How to cancel Scrimba and protect your money in south africa
What Scrimba is and why you might want to leave
Scrimba is an interactive online coding platform built for self-directed learners who want to master web development, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and modern frameworks. The service pairs video lessons with a built-in code editor, so you can learn and code in one place without switching between applications.
Most learners who join are beginners or career-switchers seeking structured, hands-on training. Paid plans unlock bootcamp programs, advanced courses and direct mentor access. The platform carries strong user ratings for its interactive teaching method, but many South African subscribers report unexpected renewal charges, slow customer service responses and unclear refund timelines. If Scrimba no longer fits your needs, or if you've been charged without clear consent, you have legal rights to cancel and reclaim your money. Yafee is here to walk you through every step.
Common reasons to cancel Scrimba
- Automatic renewal charges without clear advance notice
- Course content does not match your learning level or goals
- You have completed the courses you needed and no longer require access
- Annual subscription costs have become unaffordable
- You prefer other learning platforms or have enrolled elsewhere
- Customer support response times fall short of your expectations
- The service failed to deliver on advertised claims
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African law protects you when you cancel online subscriptions. Understanding your legal position before you act is the foundation of a successful cancellation.
Protection under the consumer protection act
The South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2008 grants you the right to cancel certain distance contracts (including online subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of purchase, without penalty or reason. This cooling-off period applies to most digital services, including coding education platforms like Scrimba. You are entitled to a full refund if you cancel during this window, provided you have not substantially used the service.
The CPA's 14-day right operates independently of Scrimba's own terms. Even if Scrimba's published policy offers only a 7-day refund window, the CPA's protection may override that limit. Additionally, if Scrimba charged you without your explicit, informed consent-such as a surprise annual renewal or a deduction you did not authorise-the CPA may entitle you to a refund regardless of how many days have passed since the charge.
Your legal position: You have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period under the CPA from the date of purchase. If Scrimba cannot prove you gave informed consent to an automatic renewal or subscription charge, you may have grounds for a refund beyond that period. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the enforcement body you can approach if Scrimba refuses to honour your rights.
Your rights after 14 days
After the 14-day cooling-off window closes, Scrimba's own refund policy applies. Scrimba typically offers a full refund within 7 days of purchase for web subscriptions, and a 14-day money-back guarantee for bootcamp programs. However, if you can demonstrate that the service was not fit for purpose, did not meet advertised claims, or was sold to you under misleading conditions, the NCC may require Scrimba to refund you even after 14 days have passed.
The CPA also protects you against unfair contract terms. If Scrimba's cancellation or refund policy is so one-sided that it removes your ability to seek recourse, the NCC can declare that term invalid and order a refund in your favour.
How to cancel Scrimba step by step
Cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription. Follow the path that matches your payment source to cancel immediately and secure your refund.
Cancel via the Scrimba website (direct billing)
If you signed up and pay directly through Scrimba.com, use this method to cancel your subscription without delay.
- Open your web browser and navigate to Scrimba.com
- Use the same device and browser where you usually log in
- Sign in with your email address and password
- If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the reset email sent to your inbox
- Check your spam or junk folder if the reset email does not arrive within 5 minutes
- Click on your profile icon or account menu, usually located in the top-right corner of the page
- Select "Settings" or "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu
- Navigate to the "Subscriptions" tab or "Billing" section
- Locate your active subscription plan
- You will see the plan name (e.g. Scrimba Pro), the amount you pay in ZAR (R), and your next billing date
- Click the "Cancel subscription" button or the "X" icon next to your active plan
- Scrimba will ask you why you are cancelling. Select a reason from the list or type your own
- Your feedback is optional but helps Scrimba improve. It does not affect your cancellation or refund
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted. Do not close the page until you see a confirmation message
- Screenshot or save the confirmation page as proof of your cancellation
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Scrimba within 24 hours
Cancel via apple app store (iOS)
If you subscribed to Scrimba through the Apple App Store on iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple, not through Scrimba's website.
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner
- Tap "Account"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Find "Scrimba" in the list of active subscriptions
- Tap "Scrimba" to open your subscription details
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen
- Confirm the cancellation when Apple prompts you to do so
- Check your Apple ID email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple within 1 hour
Cancel via google play store (Android)
If you purchased a Scrimba subscription through the Google Play Store on an Android device, cancel through Google Play, not through Scrimba directly.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner
- Select "Payments and subscriptions"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Find "Scrimba" in your active subscriptions list
- Tap "Scrimba" to view your subscription details
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Select a reason for cancellation (optional)
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted
- Check your Google account email for a confirmation from Google Play within 1 hour
Scrimba pricing and refund timeline
Understanding Scrimba's pricing structure and refund window helps you act quickly and claim your money back within the correct timeframe.
| Plan type |
Price (ZAR) |
Billing cycle |
Refund window |
| Scrimba Pro (recommended for refund eligibility) |
R99-R149 per month |
Monthly |
7 days from purchase |
| Scrimba Pro Annual |
R999-R1,490 per year |
Annual |
7 days from purchase |
| Bootcamp program |
R2,500-R5,000 (one-off) |
One-time payment |
14 days from purchase |
| Free tier |
R0 (free access) |
Ongoing |
N/A - no refund applicable |
Scrimba's own refund policy grants 7 days for web subscriptions and 14 days for bootcamp programs. However, the Consumer Protection Act extends your cooling-off period to 14 calendar days for all distance contracts, which may override Scrimba's shorter timeline. If you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not substantially used the service, you can claim a full refund under the CPA even if Scrimba's terms say otherwise.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not happen instantly. Understanding the timeline and what to expect next protects you from surprise charges and keeps your refund claim on track.
Your subscription access after cancellation
When you cancel, Scrimba will stop billing you at your next renewal date. You retain access to course materials until that date passes. For example, if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan with a renewal date of the 15th, you keep access until 15th, then your account reverts to free access only.
Bootcamp programs typically continue until the programme end date or your cancellation takes effect, whichever is later. Check your cancellation confirmation email for the exact date your access ends.
Refund processing timeline
Scrimba processes refunds within 7 working days of your cancellation request. The refund then takes 2 to 5 business days to appear in your bank account or payment method, depending on your bank. If you paid by credit card or debit card, the credit may appear as a reversal rather than a separate deposit. If you do not see the refund within 10 working days, contact Scrimba's billing support to request a status update.
Reactivating your subscription
If you change your mind within 30 days of cancellation, you may be able to reactivate your subscription without losing your course progress. Log in to your account and select the plan you want to restart. Scrimba may offer a short grace period before permanently deleting your data, so act quickly if you decide to return.
Refund eligibility and how to claim
Not every cancellation qualifies for a refund. Knowing the conditions that support your claim strengthens your position with Scrimba or the National Consumer Commission.
When you are eligible for a refund
You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not substantially used the service. "Substantially used" means you have not completed significant portions of the courses or used the bootcamp mentor feature. Viewing a few lessons or signing up for a bootcamp orientation does not disqualify you.
You are also eligible for a refund if Scrimba charged you without your informed, explicit consent. This includes surprise annual renewals, charges that do not match the price you agreed to, or duplicate billings. In these cases, the CPA entitles you to a refund regardless of the date, and the NCC can order Scrimba to refund you even years later if fraud or misrepresentation is proved.
When refunds may be limited or refused
Scrimba may refuse a refund if you have substantially completed the course material, used premium features (such as one-on-one mentor sessions) for more than a few hours, or downloaded and retained course assets after cancellation. If you cancel a bootcamp program after the programme start date, Scrimba may offer a partial refund or a credit towards a future plan instead of a full refund.
How to claim a refund from Scrimba
- Cancel your subscription using the steps above
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Scrimba within 24 hours
- The refund will process automatically if you cancelled within the eligible window (7 days for web subscriptions, 14 days for bootcamps)
- Monitor your bank account or payment method for the refund credit within 7 working days
- If you do not receive a refund within 10 working days, email Scrimba's billing team with your cancellation confirmation and request a refund status update
- Keep records of all cancellation and refund correspondence in case you need to escalate to the NCC
Escalating a refund dispute to the national consumer commission
If Scrimba refuses to refund you within 14 days of your cancellation request, or if you believe the refusal breaches the Consumer Protection Act, you can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission. The NCC is South Africa's enforcement body for consumer rights and can order Scrimba to refund you and pay a penalty if the company acted unfairly.
Contact the NCC via their website (ncc.org.za), by phone on 0860 10 6164, or by email. Provide your cancellation confirmation, proof of payment, and a clear explanation of why you believe Scrimba's refusal is unfair. The NCC typically investigates complaints within 30 days and issues a ruling within 60 days. Yafee recommends keeping all correspondence with Scrimba as evidence of your good-faith effort to resolve the dispute before escalating.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Most cancellation disputes arise from a few preventable errors. Avoiding these traps saves you time, frustration and money.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel
If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that platform, not through Scrimba's website. Cancelling on the Scrimba website will not stop the app store from billing you, and you will miss your refund window. Always match your cancellation method to your purchase method.
Mistake 2: not saving proof of cancellation
Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation page and save the confirmation email from Scrimba. If a refund dispute arises, this proof is your strongest defence. Without it, Scrimba may claim you never cancelled, and the NCC will struggle to rule in your favour.
Mistake 3: cancelling after the refund window closes
The Consumer Protection Act's 14-day cooling-off period runs from the date of purchase, not from the date you first used the service. If you delay cancellation, you may lose your automatic refund entitlement. Act within 14 days if you want a guaranteed full refund with minimal dispute.
Mistake 4: assuming you will get a refund without asking
Scrimba does not automatically refund you if you cancel outside the 7-day or 14-day window. You must request a refund explicitly, usually in writing via email to their billing team. Yafee advises sending a clear, dated email stating your cancellation date, the reason for cancellation, and your request for a refund, citing the Consumer Protection Act if applicable.
Scrimba cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and secure your refund without delay.
| Action |
Deadline |
Status |
| Log in to your Scrimba account (or app store account) |
Before cancelling |
[ ] Done |
| Navigate to Subscriptions or Billing settings |
Before cancelling |
[ ] Done |
| Click "Cancel subscription" and confirm |
Within 14 days of purchase (for full refund) |
[ ] Done |
| Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page |
Immediately after cancelling |
[ ] Done |
| Save the cancellation email from Scrimba |
Within 24 hours of cancellation |
[ ] Done |
| Check your bank account for the refund |
Within 10 working days |
[ ] Done |
| Contact Scrimba's billing team if refund is missing |
After 10 working days (if needed) |
[ ] Done |
| Lodge a complaint with the NCC (if Scrimba refuses) |
Within 2 years of the charge (NCC statute of limitations) |
[ ] Done |
How yafee helps you cancel Scrimba
Cancelling an online subscription should not require legal expertise. Yafee is built to simplify the process and protect your rights from start to finish.
When you use Yafee, you provide basic details about your subscription-the service name, your purchase date, and the amount charged. Yafee's system generates a cancellation letter grounded in the Consumer Protection Act, tailored to Scrimba's billing practices and South African law. Yafee then submits your cancellation request to Scrimba on your behalf and tracks the refund status.
If Scrimba refuses to refund you, Yafee can escalate your case to the National Consumer Commission with full documentation and a legal argument for why the refusal breaches the CPA. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover their money without hiring a lawyer or writing letters themselves. Visit Yafee.com today to start your Scrimba cancellation.
If you need to reach Scrimba directly, use the details below. However, Yafee recommends using the in-app cancellation method first, as it leaves a clear digital trail that protects you in disputes.
Scrimba billing email: [email protected]
Scrimba website: www.scrimba.com
When you email Scrimba's support team, include your full name, email address associated with the account, cancellation date, and a clear request for a refund. Reference the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) if you are cancelling within 14 days or if you were charged without informed consent. Keep a copy of your email for your records.
Alternatively, contact the National Consumer Commission directly if Scrimba does not respond within 5 working days:
National Consumer Commission (NCC): [email protected] | Phone: 0860 10 6164 | Website: www.ncc.org.za
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Scrimba is straightforward when you follow the correct steps and understand your legal position under South African consumer law. The 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Protection Act protects you from automatic renewals and surprise charges, and the National Consumer Commission stands ready to enforce your rights if Scrimba refuses to comply.
Act within 14 days of your first charge to secure an automatic full refund. Keep proof of your cancellation and all correspondence with Scrimba. If you face delays or refusal, escalate to the NCC without hesitation-the commission exists to protect you.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover their money without legal fees or lengthy disputes. Whether you are cancelling because the course did not meet your needs, because an annual renewal caught you off guard, or because you have found a better platform, Yafee streamlines the process and ensures your refund claim is built on solid legal ground. Visit Yafee.com now to cancel Scrimba with confidence.