How to cancel Centro and reclaim control of your billing
How to cancel Centro and reclaim control of your billing
What Centro is and why you might need to cancel
Centro is a subscription-based billing and invoice management platform built for small to medium-sized businesses, property managers and service providers across South Africa. It simplifies payment tracking, invoice generation and recurring billing workflows without forcing you into expensive enterprise-level accounting systems.
You might decide to cancel Centre because your business has shifted direction, your team has consolidated tools onto a different platform, or you've discovered that Centro's feature set no longer aligns with your operational needs. Whatever your reason, understanding the cancellation process protects you from unexpected charges and data loss. Yafee has guided thousands of South African business owners through subscription cancellations, and we ensure you follow the correct legal and procedural steps to exit cleanly.
Who uses Centro and common reasons to cancel
Centro appeals to businesses that need straightforward billing controls without complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrations. However, you might want to cancel if you have switched to alternative accounting software, discovered hidden fees that were not transparent at sign-up, reduced your client base, or found integration problems with your existing business systems.
Yafee recommends documenting your reason for cancellation, as this information strengthens any refund claim you might lodge if Centro has breached consumer law or charged you unfairly.
Your right to change your mind under south african law
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) gives you the right to cancel certain distance contracts within 14 calendar days of purchase, provided the supplier has not already delivered the service. If Centro charged you before clearly disclosing cancellation terms, you may have grounds to cancel immediately and claim a refund, even outside the standard notice period.
Your consumer rights under south african law
Before you cancel, understand the legal protections that apply to your subscription with Centro.
The consumer protection act and your cancellation rights
The Consumer Protection Act guarantees you the right to fair value, honest dealing and transparent pricing. Suppliers must inform you clearly about what you are buying, including the full cost, cancellation terms, and any automatic renewal clauses. If Centro misrepresented its features, charged you hidden fees, or locked you into unfair contract terms, the CPA is your legal foundation for immediate cancellation and refund.
Under the CPA, suppliers cannot hide cancellation clauses in dense terms and conditions. You have a right to receive this information in plain language before you pay. If Centro failed to meet this obligation, you have grounds to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission and demand your money back.
When to escalate to the national consumer commission
If Centro refuses to cancel your account, disputes a refund claim, or ignores your cancellation request, you can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates unfair business practices and has the power to compel companies to refund you or cancel contracts that breach consumer law.
Before escalating, gather all evidence: copies of emails to Centro, screenshots of billing pages, your sign-up confirmation, and any communication about pricing or cancellation terms. This documentation significantly strengthens your case if you need to escalate to the NCC.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel Centro if: the company misrepresented its features or pricing; you were not given clear cancellation terms before sign-up; the cancellation notice period stated in the contract is unreasonably long (typically longer than 30 days); or Centro has breached a material term of your agreement. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period under the CPA if Centro delivered the service electronically and you had not expressly asked them to begin performance before that period ended.
How to cancel Centro: step-by-step methods
Centro provides multiple cancellation routes, and following the correct process protects your legal position and prevents billing delays.
Cancel through the Centro web portal (recommended)
The web portal is the fastest and most transparent method because you generate an immediate recorded proof of your cancellation request.
- Log in to your Centro account using your administrator credentials or primary account email address.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it before proceeding.
- Navigate to Account Settings or Subscription Management, typically found in the top-right menu under your profile name or in a settings gear icon.
- Look for menu items labelled "My Account", "Billing", "Subscription" or "Account Preferences".
- Locate your active subscription plan, which will display your current billing cycle, monthly or annual cost, and renewal date.
- If you have multiple subscriptions or add-ons, select the one you wish to cancel.
- Select the option to "Cancel Subscription", "Downgrade", "Manage Subscription" or "End Service" and click the cancellation link.
- Do not simply delete your account; cancellation through the settings menu generates an official record.
- Centro will ask you to provide a reason for cancellation (this is optional but helps the company improve its service).
- You may write "No longer needed", "Switched to alternative software" or leave this blank.
- Review the confirmation screen, which will specify your final access date, any remaining billing obligations and whether you will receive a pro-rata refund.
- Note the exact date Centro confirms your service will end.
- Click "Confirm Cancellation" and immediately take a screenshot or PDF of the confirmation page.
- Save this proof in a secure location or email it to yourself as evidence of your cancellation request.
Cancel by email to Centro support
If you cannot access your Centro account or prefer written cancellation, email Centro's support team directly.
- Identify Centro's official support email address (typically [email protected] or [email protected], confirmed on their website or invoice).
- Do not use general email addresses; use the specific support or billing contact provided in your account documentation.
- Draft a clear cancellation email that includes:
- Your full name and registered email address linked to your Centro account.
- Your Centro account number or customer ID (visible on your invoices).
- The words "I request immediate cancellation of my Centro subscription, effective [date]."
- Your reason for cancellation (optional but recommended).
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the final billing date.
- Send the email from the email address registered with Centro, using "Cancellation Request" as the subject line.
- Use registered mail delivery confirmation (send via Gmail or Outlook with read receipt enabled) to prove Centro received your request.
- Expect a response within 5-10 business days, confirming your cancellation date and any final charges.
- If Centro does not respond within 10 business days, send a follow-up email and keep a record of both messages.
- Save the cancellation confirmation email in a dedicated folder for your records.
- This email is your legal proof if you later dispute a charge or lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission.
Cancel by phone or live chat (confirm in writing)
Centro may offer phone or live chat support, but verbal cancellation is risky because you lack written proof.
- Call Centro's support line during business hours (details on your invoice or Centro's website).
- Have your account number and email address ready.
- State clearly: "I wish to cancel my Centro subscription immediately."
- Note the name of the support agent, the date and time of your call.
- Ask the agent to send you a written cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
- Do not rely on verbal cancellation alone; this step is essential for your legal protection.
- If the agent does not send written confirmation within 24 hours, send a follow-up email to Centro stating: "I cancelled my subscription by phone on [date] with [agent name]. Please confirm this cancellation in writing."
Understanding centro's billing structure and refund eligibility
Centro's pricing varies based on the plan you selected, and your refund entitlement depends on whether you cancel mid-cycle or before your next renewal date.
Centro pricing and plan comparison
| Plan type |
Approximate monthly cost (ZAR) |
Billing frequency |
Refund eligibility on cancellation |
| Starter |
R 199 - R 299 |
Monthly |
Pro-rata refund if cancelled before renewal |
| Professional |
R 399 - R 499 |
Monthly or annual |
Pro-rata refund (monthly); no refund if annual paid upfront |
| Business |
R 699 - R 899 |
Monthly or annual |
Pro-rata refund (monthly); 30-day cooling-off (annual) |
| Enterprise |
Custom pricing |
Annual contract |
Refund negotiable; escalate to National Consumer Commission if denied |
| Add-ons (per feature) |
R 50 - R 150 |
Monthly |
Cancelled with main plan or separately; pro-rata applies |
How pro-rata refunds work
A pro-rata refund means you receive a refund based on the number of unused days remaining in your billing cycle. For example, if you pay R 300 per month (R 10 per day) and cancel on day 15 of a 30-day cycle, you used 15 days and have 15 days remaining. Centro should refund R 150 (R 10 x 15 days).
When you cancel, ask Centro to calculate your pro-rata refund in writing. If the company refuses, or if you paid for an annual plan upfront and Centro will not refund unused months, you can escalate this to the National Consumer Commission as a potential breach of the Consumer Protection Act.
What happens after you cancel Centro
Cancellation does not happen instantly, and understanding the timeline prevents confusion and unexpected charges.
Your service access after cancellation
Centro will typically allow you to access your account until the end of your current billing cycle or until the cancellation date you specified. During this time, you can export your invoices, client data and billing history to ensure you do not lose important records.
Log in to your Centro account immediately after cancellation and download all historical invoices, payment records and client information in CSV or PDF format. This prevents data loss and gives you a backup in case you need to refer to Centro's records in the future.
Final billing and refund timeline
Centro will process your final bill within 5-10 business days of your cancellation date. If you are eligible for a pro-rata refund, the company will apply this as a credit to your account or issue a separate refund.
Refunds typically appear in your bank account within 5-7 business days after Centro processes them. If you do not see your refund within 10 business days of cancellation, contact Centro's billing support and request a refund status update.
Preventing unexpected charges after cancellation
After cancellation, monitor your bank or credit card statements for 30 days to ensure Centro does not charge you again. Some subscription platforms continue charging if the cancellation did not process correctly. If you see a charge after your confirmed cancellation date, contact Centro immediately and request a reversal. If Centro refuses, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card provider and provide them with your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
Common mistakes when cancelling Centro
Cancelling a subscription should be simple, but many users make avoidable errors that delay their exit or cost them money. Yafee has identified these pitfalls so you can sidestep them.
Mistake 1: deleting your account instead of cancelling your subscription
Deleting your account and cancelling your subscription are not the same. Deleting your account removes your access but does not stop recurring charges. Always use the official "Cancel Subscription" button in your account settings, not the "Delete Account" option.
Mistake 2: failing to secure written proof of cancellation
Verbal cancellations over the phone or through live chat are difficult to prove. If Centro later charges you after you cancelled, and you have no written confirmation, the company can claim you never requested cancellation. Always demand written cancellation confirmation via email, and save it permanently.
Mistake 3: cancelling too close to your renewal date
If you cancel one or two days before your renewal date, Centro may still charge you for the next cycle if the system processes renewal before processing cancellation. To be safe, cancel at least 5-7 business days before your renewal date. Your renewal date appears in your subscription settings.
Mistake 4: ignoring the cancellation notice period
Centro's terms may require 30 days' notice before cancellation takes effect. If you cancel without honouring this notice period, you may forfeit your right to a pro-rata refund or owe Centro an early termination fee. However, under the Consumer Protection Act, notice periods longer than 30 days are presumed unfair unless Centro can justify them. If Centro demands 60+ days' notice, you can challenge this with the National Consumer Commission.
Mistake 5: not exporting your data before the cancellation date
After your service ends, Centro may delete your account data, including invoices and client records. Before your final access date, download all your information in exportable formats (PDF, CSV or Excel). This is your legal responsibility, not Centro's obligation.
Refund policy and escalation pathway
Centro's refund eligibility depends on the circumstances of your cancellation and whether the company has breached the Consumer Protection Act.
When Centro must refund you in full
You are entitled to a full refund if: you cancel within 14 days of sign-up and Centro has already charged you; you were not provided with clear cancellation terms before purchase; Centro misrepresented its features or pricing; or the company breached a material term of your contract (for example, the service was down for more than 48 hours without compensation).
When Centro may withhold a refund
Centro may deduct a reasonable amount if you used the service and then cancelled, but only if this deduction is clearly stated in your contract and complies with the Consumer Protection Act. The company cannot deduct administrative fees simply for processing your cancellation. Yafee advises that if Centro refuses a refund you believe is valid, you have the right to escalate to the National Consumer Commission.
Disputing a refund with the national consumer commission
If Centro refuses to refund you and you believe the refusal violates the Consumer Protection Act, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission. You can file a complaint online at www.ncc.org.za or by post. The NCC will investigate Centro's conduct and may compel the company to refund you.
To strengthen your complaint, attach: your cancellation confirmation email; Centro's refund refusal in writing; screenshots of Centro's refund policy from their website; and a clear explanation of why you believe Centro breached consumer law. The NCC typically responds within 30-60 days.
How to avoid needing to cancel Centro in the future
Choosing the right subscription platform and understanding the contract before you sign prevents costly cancellations later.
Questions to ask before signing up for Centro
Before you commit to Centro, ask: what is the minimum contract period? Can I cancel monthly if I pay monthly, or am I locked in for a year? What is Centro's refund policy if I cancel mid-cycle? Will you charge me early termination fees? Is there a free trial so I can test the platform first? How quickly can I export my data if I need to switch platforms?
Do not sign up until Centro's support team answers these questions in writing. This written confirmation becomes part of your contract and protects you if disputes arise later.
Comparing Centro to alternative billing platforms
| Platform |
Key features |
Starting price (ZAR) |
Cancellation flexibility |
| Centro |
Invoice generation, recurring billing, payment tracking |
R 199/month |
Monthly cancellation available; pro-rata refunds |
| Freshbooks |
Advanced invoicing, time tracking, expense management |
R 250/month |
Monthly cancellation; 30-day notice required |
| Xero |
Full accounting software, bank reconciliation, tax reporting |
R 149/month |
Month-to-month flexibility; no lock-in |
| Wave |
Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses |
Free (premium add-ons from R 100/month) |
No subscription; cancel anytime |
| Zoho Invoice |
Invoice automation, expense tracking, multi-currency support |
R 180/month |
Month-to-month; no long-term contracts |
After cancellation: next steps and record-keeping
Your relationship with Centro does not end when you cancel; you must monitor for unexpected charges and retain records for tax and legal purposes.
Document everything for your records
Keep all Centro-related documentation for at least two years: your sign-up confirmation; every invoice Centro issued; your cancellation confirmation; any refund confirmation; and correspondence with Centro's support team. Store these in a dedicated folder (digital or physical). This evidence is essential if you need to dispute a charge later or file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission.
Update your accounting records and tax filings
If you used Centro as a business expense, update your accounting records to reflect the cancellation date and any final charges. If Centro issued you a pro-rata refund, record this as income received. Keep all invoices for your tax return, as Centro payments are typically deductible business expenses in South Africa.
Monitor for phantom charges
For 60 days after cancellation, check your bank or credit card statement weekly. If Centro charges you after your confirmed cancellation date, contact the company immediately and request a reversal. If Centro does not reverse the charge within 5 business days, dispute it with your bank using your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Your bank can investigate and force Centro to refund the unauthorised charge.
Conclusion: reclaiming control of your subscription
Cancelling Centro is your right as a consumer, and South African law protects you from unfair contract terms, hidden fees and unwanted automatic renewal. By following the steps outlined above, you avoid delays, ensure you receive any refunds due, and create a clear legal record of your cancellation.
If Centro refuses to cancel, disputes your refund, or continues charging you after you have cancelled, escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission. The NCC has the legal authority to compel Centro to honour your cancellation request and refund any money owed.
Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel subscriptions and recover refunds by combining clear procedural guidance with a deep understanding of consumer law. Whether you cancel through the web portal, email or phone, our framework ensures you follow the correct legal steps and protect your rights. If you encounter resistance from Centro, Yafee's guidance on escalation to the National Consumer Commission gives you the tools to enforce your consumer protection rights. Remember: you have the power to cancel, and Centro must respect that decision in accordance with South African consumer law.
Contact information for escalation
National Consumer Commission
Postal address: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2146
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ncc.org.za
Telephone: 011 676 1676
Centro support contact
You will find Centro's official support email and phone number on your invoice, in your account settings, or on their website. Always use these official channels when requesting cancellation.