How to cancel Clearscore in south africa: your rights and step-by-step cancellation guide
Why you might want to cancel Clearscore
Clearscore is a free credit monitoring platform that gives you access to your South African credit score and detailed credit report at no cost. The service operates via web browser and mobile apps for iOS and Android, making it accessible wherever you are. Many users benefit from the free tier, which provides unlimited access to credit insights and financial health tracking.
Clearscore also offers Protect Plus, a paid subscription tier with monthly fees that adds real-time credit monitoring alerts, identity theft protection, and priority customer support. If you subscribed to Protect Plus and no longer need the extra features, or if the monthly cost no longer suits your budget, you have clear legal rights to cancel. Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers understand their cancellation rights and regain control over their subscriptions.
What the free tier and protect plus offer
The standard Clearscore account costs nothing. You receive unlimited access to your credit score, a comprehensive credit report pulled from South Africa's major credit bureaus, and financial insights to help improve your credit profile. This free service is sufficient if you simply want occasional credit monitoring without additional features.
Protect Plus adds enhanced monitoring for a monthly subscription fee. You get real-time alerts whenever changes occur on your credit file, identity theft monitoring services, and priority support when you contact Clearscore. If you have been paying for Protect Plus but want to discontinue it, Yafee can guide you through the cancellation process without confusion.
Common reasons south african consumers cancel their subscriptions
You might cancel because you no longer need constant credit monitoring, the monthly fee no longer fits your budget, the alerts feel overwhelming, or you prefer a simpler approach to credit tracking. Some users switch to a competitor service, while others find that the free Clearscore tier covers their actual needs. Each reason is valid, and you have straightforward cancellation methods available regardless.
Your consumer rights when cancelling in south africa
South African consumer protection law grants you specific rights when cancelling subscriptions, and these rights are independent of what Clearscore's terms state.
The consumer protection act and your cooling-off period
Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of South Africa, you have the right to cancel certain distance contracts within a set timeframe without incurring penalties. For Protect Plus subscriptions, Clearscore offers a 7-day cooling-off period from the date you purchase the subscription. If you cancel within this 7-day window, you receive a full refund automatically, with no questions asked and no deductions.
This cooling-off period is a statutory protection under the CPA, not a discretionary courtesy. It applies automatically to all Protect Plus purchases made online. After the 7 days expire, you can still request refunds if you identify a billing error, a duplicate charge, or if Clearscore fails to deliver the services promised in its contract. Your legal position remains strong if you can demonstrate a clear breach of contract or fraudulent billing.
Escalation through the national financial ombud scheme
If you raise a complaint with Clearscore about Protect Plus and they do not resolve it within 20 business days, you may escalate to the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFOS). This is a free, independent dispute-resolution service operated for financial services complaints across South Africa. You do not need a lawyer to lodge a complaint, and the ombudsman can order Clearscore to refund you, correct billing errors, or take other corrective action.
Clearscore's Protect Plus terms include contact details for the NFOS. Yafee recommends saving this information before you cancel, so you have it available if a dispute arises. The NFOS operates independently of both Clearscore and the financial services regulator, giving you an impartial avenue for complaint resolution.
Clearscore pricing and what you pay
Understanding Clearscore's cost structure helps you decide whether Protect Plus justifies its monthly fee for your situation.
| Tier |
Cost |
Credit score access |
Monitoring alerts |
Identity theft protection |
| Clearscore free |
R0 per month |
Yes, unlimited |
No |
No |
| Protect Plus |
Variable (shown at sign-up) |
Yes, unlimited |
Yes, real-time |
Yes, included |
Exact Protect Plus pricing appears during sign-up and may change depending on promotional offers. If you are unsure of your current subscription cost, log into your Clearscore account to check your billing details or contact Clearscore support directly.
How to cancel Clearscore: step-by-step method
Cancelling your Clearscore Protect Plus subscription is straightforward if you follow these steps in order.
Step 1: log in to your Clearscore account
Open the Clearscore website or mobile app and sign in using your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link to reset it before proceeding. Ensure you have active internet access and use a device with a stable connection.
Step 2: navigate to your subscription settings
- Once logged in, go to your account settings or profile menu (usually located in the top right corner of the website or in the app menu).
- Look for "Subscription", "Billing", or "My plans" within your account settings.
- Select Protect Plus from the list of active subscriptions if multiple are displayed.
Step 3: initiate the cancellation request
Within your subscription menu, you should see a "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription" button. Click this button to begin the cancellation process. Clearscore may ask you to confirm your reason for cancellation and offer alternatives (such as a pause or discount). You are under no obligation to accept these alternatives; you may proceed directly to cancellation.
Step 4: confirm your cancellation
Clearscore will ask you to confirm that you want to cancel Protect Plus. Read any final confirmation message carefully to understand the date your cancellation takes effect. Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final confirmation button.
Step 5: save your cancellation confirmation
Once Clearscore confirms your cancellation, save the confirmation email or screenshot showing the cancellation date and reference number. You need this evidence if you later dispute a charge or lodge a complaint with the NFOS. Do not discard this confirmation.
Step 6: verify the cancellation in your next billing cycle
Check your bank or credit card statement in the next billing period to confirm that Clearscore has stopped charging you. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact Clearscore immediately with your cancellation confirmation as proof. Yafee recommends setting a calendar reminder for your next billing date so you do not miss this verification step.
What happens after you cancel
Your subscription ends on the cancellation date you confirm, not immediately upon clicking "cancel". Clearscore typically allows you to use Protect Plus until the end of your current billing cycle, then downgrades you to the free tier automatically.
Access to your account post-cancellation
You retain access to your Clearscore account after cancellation. You can still view your credit score, credit report, and financial insights using the free tier. No data is deleted, and your credit history remains stored in your account. You simply lose access to the paid features (real-time alerts and identity theft monitoring).
Reactivating protect plus in the future
If you change your mind, you can reactivate Protect Plus at any time by logging in and selecting the subscription option. Clearscore may offer a promotional discount to returning customers. Yafee advises reviewing the pricing and terms before you reactivate to ensure the subscription still meets your needs.
Refunds and what you are entitled to receive
Your right to a refund depends on when you cancel relative to your subscription purchase date.
Refunds within the 7-day cooling-off period
If you cancel Protect Plus within 7 days of purchase, you receive a full refund to your original payment method. This refund is automatic under the Consumer Protection Act and requires no further action from you. Clearscore typically processes this refund within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take additional time to credit your account.
Refunds after the 7-day period
After the 7-day cooling-off window closes, Clearscore is not obligated to refund you unless you identify a legitimate reason, such as a duplicate charge, a billing error, or a failure to deliver the services contracted. If you believe Clearscore has made an error, contact them in writing with evidence. Yafee recommends sending this correspondence via email so you have a timestamped record.
Disputing charges with your bank
If Clearscore continues charging you after cancellation, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charge. Provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Your bank can reverse fraudulent or unauthorised charges and may issue a chargeback to Clearscore. This option is separate from the NFOS complaint process and can be faster for resolving individual billing disputes.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation is straightforward, but a few missteps can cause unnecessary delays or leave you still paying.
Mistake 1: assuming cancellation takes effect immediately
Many users believe that clicking "cancel" stops charges on the same day. In reality, Clearscore typically charges you through the end of your current billing cycle before the cancellation takes effect. Always check the exact cancellation date Clearscore confirms to you, and verify that no charge appears in your next billing period.
Mistake 2: not saving your cancellation confirmation
If you do not keep a copy of your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot, you have no proof that you cancelled if a dispute arises later. Save this confirmation in your email archives or take a screenshot immediately. This evidence is essential if you need to escalate to the NFOS.
Mistake 3: cancelling via customer support instead of the app or website
Requesting cancellation by emailing support or calling customer service can lead to delays or miscommunication. Use the in-app or website cancellation method whenever possible, as it creates an automatic, timestamped record. If you must contact support, follow up with an email confirmation request so you have written proof.
Mistake 4: ignoring your bank statement after cancellation
Some users cancel but fail to verify that Clearscore has actually stopped charging them. Check your next billing statement carefully. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact Clearscore and your bank immediately with your cancellation proof. Yafee recommends this verification step for every subscription cancellation.
Cancellation checklist for Clearscore
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly and protect yourself from future disputes.
| Task |
Status |
Timing |
| Log into your Clearscore account |
Completed |
Before you cancel |
| Navigate to subscription settings |
Completed |
Same session |
| Click "Cancel subscription" and confirm |
Completed |
Same session |
| Save cancellation confirmation email or screenshot |
Completed |
Immediately after cancellation |
| Check bank statement on next billing date |
Completed |
Within 5 days of scheduled charge |
| Contact Clearscore if charge still appears |
Completed |
Immediately (with cancellation proof) |
You may need to reach Clearscore if a billing dispute arises after cancellation or if you encounter technical issues during the cancellation process.
Clearscore contact information in south africa
Clearscore maintains a registered business address in Cape Town for complaints and service of legal notices. For billing disputes or cancellation issues, contact Clearscore via the support channels available within your account (typically email or in-app chat). Provide your full name, email address, and account reference number when you contact them.
If Clearscore does not resolve your complaint within 20 business days, you may escalate to the National Financial Ombud Scheme. The NFOS contact details are published on Clearscore's website and in your account settings.
Clearscore mailing address for formal notices
For formal cancellation requests or legal correspondence, you may send written notice to Clearscore's mailing address (a PO Box is provided for this purpose). Include your full name, account email, and a clear statement that you are cancelling your Protect Plus subscription. Send this by registered mail or email with delivery confirmation if you require proof of receipt.
Keeping or cancelling protect plus: a comparison
This comparison helps you decide whether Protect Plus remains valuable for your circumstances.
| Feature |
Keep Protect Plus |
Cancel and use free tier |
| Cost to you per month |
Variable subscription fee |
R0 - no cost |
| Access to credit score |
Yes, unlimited |
Yes, unlimited |
| Real-time monitoring alerts |
Yes, included |
No alerts |
| Identity theft protection |
Yes, included |
No |
| Best for |
Active credit users, fraud risk |
Occasional monitoring, budget-conscious |
Next steps: taking control of your subscription
Cancelling Clearscore Protect Plus is a straightforward process when you follow the steps outlined in this guide. You have strong consumer protections under the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa, including a 7-day cooling-off period and escalation rights through the National Financial Ombud Scheme if Clearscore refuses to resolve a billing dispute.
The key to a smooth cancellation is following the in-app or website cancellation method, saving your confirmation, and verifying that charges stop in your next billing cycle. If you encounter resistance or continued charges, your cancellation confirmation gives you the evidence you need to escalate to the NFOS or your bank.
Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover erroneous charges. By understanding your rights under consumer law and taking these concrete steps, you regain control over your financial commitments. Start your cancellation today, save your confirmation, and verify the outcome in your next bank statement. Yafee is here to support you through every step of the process.