How to cancel Passion and claim your refund in south africa
Why you might cancel Passion and what to know first
Passion is a subscription-based digital reading platform that delivers curated articles and content tailored to your personal interests. You access the service through mobile apps or a web account, and you can save, share, and explore content within niche communities. Most subscribers pay a monthly fee to unlock premium curated reading, while others purchase in-app items such as coins or exclusive chapters.
You may decide to cancel if the subscription no longer serves your reading habits, if your interests have shifted, or if charges continue without your active consent. Some subscribers discover they were billed without explicit permission, or refunds promised by Passion never materialised. Whatever your reason, cancelling is your right under South African consumer law, and Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations and recover unwanted charges. This guide walks you through every step to cancel Passion-whether you subscribed via your phone's app store or directly through the Passion website-and how to pursue a refund if needed.
Common reasons to cancel Passion
You might cancel because you do not read regularly enough to justify the monthly cost, or because you forgot about the subscription draining your account. Others cancel after discovering unauthorised charges, or after the service failed to deliver promised content. Some users cancel when promised refunds never arrived, or when the terms changed without notice. Understanding your specific reason helps you gather evidence if you need to dispute a charge with your bank.
What Passion costs and subscription types
Passion typically charges monthly subscriptions ranging from approximately R49 to R249 per month, depending on the tier you selected. Many users also make in-app purchases for premium content or special features. The service offers a free tier with limited content access, and premium tiers unlock exclusive curated reading. If you cannot remember your exact subscription amount, check your bank statement or app store billing history-this proof becomes essential if you claim an unauthorised charge.
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African consumer law is designed to protect you when you subscribe to digital services, and understanding these rights gives you leverage if Passion refuses to cancel or continues charging after you request cancellation.
Key protections under the consumer protection act
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) is the primary legal framework protecting your rights as a digital subscriber in South Africa. Under the CPA, you have the right to cancel a distance transaction-which includes digital subscriptions-within 14 calendar days of purchase, without penalty or reason. This 14-day cooling-off period applies even if you have already started using the service. You must notify Passion in writing during this window, and you are entitled to a full refund within 10 business days of that notice.
Furthermore, the CPA prohibits automatic recurring debits without your explicit ongoing consent. If Passion charged your account after you cancelled, or if charges continued without your permission, you have grounds to dispute the transaction with your bank or card issuer. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) are your escalation points if Passion ignores your rights under the CPA.
Your legal position when cancelling Passion
Within 14 days of your first charge: You do not need Passion's permission to cancel. You must simply notify them in writing-email counts-with proof of purchase (receipt, screenshot, or confirmation number). If Passion refuses or charges continue, your bank has a legal obligation to dispute the charge on your behalf under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005.
After 14 days: Your right to cancel without reason ends, but you may still request a refund if you have grounds: unauthorised charges, service failure, misleading terms, or continued billing after cancellation. User reports suggest Passion sometimes accepts refund requests beyond 14 days, though this is discretionary. Yafee recommends documenting all communication with Passion to strengthen your position if you escalate to your bank or the NCR.
What happens if Passion ignores your cancellation request
If Passion does not respond to your cancellation within 10 business days, or if charges continue after you cancel, contact your bank immediately. Inform your bank that you cancelled the subscription and request a chargeback or dispute. Your bank must investigate within 10 business days under the National Credit Act. You can also lodge a complaint with the NCR at [email protected] or visit their website if the bank does not resolve the matter within 20 business days.
Your cancellation method depends on where you signed up: through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or directly via the Passion website or app. Each path is straightforward, but you must follow the correct steps for your platform to ensure the cancellation sticks and charges stop immediately.
Cancel Passion via the apple app store (iOS)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner (your photo or initials).
- Select Subscriptions from the menu.
- Find Passion in the active subscriptions list.
- Tap Cancel subscription or Edit, then select Cancel.
- Confirm the cancellation when Apple asks if you want to keep the subscription.
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page as proof.
The subscription cancels at the end of your current billing cycle, and Apple issues a refund only if you cancel within 14 days of purchase. After 14 days, Apple does not automatically refund, but you can request a refund directly by contacting Apple Support with proof of your cancellation and grounds (for example, unauthorised charge or service failure).
Cancel Passion via google play store (Android)
- 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, then Subscriptions.
- Find and tap Passion.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation.
Google Play cancels the subscription at the end of your current billing period. Similar to Apple, Google only issues automatic refunds within 14 days of your first charge. If you cancel after 14 days and believe you have grounds for a refund, contact Google Play Support with documentation of your cancellation and your reason (unauthorised charge, service failure, or misleading billing).
Cancel Passion directly via the Passion website or app
- Log into your Passion account on the website (passion.com or the app).
- Navigate to Settings or Account Settings (usually found in the menu or profile section).
- Find the Subscriptions or Billing section.
- Select Manage subscription or Cancel subscription.
- Follow the prompts and confirm your cancellation.
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
- Send a follow-up email to Passion's support team stating: "I have cancelled my subscription effective [date]. Please confirm that all future charges have stopped and provide a cancellation confirmation number."
Cancelling directly through the Passion app or website is often fastest, but you must still follow up with written confirmation to Passion. If Passion does not respond to your email within 5 business days, escalate the matter to your bank or contact Yafee for guidance on next steps.
Cancel by contacting Passion directly via email or letter
- Send a cancellation email to Passion's support address ([email protected] or the address listed in your account settings) with the subject line: "Subscription cancellation request".
- Include your full name, email address, account username, subscription start date, and the reason for cancellation.
- Clearly state: "I request cancellation of my Passion subscription effective immediately. Please confirm that all future charges have ceased and provide a written cancellation confirmation number."
- Request a read receipt or reply confirmation from Passion.
- Keep a copy of the email and the timestamp of sending as proof.
Written notification-whether by email or registered mail-protects you legally under the CPA. Passion must respond within 10 business days. If they do not respond or charges continue, you have documented evidence to present to your bank or the NCR.
What to do if Passion refuses to refund you
If Passion denies your refund request or ignores your cancellation, you have clear legal pathways to recover your money. In accordance with South African law, your bank must support your dispute.
Dispute the charge with your bank
- Contact your bank's fraud or disputes department by phone or visit your nearest branch.
- Provide your bank statement showing the Passion charges and the dates.
- Explain why you are disputing: unauthorised charge, service cancellation ignored, or misleading billing.
- Provide all written evidence: your cancellation emails to Passion, screenshots of the cancellation confirmation, and Passion's refusal (if any).
- Request a chargeback under the National Credit Act if the charge was unauthorised or the service failed.
- Your bank will investigate within 10 business days and reverse the charge if the dispute is upheld.
Your bank is legally obligated to investigate unauthorised recurring charges. Most banks resolve disputes in your favour if you demonstrate that you cancelled and Passion continued charging.
Escalate to the national credit regulator (NCR)
- Visit the NCR's complaints portal at www.ncr.org.za or email [email protected].
- Provide your full details, account information, and a detailed account of the dispute.
- Attach all evidence: cancellation requests, Passion's responses, bank statements, and your bank's dispute outcome (if already attempted).
- The NCR will lodge a formal complaint with Passion and investigate.
- You will receive updates on the NCR's findings and Passion's response.
The NCR investigates breaches of the National Credit Act and can impose penalties on Passion if they violated your rights. This is a formal process and typically results in refunds if your evidence is strong.
Lodge a complaint with the department of trade, industry and competition (DTIC)
- Contact the DTIC's Consumer Protection Directorate at [email protected] or call 012 394 5200.
- Submit a written complaint detailing the dispute, dates, amounts, and all documentation.
- The DTIC investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act.
- The DTIC can compel Passion to refund you and may impose administrative penalties on the company.
The DTIC has enforcement power over digital service providers and takes complaints about unlawful billing seriously. Yafee recommends exhausting bank and NCR channels first, but the DTIC is your ultimate recourse if other avenues fail.
Timeline for cancellation and refunds
Understanding the legal timelines protects you from being overcharged and ensures you know when to escalate if Passion delays.
| Action |
Deadline |
Notes |
| Send cancellation request (first charge to day 14) |
Within 14 days of purchase |
Entitles you to automatic refund under CPA |
| Passion issues refund (after cancellation within 14 days) |
Within 10 business days of cancellation |
CPA requirement; if missed, escalate to bank |
| Bank investigates dispute |
Within 10 business days |
National Credit Act requirement |
| Bank reversal (if upheld) |
Within 20 business days from dispute date |
Funds returned to your account |
| NCR complaint resolution |
30-60 business days |
Recommended escalation if bank fails |
| DTIC investigation (if needed) |
60-90 business days |
Final enforcement route |
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Passion
Many subscribers believe they have cancelled when they have not, or they fail to document the cancellation. Yafee is here to remind you that the right steps now save you money and stress later. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.
Not verifying cancellation with written proof
Cancelling through the app or website does not guarantee the subscription stops. Always take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page. Then send a follow-up email to Passion's support team asking for written confirmation. Without this proof, your bank or the NCR cannot verify that you genuinely cancelled.
Missing the 14-day refund window
If you are within 14 days of your first charge and want a full automatic refund, cancel immediately. After 14 days, you must have grounds (unauthorised charge, service failure) to claim a refund. Do not delay if you are still within this critical window.
Failing to check if charges continue after cancellation
Monitor your bank statement for one month after you cancel. Some subscriptions do not stop at the expected date, or Passion may attempt to re-bill. If you see a charge after cancellation, dispute it with your bank immediately with proof of your cancellation.
Not keeping records of all communication
Save every email, screenshot, and confirmation number. If Passion disputes that you cancelled, or your bank needs evidence, you must prove the cancellation. Yafee recommends storing cancellation confirmations in a separate folder on your phone or computer.
Disputing without evidence
Your bank will ask for proof before opening a dispute. Have your cancellation email, screenshots, and Passion's response ready before you call your bank. Disputes with documentation are resolved faster and more often in your favour.
What to do after you cancel Passion
Cancelling is the first step; confirming that charges have stopped is the second. Follow these actions to protect yourself after cancellation.
Verify that charges have stopped
Check your bank statement weekly for one month after you cancel. Passion should not charge you again after the cancellation date. If a charge appears, contact your bank immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation number. Most banks will reverse the charge without hesitation if you show proof of cancellation.
Request written confirmation of cancellation
If Passion has not sent you a cancellation confirmation email, send them a follow-up email asking for one. A confirmation number or date provides proof if you need to escalate later. Passion is obligated to confirm cancellation within 10 business days of your request under the CPA.
Claim any outstanding refunds
If you cancelled within 14 days and have not received a refund within 10 business days, contact Passion's support team with the date of your cancellation request. If Passion does not refund within a further 5 business days, escalate to your bank immediately. Your bank can force the refund through a chargeback if necessary.
Monitor for unwanted re-subscriptions
Some services automatically re-enable subscriptions without explicit consent, especially after app updates. Check your subscriptions in your app store account monthly to ensure Passion does not reappear. If it does, cancel immediately and report the unauthorised renewal to your bank and the NCR.
To cancel Passion or claim a refund, you may need to contact the company directly. Here is the official contact information and billing address.
Primary contact methods
| Contact method |
Details |
Best for |
| Email support |
[email protected] |
Cancellation requests and refund enquiries |
| In-app support |
Settings > Help or Support |
Quick questions (but use email for cancellation) |
| Registered postal address |
Passion (Pty) Ltd, registered office address as per Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) records |
Formal cancellation letters or disputes |
| Payment dispute |
Your bank's disputes team |
If Passion ignores cancellation |
| Regulatory escalation |
NCR: [email protected] or DTIC: [email protected] |
If refund is refused |
Billing address for formal correspondence
If you need to send a formal cancellation letter by registered mail, address it to the head office listed on the official Passion website or within your account settings. This ensures your cancellation is logged with the company's legal team and cannot be ignored. Always send registered mail with proof of delivery, and keep the receipt as evidence.
Deciding whether to cancel or keep your Passion subscription
Before you cancel, weigh whether Passion still delivers value for your reading habits. Here is a simple comparison to help you decide.
| Reason |
Cancel |
Keep |
| Monthly cost |
You rarely read or only browse free content |
You actively read 3+ articles per week |
| Content fit |
Your interests have changed; topics no longer match |
Most curated content aligns with your hobbies |
| Charges |
You were charged without explicit consent or after cancellation |
All charges are authorised and transparent |
| Service quality |
Promised features are missing or frequently unavailable |
App works reliably; customer support is responsive |
| Refund status |
You are within 14 days and want to explore alternatives |
You are satisfied and wish to continue |
| Budget pressure |
You need to cut discretionary spending |
The subscription fits comfortably in your budget |
If most of your reasons fall in the "Cancel" column, proceed with the steps outlined in this guide. Yafee has assisted thousands of South African consumers in cancelling subscriptions and recovering refunds, and we understand that sometimes a service simply no longer fits your life. If you cancel and then change your mind, you can always re-subscribe later.
Why yafee helps you cancel confidently
Yafee is South Africa's leading subscription cancellation and consumer rights guide, grounded in the Consumer Protection Act and National Credit Act. Our team comprises contract law specialists who understand the legal framework protecting you as a digital subscriber. We break down complex consumer law into simple, actionable steps so you can cancel Passion-or any subscription-without confusion or fear of losing money.
Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel subscriptions, claim refunds, and dispute unauthorised charges. We provide clear timelines, regulatory contact information, and evidence checklists so you never face a company alone. Whether you are cancelling because you do not use Passion anymore, because you were charged without consent, or because you simply want to reduce your monthly outgoings, Yafee arms you with knowledge and confidence.
Visit Yafee today to explore guides for cancelling hundreds of other services, understand your consumer rights, and access templates for formal cancellation letters and refund disputes. Yafee ensures that your subscription choices-and your money-remain under your control.