How to cancel The Australian newspaper subscription in singapore: your complete legal guide
Understanding The Australian and your subscription rights
The Australian is a national newspaper published by News Corp Australia, delivering in-depth reporting, analysis and opinion on politics, business and culture to readers across the country and internationally. When you subscribe as a Singapore resident, you gain unlimited digital access through the publisher's website or mobile app, depending on where you purchased your plan.
Your subscription arrangement is governed by the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (Chapter 75A of Singapore), which grants you explicit statutory rights regarding cancellation, refunds and contract termination. Understanding these rights before you act ensures you protect your position throughout the cancellation process.
How The Australian subscriptions work
Subscriptions operate differently based on your purchase channel. If you bought directly from The Australian's website, your account lives with the publisher. If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, your subscription is managed by that app platform instead. This distinction matters fundamentally when you want to cancel, because each platform enforces different procedures. Yafee helps readers navigate this exact scenario regularly, ensuring you choose the correct cancellation method for your specific purchase.
What your subscription includes
Your subscription grants you access to digital articles, archives and the mobile app across all your devices. You can read on the web, through the dedicated app, or both, depending on your plan. Access continues through the end of your current billing cycle even after you request cancellation, so you won't lose your reading immediately.
Pricing and plan options for singapore subscribers
Here is what you'll pay for The Australian in SGD, depending on your chosen plan and purchase platform.
| Plan |
Price (SGD) |
Billing period |
Access method |
| Monthly via iOS App Store |
S$34.98 |
Monthly |
iPhone, iPad |
| Annual via iOS App Store |
S$349.98 |
Annual |
iPhone, iPad |
| Monthly via Google Play |
S$34.98 |
Monthly |
Android |
| Annual via Google Play |
S$349.98 |
Annual |
Android |
| Monthly via web browser |
Variable |
Monthly |
Any device with internet |
What determines your subscription cost
When you pay for The Australian, you are funding journalism, editorial production and platform maintenance. Subscription revenue supports the newsroom directly. Your pricing may vary based on promotional rates, bundled offers or loyalty discounts applied at the time of purchase. Review your confirmation email or account settings to confirm your exact renewal amount and billing date.
Why readers cancel The Australian
People cancel subscriptions for many legitimate reasons, and none require justification.
Common reasons for cancellation
Many readers cancel because they have limited reading time, prefer other publications, want to reduce subscription expenses or no longer need premium content. Others find that free news sources cover their interests equally well. Some cancel temporarily when their financial situation changes. All of these reasons are valid, and your decision to leave carries no penalty under Singapore consumer law beyond the natural expiry of your subscription term.
When to cancel to avoid charges
If you hold a monthly subscription, you must cancel before your next billing date to prevent the renewal charge. If you hold an annual subscription, cancellation within the cooling-off period (typically 14 days from purchase) may entitle you to a full refund under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. After the cooling-off period expires, most annual plans become non-refundable, though you can cancel to prevent future renewals. Check your account settings for the exact renewal date, then cancel at least 1 business day before that date to avoid an unexpected charge.
How to cancel The Australian step by step
Your cancellation process depends on where you purchased your subscription. Follow the instructions for your purchase channel to avoid mistakes and ensure your cancellation is processed correctly.
Cancel if you bought via The Australian website
- Visit the official Australian website and log into your account using your email address and password.
- Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Subscription Management" (usually found in the top-right menu under your profile).
- If you cannot locate this section, scroll to the footer and click "Manage Subscription" or "Account".
- Select "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Plan" and choose the cancellation option.
- The system may offer you a discount to retain your subscription. You can accept or decline.
- Confirm the cancellation date and review the final billing information displayed on screen.
- Click "Confirm Cancellation" and wait for a confirmation message on screen and via email.
- Save or screenshot the confirmation email, which contains your cancellation reference number.
Cancel if you bought via apple app store
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select "Subscriptions".
- Find "The Australian" in the list of active subscriptions and tap it.
- If you see a renewal date and price, your subscription is active.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your cancellation choice.
- Apple will display your final access date (usually the end of your current billing period).
- You will receive a cancellation confirmation immediately in the app and via email linked to your Apple ID.
- Save this confirmation for your records.
Cancel if you bought via google play
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Payments and Subscriptions".
- Tap "Subscriptions" and find "The Australian" in your active list.
- If you see a next billing date, your subscription is active.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" and follow the prompts.
- Google will ask you to confirm and may offer retention discounts.
- Once you confirm, Google will send a cancellation confirmation to your email address within minutes.
- Retain this confirmation email.
Cancel by contacting The Australian directly
- Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Subscription Cancellation Request".
- In the email body, include:
- Your full name and account email address.
- Your subscription purchase channel (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play).
- Your account reference number (if you have it).
- Your requested cancellation date.
- A brief reason for cancellation (optional).
- Send the email from the address linked to your account to speed up verification.
- Expect a response within 2 to 5 business days confirming your cancellation and final billing date.
- If you do not receive a response within 5 business days, escalate by sending a second email or contacting the publisher's customer service via the website.
Cancel by mail if you prefer written correspondence
- Write a letter on plain paper or your own letterhead including:
- Your full name.
- Your account email address.
- Your account reference number (if available).
- Your subscription start date.
- Your requested cancellation date.
- A brief statement: "I hereby request cancellation of my subscription to The Australian, effective [date]."
- Post your letter to the following address:
- GPO Box 4245, NSW 2001, Sydney, Australia.
- Send your letter via registered mail or tracked courier so you retain proof of delivery.
- Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after delivery.
- Follow up by email if you do not receive confirmation within 10 days of your expected delivery date.
Your legal position under singapore consumer law
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act grants you statutory rights when cancelling a subscription service. Consequently, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase (the cooling-off period) without penalty and receive a full refund, provided you are an individual consumer and the contract was concluded at a distance (such as online or by phone). After the cooling-off period expires, your cancellation rights depend on the publisher's terms and conditions; however, you retain the right to cancel on reasonable notice. If the publisher refuses to process your cancellation or charges you improperly, you may lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), the statutory dispute resolution body for consumer disputes.
Your cooling-off period explained
The cooling-off period begins on the day you receive your subscription confirmation and extends for 14 calendar days. If you cancel within this window, you are entitled to a full refund of all charges. This protection applies regardless of why you cancel. To exercise this right, you must notify the publisher in writing (email qualifies) before the 14-day period expires. The publisher then has 14 days from receiving your cancellation notice to refund your payment.
What happens after the cooling-off period ends
Once 14 days have passed, your cancellation rights depend on the terms you agreed to at purchase. Most annual subscriptions become non-refundable after the cooling-off period. However, you retain the unconditional right to cancel and prevent future renewals. Monthly subscriptions typically remain cancellable with notice before your next billing date. In accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, the publisher must not impose unreasonable barriers to cancellation or charge penalty fees for exercising your cancellation right.
Refunds: when you'll receive your money back
Refund eligibility and timing depend on when you cancel and which purchase channel you used.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of purchase, you are entitled to a full refund of your subscription fee under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. The publisher must process this refund within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice. Refunds are credited to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, Apple ID account, or Google Play account). Check your account or payment provider within 2 to 5 business days after the publisher confirms your refund.
Refunds after the 14-day cooling-off period
Once the cooling-off period expires, most subscriptions become non-refundable. However, if you purchased an annual plan and the publisher's terms explicitly permit mid-term refunds, you may be entitled to a pro-rata refund (a partial refund based on the remaining unused days of your subscription). Yafee advises you to review your original confirmation email and the publisher's cancellation policy to determine whether a refund is available in your situation. If you believe you are entitled to a refund and the publisher refuses, you may escalate to CASE for dispute resolution.
Refunds for app store cancellations
If you cancelled through Apple App Store or Google Play, the refund is issued by the app platform, not by The Australian directly. Apple typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days and credits your Apple ID account balance or original payment method. Google Play typically processes refunds within 1 to 3 business days. If your refund does not appear after these timeframes, contact Apple Support or Google Play Support directly, providing your cancellation confirmation reference number.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not end your access immediately; you retain full access through the end of your current billing period.
Your access after cancellation
When you cancel, The Australian will honour your subscription until the last day of your current billing cycle. If your renewal date was 15 January 2025 and you cancel on 5 January 2025, your access continues until 14 January 2025. On 15 January 2025, your login will no longer work and you will be unable to access premium content. This grace period applies regardless of your cancellation method or purchase channel. Use this time to save articles, export any reading lists, or gather information you may need after your access expires.
What you lose and what remains free
After your subscription ends, you lose access to all premium articles, archives and the ad-free reading experience. However, The Australian typically allows free access to a limited number of articles per month or per week, depending on your location and the publisher's policy. You will also retain the ability to create a free account and receive email newsletters if you opted into those services during your subscription.
Preventing accidental re-subscription
Ensure your cancellation is confirmed by email before your renewal date. If you receive an unexpected charge after your cancellation date, contact your payment provider or app store immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation. Request a reversal of the erroneous charge. In parallel, email [email protected] with your cancellation reference and the date of the unexpected charge, demanding an explanation and immediate refund. If the publisher does not refund within 7 days, escalate to your credit card company or bank for a chargeback dispute.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling is straightforward, but a few missteps can delay your exit or leave you vulnerable to unexpected charges. Take care to follow the correct process for your purchase channel.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel
If you purchased via Apple App Store but cancel through The Australian's website, your subscription through the app will continue to renew. Always cancel through the same platform where you bought your subscription. Yafee recommends logging into your payment provider's account settings (Apple, Google, or The Australian) and confirming your active subscription there before cancelling.
Mistake 2: not confirming your cancellation in writing
If you cancel via chat, phone or in-app, request written confirmation immediately. A chat transcript or app notification is not reliable evidence if a dispute arises. Always obtain an email confirmation containing your cancellation reference number, final billing date and refund status (if applicable). Save this email indefinitely.
Mistake 3: cancelling too close to your renewal date
If you cancel on the same day as your renewal, your payment may process before the cancellation takes effect. Cancel at least 1 business day (ideally 3 to 5 days) before your renewal date to ensure the system processes your cancellation first. Check your account settings for your exact renewal date and set a reminder on your calendar for 5 days before.
Mistake 4: assuming cancellation equals refund
Cancellation and refunds are separate actions. Cancelling stops future charges; it does not automatically trigger a refund. If you are within the 14-day cooling-off period, you are entitled to a refund without asking. After 14 days, refunds are at the publisher's discretion unless the terms explicitly permit them. If you want a refund and believe you are entitled to one, ask for it explicitly in your cancellation request email.
Mistake 5: ignoring the confirmation email
The confirmation email is your proof of cancellation. If the publisher later claims you are still a subscriber or attempts to charge you again, this email is your only defence. Print it, save it to cloud storage and do not delete it for at least 12 months after cancellation. If you did not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, resend your cancellation request and note the time you sent it.
Comparison of cancellation methods
Each cancellation channel has strengths and weaknesses. Choose the method that best suits your situation.
| Method |
Speed |
Confirmation |
Refund eligibility |
| Via app account settings (iOS/Android) |
Instant |
Immediate email |
Within 14-day window only |
| Via The Australian website |
Instant |
Immediate email |
Within 14-day window only |
| Via email to [email protected] |
2 to 5 days |
Email response required |
Within 14-day window; possible pro-rata |
| Via registered mail to GPO Box 4245 |
7 to 10 days |
Email response (with delay) |
Within 14-day window; possible pro-rata |
| Via CASE complaint (if refused) |
14 to 30 days |
CASE acknowledgment |
Mediation required |
Escalation: what to do if The Australian refuses to cancel
A publisher cannot legally refuse your cancellation request. If The Australian ignores your cancellation notice, delays unreasonably or claims your cancellation failed, you have formal recourse under Singapore consumer law.
Step 1: send a written escalation notice
Email [email protected] with the subject line "URGENT: Escalation of Cancellation Request" and include the date of your original cancellation request, your account details and a statement that you have not received confirmation of cancellation. Give the publisher 5 business days to respond. Yafee recommends sending this email from the account email address and copying yourself so you have a record.
Step 2: lodge a complaint with CASE
If the publisher does not respond or refuses to process your cancellation, lodge a formal complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). You can file online at case.org.sg or by phone at +65 6100 0315. Provide CASE with your cancellation confirmation email (if you have one), your account details, the date you requested cancellation and a brief description of the issue. CASE will contact the publisher on your behalf and mediate a resolution. There is no cost to file a complaint.
Step 3: request a chargeback (if charged after cancellation)
If the publisher charges you after your cancellation date, contact your credit card company or bank immediately. Provide your cancellation confirmation email and the date of the erroneous charge. Request a chargeback (reversal) of the charge. Your bank will investigate and typically reverses charges made after a clear cancellation notice. This process usually takes 7 to 30 days depending on your bank.
Before and after cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is handled correctly and you retain evidence if any disputes arise later.
| Task |
Before cancellation |
After cancellation |
| Check renewal date |
Yes |
N/A |
| Identify purchase channel |
Yes |
N/A |
| Save articles or reading lists |
Yes |
N/A |
| Submit cancellation notice |
N/A |
Yes |
| Save confirmation email |
N/A |
Yes (indefinitely) |
| Monitor for unexpected charges |
N/A |
Yes (30 days post-renewal) |
Use these contact details to cancel or escalate disputes with The Australian.
Email for subscription enquiries and cancellation
[email protected]
Send cancellation requests with the subject "Subscription Cancellation Request" and include your account email, subscription purchase channel and renewal date. Allow 2 to 5 business days for a response.
Mailing address for formal cancellation notices
GPO Box 4245, NSW 2001, Sydney, Australia
Send written cancellation requests via registered mail to this address. Include your full name, account email address, account reference number (if available), subscription start date and requested cancellation date. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after delivery.
Escalation to CASE
If The Australian refuses to cancel or process a refund, lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore at case.org.sg or +65 6100 0315. CASE will investigate and mediate a resolution at no cost to you.
Final advice: take control of your subscriptions
Cancelling The Australian is your right, and no publisher can prevent you from exercising that right under Singapore consumer law. Whether you cancel because you no longer read the publication, want to reduce expenses or simply prefer another news source, the process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps for your purchase channel.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds owed to them. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and you retain evidence if any disputes arise. Remember: cancel at least 1 business day before your renewal date, obtain written confirmation, and save that confirmation email indefinitely. If the publisher ignores your cancellation or charges you improperly, escalate to CASE for formal dispute resolution.
Take action today. Review your account settings, identify your purchase channel and submit your cancellation notice. Yafee is committed to empowering consumers like you to take control of your subscriptions and protect your rights under Singapore law.