How to cancel your Epoch Times subscription and stop unwanted charges
Why you might want to cancel Epoch Times
Epoch Times publishes digital and print journalism across multiple subscription tiers, but auto-renewal billing and recurring charges have frustrated many readers. You may decide to cancel for several reasons: unexpected renewal bills, changing reading habits, content misalignment, or simply consolidating your media subscriptions. At Yafee, we understand that canceling should be frictionless, yet many subscribers report unnecessary obstacles navigating the process.
Common reasons subscribers cancel
Readers frequently report canceling Epoch Times after receiving surprise renewal charges they didn't anticipate. Auto-renewal billing cycles can catch you off-guard, especially if you enrolled during a promotional trial period offering $1 for the first month. Some subscribers cancel after realizing they prefer free news sources or find the content doesn't match their interests. Others simply want to eliminate redundant subscriptions across multiple news outlets. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through a clean exit.
Is cancellation the right move for you?
Before you proceed, ask yourself: Have you used your Epoch Times subscription regularly in the past month? Are you paying full price, or did you lock in a promotional rate that won't return after cancellation? If you're unsure whether to cancel, try pausing your subscription instead-if that option is available-or downgrading to a lower tier. However, if you've made your decision, the steps ahead will help you cancel without leaving money on the table.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
Under the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act (ROSCA) and the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), you have explicit legal protections when canceling negative-option subscriptions. Epoch Times, as a recurring-charge service, must provide you with a simple mechanism to cancel at any time, without requiring you to call a phone number or navigate hidden menu structures.
Your legal position
In accordance with the FTC Act and ROSCA (15 U.S.C. § 7704), Epoch Times must honor your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe-typically 10 business days. The company cannot charge your payment method after you submit a valid cancellation, and they must confirm cancellation in writing via email. If Epoch Times continues to bill you after you cancel, you have the right to dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank (known as a chargeback) and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
What the FTC requires Epoch Times to do
Epoch Times must provide cancellation in at least one of the following ways: online cancellation through your account, cancellation via email, or cancellation by phone. The company cannot condition your cancellation on providing a reason or speaking with a retention specialist. Furthermore, Epoch Times must disclose their cancellation policy clearly before you make a purchase-if they have not done so, you may be entitled to a refund under FTC standards.
Methods to cancel your Epoch Times subscription
You have three primary channels to cancel: online through your account dashboard, via email to customer support, or by telephone. Yafee recommends starting with the online method because it creates an immediate audit trail and avoids delays.
Online cancellation through your account dashboard
The fastest and most documented way to cancel Epoch Times is through your account at theepochtimes.com/profile. This method completes within minutes and provides instant confirmation.
- Visit theepochtimes.com and click your profile icon or account menu in the top-right corner.
- Log in using your email address and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, select Forgot password? and follow the email reset link.
- Check your spam folder if the reset email doesn't arrive within 5 minutes.
- Navigate to Subscription, Billing, or My Subscriptions in your account dashboard.
- Locate your active Epoch Times subscription and select Manage Subscription or View Details.
- Click Cancel Subscription and confirm your choice when prompted.
- Epoch Times may offer you a retention discount or pause option at this stage.
- Decline these offers only if you're certain you want to exit completely.
- Screenshot your cancellation confirmation and note the confirmation number, date, and time.
- Check your email inbox and spam folder for a cancellation receipt within 2 hours.
Pro tip: Perform this cancellation at least 5 days before your next billing date. Epoch Times's billing cycle may run on a calendar or subscription-anniversary basis, so verify your exact renewal date in the Subscription Details section or on your most recent invoice before you start.
Email cancellation to Epoch Times support
If you cannot log into your account or the online cancellation option is unavailable, contact Epoch Times support directly via email. This method takes longer but still generates a documented record.
- Visit help.theepochtimes.com and locate the contact form or email address (typically [email protected] or a similar address listed in the Help Center).
- Compose an email with the subject line: Request to Cancel Subscription
- Include the following information in your message:
- Your full name
- Email address associated with your account
- Subscription order number or account ID (if available)
- Current billing email address
- A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Epoch Times subscription, effective immediately."
- Send the email from the address linked to your account for faster verification.
- Expect a response within 3 business days. If you don't receive confirmation, follow up with a second email or escalate (see next section).
- Save all email correspondence as proof of your cancellation request.
Phone cancellation
Epoch Times customer service is available by phone, though Yafee recommends this as a last resort since you must document the call yourself. When you call, request a confirmation number and the agent's name.
- Locate the customer service phone number on the Epoch Times website or your billing statement.
- Call during business hours and ask to speak with a subscription representative.
- Provide your account email, name, and subscription details when requested.
- State clearly: "I want to cancel my subscription immediately and confirm I will not be charged again."
- Request a cancellation confirmation number and the agent's name.
- Write down the date, time, and agent name immediately after the call ends.
- Send a follow-up email to Epoch Times support referencing your call, confirmation number, and date to create a paper trail.
What happens after you cancel
Understanding your post-cancellation timeline protects you from surprise charges and ensures a clean break from Epoch Times. Cancellation doesn't always end access or billing immediately-timing depends on when you submit your request relative to your billing cycle.
Access and billing timeline
In most cases, Epoch Times stops charging your payment method the moment you submit your cancellation request. However, access to premium content may continue through the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on day 15 of a monthly subscription, you typically retain access until day 30 (the end of that billing cycle), then lose access without being charged for the next month. Verify your specific access end date in your cancellation confirmation email.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements
After you cancel, watch your bank account and credit card statements for 30 days to ensure no further charges appear. If Epoch Times attempts to bill you after cancellation, you have the right to dispute the charge immediately. Consequently, document any unauthorized charge by taking a screenshot with a timestamp.
Filing a chargeback if Epoch Times continues to charge you
If Epoch Times bills you after cancellation, contact your bank or credit card company within 60 days of the unauthorized charge to initiate a dispute. Provide your bank with your cancellation confirmation number, email, and screenshots of the unwanted charge. Your card issuer will investigate and typically refund the disputed amount within 10 business days.
Refunds and recovery of charges
Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel relative to your billing date and whether you enrolled through a promotional trial. Yafee advises you to understand these scenarios before initiating cancellation.
Refund scenarios and your eligibility
| Scenario |
Refund eligibility |
Your action |
| Cancel within 3 days of enrollment (FTC cooling-off period) |
Full refund due |
Request refund immediately via email to support |
| Cancel 5+ days after first charge but before next billing date |
No refund (non-refundable subscription model) |
Cancel to stop future charges; current period is final |
| Cancel after receiving unauthorized renewal charge |
Disputed charge eligible for reversal via chargeback |
File chargeback with your bank within 60 days |
| Cancel during a promotional trial period (e.g., $1 first month) |
Refund of promotional amount if within cooling-off period |
Email Epoch Times with cancellation + refund request |
| Annual subscription, cancel after 30 days |
Pro-rata refund may apply (check Epoch Times terms) |
Request pro-rata refund explicitly in cancellation email |
| Multiple unauthorized charges after cancellation |
All disputed charges reversible |
File chargeback for each unauthorized charge separately |
How to request a refund from Epoch Times
If you believe you qualify for a refund, submit a written request to Epoch Times support within 30 days of the charge. In accordance with FTC standards, merchants must respond to refund requests within 10 business days.
- Email [email protected] with subject line: Refund Request for Canceled Subscription
- Include:
- Your account email and full name
- Order/transaction ID and the date you were charged
- The date you submitted your cancellation request
- The amount charged and the reason for your refund claim (e.g., unauthorized charge, trial period, cooling-off period)
- Your bank account or original payment method for the refund
- Send the email from the address linked to your account.
- Expect a response within 10 business days. If Epoch Times denies your refund, you have the right to file a dispute with your card issuer or escalate to the FTC (see next section).
Escalation and filing complaints if Epoch Times refuses to cancel or refund
If Epoch Times fails to honor your cancellation or denies a refund you believe you're entitled to, you have formal escalation channels available under federal consumer law. Yafee recommends exhausting internal support first, then escalating to regulatory authorities.
Step 1: document everything and send a final demand
Before escalating, send Epoch Times one final written request, clearly stating the outcome you expect and the deadline for response.
- Email support with subject line: Final Request for Cancellation Confirmation and Refund
- Reference your previous cancellation and refund requests with dates.
- State: "I expect confirmation of cancellation and [refund amount] by [date 10 days from now]. If I do not receive this by that date, I will file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and my state attorney general."
- Keep a copy of this email for your records.
Step 2: file a complaint with the federal trade commission
The Federal Trade Commission investigates complaints about deceptive or unfair billing practices, including failure to honor cancellations. Your complaint helps the FTC identify patterns of abuse.
- Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov and select "File a complaint."
- Choose complaint type: "Subscription and negative option" or "Online shopping."
- Provide:
- Your name and contact information
- Epoch Times company name and website
- Detailed description of what happened, including dates of charges and cancellation requests
- Screenshots, email confirmations, and your cancellation confirmation number
- Amount of money involved
- Submit the complaint. The FTC will review it and may open an investigation if patterns emerge.
Step 3: file a complaint with your state attorney general
Your state attorney general's consumer protection division handles subscription fraud and deceptive billing practices. Furthermore, state-level complaints often trigger faster action than federal complaints.
- Visit your state's attorney general website (search "[Your State] attorney general consumer protection").
- Locate the "File a complaint" option and complete the online form.
- Provide the same documentation as your FTC complaint: dates, amounts, screenshots, and your cancellation confirmation.
- State your desired outcome (cancellation confirmation, refund, or both).
- Submit. Your state AG may contact Epoch Times on your behalf or invite the company to respond to your complaint.
Step 4: dispute charges with your bank or credit card company
If Epoch Times continues to bill you after cancellation, your bank or card issuer can reverse those charges. This is your fastest path to recovery.
- Log into your bank account or credit card portal.
- Find the disputed transaction(s) from Epoch Times.
- Select "Dispute this charge" or "Report unauthorized transaction."
- Provide your cancellation confirmation number and email as evidence.
- Your bank will investigate and typically refund the amount within 10 business days while they complete their investigation.
Common mistakes when canceling Epoch Times
You've made the decision to cancel-now avoid these common pitfalls that delay or complicate the process. Thousands of consumers have successfully canceled Epoch Times subscriptions; knowing what to avoid ensures you join them.
Failing to cancel before your renewal date
If you miss the cancellation window before your next billing date, Epoch Times will charge you for another subscription period. Consequently, mark your calendar for 5 days before your renewal date and cancel immediately. You cannot recover this charge unless you cancel within the FTC's cooling-off period (typically 3 days from enrollment for new subscriptions).
Not documenting your cancellation request
Phone calls, verbal agreements, or incomplete online submissions leave you vulnerable if Epoch Times claims they never received your cancellation. Always use the online method or email, and screenshot your confirmation. Your documentation is your proof if a dispute arises.
Assuming cancellation stops immediate access
Many subscribers expect to lose access immediately after canceling; in reality, you typically retain access through the end of your current billing period. If you need immediate access removal for privacy or security reasons, request expedited cancellation in a separate email to support, but understand that Epoch Times has no obligation to grant this request.
Ignoring surprise retention offers
When you cancel online, Epoch Times may display a retention offer (discount, pause option, or bonus content). Declining this offer does not reverse your cancellation-these are final upsell attempts. If you're tempted, close the browser tab and walk away; your cancellation is already submitted.
Not checking your statements for 30 days post-cancellation
Some subscribers cancel successfully but fail to monitor their bank statements. If Epoch Times charges you again by error or system malfunction, you have 60 days to dispute the charge with your bank. Catch these errors within 30 days to ensure faster refund processing.
Subscription pricing and billing summary
Understanding Epoch Times's pricing structure helps you make an informed cancellation decision and calculate your refund eligibility. Yafee recommends reviewing your most recent billing statement to confirm your exact subscription tier and renewal date.
Epoch Times subscription tiers and billing
| Subscription tier |
Billing frequency |
Renewal date location |
Cancellation window |
| Digital subscription (Standard) |
Monthly or annual (recurring) |
Check your account dashboard under "Subscription Details" or your email receipt |
Anytime; cancel 5+ days before renewal |
| Print + digital subscription |
Monthly or annual (recurring) |
Same as digital |
Anytime; cancel 5+ days before renewal |
| Promotional trial (e.g., $1 first month) |
Variable (trial period then standard) |
Email receipt will show trial end date and auto-renewal date |
During trial period for full refund; after trial, standard cancellation window applies |
| Gift subscription |
Varies by gift duration |
Specified at time of purchase; confirm in your account under "Gift Subscriptions" |
Anytime if you're the account holder; cancellation voids remaining gift access |
| Corporate/institutional subscription |
Annual (custom terms) |
Contact your account manager; renewal terms on your contract |
As per contract terms; typically 30-90 days before renewal |
| Best option for budget-conscious readers: Cancel before renewal, then choose free alternatives |
Many readers find Epoch Times valuable but prefer free news aggregators or library access to save costs |
Timeline and checklist before you cancel
A structured approach ensures you cancel smoothly and protect yourself from accidental charges. Yafee recommends working through this checklist 7 days before your renewal date.
Your cancellation checklist
- Identify your renewal date: Log into your account and note the exact date you'll be charged next.
- Collect your account information: Note your account email, full name, and subscription order number.
- Choose your cancellation method: Select online (fastest), email (documented), or phone (last resort).
- Cancel 5+ days before renewal: Don't wait until the day before your renewal date.
- Screenshot your confirmation: Capture the cancellation confirmation screen, email, or call confirmation number.
- Save all correspondence: File cancellation emails, confirmation numbers, and timestamps in a folder.
- Wait for confirmation email: Epoch Times should send a cancellation receipt within 2 hours of online cancellation or within 3 business days of email/phone cancellation.
- Monitor your statement: For 30 days after cancellation, check your bank account or credit card for unauthorized charges.
- Request refund if eligible: If you canceled within 3 days of enrollment or believe you qualify on other grounds, email support with a refund request within 30 days of the charge.
- Escalate if necessary: If Epoch Times doesn't honor your cancellation or deny a refund you believe is due, file complaints with the FTC and your state attorney general (see escalation section above).
If you need assistance canceling or have questions about your subscription, Epoch Times customer support is available through multiple channels. Nevertheless, Yafee recommends using email or online cancellation to create a documented record of your request.
Epoch Times support contact details
Help Center: help.theepochtimes.com (access articles about cancellation, billing, and account management)
Online cancellation portal: theepochtimes.com/profile (log in and navigate to "Subscription" to cancel directly)
Email support: [email protected] (allow 3 business days for response)
Mailing address for formal cancellation requests: Check your Epoch Times invoice or the Help Center footer for the current address; correspondence may take 10 business days to process if sent by mail.
Conclusion and next steps
Canceling your Epoch Times subscription is straightforward when you follow the legal framework and procedural steps outlined here. Under the FTC Act and ROSCA, you have the right to cancel at any time without penalty, receive confirmation in writing, and dispute any charges that follow cancellation. Start with the online cancellation method at theepochtimes.com/profile, screenshot your confirmation, and monitor your bank statements for 30 days to ensure no unauthorized charges appear.
If Epoch Times continues to bill you after cancellation or denies a refund you're entitled to, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel problematic subscriptions and recover unauthorized charges by following these exact steps. You now have the knowledge, legal backing, and procedures to cancel confidently and protect yourself from post-cancellation billing surprises.