How to cancel Checkmyfile in south africa and protect your rights
What Checkmyfile is and why you might want to cancel
Checkmyfile is a credit monitoring subscription service that consolidates your credit information from multiple South African credit reference agencies into a single dashboard. The service operates from the United Kingdom but serves South African consumers, helping you track your credit status, identify inaccuracies, and raise disputes directly with credit bureaus. Your account is managed entirely online, and your subscription renews automatically each month unless you actively cancel.
Key features of Checkmyfile
The platform aggregates credit data from all major South African credit reference agencies, provides ongoing monitoring of changes to your credit file, includes dispute-raising tools to challenge inaccuracies, and displays your credit score on a user-friendly dashboard. You access everything through a web portal using your email and password. The subscription model means you pay a recurring monthly charge unless you cancel before the next billing date.
Common reasons south african users cancel
Many users cancel after resolving credit disputes and finding the service no longer necessary for their situation. Others discover the monthly renewal charges feel unnecessary once they have reviewed their credit file, or they prefer alternative credit monitoring services. Some cancel due to unexpected charges or simply want to reduce their monthly expenses. Whatever your reason, cancellation should be transparent and free. Yafee specialises in helping consumers understand their rights and navigate the cancellation process with confidence.
Your consumer rights under south african law
As a South African consumer, you are protected under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 68 of 2008, which applies to all suppliers offering goods or services to South African consumers, regardless of where they operate.
Protection under the consumer protection act
The CPA grants you the right to cancel certain distance contracts (which includes online subscriptions) within a cooling-off period without penalty. For distance contracts, South African law provides a minimum of 5 business days; however, Checkmyfile's terms reference the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, which allow 14 calendar days from the point of purchase. This means you benefit from the more generous timeline. Furthermore, the CPA requires that all material information about pricing, billing frequency, and cancellation procedures must be provided to you in plain language before you subscribe. If Checkmyfile fails to meet these obligations, you have grounds to escalate your complaint.
In accordance with the CPA, suppliers must make cancellation easy, cost-free, and as simple as the method you used to subscribe. Any charges or barriers to cancellation are unlawful. Additionally, you have the right to clear proof of cancellation. If you experience difficulties, you can lodge a complaint with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), which enforces credit law in South Africa, or raise a dispute with your payment provider (your bank or card issuer).
Your legal position
You have the explicit right under the Consumer Protection Act to cancel your Checkmyfile subscription without providing a reason within the cooling-off period (or beyond, if you are outside that window, as long as you provide written notice). Checkmyfile cannot require you to pay a penalty or fulfil additional conditions. If the company refuses to cancel or charges you after cancellation, you can report the matter to the National Credit Regulator or pursue a chargeback through your bank.
Documentation to keep
Save your sign-up confirmation email, all subscription renewal notices, payment receipts, and any cancellation request records. These documents prove your right to the service and your proof of cancellation. If a dispute arises, you will need these records to claim a refund or lodge a complaint with a consumer authority. Store them in a safe location (email folder, cloud storage, or printed copies) for at least 12 months after cancellation.
Cancellation methods available to you
Checkmyfile offers multiple ways to cancel, and Yafee recommends starting with the self-service method via your online account, which is the fastest and provides instant confirmation.
Cancel through your online account
This is the quickest method and leaves you with immediate written confirmation. Log in to your Checkmyfile account on any web browser, navigate to your account settings or profile section, locate the Billing or Subscription section, and follow the on-screen cancellation steps. The system will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer retention incentives. Once you complete the process, Checkmyfile will display a cancellation confirmation on your screen and send you a confirmation email.
Cancel by email
Send a formal cancellation request to the email address listed on Checkmyfile's website or in your account settings. Include your full name, the email address associated with your account, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your subscription effective immediately. In your email, ask for written confirmation of cancellation. Send this email from the address registered to your account to ensure it is processed without delay. Keep the email thread as your proof of cancellation.
Cancel via secure messaging
Use the Conversations or in-account messaging feature to request cancellation. This method is traceable, remains within your account record, and creates an automatic audit trail. This is particularly useful if you want proof that is linked directly to your account.
Cancel by telephone
Call Checkmyfile's support team during UK business hours. The telephone number is available on your account dashboard. Note that South African Standard Time is typically 2 hours ahead of UK time; when it is 9 am in the UK, it is 11 am in South Africa. Request a confirmation number from the agent handling your cancellation, and note the date and time of your call. Follow up with an email confirming the telephone conversation.
Step-by-step guide to cancel through your online account
This method is the most straightforward and leaves you with immediate evidence of cancellation.
- Open any web browser and navigate to the Checkmyfile login page.
- Enter your email address and password to log in to your account.
- Once logged in, locate the menu option for Account Settings, Profile, or My Account.
- This is usually found in the top-right corner under your name or initials.
- Navigate to the Billing, Subscription, or Payment Settings section.
- Look for an option labelled "Manage Subscription" or "View Billing Details".
- Click the button or link to cancel your subscription.
- Checkmyfile may display a confirmation screen asking you to confirm the cancellation.
- You may see an option to pause your subscription instead; select full cancellation if that is your intention.
- Confirm your cancellation by clicking the final confirmation button.
- The system will process your request and display a confirmation message on your screen.
- Screenshot or photograph the confirmation screen as proof.
- This visual record is useful if you need to dispute any charges later.
- Check your email inbox (including spam and promotions folders) for a cancellation confirmation email within 5 minutes.
- Open and save this email to a dedicated folder or archive it in your email client.
Step-by-step guide to cancel by email
This method creates a formal written record and is ideal if you want documented proof of your cancellation request.
- Open your email client and compose a new message to the support email address listed in your Checkmyfile account or invoice.
- The standard support address is typically [email protected] or a similar variations listed on the platform.
- In the subject line, write: "Cancellation Request for [Your Full Name] - Account [Your Email Address]".
- In the body of the email, include the following information:
- Your full name (as it appears on your account).
- The email address registered to your Checkmyfile account.
- A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Checkmyfile subscription effective from today's date."
- Your preferred date of cancellation (you can write "effective immediately" or specify a date within the current billing period).
- A request for written confirmation: "Please confirm this cancellation in writing within 24 hours."
- Send the email from the address registered to your Checkmyfile account.
- This ensures the company can verify your identity and identity-match your account.
- Wait for a response email from Checkmyfile.
- You should receive confirmation within 1 to 2 business days.
- If you do not receive a response within 3 business days, send a follow-up email.
- Save the confirmation email in a dedicated folder.
- Create a filter or label in your email client to ensure the entire thread remains organised and searchable.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not happen instantly; you must understand the timeline to avoid unexpected charges.
Billing cycle and final charges
Checkmyfile operates on a monthly billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you remain subscribed and retain access until the end of your current billing period. Your final charge will appear on your next statement (typically within 5 to 10 business days). After this charge posts, your account will be deactivated and you will lose access to the platform. Consequently, you should cancel as early as possible in your billing cycle if you wish to minimise your final charge.
Refund eligibility
Under the Consumer Protection Act, you are entitled to a refund if you cancel within the cooling-off period (14 calendar days from purchase). If you are outside this window, Checkmyfile is not legally obligated to refund you, though you can request a pro-rata refund for unused time if you cancelled before your final billing date. If Checkmyfile refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to, you can lodge a dispute with your payment provider or escalate to the National Credit Regulator.
Account access after cancellation
Your access to the Checkmyfile platform will be removed at the end of your final billing period. You will no longer be able to log in, view your credit data, or raise disputes through the platform. If you need to download or screenshot your credit information before losing access, do so before your final billing date.
Refund timeline and how to claim one
Your eligibility for a refund depends on when you cancel relative to your purchase date.
Within the cooling-off period (14 calendar days)
If you cancel within 14 calendar days of your purchase date, you have an unconditional right to a full refund under the FCA's cooling-off rules (which Checkmyfile honours for all customers). To claim, submit your cancellation request and explicitly state: "I am exercising my right to cancel within the cooling-off period and request a full refund." Provide your bank account details or state your preferred refund method. Checkmyfile must process the refund within 14 calendar days of receiving your request.
Outside the cooling-off period
If you cancel after the 14-day window, Checkmyfile is not legally required to refund your fees. Nevertheless, you can request a pro-rata refund for any unused portion of your current month if you cancelled before your next billing date. Some companies honour this as a goodwill gesture. If you believe the company has charged you unfairly or without proper consent, you can dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer.
How to request a refund
Include your refund request in your cancellation email or account message. Provide your full name, account email address, the date of your original purchase, and your current bank account details (account holder name, account number, and branch code). State whether you are claiming a cooling-off refund or requesting a pro-rata adjustment. Keep copies of all refund correspondence.
Pricing overview and what you are paying
Understanding your charges helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice and ensures you spot unauthorised billing.
| Subscription type |
Monthly cost (ZAR) |
Billing frequency |
Cancellation penalty |
| Standard monthly |
Approximately R99-R149 |
Monthly renewal |
None - cancel anytime |
| Annual plan (if available) |
Typically 20% discount on 12-month total |
Single annual charge |
Refundable within 14 days; pro-rata after |
| Free trial |
R0 for first 30 days |
Converts to paid at end of trial |
Cancel before trial ends to avoid first charge |
Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on promotional offers. Check your most recent invoice to confirm your exact charge. Yafee recommends reviewing your bank or credit card statement monthly to ensure you are not being overcharged.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation is straightforward if you follow the correct steps, and Yafee has identified the pitfalls that catch most users.
Assuming your cancellation is complete without confirmation
Never assume your cancellation has been processed unless you receive written confirmation. Some users request cancellation via phone, forget to note the confirmation number, and later discover they were still charged. Always request and save written confirmation, whether by email, account message, or screenshot.
Cancelling but not monitoring your final bill
Many users cancel but do not check their bank statement for the final charge. Your subscription may process one final payment even after you cancel, and this is typically non-refundable outside the cooling-off period. Check your statement 5 to 10 business days after cancellation to confirm only one final charge has been applied.
Failing to meet the cooling-off deadline
The 14-day cooling-off period runs from your purchase date, not from the date you request cancellation. If you miss this window by even one day, you lose your unconditional refund right. Mark your purchase date in your calendar and cancel immediately if you change your mind.
Ignoring unauthorised charges after cancellation
If Checkmyfile continues to charge you after you have cancelled, do not ignore the charges. Immediately dispute them with your bank or card issuer and provide your cancellation confirmation as proof. Banks can reverse unauthorised charges within 40 days of the transaction.
What to do if Checkmyfile refuses to cancel
If Checkmyfile refuses to process your cancellation or continues charging you after you have requested cancellation, you have legal remedies.
Escalate internally
Send a formal written complaint to Checkmyfile's complaints department (usually [email protected] or a similar address). Reference the Consumer Protection Act, state that you have already requested cancellation, and give the company 10 business days to respond or face escalation. Keep copies of all previous cancellation requests to attach to your complaint.
Dispute the charge with your bank
If Checkmyfile continues to charge your account after cancellation, contact your South African bank or card issuer immediately. Request a chargeback or reversal of the unauthorised transactions. Provide your bank with copies of your cancellation request and confirmation. Your bank can reverse charges within 40 days of the transaction date.
Lodge a complaint with the national credit regulator
The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer credit law in South Africa. If Checkmyfile fails to honour your cancellation request or refund, you can lodge a formal complaint with the NCR at [email protected] or visit www.ncr.org.za. The NCR will investigate and may compel Checkmyfile to refund you or cancel your subscription. This process is free and does not require legal representation.
Checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have taken all necessary steps.
| Action |
Before cancellation |
After cancellation |
| Save your credit report |
Screenshot or download your credit data and any dispute records. |
Verify you have offline copies if you need them later. |
| Record your purchase date |
Note the date you signed up to calculate the cooling-off period correctly. |
Use this to determine refund eligibility. |
| Submit cancellation request |
Use at least one of the methods above (account, email, or phone). |
Confirm you have received written acknowledgment within 2 business days. |
| Monitor your bank statement |
Note your standard billing date and amount. |
Check for charges 5 to 10 business days after cancellation. |
| Keep all correspondence |
Save sign-up emails and invoices in a dedicated folder. |
Archive cancellation confirmation and refund confirmations for 12 months. |
| Request a refund if eligible |
Identify your purchase date and check if you are within 14 days. |
Submit refund request with bank details if claiming cooling-off refund. |
Comparison: Checkmyfile versus alternative credit monitoring services
If you are cancelling Checkmyfile, you may want to explore other options.
| Service |
Monthly cost (ZAR) |
Coverage |
Key strength |
| Checkmyfile |
R99-R149 |
All major SA credit bureaus |
Dispute-raising tools |
| Experian credit monitoring |
R149+ |
Experian bureau only |
Single bureau focus; detailed reports |
| Transunion credit reports (direct) |
Variable |
Transunion bureau only |
Direct from source; pay-per-view model |
| Free annual credit report (legal right) |
R0 |
All major SA bureaus |
Free; no subscription required |
| Debt counselling services (non-profit) |
Free or donation-based |
Holistic credit advice |
Dispute assistance; financial counselling |
Note that South African law entitles you to one free credit report per year from each major bureau. You can request these directly from Experian, Transunion, Equifax, and Compuscan without paying Checkmyfile.
Cancellation address and company details
If you need to send a formal cancellation letter by post, use the following registered address (current as of 2026):
Checkmyfile Limited
20-21 Lemon Street
Truro, TR1 2LS
United Kingdom
Send your cancellation letter via registered post to ensure proof of delivery. Include your full name, account email address, and a clear cancellation request. Allow 10 to 15 business days for postal delivery and processing.
For online cancellation, contact [email protected] or use the in-account messaging feature.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Checkmyfile is your right under South African consumer law, and the process is straightforward if you follow the steps above. You have multiple cancellation methods available, and you are entitled to a full refund if you cancel within 14 calendar days of purchase. After cancellation, monitor your bank statement to ensure no further charges are applied. If Checkmyfile refuses to cancel or continues charging, escalate to your bank or the National Credit Regulator.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, understand their rights, and claim refunds they were entitled to. Whether you are cancelling due to cost, redundancy, or preference, Yafee is here to guide you through the process with clear, legally grounded advice. Visit Yafee.com to explore more resources on subscription cancellation, consumer rights, and contract law in South Africa. Your consumer protections are real, and Yafee makes sure you know how to use them.