How to cancel South China Morning Post in singapore and reclaim your money
What is South China Morning Post and why you might cancel
The South China Morning Post is an English-language news platform based in Hong Kong that delivers coverage of Asia and global affairs to readers throughout the region, including Singapore. You subscribe to access premium digital content via scmp.com and its mobile applications, alongside optional print delivery and exclusive membership tiers.
If you signed up for a digital or print subscription and no longer engage with the publication, you should cancel to prevent recurring charges from your account. You may have subscribed through the SCMP website directly, the Apple App Store, Google Play, or a third-party payment platform such as Alipay or Google Subscriptions. Yafee has researched every cancellation route to help you exit your subscription cleanly and protect your finances.
Where South China Morning Post operates and charges you
SCMP's Singapore affiliate operates as South China Morning Post (S) Pte Ltd, registered at Ocean Financial Centre in Singapore. Nevertheless, the publisher's billing terms and contract rules remain governed by Hong Kong law. This distinction matters considerably because many subscribers in Singapore are charged in US dollars (USD) rather than Singapore dollars (SGD), and your refund eligibility depends on Hong Kong contractual frameworks alongside Singapore's consumer protection legislation.
You must verify your billing statement to confirm the currency you are charged in, because this affects both your cancellation method and any refund claim you pursue later.
Reasons to cancel your subscription
You may cancel because you no longer read SCMP regularly, you have exhausted any free trial period, the subscription cost exceeds your budget, or you prefer a competing news service. Whatever your reason, you should cancel before your next billing date to avoid unexpected renewal charges. In accordance with SCMP's stated policy, you must submit cancellation requests at least 72 hours before your renewal date to prevent the next charge from processing.
Understanding your consumer rights under singapore law
Your right to cancel and seek a refund depends on Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and SCMP's contractual terms. Understanding this framework protects you from unfair practices and strengthens any dispute with the publisher.
Your legal position on refunds and cancellation
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act grants you protection against unfair contract terms and misleading conduct. Although SCMP's published terms state that digital subscriptions are non-refundable once purchased, this exclusion may not be enforceable if:
- SCMP failed to disclose the non-refundable clause clearly and prominently at the point of purchase;
- The service was not delivered as described (for example, if the app or website was unavailable for a substantial portion of your billing cycle);
- You cancelled within a reasonable cooling-off period, generally interpreted as 14 days from the date of purchase in Singapore consumer law;
- SCMP engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct when marketing the subscription.
You retain the right to dispute SCMP's refusal to refund if you believe the publisher breached these protections. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) is the statutory authority that investigates consumer complaints and can intervene on your behalf if SCMP refuses to cooperate.
Print subscriptions versus digital subscriptions
Print subscriptions carry different refund rights than digital plans. If you subscribed to print delivery only, you may be eligible for a refund on the unused portion of your subscription, provided you submit written notice at least 3 business days in advance (or 7 days for a one-month trial period). SCMP deducts a handling fee from any refund, and processing takes a minimum of 4 weeks. Print cancellations are more negotiable than digital ones, but you must act swiftly and submit your request in writing to the publisher's Singapore office.
How to cancel your South China Morning Post subscription
Your cancellation method depends on where you subscribed and which platform you used to make payment. Yafee has identified five primary cancellation routes; follow the steps that match your subscription type.
Cancel via the South China Morning Post website
If you subscribed directly through scmp.com, you can cancel through your account dashboard.
- Open scmp.com and log in with your email address and password.
- Click the profile icon in the top right corner of the page.
- Select "Account settings" or "Subscription" from the dropdown menu.
- Locate the active subscription and click "Manage subscription" or "Cancel subscription".
- Follow the on-screen prompts, which may ask you to confirm your reason for cancelling or offer a discounted renewal rate.
- Click the final "Confirm cancellation" button.
- SCMP will send you a confirmation email within 24 hours. Retain this email as proof of cancellation.
Cancel an apple app store subscription
If you subscribed through the SCMP app on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management portal, not through the SCMP app itself.
- Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- Find "South China Morning Post" in the list.
- Tap the subscription and select "Cancel subscription".
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping again.
- Apple will send you a confirmation email to your Apple ID email address. Keep this for your records.
Cancel a google play subscription
If you subscribed via the SCMP app on an Android device, cancel through Google Play, not within the app.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage subscriptions".
- Find "South China Morning Post" in your list of active subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription name and select "Cancel subscription".
- Choose your reason for cancellation and tap "Cancel subscription" again.
- Google will email you a confirmation to your Google account email. Save this confirmation.
Cancel a subscription via third-party payment platforms
If you subscribed through Alipay, WeChat Pay, or another third-party payment gateway, you must cancel through both SCMP and the payment platform itself to ensure the subscription stops and no further charges apply.
- Log into your SCMP account and navigate to account settings (as described in the website cancellation section above).
- Request cancellation through SCMP's interface and note the reference number provided.
- Log into your Alipay, WeChat Pay, or other payment platform account.
- Navigate to "Subscriptions" or "Recurring payments".
- Find the SCMP subscription and select "Cancel" or "Stop recurring payment".
- Retain confirmation messages from both SCMP and your payment platform.
Cancel by contacting South China Morning Post directly
If you encounter difficulty cancelling online, contact SCMP's customer service team in writing. Direct contact ensures a documented record of your cancellation request and strengthens any future dispute.
- Compose an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Subscription Cancellation Request".
- Include your full name, email address registered with SCMP, subscription type (digital or print), and the date you wish the subscription to end.
- Request written confirmation of cancellation and note the date you submit the email.
- Alternatively, mail a written cancellation request to:
- South China Morning Post (S) Pte Ltd
- Ocean Financial Centre
- Singapore
- SCMP should respond within 5 business days. If the publisher does not acknowledge your request within this timeframe, escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore.
Refund policy and your entitlements
Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel, what you subscribed to, and whether SCMP breached its legal obligations. Yafee advises you to understand these distinctions before submitting a cancellation request.
Digital subscriptions and non-refundable terms
SCMP's published terms state that digital subscriptions (monthly and annual plans) are non-refundable once purchased. You will not receive a pro-rata credit for unused days if you cancel mid-cycle. This means cancelling your subscription stops future charges but does not entitle you to recover what you have already paid for the current billing period.
Nevertheless, SCMP does not have absolute legal authority to deny refunds in all circumstances. If you believe the publisher misrepresented the service, failed to provide access as promised, or breached the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, you retain the right to request a refund and escalate to CASE if SCMP refuses.
Print subscriptions and partial refund rights
Print subscriptions are more flexible than digital plans. You may be eligible for a refund on the unused portion of your print subscription if you submit written notice at least 3 business days in advance (or 7 days for a one-month trial period). SCMP deducts a handling fee of approximately 15 percent from any refund, and processing takes a minimum of 4 weeks.
To request a print refund, contact SCMP in writing (as described in the cancellation section above) and specify the date you wish the subscription to end. SCMP will calculate the pro-rata refund amount and deduct any applicable handling fee before processing payment.
Refunds within the cooling-off period
If you cancelled within 14 days of your initial purchase, Singapore consumer law entitles you to a full refund regardless of SCMP's non-refundable policy. In accordance with consumer protection standards, businesses must grant a reasonable cooling-off period during which consumers can change their mind without penalty. You must provide proof of purchase (your confirmation email) and your cancellation request dated within the 14-day window.
What to do after you cancel your subscription
Cancellation does not happen instantly; you must take steps to verify the cancellation and protect yourself from unexpected charges. Your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle unless you cancelled before the renewal date.
Monitor your account for confirmation
After you submit a cancellation request, SCMP will send you a confirmation email within 24 hours. Open this email immediately and verify that it confirms the cancellation date, your subscription tier, and the final billing date. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, log into your SCMP account and check whether the subscription status has changed to "cancelled".
Check your billing statements
Monitor your credit card, debit card, or payment app statements for the next two billing cycles. If SCMP processes a charge after your confirmed cancellation date, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider. Keep your cancellation confirmation email accessible as evidence of your request.
Request refunds if charges continue
If SCMP charges your payment method after you cancelled, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and initiate a chargeback or dispute. Provide them with your cancellation confirmation email as evidence. Simultaneously, email SCMP's subscriptions team ([email protected]) with the subject line "Unauthorized charge after cancellation" and request an immediate refund plus reversal of all fees charged after your cancellation date.
Escalate to the consumers association of singapore if needed
If SCMP refuses to refund unauthorized charges or acknowledge your cancellation, lodge a formal complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE investigates disputes between consumers and businesses and can compel SCMP to comply with Singapore consumer law. You can file a complaint online at case.org.sg or by telephone at 6100 0315. Yafee recommends gathering all correspondence with SCMP, copies of billing statements, and your cancellation confirmation before submitting a complaint to CASE.
Pricing and subscription tiers
Understanding SCMP's pricing structure helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice and what your refund entitlements may be. The table below outlines the primary subscription options available to Singapore-based readers.
| Subscription tier |
Billing cycle |
Price (SGD) |
Price (USD) |
Refund eligible |
| Digital Plus (monthly) |
Monthly |
S$13 |
$9.99 |
No (unless within 14 days of purchase) |
| Digital Plus (annual) |
Annual |
S$99 |
$75 |
No (unless within 14 days of purchase) |
| Print + Digital (Singapore delivery) |
Monthly |
S$65 |
N/A |
Yes (pro-rata, minus handling fee) |
| Print + Digital (overseas delivery) |
Monthly |
S$120 |
N/A |
Yes (pro-rata, minus handling fee) |
| Free tier |
N/A |
Free |
Free |
N/A |
Note: Pricing and currencies are subject to change. Log into your SCMP account to confirm your exact subscription tier and billing amount. If you are charged in USD but live in Singapore, currency fluctuations may cause your SGD cost to vary from one month to the next.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling your subscription is straightforward, but several errors can lead to unexpected charges or refund disputes. Stay alert to these pitfalls and follow the safest route for your circumstances.
Failing to cancel before the renewal date
The most frequent mistake is delaying cancellation until after your next billing date. SCMP processes renewal charges automatically at midnight on your renewal date (in Hong Kong time, UTC+8). If you cancel after this point, you will be charged for the next billing cycle and will not be able to recover that amount unless you file a dispute within 14 days of purchase or prove the service was not delivered.
Set a calendar reminder 5 days before your renewal date as a safeguard. This buffer gives you ample time to cancel without risk.
Cancelling through the wrong platform
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store but cancel through SCMP's website instead, your subscription may not terminate. Apple continues to process charges because it has no record of a cancellation from your Apple ID. Similarly, cancelling through SCMP's website does not affect a subscription you activated through Google Play.
Always cancel through the platform where you subscribed. Yafee recommends checking your subscription confirmation email to identify exactly which app store or payment method you used.
Cancelling through the app instead of the platform
The SCMP app contains no cancellation option. Many subscribers mistakenly search for a "Cancel subscription" button within the app and then assume they have cancelled when they have not. Cancellation requests submitted through SCMP's in-app customer support may be lost or ignored.
Always cancel through the website, Apple App Store, Google Play, or by email to [email protected]. Do not rely on the app alone.
Not retaining confirmation of cancellation
If SCMP processes a charge after you cancel, you must prove that you submitted a valid cancellation request. Confirmation emails, screenshots of the cancellation confirmation screen, and email receipts from customer service are your only evidence. Without documentation, your bank or payment provider may refuse to dispute the charge.
Save every confirmation email in a dedicated folder, take screenshots of cancellation screens, and note the date and time of your cancellation request. These records are essential if you later dispute unauthorized charges with your bank or CASE.
Checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and to protect yourself from future disputes with SCMP.
| Task |
Before cancellation |
After cancellation |
| Check subscription method |
Required |
Not required |
| Verify next renewal date |
Required |
Not required |
| Submit cancellation request |
Required (at least 72 hours before renewal) |
Complete |
| Save confirmation email |
Not required |
Required |
| Monitor billing statements |
Not required |
Required (for 2 billing cycles) |
| Dispute unauthorized charges |
Not required |
Required if charged after cancellation |
Contact details for South China Morning Post
If you need to reach SCMP's customer service team, use the following contact methods. Correspondence in writing creates a documented record of your request and strengthens any future dispute.
Email and postal addresses
Email your cancellation request or refund inquiry to [email protected]. SCMP's customer service team monitors this email address during business hours (Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 Hong Kong time, UTC+8) and typically responds within 24 hours.
For postal correspondence, address your letter to:
South China Morning Post (S) Pte Ltd
Ocean Financial Centre
Singapore
Include your full name, account email, subscription type, and a clear description of your request. Postage may take up to 10 business days. If you require a faster response, email is more reliable.
Escalation to the consumers association of singapore
If SCMP does not respond to your cancellation or refund request within 5 business days, or if the publisher refuses to acknowledge your rights under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, file a complaint with CASE:
Consumers Association of Singapore
Telephone: 6100 0315
Website: case.org.sg
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 (Singapore time)
Prepare your complaint by gathering your cancellation confirmation email, billing statements, and all correspondence with SCMP. CASE investigates disputes and can compel businesses to comply with consumer law.
Conclusion: take control of your subscription now
Cancelling your South China Morning Post subscription is a straightforward process once you identify which platform you subscribed through and understand your refund rights under Singapore law. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds by following the clear, platform-specific steps outlined in this guide.
You retain significant legal protections under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, even if SCMP's terms appear to exclude refunds. If the publisher refuses to acknowledge your rights or fails to process your cancellation, the Consumers Association of Singapore will intervene on your behalf.
Submit your cancellation request at least 72 hours before your next renewal date, save all confirmation emails, and monitor your billing statements for the next two cycles. If an unauthorized charge appears, dispute it immediately with your bank or payment provider. Yafee recommends acting now to prevent surprise charges and protect your financial wellbeing.