once your subscription expires.
Account deletion and data removal
Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Depositphotos account. Your profile, email, payment history, and download records remain stored in Depositphotos' database. If you wish to delete your account entirely, contact [email protected] and request account deletion. The company has an obligation under data protection principles to honor deletion requests, though you may be required to confirm your identity first.
How to claim a refund from Depositphotos
Refund eligibility depends on your payment method, the reason for your cancellation, and how long ago you purchased. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate refund policies by understanding both the service terms and their legal rights in New Zealand.
Refund eligibility conditions
Depositphotos' commercial refund policy allows full refunds within 30 days of purchase or renewal if you have not downloaded any files. Once you download a file, your refund window closes under their terms. Nevertheless, this policy does not override your statutory rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. If the service failed to perform as described, was not available, or you were denied clear cancellation information at purchase, you retain the right to request a refund at any time.
Request a refund within 30 days
- Email [email protected] with the subject line "Refund request".
- Include your full name, registered email address, order ID, and the date of your purchase or renewal.
- State that you have not downloaded any files and request a full refund.
- Depositphotos will respond within 3 to 5 business days with a confirmation or denial.
- If approved, the refund will be processed to your original payment method. Credit card refunds typically appear within 5 to 10 business days.
Request a refund outside the 30-day window
If you have grounds for a refund beyond 30 days, invoke your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Send a formal refund demand to [email protected] that includes:
- Your full name, account email, and subscription ID.
- The date of purchase or renewal.
- A clear statement of why the service failed to meet the description or quality promised at the point of sale.
- Specific examples: promised features were unavailable, search function did not work, you were charged without consent, or cancellation instructions were not provided upfront.
- A request for a full refund within 7 business days, and a statement that you will escalate to the Commerce Commission if the company does not respond.
Depositphotos will often approve refunds when faced with a formal consumer-law claim, as the cost of disputing the claim with the Commerce Commission exceeds the refund amount. If Depositphotos refuses, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission at www.comcom.govt.nz or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for support in pursuing the matter.
App store refund requests
If you subscribed through Apple or Google, request a refund directly from the app store, not from Depositphotos. Apple and Google have their own refund policies and timelines. Contact Apple Support at https://support.apple.com or Google Support at https://support.google.com/googleplay with your order ID and a brief reason for the refund request. App stores often process refunds within 48 hours if the request is made within 30 days of purchase.
Common mistakes when cancelling Depositphotos
Many people inadvertently make cancellation errors that result in unwanted charges. The good news is that these mistakes are entirely preventable if you follow the steps in this guide.
Mistake one: disabling auto-renewal but not cancelling the account
Some users toggle off auto-renewal and assume the subscription is cancelled. In reality, this only stops the automatic charge. Your subscription remains active until the renewal date, and you retain access until that date. If you wish to cancel immediately and request a refund, you must click "Cancel subscription" as well as toggle off auto-renewal. Yafee recommends taking both actions in the same session to avoid confusion.
Mistake two: cancelling on the website but not in the app store
If you subscribed through Apple or Google, cancelling only on Depositphotos' website leaves your app store subscription active. At the next billing date, Apple or Google will charge you automatically, even though you cancelled on the Depositphotos website. Always cancel in both places when you subscribed via an app store.
Mistake three: not saving cancellation confirmation emails
Depositphotos occasionally experiences system errors that reset cancellation settings or charge users despite cancellation confirmation. Without saved emails proving you cancelled, it becomes harder to dispute any unauthorized charges with your bank or the Commerce Commission. Screenshot every confirmation page and save every confirmation email in a dedicated folder.
Mistake four: missing the 30-day refund window
Depositphotos charges you on your renewal date automatically. If you do not request a refund within 30 days of that charge, the company's commercial refund policy no longer applies. You must then rely on your Consumer Guarantees Act rights, which require you to demonstrate service failure. Act quickly: as soon as you decide to cancel, send a refund request email within the 30-day window even if you are still deciding whether to keep the subscription.
Mistake five: not requesting written confirmation of cancellation
Cancelling through the website is convenient, but verbal confirmation via email from Depositphotos is stronger evidence if the company disputes whether you cancelled. Follow Step Five in the "How to cancel on the web" section above and request written confirmation in reply. This creates a clear paper trail.
Checklist before you cancel Depositphotos
| Task |
Completed |
| Review how you subscribed (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play) |
[ ] |
| Download or export any files you wish to keep before cancellation |
[ ] |
| Note your subscription ID and renewal date from your account settings |
[ ] |
| If refunding within 30 days, confirm you have not downloaded files (or request refund anyway citing Consumer Guarantees Act) |
[ ] |
| Cancel through the website OR app store (depending on where you subscribed) |
[ ] |
| If you subscribed via app store, cancel there too |
[ ] |
When to escalate to the commerce commission
If Depositphotos refuses to cancel your subscription, ignores your refund request, or continues charging you after cancellation, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. This is the New Zealand regulator responsible for enforcing consumer protection law and fair trading rules.
Filing a complaint with the commerce commission
- Visit www.comcom.govt.nz and select "Make a complaint".
- Provide your contact details and a detailed description of the issue.
- Attach copies of:
- Your cancellation confirmation emails
- Screenshots of your account settings showing cancellation
- Bank or credit card statements showing unauthorized charges
- All emails you exchanged with Depositphotos support
- The Commerce Commission will contact Depositphotos and request a response within a set timeframe, typically 10 business days.
- If Depositphotos refuses to resolve the matter, the Commission can investigate further and issue enforcement action, including fines or orders to refund you.
Alternative: citizens advice bureau mediation
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offers free mediation and advocacy for consumers in dispute with service providers. Contact your local CAB office or visit www.cab.org.nz to request support. CAB can often resolve disputes faster than the Commerce Commission by acting as a neutral intermediary between you and Depositphotos.
Comparison: Depositphotos alternatives for new zealand users
If you are considering cancelling Depositphotos because the service no longer meets your needs, other stock media platforms operate in New Zealand with different pricing and cancellation terms.
| Platform |
Monthly plan (approx. NZD) |
Download allowance |
Cancellation terms |
| Depositphotos |
$139 |
Unlimited |
Cancel anytime; 30-day refund if no downloads |
| Shutterstock |
$179 |
Unlimited |
Cancel anytime; no refunds on used plans |
| Adobe Stock |
$299 (part of Creative Cloud) |
Varies by plan |
Cancel anytime; refund available for 30 days |
| Getty Images |
$499+ |
Varies (higher tier) |
Enterprise terms; no standard cancellation |
| iStock by Getty |
$119 |
Unlimited |
Cancel anytime; refund within 30 days if unused |
Yafee recommends comparing not only price but also cancellation flexibility and refund eligibility before switching platforms. All reputable stock media services in New Zealand are required to comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act, so you have baseline protections regardless of which platform you choose.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Depositphotos subscription is straightforward when you follow the correct steps for your subscription type. Whether you subscribed via the website or an app store, act quickly to prevent unwanted auto-renewal charges. Save all confirmation emails and screenshots as proof of cancellation. If Depositphotos charges you after cancellation or refuses a refund, escalate to the Commerce Commission-your statutory consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act protect you.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel digital subscriptions and claim refunds by understanding both the service terms and their legal rights in New Zealand. Use this guide as your reference, bookmark it for future steps, and do not hesitate to contact the Commerce Commission if Depositphotos breaches its obligations. Your consumer protections are stronger than most people realize.
Depositphotos contact information
Email support: [email protected]
Mailing address: Depositphotos Inc., 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. (Note: Depositphotos also operates offices in Cyprus; consider email as the primary contact method for faster response.)
New Zealand regulatory contacts for disputes:
- Commerce Commission: www.comcom.govt.nz | Phone: 0800 943 600
- Citizens Advice Bureau: www.cab.org.nz | Find your local office online