How to cancel your Freelancer membership and stop unwanted charges in singapore
Understanding Freelancer and when cancellation makes sense
Freelancer is a global online marketplace that connects clients with freelancers across design, writing, programming, and dozens of professional categories. The platform operates in Singapore under Freelancer Limited and offers tiered membership subscriptions billed monthly or annually in SGD, with fees ranging from S$7.95 to S$29.95 depending on the plan you select.
You subscribe to Freelancer memberships to unlock premium bidding capacity, increase visibility among potential clients, and access project management tools. However, if your workload has diminished, you've secured long-term clients outside the platform, or the monthly cost no longer justifies the value you receive, cancelling your subscription is the logical next step.
Yafee specializes in helping Singaporean consumers navigate subscription cancellations across digital platforms, and Freelancer accounts for a significant portion of the cancellation requests we handle. The process differs depending on whether you subscribed directly on the Freelancer website or through a third-party app store, but in all cases, you retain access to paid features until your current billing period expires.
Key reasons to cancel your Freelancer membership
You should consider cancellation if you are no longer actively bidding on projects, you have transitioned to direct client relationships outside the platform, or you find that the monthly membership fee no longer delivers measurable value. Cancelling stops automatic renewal, which means you will not be charged after your current billing cycle concludes. Your account profile, work history, and portfolio remain intact after cancellation; you simply lose access to premium features once your paid period ends.
The difference between cancelling and closing your account
Cancelling a Freelancer membership is not the same as deleting your entire account. When you cancel a subscription, your account stays active but premium features stop renewing after your billing period expires. Your profile and portfolio remain visible to potential clients. If you want complete account deletion or permanent data removal from Freelancer's servers, you must submit a separate request to their support team. That process is handled independently from subscription cancellation and may take several weeks to process.
Your consumer rights under singapore law
Your right to cancel a subscription is protected under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (Cap. 52A) of Singapore. This legislation grants you the right to terminate a distance contract (any contract formed online, by telephone, or by post) within a cooling-off period if the merchant has not clearly disclosed their cancellation terms before you purchase.
Freelancer Limited must provide you with clear, transparent information about billing frequency, renewal terms, and cancellation procedures. If the company fails to disclose these details prominently before you complete payment, you have additional grounds to cancel and request a refund. Furthermore, the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act prohibits automatic renewal without explicit informed consent. This means Freelancer cannot silently charge you without your prior knowledge of when and how much you will be billed.
Yafee recommends that you retain all confirmation emails, invoices, and cancellation confirmations as evidence of your compliance with cancellation procedures. If Freelancer refuses to honour your cancellation or disputes the charge, you can escalate your complaint to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) at case.org.sg or file a report with the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). These bodies enforce the Consumer Protection Act and have authority to investigate unfair trading practices.
Your legal position when cancelling Freelancer
You have the right to cancel your subscription at any time after your initial purchase, provided you follow Freelancer's documented cancellation procedure. You are entitled to a refund of your subscription fee only if you exercise your cooling-off right within 14 days of purchase, or if Freelancer breaches its contractual obligation to provide the service. If you cancel after the 14-day window, you forfeit the refund for your current billing period but stop future charges. If Freelancer continues to charge you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, you can dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider and lodge a formal complaint with CASE or the CCCS.
How to cancel your Freelancer subscription
Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription and which device you use to access Freelancer. The platform supports three primary purchase channels: the Freelancer.com website, Google Play (Android), and the Apple App Store (iOS). Each channel requires a different cancellation process, and you must cancel through the same channel where you subscribed.
Cancel your membership directly on freelancer.sg
This is the fastest and most direct cancellation method if you subscribed on the Freelancer website using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Follow these steps in order:
- Open your web browser and navigate to freelancer.sg.
- If you are already logged in, proceed to the next step. If not, enter your registered email address and password to sign in.
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the page.
- A dropdown menu will appear with several options.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- You will be taken to your account settings dashboard.
- Locate and click the Membership tab on the left-hand navigation menu.
- This section displays your current membership plan, renewal date, and billing information.
- Find your active membership plan and click Cancel Membership or Manage Subscription.
- The exact button text may vary depending on your membership tier or recent platform updates.
- Review the cancellation summary page, which confirms your current plan, renewal date, and the last date you will retain access to premium features.
- Read this information carefully to ensure you understand when your access expires.
- Click Confirm Cancellation to finalize your request.
- Do not refresh the page or close your browser until you see a confirmation message.
After you complete these steps, Freelancer will send a confirmation email to your registered email address. Download and save this email as proof of cancellation. If you are charged again after the date your access should have expired, use this email as evidence when disputing the charge with your bank.
Cancel a google play subscription on android
If you subscribed to Freelancer through the Google Play Store on an Android phone or tablet, you cannot cancel through the Freelancer website. Instead, you must cancel through Google Play, as Google processes all billing for that subscription channel.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap the icon that looks like a shopping bag (on most devices, this is in the bottom navigation bar).
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- A menu will appear with several account options.
- Select Payments and subscriptions from the menu.
- You may need to scroll down to find this option.
- Tap Subscriptions to view all active subscriptions on your account.
- This page lists every app or service you are currently paying for through Google Play.
- Find and tap Freelancer in the list of active subscriptions.
- The app name will appear exactly as it was listed when you purchased it.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Google will display a confirmation page explaining your final billing date and what you will lose access to.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm your cancellation decision.
- You may be offered a discounted renewal; ignore this and proceed with cancellation if that is your intention.
Google Play will send you a cancellation confirmation email. You will retain access to Freelancer's premium features until the end of your current billing period, after which your membership will automatically downgrade to a free account.
Cancel an apple app store subscription on iOS
If you subscribed to Freelancer through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, Apple handles your billing and you must cancel through the Apple ecosystem, not through Freelancer's website.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- This is the gray icon with white gear symbols.
- Tap your name at the top of the Settings screen to access your Apple ID account.
- You may be prompted to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- This section shows all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID across all Apple services and third-party apps.
- Find and tap Freelancer in your active subscriptions list.
- The app will be listed alphabetically by name.
- Tap Cancel Subscription or Edit Subscription, depending on your iOS version.
- Newer iOS versions (14 and later) show "Cancel Subscription" directly.
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
- Apple will ask you to confirm that you wish to cancel and will explain your final billing date.
Apple will send a confirmation email to your Apple ID account email address. Your access to Freelancer's paid features will end on the last day of your current billing period. After that date, you will only have access to Freelancer's free tier.
Understanding refunds and your billing timeline
Cancelling your Freelancer membership does not trigger an instant refund of your current subscription fee. Instead, you retain full access to all paid features until your billing period naturally concludes. Once that period ends, you will not be charged again, and your account automatically downgrades to the free tier.
Refunds are available only in two circumstances. First, if you cancel within 14 days of your initial purchase and have not substantially used the service, you may qualify for a full refund under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act cooling-off period. Second, if Freelancer fails to deliver the service (for example, if the platform goes offline and remains unavailable for an extended period), you have grounds to request a refund for the unused portion of your subscription.
In all other scenarios, cancellation stops future charges but does not refund your current billing period. This is a standard practice across subscription platforms and is disclosed in Freelancer's terms of service. Yafee advises that you review your subscription date and planned cancellation date to ensure you are comfortable with the timing. If your renewal date is approaching within a few days, you may choose to wait until after the renewal occurs and then immediately cancel to minimise overlap.
Disputing charges if Freelancer continues to bill you
If you submit a valid cancellation request but Freelancer continues to charge your payment method after your billing period should have ended, take action immediately. Contact your bank or payment provider (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or your issuing bank) and report the unauthorized charge. Provide the bank with a copy of your cancellation confirmation email from Freelancer.
Your bank can reverse the disputed charge within a set timeframe (typically 30 to 90 days from the charge date). In parallel, contact Freelancer support directly with your cancellation confirmation email and the date of the unwanted charge. Request a manual refund and escalate to a supervisor if the first-line support does not respond within 5 business days. If Freelancer refuses to refund you after you have provided clear evidence of cancellation, Yafee recommends filing a formal complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the CCCS.
Freelancer membership pricing and tiers
Freelancer offers several membership plans with varying features and renewal costs. Understanding the plan you are subscribed to helps you make an informed cancellation decision and ensures you know exactly when your charges will stop.
| Membership plan |
Monthly cost (SGD) |
Annual cost (SGD) |
Key features |
| Basic |
S$7.95 |
S$79.50 |
5 bids per day, basic profile visibility |
| Plus |
S$14.95 |
S$149.50 |
10 bids per day, enhanced profile, priority support |
| Premium |
S$29.95 |
S$299.50 |
Unlimited bids, top profile placement, advanced analytics |
| Free tier |
S$0 |
S$0 |
2 bids per day, basic profile access |
The Premium plan offers the most value if you bid on more than 10 projects per month, while the Plus plan suits moderately active freelancers. The Basic plan is suitable if you bid occasionally. If you are not actively using the platform, the free tier (S$0 per month) provides sufficient functionality. When you cancel any paid membership, your account automatically moves to the free tier without further action needed from you.
Cancellation is instantaneous, but your access to paid features persists until your current billing period expires. This is by design and gives you full value for the fee you have already paid.
Changes to your account and features
Your Freelancer profile, work history, portfolio, and all previous bids remain intact and visible. Your account does not disappear or become inactive. However, once your billing period ends, you will no longer be able to use premium features such as unlimited bidding or enhanced profile visibility. Your bidding will automatically revert to the free tier limit (typically 2 bids per day, depending on your account age and activity).
Communication and confirmation
Freelancer sends a cancellation confirmation email to your registered address. This email specifies your final billing date and the date your premium access will end. Yafee strongly recommends that you retain this email indefinitely. If you are ever charged after your premium period should have expired, this email is your primary evidence that you submitted a valid cancellation request. Screenshot or print a copy and keep it in a secure folder.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation is straightforward if you follow the correct steps, but small missteps can leave you vulnerable to unexpected charges or confusion about your access status.
Confusing the website with the app
Many users download the Freelancer app for convenience but forget that they subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, not the website. If you open the Freelancer app and navigate to Settings to cancel, you may not see a cancellation option because the app itself does not process billing. Instead, you must cancel through the app store on your device (Apple Settings or Google Play). Verify where you subscribed before attempting to cancel. If unsure, check your email receipts; they will indicate whether the charge came from "Freelancer.com," "Apple," or "Google."
Not saving your cancellation confirmation
After you click "Confirm Cancellation," Freelancer displays a confirmation message and sends an email. Do not discard this email or assume you will remember the details. Save it in a dedicated folder and set a calendar reminder for the day before your access is supposed to expire. This way, if you are charged after that date, you have timestamped evidence of your cancellation request.
Cancelling too close to your renewal date
If you cancel on the same day your billing renews, Freelancer may have already processed the new charge before your cancellation takes effect. Contact support immediately to request a manual refund if this happens. Ideally, cancel at least 3 business days before your renewal date to allow Freelancer's systems to register your cancellation and prevent the next charge.
Forgetting to check if you are on auto-renew
Before you cancel, verify that your membership is set to auto-renew. Some users purchase one-time annual memberships that do not auto-renew, so cancellation is unnecessary. Check your Membership settings page to confirm whether your plan shows an upcoming renewal or whether it expires on a fixed date. If it does not auto-renew, you do not need to take any action.
Freelancer membership pricing comparison and alternatives
If you are considering cancellation but are unsure whether another freelancing platform might offer better value, compare Freelancer's pricing and features against other established marketplaces in Singapore.
| Platform |
Monthly cost (SGD) |
Bidding limit |
Best for |
| Freelancer (Premium) |
S$29.95 |
Unlimited |
High-volume bidders, diverse projects |
| Upwork (Plus) |
S$15.00 (approx.) |
Unlimited |
Long-term client relationships |
| Fiverr (Premium) |
S$12.00 (approx.) |
Service-based selling |
Sellers offering fixed packages |
| PeoplePerHour (Plus) |
S$18.00 (approx.) |
Unlimited |
Project-based work in EU and UK markets |
| Guru |
Free to S$9.99 |
Unlimited |
Budget-conscious freelancers |
If you believe another platform offers better project opportunities or lower fees, you can cancel Freelancer and migrate your portfolio to a competing service. However, Yafee advises testing the alternative platform with a free or basic account first to ensure it meets your needs before cancelling your Freelancer membership.
Checklist before you cancel
Use this checklist to confirm you are ready to cancel and have taken all necessary precautions:
- Verify which channel you subscribed through (Freelancer.sg website, Google Play, or Apple App Store).
- Check your most recent invoice or email receipt to confirm your current billing amount and renewal date.
- Log in to your Freelancer account and review any active projects or client relationships you should complete before access restrictions apply.
- Download or screenshot your portfolio and work history if you plan to use these materials elsewhere.
- Confirm that you have saved all important messages or files from clients stored within your Freelancer inbox.
- Follow the cancellation steps for your specific subscription channel (website, Google Play, or Apple App Store).
- Save the cancellation confirmation email in a secure folder and set a reminder for your access expiration date.
- On your final access date, verify that you are no longer charged on your next billing cycle.
- If you are charged after the expiration date, dispute the charge immediately with your bank and contact Freelancer support with your cancellation confirmation email.
If you encounter difficulties cancelling your Freelancer membership or need to verify your cancellation status, contact Freelancer support directly. The most reliable way to reach Freelancer in Singapore is through their official support portal on the freelancer.sg website.
Steps to contact Freelancer support
- Log in to your Freelancer account at freelancer.sg.
- Click your profile icon and select Help or Support.
- Describe your issue in detail, including your membership plan, renewal date, and cancellation date if applicable.
- Attach a screenshot of your Membership settings page and include your cancellation confirmation email if you have already submitted a cancellation request.
- Submit your request and note the ticket number provided.
- Expect a response within 3 to 5 business days.
If Freelancer support does not respond within 5 business days or refuses to honour your cancellation, escalate your complaint to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE operates a free dispute resolution service and can investigate whether Freelancer has violated the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. You can file a complaint at case.org.sg or call CASE at 6100 0315 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Why cancelling with confidence matters
Subscription cancellation should never feel unclear or risky. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions across design, freelancing, and business tool platforms, and we understand the anxiety that can accompany these transactions. The legal framework in Singapore, grounded in the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, explicitly protects your right to cancel and clearly defines what constitutes unfair billing practices.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, saving your confirmation emails, and understanding your rights, you take control of your subscription and eliminate the risk of surprise charges. If Freelancer continues to bill you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, you have multiple recourse options: disputing the charge through your bank, requesting a refund directly from Freelancer, and escalating to CASE or the CCCS if necessary.
Yafee is committed to demystifying subscription cancellations and empowering Singaporean consumers to manage their digital spending. Whether you are cancelling Freelancer to move to a competitor, reduce your monthly expenses, or simply no longer need the service, the process is clear, your rights are protected, and help is available if something goes wrong.
Freelancer limited contact details for written correspondence
If you prefer to submit your cancellation request or complaint in writing, you may contact Freelancer Limited at their registered office. Note that written requests may take longer to process than online cancellations, but provide a formal record of your communication.
Freelancer Limited (registered office):
Level 19, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
For Singapore-specific inquiries, you may also attempt to reach Freelancer through their Singapore-registered entity contact details if they appear on the freelancer.sg contact page. However, the primary registered office listed above is the official address for legal correspondence and dispute escalation.
Yafee recommends that you use the online cancellation method described in this guide, as it is faster and generates immediate electronic proof of your request. Written letters sent by post may take several weeks to reach the office and be processed. Only resort to written correspondence if the online method fails or if you need a formal legal record for dispute resolution with CASE or the CCCS.