How to cancel paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) from new zealand in 2026

What paramount+ is and why new zealand users access it

Paramount+ is a United States-based streaming service offering on-demand television shows, films, and live sports content from the Paramount media group. CBS All Access was the original brand name; Paramount rebranded the service in 2021. If you have been using it from New Zealand, you are accessing a service primarily designed and marketed for the United States market, though nothing prevents you from subscribing.

Many New Zealand users subscribe through US-based accounts, gift cards purchased online, or third-party platforms like Apple or Amazon. The content library exceeds what is available through official New Zealand streaming services, and certain exclusives do not launch here. However, this unofficial access means you must be careful about how you cancel and claim refunds. Consumer protections become less straightforward when you use a service outside its official territory. Yafee helps thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate exactly this situation, so you are in good company.

Why cancellation matters for new zealand users

Because Paramount+ operates primarily for the United States market, support can be slower, billing currency confusion happens frequently, and cancellation processes sometimes feel opaque. Yafee has identified that New Zealand users face three specific risks: accidental auto-renewal charges in USD, difficulty obtaining refunds, and confusion about which cancellation method applies to their subscription type. Understanding your legal rights before you cancel protects you against these traps.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

Before you cancel, establish what you are legally entitled to under consumer protection law.

Consumer guarantees act protection and your rights

Under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to cancel services within a reasonable time if they fail to deliver what was promised. If Paramount+ stops working, fails to stream, or charges you twice by mistake, you have grounds to request a refund. The Act applies to all goods and services supplied to New Zealand consumers, regardless of where the supplier is based.

Your legal position: You can demand a refund if Paramount+ fails to provide the streaming service for a continuous period, does not display content as advertised, or breaches the terms of your agreement. The Commerce Commission enforces the Consumer Guarantees Act; if Paramount+ refuses your claim, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission or escalate to your bank.

Fair trading act and billing protections

The Fair Trading Act 1986 protects you from misleading billing practices. If Paramount+ auto-renewed without clear consent, or charged you in USD when the rate conversion was unreasonable, document this for a potential complaint. Yafee recommends taking screenshots of your billing history, email confirmations, and any promotional offers you received before being charged.

Furthermore, if you believe Paramount+ charged you unfairly or misrepresented its terms, the Commerce Commission is your escalation route. You can lodge a complaint at commerce.govt.nz at no cost.

Chargeback and payment provider protections

If Paramount+ refuses a legitimate refund claim, your bank or credit card company can dispute the charge on your behalf. Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal all have chargeback processes for non-delivery or fraudulent billing. This is your final recourse if Paramount+ does not respond to direct cancellation requests within 14 days. Contact your bank immediately if you believe the charge was unauthorized or if the service was not provided.

How to cancel paramount+ using four methods

Your cancellation route depends entirely on how you subscribed initially.

Method 1: cancel directly via the paramount+ website

If you signed up directly at paramountplus.com with an email and password, the website is your fastest cancellation path.

1. Visit paramountplus.com/account and sign in with your email and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link and reset via your email immediately.
2. Look for "Subscription" or "Manage subscription" in your account menu.
   • This is usually under "Account settings" or "Billing".
3. Select "Cancel subscription" or "View plan details" and choose the cancel option.
   • Read the on-screen confirmation carefully; Paramount+ sometimes offers discounts to keep you subscribed. Decline these unless you genuinely wish to continue.
4. Confirm the cancellation. You will receive an email confirmation to your registered address.
   • Critical step: Screenshot this confirmation email immediately. You will need it if billing continues or disputes arise later.
5. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period (usually shown on-screen).
   • Mark your calendar for that final day so you are not surprised when access cuts off.

Method 2: cancel through your mobile app store subscription settings

If you subscribed via the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, you must cancel through that platform, not through the Paramount+ website.

1. For Apple App Store users: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name at the top, select "Subscriptions", find Paramount+, and tap "Cancel subscription".
   • If you do not see Paramount+ listed, your subscription may have already expired or is managed through a different account.
2. For Google Play users: Open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Manage subscriptions", find Paramount+, tap it, and select "Cancel subscription".
   • Google Play will ask if you want to keep any remaining benefits; review carefully before confirming.
3. For Amazon Appstore users: Open the Amazon Appstore, tap "Subscriptions", find Paramount+, and select "Cancel subscription".
   • Amazon may offer you a discount to retain the subscription; decline unless you wish to continue paying.
4. Confirm the cancellation through the app store's interface.
   • You will receive a confirmation email from Apple, Google, or Amazon (not from Paramount+ directly).
5. Access continues until the end of your current billing period as shown in the app store.
   • Save the confirmation email from your app store for your records.

Method 3: cancel through third-party platforms

If you subscribed through a third-party service such as Telstra or another bundled provider, you must cancel through that provider, not through Paramount+ directly.

1. Log into your third-party account (Telstra, another bundled service, or the platform you used).
   • Find the section labelled "Subscriptions", "Add-ons", or "Services".
2. Locate Paramount+ in your active subscriptions list.
   • Select "Cancel" or "Remove" from your account.
3. Confirm the cancellation through the platform's interface.
   • You will receive a confirmation email from the third-party provider, not from Paramount+.
4. Verify that the charge no longer appears on your next billing statement.
   • If it does, contact the third-party provider immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation number.

Method 4: cancel by contacting paramount+ customer support

If the above methods do not work, or if your account is locked, you can request cancellation directly from Paramount+ support.

1. Visit paramountplus.com/help and navigate to the "Contact us" section.
   • Paramount+ does not maintain a New Zealand-specific phone number or postal address, so online contact is your primary option.
2. Select "Account & Billing" and then "Cancellation" from the support menu.
   • Complete the online form with your full name, email, and account details.
3. In the message field, write: "I wish to cancel my Paramount+ subscription effective immediately. My account email is [your email]. Please confirm cancellation in writing and provide a confirmation reference number."
   • Yafee recommends being direct and specific in your request; do not leave room for ambiguity.
4. Submit the request and save your submission confirmation.
   • Paramount+ aims to respond within 5 to 7 business days; if you do not hear back within 10 days, escalate to your bank.
5. Keep records of all communication with Paramount+ support.
   • You will need these if you need to dispute a charge or lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.

Refund eligibility and what to expect after cancellation

Paramount+ operates on a paid subscription model with no refund window built into its terms.

When you are eligible for a refund

You are eligible for a refund if Paramount+ failed to provide the service you paid for, or if you cancel before your billing date and are charged anyway. Furthermore, if you cancel on day 1 of your billing cycle and are charged a full month's fee, you have grounds to request a pro-rata refund for the unused portion. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, this refund is your right, not a courtesy.

Yafee advises that you should request a refund in writing via the Paramount+ support form, stating: "I cancelled my subscription on [date]. I was charged NZD [amount] for the billing period [dates]. I did not use the service and request a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993."

What happens to your account after cancellation

Once you cancel, your streaming access ends on your final billing date (shown at cancellation). You will not be able to log in after that date. Paramount+ will not delete your account data immediately; you can reactivate it later if you pay the current subscription fee. However, your watch history, saved shows, and profile settings may be retained for up to 12 months.

Your billing will stop after the final billing period. If a charge appears on your statement after this date, contact your bank immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation email.

Pricing and subscription plans to understand before canceling

Understanding your current plan helps you confirm you are canceling the correct service and calculating any refund you are owed.

Notably, Paramount+ pricing is listed in USD on the US website but may be charged to you in NZD depending on your payment method. Always check your billing statement to confirm the currency you were charged in. If you were charged in USD at an unfavorable exchange rate, this is grounds for a dispute with your bank.

Common mistakes to avoid when canceling

Cancellation is straightforward if you know the pitfalls; the good news is that most mistakes are recoverable if you act quickly.

Mistake 1: canceling through the wrong platform

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store but attempt to cancel via the Paramount+ website, your subscription will not cancel. Your charge will continue because the App Store, not Paramount+, manages your billing. Similarly, if you subscribed through a third-party bundled service, canceling on the Paramount+ website does nothing. Always cancel through the same platform where you subscribed. If you are unsure which platform you used, check your billing statement; it will show whether the charge came from Apple, Google, Amazon, or another provider.

Mistake 2: not taking a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation

Paramount+ sometimes loses records of cancellation requests, particularly for users outside the United States. If you do not have a screenshot of your confirmation email, you have no proof you cancelled. This is your strongest defence if Paramount+ continues billing you after cancellation. Yafee recommends taking a screenshot within 5 minutes of canceling and saving it to your phone, email, or cloud storage.

Mistake 3: canceling too close to your billing date

If you cancel on the day your subscription renews, Paramount+ may have already processed the charge before your cancellation request goes through. Check the exact renewal date in your account settings and cancel at least 2 days before that date to ensure your request is processed in time. If you are charged despite canceling before your renewal date, request a refund immediately.

Mistake 4: assuming your access ends immediately

Your access does not end when you cancel; it ends at the conclusion of your current billing period. If you cancel on day 1 of a monthly cycle, you keep access for the entire month. Do not be alarmed if you can still log in after canceling. However, mark your calendar for the final day so you know when access will be cut off.

What to do if paramount+ continues billing you after cancellation

If a charge appears on your statement after your confirmed cancellation date, take action within 14 days to maximize your chances of recovery.

Step 1: verify your cancellation was processed

Log into your Paramount+ account to check if your subscription status shows as "Cancelled" or "Inactive". If it shows as "Active", your cancellation request was not processed. Immediately resubmit your cancellation request using Method 4 (contact support) and specify in your message that you previously cancelled and are still being charged.

Step 2: gather evidence of the unwanted charge

Screenshot your billing statement showing the charge date, amount, and merchant name. Collect your original cancellation confirmation email and any subsequent communication with Paramount+ support. This is the evidence you will provide to your bank if you dispute the charge.

Step 3: contact paramount+ support and demand a refund

Send a formal message via the Paramount+ support form: "I cancelled my subscription on [date of cancellation]. I was charged NZD [amount] on [date of unwanted charge] despite cancellation. Please refund this charge immediately and provide a confirmation reference number. If I do not receive a response within 7 days, I will dispute this charge with my bank." Keep a copy of this message.

Step 4: escalate to your bank if paramount+ does not respond

If Paramount+ does not respond within 7 days or refuses your refund request, contact your bank immediately. Provide your bank with your cancellation confirmation, the unwanted charge evidence, and your message to Paramount+ support. Your bank will initiate a chargeback on your behalf, a process that typically takes 5 to 10 business days. The Commerce Commission can also investigate if you believe Paramount+ is engaging in unfair billing practices.

Checklist for successful cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel safely and retain evidence of your cancellation.

• Identify which platform you subscribed through (Paramount+ website, Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon, or third-party bundled service).
• Log into the correct platform and navigate to your subscription settings.
• Cancel your subscription through that platform only.
• Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation immediately.
• Save the confirmation email to your email archive and download it as a PDF.
• Note the exact date your access will end (usually shown at cancellation).
• Mark your calendar for 2 days before your final billing date as a reminder to verify cancellation.
• Check your next billing statement to confirm no charge appears after your cancellation date.
• If an unwanted charge appears, escalate to your bank within 14 days of the charge date.
• Keep all evidence (screenshots, emails, messages to support) for at least 12 months.

Reviews and user experiences from new zealand customers

New Zealand users report mixed experiences with Paramount+ cancellation. The most common complaint is that cancellation through the Paramount+ website does not work for app store subscribers, leading to continued billing for weeks after the user believed they had cancelled. Users who cancelled through their app store reported faster processing (within 1 to 2 billing cycles) and fewer disputes.

A second recurring issue is currency confusion. Several users reported being charged in USD without notification, leading to higher-than-expected bills. Yafee found that checking your billing statement currency before canceling and contacting your bank to dispute unfair conversion rates resolves this issue within 5 to 10 business days.

Positive experiences came from users who saved their cancellation confirmation email and escalated to their bank immediately when disputes arose. Users who waited more than 14 days to dispute a charge found their banks could not reverse the transaction, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly.

Should you cancel or keep your subscription?

Before you cancel, consider whether Paramount+ genuinely delivers value to you.

If you are on the fence, consider pausing your subscription instead of canceling outright. However, Paramount+ does not offer a pause feature; you must cancel and reactivate later if desired. Reactivation charges the full subscription fee immediately, so this is only cost-effective if you are certain you will return.

Contact paramount+ if direct cancellation fails

If none of the above methods work, use the official Paramount+ support channels as a final recourse before escalating to your bank or the Commerce Commission.

Paramount+ online support form: paramountplus.com/help > "Contact us" > "Account & Billing" > "Cancellation"

Paramount+ mailing address for written requests (United States): Paramount+, P.O. Box 1758, New York, NY 10108, United States. Include your account email, full name, and a clear request to cancel. Send via registered mail and keep proof of posting.

If Paramount+ refuses your cancellation or refund request: Escalate to the Commerce Commission by visiting commerce.govt.nz and submitting a formal complaint. The Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act at no cost to you.

Final advice: protect yourself and your data

Canceling a subscription that operates outside your home territory requires extra vigilance. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel Paramount+ and Paramount+ successfully by following the methods outlined above. The key to success is canceling through the correct platform, taking immediate screenshots, and escalating to your bank if billing continues after cancellation. Do not assume the service will stop charging you simply because you clicked "Cancel"; verify it by checking your next billing statement.

Remember that your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act apply regardless of where Paramount+ is based. You have the legal right to cancel, the right to a refund if the service fails, and the right to dispute unauthorized or misleading charges with your bank. Yafee recommends keeping all evidence of cancellation and communication for at least 12 months after you cancel. If you encounter resistance from Paramount+, the Commerce Commission is your enforcement route, and your bank is your financial safety net. Cancel with confidence, knowing the law is on your side.