How to cancel The Economist subscription in Singapore: your complete legal guide
How to cancel The Economist subscription in singapore: your complete legal guide
What is The Economist and why subscribers choose to cancel
The Economist is a weekly publication that delivers in-depth analysis of politics, economics, science and current events to readers worldwide. As a subscriber in Singapore, you gain access to investigative journalism, special reports and subscriber-exclusive content delivered in print, digital or combined formats. However, subscription costs accumulate quickly, and your reading habits or budget may change. This guide walks you through your cancellation options, your legal rights under Singapore consumer law, and the precise steps to follow based on where you purchased your subscription.
Understanding your subscription type
Your subscription route determines your cancellation process. You may have purchased directly from The Economist Group through their website, or through a third-party channel such as Apple App Store, Google Play, or a local reseller. Each channel operates under different terms, so identifying where you bought your access is your first critical step. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate these distinctions, ensuring they cancel through the correct platform and avoid unexpected renewal charges.
Why cancellation matters now
Subscriptions renew automatically unless you actively cancel. The Economist's annual plans range from SGD 650 for digital-only access to SGD 775 for combined print and digital editions. Monthly plans cost SGD 40 to SGD 63 per month, and auto-renewal means you will be charged on your renewal date unless you take action before that date arrives. Cancelling promptly protects your bank account and eliminates confusion about future charges.
Your legal rights and consumer protections in singapore
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act establishes your baseline rights when you cancel a subscription service. This legislation protects you from unfair contract terms, misleading information and unjustified charges, and it applies to all subscription purchases made to Singapore-based consumers, regardless of where The Economist Group is incorporated.
Your legal position under singapore law
Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, you have the right to cancel any subscription within 14 days of purchase if you exercise that right in writing or through an electronic means clearly provided by the seller. Furthermore, if you cancel outside the 14-day window, you have the right to receive a refund of any prepaid amounts for services not yet delivered, provided the cancellation is processed before your renewal date. The company must process your refund within 30 days of receiving your cancellation request. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) enforces these protections and accepts complaints if The Economist Group fails to honour your cancellation or wrongfully charges your account.
What you are entitled to claim back
Consequently, if you cancel partway through a billing cycle, calculate the number of days remaining until your renewal date, then request a proportional refund for that unused period. For example, if you cancel on day 15 of a 30-day monthly subscription, you are entitled to a refund for the remaining 15 days. Do not accept the argument that "cancellations forfeit the remainder of the billing cycle" if that term was not clearly disclosed at the point of sale. Yafee advises all users to request the refund calculation in writing so you have proof of your claim if a dispute arises.
Subscription pricing and plan structure in singapore
Understanding the cost breakdown helps you decide whether cancellation aligns with your budget and reading habits.
| Plan type |
Price (SGD) |
Billing cycle |
Access included |
| Digital only (annual) |
S$650 |
Annual auto-renew |
Digital access, 51 weekly issues, full archive |
| Digital only (monthly) |
S$62.90 |
Monthly auto-renew |
Unlimited digital access |
| Digital plus Print (annual) |
S$775.23 |
Annual auto-renew |
Weekly print plus digital, 51 issues per year |
| Digital plus Print (monthly) |
S$61.94 |
Monthly auto-renew |
Print magazine plus digital via reseller |
| Promotional trial plus auto-renew |
S$40 after trial ends |
Monthly following trial |
Digital plus Print post-trial period |
| Print only (annual) |
S$599.50 |
Annual auto-renew |
52 weekly print issues, no digital |
How renewal charges work and what triggers them
Your renewal price depends on three variables: the purchase channel (direct website, Apple, Google, or local reseller), the bundle you selected, and any promotional rate applied at sign-up. Frequently, deal platforms advertise deeply discounted first-year rates that increase substantially on renewal. Your confirmation email states the exact renewal price and date. In accordance with fair trading rules, The Economist Group must remind you of the renewal amount and date at least 14 days before your payment is due. Check your email inbox and spam folder for this notification; if you do not see it, contact the Subscription Centre to request it.
How to cancel The Economist based on your purchase channel
Cancellation procedure varies depending on where you bought your subscription. Follow the steps for your specific purchase route to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly.
Cancelling a direct website subscription
If you purchased directly from The Economist Group website (economist.com or a regional variant), you manage your subscription through your online account.
- Log in to your account on the Economist website using your email address and password.
- If you cannot remember your password, click "Forgot password" on the login page and follow the reset link sent to your email.
- Navigate to "Manage subscription" or "Account settings" in your profile menu.
- This option usually appears in the top-right corner of the site or within your account dashboard.
- Locate the "Cancel subscription" button or link within the Manage Subscription page.
- Review the cancellation summary, which shows your final billing date and any refund due.
- Click "Confirm cancellation" to complete the action.
- You will receive a cancellation confirmation email within 2 hours; save this email as proof of your cancellation request.
- If the online option is not available, contact the Subscription Centre by email at [email protected] or by phone at +65 6428 9100.
- Provide your full name, email address, and subscription account number (visible on any invoice).
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation in your reply.
Cancelling an apple app store subscription
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you cancel through your Apple account settings, not through The Economist app itself.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Do not attempt to cancel within The Economist app; Apple handles all App Store subscriptions centrally.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu.
- If you use Face ID or Touch ID, you may be prompted to authenticate.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu options.
- This section displays all active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Find "The Economist" in the list and tap it.
- Review the subscription details, including the next billing date and renewal amount.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
- Apple will ask you to confirm your cancellation; tap "Confirm" to finalise.
- You will retain access to The Economist until your current billing cycle ends.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen for your records.
- Apple sends a confirmation email to your registered Apple ID email address within minutes.
Cancelling a google play subscription
If you subscribed via Google Play on an Android device, you manage cancellation through your Google Play account on the web or through the Google Play app.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device or visit play.google.com in a web browser.
- Ensure you are logged in to the same Google account used to purchase the subscription.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner (on mobile) or click your account avatar (on web).
- Select "Manage subscriptions" from the dropdown menu.
- Find "The Economist" in the list of active subscriptions.
- Tap or click on it to view the full subscription details.
- Tap or click "Cancel subscription".
- Google will display a final prompt asking why you are cancelling; this feedback is optional but helpful to the publisher.
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping or clicking the final confirmation button.
- Google sends a confirmation email to your registered Google account email address.
- Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
- Retain the confirmation email or take a screenshot for your records.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, log back into Google Play and verify the subscription is marked as cancelled.
Cancelling a subscription purchased through a third-party reseller or deal platform
If you bought your subscription via a local Singapore reseller, deal platform, or promotional channel, you must cancel with that reseller, not with The Economist directly. Yafee recommends checking your purchase confirmation email for the seller's name and contact details.
- Locate your original purchase confirmation email from the reseller.
- Search your email for receipts from platforms such as Groupon, or invoices from local retailers that sold you The Economist subscription.
- Identify the customer service contact method provided by the reseller.
- This may be an email address, online support form, or phone number listed on the reseller's website.
- Contact the reseller's customer service with your account details and request to cancel.
- Provide your full name, email address, order number, and the subscription start date.
- State clearly in writing: "I request cancellation of my The Economist subscription effective immediately" or "effective [date]".
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation request in your message.
- Ask the reseller to provide the cancellation confirmation email or reference number within 48 hours.
- If the reseller does not respond within 5 business days, escalate your request to The Economist Subscription Centre directly.
- Email [email protected] with a copy of your original reseller confirmation and your cancellation request, stating that the reseller has not acknowledged your request.
- The Economist Group can often cancel a subscription directly if the reseller fails to do so.
Timeline and what happens after cancellation
Cancellation does not terminate your access immediately; instead, you retain full access until the end of your current billing period. Understanding this timeline prevents confusion and ensures you know when your final charge will occur.
What happens in the days after you cancel
Once you submit your cancellation request, the system typically processes it within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive a confirmation email from The Economist Group (or from Apple, Google, or your reseller, depending on your purchase channel) that states your final access date and whether any refund is due. Your access continues uninterrupted through the end of the paid period. For example, if you cancel a monthly subscription on the 10th of the month and your renewal date is the 25th, you will retain full digital and print access until the 24th. On the 25th, no new charge will appear on your bank statement or credit card.
Refund processing and timelines
If you cancel before your renewal date and you have paid for a period extending beyond your cancellation, The Economist Group must process your refund within 30 days. Refunds typically appear back in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after the company processes the request. If you paid via Apple or Google, the refund credits back to your Apple or Google account balance; you may then withdraw it to your bank account or use it toward future app purchases. Monitor your bank statements or digital wallet during this period. If 30 days pass without a refund appearing, file a formal complaint with CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore) or contact your bank to dispute the charge.
Common mistakes that delay cancellation and refunds
Cancellation is straightforward if you follow the correct channel, but avoidable errors can delay the process or cost you money. Yafee has documented the most frequent mistakes users make, so you can avoid them.
Cancelling within the app instead of through account settings
Many users attempt to cancel their Apple or Google Play subscription by pressing "Cancel" within The Economist app itself. This action does not work. The app has no cancellation function; it merely displays your subscription status. You must cancel through Apple Settings or Google Play account settings to terminate the subscription. If you cancel only within the app, the subscription continues to auto-renew and you will be charged as normal.
Not retaining proof of cancellation
Always save your cancellation confirmation email or take screenshots of the confirmation screen before closing the browser or app. If a dispute arises and the company claims you never cancelled, your proof becomes essential. Furthermore, if The Economist incorrectly charges your account after cancellation, your confirmation email is your evidence to support a refund claim or chargeback with your bank.
Confusing cancellation with account deletion
Cancelling your subscription does not delete your online account. You retain access to your profile, saved articles and reading history after cancellation ends. If you wish to remove your account entirely and erase all personal data, contact the Subscription Centre separately and request full account deletion. This step is optional and separate from cancellation.
Missing the renewal notification
The Economist must notify you of the renewal amount and date 14 days before your next billing cycle begins. If you miss this notification, you may discover an unwanted charge on your statement. Check your email (including spam folders) regularly. If you do not receive a renewal notification and a charge appears, you have grounds to dispute it under consumer protection law and to claim a refund from the company.
Checklist: steps to cancel before renewal
Use this checklist to confirm you have completed every step correctly before your renewal date arrives.
| Task |
Status |
Notes |
| Identify your purchase channel |
[ ] Complete |
Direct website, Apple, Google, or reseller? |
| Locate your renewal date and final amount |
[ ] Complete |
Check confirmation email or account settings |
| Submit cancellation through correct channel |
[ ] Complete |
Do not cancel in multiple places; use one official method |
| Receive cancellation confirmation email |
[ ] Complete |
Save email and take screenshots; allow 48 hours |
| Verify no charge on renewal date |
[ ] Complete |
Check bank statement or card 2 days after renewal date |
| Confirm refund received (if applicable) |
[ ] Complete |
Allow up to 30 days; check bank within 5-10 business days |
Alternatives to cancellation and when to keep your subscription
Before you cancel, weigh whether keeping your subscription offers value that matches the cost.
Comparing The Economist to alternative news sources
Free sources such as BBC, Reuters and AP News deliver breaking news and general reporting at no cost. Mid-priced options such as Financial Times (approximately SGD 25 per month) or Wall Street Journal (approximately SGD 20 per month) offer different editorial perspectives. The Straits Times and CNA provide excellent Singapore-focused reporting and are available free online. However, The Economist's in-depth analysis, special reports and subscriber-exclusive investigations offer depth that most free sources do not replicate. If you read The Economist for its analytical journalism and can afford it, the subscription may justify the cost. If you are skimming headlines only, cancellation makes sense.
Pausing your subscription instead
The Economist does not offer a formal "pause" option, but you can request a temporary suspension of 1 to 3 months from the Subscription Centre. Contact [email protected] or call +65 6428 9100 to request a freeze. This approach preserves your account without monthly charges, allowing you to resume when your circumstances change. Some resellers and promotional channels may not permit suspension, so confirm with your seller first.
What to do if The Economist refuses to cancel or charges you after cancellation
Most cancellations process smoothly, but if The Economist Group ignores your request or continues charging after you cancel, you have formal recourse.
Step 1: contact the subscription centre formally
Send a written cancellation request via email to [email protected]. Title your message "Formal Cancellation Request" and include your full name, email address, account number, the date you requested cancellation, and the cancellation confirmation reference number (if you have it). State that you request cancellation effective immediately and refund of any charges made after your cancellation date. Ask for a response within 5 business days confirming that your subscription is cancelled and any refund timeline.
Step 2: dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider
If The Economist charges your account after you cancelled, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Explain that you cancelled the subscription in writing but were charged anyway. In accordance with consumer protection law, you have the right to dispute unauthorized charges. Your bank can file a chargeback, which forces The Economist to refund the amount or provide proof that the charge was authorised. This process typically takes 15 to 30 days.
Step 3: file a complaint with CASE
If The Economist does not respond to your formal request or disputes your chargeback, lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE is the statutory body that enforces consumer rights in Singapore, including breaches of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. You can file a complaint online at case.org.sg or by calling +65 6100 0315. Provide copies of your cancellation request, confirmation emails, and bank statements showing the disputed charge. CASE will investigate and pressure The Economist Group to resolve the matter. Yafee recommends keeping all correspondence for this escalation.
If you encounter issues or need further assistance, reach out to The Economist Group directly. The Subscription Centre processes all cancellation and refund requests.
| Contact method |
Details |
Response time |
| Email (preferred) |
[email protected] |
2-5 business days |
| Phone (Singapore) |
+65 6428 9100 |
Same business day |
| Postal address |
The Economist Group (Asia/Pacific) Limited Singapore Branch, Manulife Tower, 8 Cross Street, Singapore 048424 |
5-7 business days |
| Online cancellation (direct site) |
economist.com > Account > Manage Subscription |
Immediate confirmation |
| Complaints (CASE) |
case.org.sg or +65 6100 0315 |
5-10 business days investigation |
Contacting support through your purchase channel
If you subscribed via Apple App Store, Google Play, or a third-party reseller, contact that platform's support team first. Apple, Google and deal platforms handle billing disputes directly. Nevertheless, if they claim they cannot assist, escalate to The Economist Subscription Centre with copies of your original purchase confirmation.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling The Economist in Singapore is a straightforward process if you identify your purchase channel and follow the correct steps. You have legal protections under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, including the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase, receive refunds for unused periods, and dispute unauthorized charges. Determine whether you purchased directly from The Economist website, through Apple App Store, Google Play, or a reseller, then follow the corresponding cancellation procedure outlined in this guide. Retain all confirmation emails and screenshots as proof of your cancellation request. If The Economist charges you after cancellation or refuses to process your request, contact your bank to dispute the charge and file a complaint with CASE. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions across Singapore and navigate refund disputes, and this resource ensures you know your rights and can execute your cancellation with confidence and full compliance with Singapore consumer law.