How to cancel Finviz and claim your refund in south africa
What Finviz is and why you might want to cancel
Finviz is a web-based stock market analysis platform built for traders and investors who need real-time charts, screening tools, and fundamental data. The service operates from Bratislava, Slovakia, and charges exclusively in US dollars-your South African bank converts the amount to ZAR when you pay.
You get access to a free tier with basic features, or you can upgrade to Finviz Elite for real-time quotes, advanced screeners, export capabilities, and an ad-free experience. Many South African investors use it, but if you've decided the platform no longer fits your trading strategy, your budget, or your needs, Yafee is here to guide you through a clean cancellation with no surprises.
The reasons to cancel are straightforward: you might find a cheaper alternative, prefer a different interface, have moved away from active trading, or simply want to stop recurring charges. Whatever your reason, you deserve a simple process and clarity about what happens next.
Free trial versus paid subscription
Finviz offers a 7-day free trial that requires no cancellation-it expires automatically without charging your card. If you've moved beyond the trial and signed up for Finviz Elite (monthly at USD 39.50 or annual at USD 299.50), you'll need to follow the cancellation steps outlined in this guide. Yafee recommends keeping records of your trial start date so you know exactly when your free period ends.
Currency and billing concerns in south africa
Because Finviz quotes prices only in USD, your South African card provider or bank applies its own exchange rate on the day of the transaction. This means the ZAR amount you pay may differ from the USD amount quoted on the Finviz website. If you see unexpected charges or foreign exchange fees, document these carefully-they become important if you later file a refund request or dispute with your bank.
Finviz pricing in south africa
Understanding the exact cost helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move for your trading needs and budget.
Official pricing in US dollars
Finviz publishes all pricing in US dollars. The table below shows the current subscription options available to South African traders:
| Plan |
Price (USD) |
Billing period |
Key features |
| Finviz Elite Monthly |
USD 39.50 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Real-time quotes, advanced screener, ETF data, export/API, push alerts, ad-free |
| Finviz Elite Annual |
USD 299.50 |
Annual auto-renewal |
All Elite features, billed once per year, saves approximately 28 percent versus monthly |
| Finviz Free |
Free |
Ongoing |
Basic screener, delayed quotes, limited exports |
What you pay in south african rands
Finviz does not publish local ZAR pricing. When you pay, your card issuer or bank converts USD to ZAR using that day's exchange rate, plus any international transaction fees. If you're on the monthly plan, you'll see a fresh conversion each month. Over a year, monthly billing can add up quickly, especially with exchange rate fluctuations. Yafee recommends reviewing your last three statements to see exactly what you've paid in ZAR-this helps you decide whether cancellation saves you money or if a switch to the annual plan makes sense.
Should you cancel or downgrade instead
Before you cancel permanently, consider whether downgrading to Finviz Free meets your actual needs and avoids losing your historical data.
Good reasons to cancel Finviz
Cancel Finviz if you no longer trade actively, prefer a competing platform like TradingView or StockTwits, have found a cheaper local alternative, or simply want to stop recurring charges. If the platform's feature set no longer aligns with your trading style or if you've moved to a different investment approach, cancellation is the right choice. You may also cancel if repeated foreign exchange fees have made the service unaffordable on your ZAR budget.
Reasons to downgrade instead of cancel
Downgrade to Finviz Free if you want to retain access to basic screening tools without paying. The free tier includes a stock screener with delayed quotes and limited export capabilities-sufficient for passive research. Downgrading avoids losing your watchlists and account history. If you've paid annually and want to switch to monthly billing, or if you're unsure whether you'll need premium features again, downgrading gives you flexibility without full cancellation.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
Your cancellation rights in South Africa are grounded in the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008), which protects you from unfair contract terms and hidden charges.
Your legal position
Under the Consumer Protection Act, you have the right to cancel a subscription service within 14 calendar days of receiving your first invoice, provided the supplier gave you adequate notice of the cancellation terms before you agreed to pay. Finviz must display its cancellation policy clearly on its website or in your account settings. If the policy is hidden, vague, or requires you to jump through unreasonable hoops, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) can investigate your complaint. Furthermore, any foreign exchange markup or hidden fee that was not disclosed upfront may be challenged as an unfair contract term.
If Finviz refuses to refund you or cancels your access without warning, you can escalate to the NCC, which enforces the Consumer Protection Act and investigates complaints at no cost to you. Yafee advises documenting all communications with Finviz and keeping copies of your invoices and bank statements-these are essential if you need to lodge a formal dispute.
Automatic renewal and your rights
The Consumer Protection Act specifically regulates automatic renewal contracts. Finviz must obtain your express, informed consent before charging you each renewal period. The company must also make it as easy to cancel as it was to sign up. If cancellation is harder than signup-for example, if you must email support rather than use a simple online toggle-this may breach the Act. Consequently, if you face this situation, mention the breach when you contact the NCC.
How to cancel your Finviz account
Follow these steps in order to cancel your subscription cleanly and protect your refund rights.
Step 1: log in to your Finviz account
Visit finviz.com and enter your email address and password. If you've forgotten your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and follow the reset email sent to your inbox. Once logged in, you'll see your account dashboard and subscription status.
Step 2: navigate to your account settings
Click on your profile icon or username in the top-right corner of the dashboard. Select "Account Settings" or "Subscription" from the dropdown menu. This section displays your current plan, billing cycle, and next renewal date. Document this information-you'll need it for your records and any future disputes.
Step 3: locate the cancellation or subscription management option
In your account settings, look for a section labeled "Subscription", "Billing", or "Manage Plan". This section will show your active subscription and an option to "Cancel Subscription" or "Downgrade". Click this option. Finviz may prompt you to confirm your cancellation or offer you a discount to stay-decline the discount if you are certain you want to cancel.
Step 4: confirm your cancellation request
Finviz will ask you to confirm the cancellation. Select your reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu if prompted-this feedback helps Finviz improve its service and creates a record of your cancellation intent. Review the cancellation summary, which should state your final billing date and when your access will end. Click "Confirm Cancellation" to proceed.
Step 5: save your cancellation confirmation email
Finviz will send you a confirmation email to your registered address. This email serves as your proof of cancellation. Download or print this email and store it in a safe folder. Include the cancellation date, confirmation number (if provided), and your next billing date. Do not delete this email-you'll reference it if Finviz charges you after cancellation or if you need to file a refund claim with your bank.
Step 6: check your next statement for unwanted charges
Monitor your bank statement for the next 30 days. Your next scheduled billing date (shown in the cancellation confirmation) should pass without a charge. If Finviz charges you after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence that you cancelled in time.
Refund eligibility and how to claim
Your refund rights depend on whether you cancelled within the statutory cooling-off period and whether you have genuine grounds to dispute the charge.
Cancellation within 14 days of your first invoice
If you cancelled Finviz within 14 calendar days of your first invoice and you received clear cancellation terms before you paid, you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act. Email Finviz support at the address provided in this guide with your cancellation confirmation number and your payment details (card ending in XXXX). Request a refund and state the Consumer Protection Act, 2008, as your legal basis. Allow 5 to 7 business days for Finviz to process the refund back to your original payment method.
Cancellation after 14 days
If you cancelled after 14 days, you are not automatically entitled to a refund under consumer law, unless you can prove a material breach by Finviz-for example, if the service was unavailable, if hidden fees were charged, or if the cancellation policy was not clearly disclosed. In these cases, contact Finviz support with evidence of the breach and request a refund on the grounds of unfair contract terms. If Finviz refuses, you can escalate to the NCC.
Disputing charges through your bank
If Finviz refuses to refund you and you believe the charge was unauthorised or fraudulent, contact your bank's dispute resolution team. Provide your cancellation confirmation email, your bank statements, and a written explanation of the dispute. Your bank will investigate and, if evidence supports your claim, will reverse the charge within 10 to 15 business days. This process is separate from Finviz's refund policy and is your right under the National Payment System Act.
Common mistakes when cancelling Finviz
Cancellation is straightforward if you follow the steps, but a few missteps can delay your refund or leave you exposed to surprise charges.
Mistake 1: not saving your cancellation confirmation
Many users delete their cancellation email without saving it. This confirmation is your only proof that you cancelled on time. If Finviz charges you again or claims it never received your cancellation request, you'll have no evidence to support your refund claim or dispute. Always screenshot or print your confirmation email and store it in a dedicated folder or cloud backup.
Mistake 2: assuming your access ends immediately
Your Finviz access does not stop the moment you click "Confirm Cancellation". Instead, you retain access until the end of your current billing cycle. If you're mid-month on a monthly plan, you can use Finviz until your renewal date. After that date, your login will no longer work. Yafee advises checking your cancellation email for your exact access end date so you're not caught off guard.
Mistake 3: cancelling verbally or via social media only
If you email Finviz support or message them on social media without using the in-app cancellation button, you risk Finviz claiming it never received your cancellation request. Always cancel through your account settings first, then follow up with an email confirmation if you want additional documentation. This creates a clear paper trail and protects your refund rights.
Mistake 4: not checking for unexpected foreign exchange fees
Some banks charge a foreign exchange markup or processing fee on international refunds. When Finviz refunds your money in USD, your bank converts it back to ZAR and may deduct a fee. This fee is not Finviz's responsibility, but it reduces your net refund. Review your bank's international transaction policy before you cancel so you understand what you'll receive back.
Mistake 5: forgetting to cancel within 14 days
The 14-day consumer cooling-off period is your strongest refund protection. Once those 14 days pass, refunding you is entirely at Finviz's discretion unless you can prove a breach of contract. Mark your calendar the day you sign up so you remember your deadline. If you're unsure whether you're still within the window, email Finviz immediately and state your cancellation intent-this preserves your legal position.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is not the end of the process; you'll need to monitor your account and your finances to ensure everything closes cleanly.
Your access and data after cancellation
After your billing cycle ends, your Finviz login will no longer work. You will lose access to your watchlists, alerts, and any exported data if you haven't downloaded them already. If there are charts, screener results, or watchlists you want to keep, export them before your access expires. Finviz does not provide a grace period to retrieve data after cancellation, so act immediately after you confirm your cancellation.
Refund timeline
If Finviz approves your refund, it will process the refund to your original payment method within 5 to 7 business days. However, your bank may take an additional 5 to 10 business days to credit the amount to your account. This means you may not see the money for up to 17 days from the date Finviz initiates the refund. If 17 days have passed and you haven't seen the refund, contact your bank with your transaction reference number.
Monitoring for phantom charges
Continue to check your bank statement weekly for the first month after cancellation. Occasionally, subscription services attempt to rebill you if they detect that you've cancelled. If you spot an unauthorised charge, dispute it with your bank immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence. The sooner you report the charge, the faster your bank can reverse it.
Use this information if you need to contact Finviz directly or escalate an unresolved refund dispute.
Finviz support contact details
Email Finviz support at: [email protected]. Include your account email, the date of your cancellation request, and your cancellation confirmation number. Expect a response within 24 to 48 hours. If Finviz does not respond or refuses to process your refund, escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
National consumer commission escalation
If Finviz breaches the Consumer Protection Act or refuses to honour your refund rights, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission. The NCC is South Africa's independent authority that investigates consumer complaints at no cost to you. Submit your complaint online at www.ncc.org.za or contact:
National Consumer Commission
Postal Address: P.O. Box 55596, Arcadia, 0007
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +27 12 428 8000
Include your cancellation confirmation email, your bank statements showing the charge, and a detailed explanation of why you believe Finviz violated the Consumer Protection Act. The NCC will investigate and, if it finds in your favour, can order Finviz to refund you and pay a penalty.
Finviz company details
Finviz (FINVIZ s. r. o.) is registered in Bratislava, Slovakia. For formal legal correspondence, you can address mail to:
FINVIZ s. r. o.
Bratislava
Slovakia
Note that Finviz operates from outside South Africa, which means enforcement of South African consumer law may be slower. Nevertheless, the NCC has powers to investigate and sanction foreign suppliers if they conduct business in South Africa and breach the Consumer Protection Act.
Before you cancel permanently, consider whether an alternative platform might better suit your needs and budget.
| Platform |
Pricing (USD) |
Currency in ZAR |
Best for |
Cancellation ease |
| Finviz Elite |
USD 39.50/month or USD 299.50/year |
~R 740/month (variable) |
US stock screeners, fundamental data, real-time alerts |
Easy (in-app button) |
| TradingView |
USD 15/month or USD 120/year |
~R 280/month (variable) |
Technical analysis, charting, social trading |
Easy (account settings) |
| StockTwits |
Free or USD 99/year (premium) |
Free or ~R 1,850/year |
Social trading, community discussion, sentiment analysis |
Easy (instant) |
| Yahoo Finance |
Free |
Free |
Basic quotes, news, portfolios, no real-time data |
N/A (no subscription) |
| Seeking Alpha |
Free or USD 239/year (premium) |
Free or ~R 4,500/year |
Stock research, analyst ratings, earnings calls |
Easy (account settings) |
Key points to remember before you cancel
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and recover refunds they were entitled to. Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss any step:
- Document your cancellation date and confirmation number as soon as you cancel.
- Download or export any watchlists, alerts, or screener results you need before your access ends.
- Monitor your bank statement for 30 days after cancellation to catch any phantom charges.
- If Finviz charges you after cancellation, dispute the charge with your bank within 30 days.
- If Finviz refuses a refund you're entitled to under the Consumer Protection Act, escalate to the NCC immediately.
- Keep all emails, confirmation numbers, and bank statements for at least 12 months in case you need to defend your position later.
- If you're within 14 days of your first invoice, request a refund explicitly and cite the Consumer Protection Act, 2008.
Cancelling Finviz is straightforward when you know your rights and follow the correct procedure. Your South African consumer protections are strong: the Consumer Protection Act gives you a 14-day cooling-off period, the right to cancel automatic renewals, and access to free dispute resolution through the NCC. Do not let Finviz or any other subscription service pressure you into paying for a service you no longer want. Yafee encourages you to take control of your subscriptions, document your cancellation, and hold companies accountable when they breach their obligations. If you need further guidance on cancellation, refunds, or consumer rights in South Africa, Yafee is your trusted resource-visit yafee.com to explore more detailed guides on subscription management and consumer law.