How to cancel VisualCV and protect your subscription rights in south africa
Understanding VisualCV and why cancellation matters
VisualCV is a cloud-based résumé and CV builder that lets you create, customise and share professional documents using professionally designed templates. The platform offers a free tier for basic experimentation and paid Pro plans that unlock advanced features like unlimited résumé versions, 30+ templates and career tracking analytics. Yafee specialises in helping South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations like this one, and we recommend you understand your rights before taking action.
You may have signed up expecting regular use, only to discover that a competitor tool suits you better, your job search has concluded or you simply want to eliminate unnecessary monthly charges. Whatever your reason, this guide walks you through the cancellation process step by step and ensures you understand your legal position under South African consumer law before you make changes to your account.
What VisualCV offers
VisualCV provides template customisation, unlimited PDF export, view analytics to track résumé downloads, and a Career Journal feature to document your professional development. Free accounts permit you to test templates and create one résumé. Pro plans unlock 30+ templates, unlimited résumé versions, and unlimited downloads with monthly, quarterly or annual billing options.
Common reasons to cancel your VisualCV subscription
You might cancel because you have secured employment, found an alternative platform you prefer, want to switch to a free résumé builder or decided the monthly charge no longer reflects your needs. Whatever your decision, Yafee recommends cancelling as soon as you know you will not use the service again to avoid unexpected auto-renewal charges on your payment method.
VisualCV pricing in south africa and what you pay
VisualCV displays prices in US dollars on its website, but you are charged in South African Rand (ZAR) if you are based in South Africa. Your actual ZAR amount fluctuates with the exchange rate, so check your billing statement for the exact charge.
Current subscription plans and pricing
| Plan type |
Price (ZAR) |
Billing period |
What you get |
| Free account |
R 0 |
Ongoing |
1 résumé, template preview, Career Journal trial |
| Pro (monthly) |
≈ R 304 |
Monthly |
30+ templates, unlimited résumés, unlimited downloads, Career Journal Pro |
| Pro (quarterly) |
≈ R 912 per quarter |
3 months |
Same as monthly, slightly reduced per-month cost |
| Pro (annual) |
≈ R 1,824 |
12 months |
Same as monthly, best per-month value |
| Free trial |
R 0 initially |
Limited time |
Full Pro access, then charges begin automatically |
How exchange rates affect your bill
Because VisualCV charges in USD, your ZAR amount changes whenever the South African rand strengthens or weakens against the US dollar. If the rand weakens, your monthly charge rises in Rands. Check your actual billing statement in your VisualCV account settings or email receipts to see the exact amount debited from your account, rather than relying on approximate conversions.
Your consumer rights in south africa under the consumer protection act
South African consumers have powerful legal protections under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2008, and VisualCV must respect these rights regardless of what its terms of service claim.
Key consumer protections that apply to you
The CPA prohibits suppliers from imposing unfair contract terms, engaging in misleading advertising or enforcing abusive cancellation penalties. VisualCV cannot charge you a cancellation fee, force you into auto-renewal traps without clear disclosure or refuse your cancellation request unless a legitimate technical error blocks the process. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) enforces these rights on behalf of South African consumers, and you can escalate a complaint to them if VisualCV refuses to honour your cancellation.
Furthermore, the CPA requires that any material terms-including billing frequency, auto-renewal and cancellation procedures-be presented clearly and in language you understand before you pay. If VisualCV made false claims about features, charges or cancellation ease, the CPA treats these as material breaches of consumer law.
Your legal position when cancelling
You have the right to cancel your VisualCV subscription at any time without penalty, provided you follow the cancellation procedure the company publishes on its website or in your account. If you are within a trial period, you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges. If you are within 30 days of your first paid charge, you may have a statutory cooling-off right under the CPA to withdraw from the contract without penalty. Yafee recommends you check your sign-up date and the CPA's 30-day window to determine if this applies to you.
If VisualCV fails to cancel your subscription, continues to charge you, or ignores your cancellation request, you can file a complaint with the NCC. Document all communication attempts and keep copies of your cancellation request, confirmation email and billing statements to support your case.
Methods to cancel your VisualCV subscription
VisualCV provides multiple cancellation routes depending on how you manage your account and payment method.
Cancel via your VisualCV account dashboard
This is the fastest and most direct method. Log in to your VisualCV account, navigate to your subscription settings and select the option to cancel or downgrade to the free plan. You will receive a confirmation email immediately.
Cancel via email to VisualCV support
If your account dashboard does not show a cancellation option, contact VisualCV support directly. The primary contact address for VisualCV (operated by WorkStory Inc.) is support at visualcv dot com. Include your full name, registered email address and account username in your email. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and keep this email as proof.
Cancel your payment method
If you cannot access your VisualCV account, contact your bank or payment provider directly and request they block or cancel recurring charges from VisualCV. Provide your VisualCV account details and the transaction reference. Nevertheless, this method does not formally cancel your subscription with VisualCV, so follow up with the company in writing to confirm cancellation.
Step-by-step cancellation process
Follow these steps in order to cancel your VisualCV subscription cleanly and protect your rights.
Step 1: log in to your VisualCV account
- Visit visualcv.com and click "Log in" in the top navigation bar
- Enter your registered email address and password
- If you have enabled two-factor authentication, complete that step
Step 2: locate your billing and subscription settings
- Click your profile icon or name in the top right corner
- Select "Settings" or "Account settings" from the dropdown menu
- Look for a "Billing", "Subscription" or "Plans" tab
- If no tab appears, your account may be on a free plan already
Step 3: review your current plan and renewal date
- Check the plan type you are currently on (Free, Pro Monthly, Pro Quarterly or Pro Annual)
- Note your next billing date-this is when the next charge will be applied
- Confirm your payment method (credit card, debit card or PayPal)
Step 4: select the cancel or downgrade option
- Click "Cancel subscription", "Downgrade to free" or "Manage plan"-exact wording varies
- VisualCV may ask you to confirm your decision or provide feedback on why you are cancelling
- Complete the feedback form if required (this is optional, but helps VisualCV improve)
- Click "Confirm cancellation" or "Yes, cancel my plan"
Step 5: verify your cancellation
- You will see a confirmation message on screen saying "Your subscription has been cancelled"
- Check your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation email from VisualCV within 10 minutes
- If you do not receive an email within 1 hour, contact support at support at visualcv dot com to confirm
Step 6: if the dashboard option is unavailable, email VisualCV support
- Compose an email to support at visualcv dot com with the subject line "Subscription cancellation request"
- Include:
- Your full name and registered email address
- Your VisualCV account username
- Your current plan type and billing cycle (monthly, quarterly or annual)
- The date you wish the cancellation to take effect (ideally immediately)
- A request for written confirmation of cancellation
- Send the email from the email address registered on your VisualCV account
- Keep a copy of this email and VisualCV's reply for your records
What happens after you cancel
Understanding the timeline after cancellation helps you avoid confusion and unexpected charges.
Immediately after cancellation
Your Pro features remain active until the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on 15 February with a monthly subscription renewing on 28 February, you retain full Pro access until 28 February. VisualCV will not charge you on that date because your subscription is already cancelled.
When your access expires
On your subscription expiry date, your account automatically downgrades to the free plan. You keep all your résumés and documents, but you can only view one résumé at a time and lose access to advanced templates and unlimited downloads. Your account history and Career Journal entries remain saved indefinitely.
Checking your account after cancellation
- Log in to VisualCV after your expiry date to confirm you are on the free plan
- Your billing page should show "No active subscription" or "Free account"
- Check your email inbox and bank statement to confirm no further charges appear after the expiry date
Refunds and how to claim them
VisualCV's refund policy depends on how long you have held your subscription and your reason for cancellation.
Refunds within the cooling-off period
Under the Consumer Protection Act, you have 30 days from your purchase date to withdraw from a distance contract (which includes online subscriptions) without penalty. If you cancel within 30 days of your first paid charge, you are entitled to a full refund minus any service you have actually used. Contact VisualCV support at support at visualcv dot com with your cancellation date and request a refund, citing your cooling-off right under the CPA.
Refunds after the cooling-off period
If you cancel after 30 days, VisualCV is not obliged to refund fees already charged, but may offer a courtesy refund for the current billing month. Contact support and request a pro-rata refund for unused days. For example, if you cancel on day 10 of a 30-day monthly cycle, you have used one-third of the month and may be eligible for a two-thirds refund. Yafee recommends making this request in writing to create a record.
Pro-rata refund calculation
To calculate what you may be owed, divide your total monthly charge by the number of days in your billing month, then multiply by the number of unused days. For example: if you paid R 304 for 28 days and cancel on day 10, you have used 10 days and have 18 days unused. Your pro-rata refund is (R 304 ÷ 28) × 18 = approximately R 196.
How to request a refund
- Email VisualCV support at support at visualcv dot com
- Request a refund and include your calculation if claiming pro-rata refund
- Attach a copy of your cancellation confirmation email and recent billing statement
- State clearly that you are exercising your cooling-off right if within 30 days of purchase
- Allow 7-14 business days for a response
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellations go wrong when people skip steps or make false assumptions, but you can avoid these pitfalls with careful attention.
Not confirming cancellation in writing
Deleting your account or simply stopping use does not cancel your subscription. VisualCV will continue to charge you until you formally request cancellation through the dashboard or email. Always request written confirmation from VisualCV and keep that email in a folder titled "Subscription Cancellations".
Relying on payment method cancellation alone
Blocking charges through your bank or payment provider stops the immediate payment but does not cancel your formal subscription. VisualCV will attempt to collect the debt and may suspend your account. Always contact VisualCV directly to cancel first, then notify your bank if the company fails to honour your request.
Cancelling too close to your billing date
If you cancel just before your renewal date, charges may process before your cancellation takes effect due to processing delays. To avoid this, cancel at least 3-5 days before your renewal date. Check your next billing date in the subscription settings and work backwards.
Assuming refund is automatic
VisualCV does not automatically refund fees after cancellation. You must request a refund explicitly, particularly within the 30-day cooling-off period. Without a written request, you have no record to escalate to the National Consumer Commission if the company refuses to refund.
Losing your confirmation email
Archive all cancellation and refund communications in a dedicated folder. If VisualCV later claims you never cancelled or tries to charge you again, your email trail is your only proof. Yafee recommends screenshotting your account settings showing "No active subscription" on the day you cancel.
Checklist before you cancel
Use this checklist to ensure you have taken all necessary steps.
| Action |
Status |
Notes |
| Note your next billing date |
☐ |
Check your subscription page for the exact date |
| Download or screenshot all your résumés from VisualCV |
☐ |
Export as PDF before cancelling; free account allows only 1 résumé view |
| Cancel at least 3-5 days before your renewal date |
☐ |
Prevents unwanted charges due to processing delays |
| Log the date and time you cancelled |
☐ |
Record this for your 30-day cooling-off period calculation |
| Keep the cancellation confirmation email |
☐ |
Archive it separately with the subject line "VisualCV cancellation confirmation" |
| Monitor your bank statement for 2 billing cycles |
☐ |
Confirm VisualCV does not charge you again after your expiry date |
Protecting yourself: common traps and how to avoid them
VisualCV's business model relies on subscription lock-in, so understand the traps before you sign up again or downgrade.
Auto-renewal and hidden renewal dates
VisualCV automatically renews your subscription unless you cancel before your renewal date. The CPA requires that renewal terms be displayed clearly at the point of purchase, but sometimes they are buried in terms and conditions. Always screenshot your subscription renewal date immediately after signing up so you know when to cancel if needed.
Trial periods that convert to paid plans
If you sign up for a free trial, your payment method is stored and charged automatically when the trial ends. Set a phone reminder 3 days before your trial expiry date to cancel if you decide not to continue. Do not assume you can cancel during the trial; some trial periods lock you into a paid plan automatically.
Difficulty accessing the cancellation option
VisualCV may hide the cancellation button in account settings to discourage cancellations. If you cannot find it, contact support immediately. The company must provide a cancellation mechanism that is as easy as the sign-up process, according to the CPA. If VisualCV refuses to cancel or makes the process deliberately difficult, this is a violation of consumer law and you can report it to the National Consumer Commission.
Comparison: VisualCV against competing résumé builders in south africa
If you are considering alternatives before cancelling, this table shows how VisualCV compares on cost and cancellation ease.
| Service |
Free plan |
Paid plan (monthly) |
Cancellation ease |
Refund policy |
| VisualCV |
1 résumé, limited templates |
≈ R 304 |
Easy (dashboard or email) |
Pro-rata refunds available |
| Canva |
Free templates, limited |
≈ R 190 |
Easy (one-click) |
None after 30 days |
| ResumeBuilder.com |
Templates only, no downloads |
≈ R 150 |
Moderate (email required) |
30-day money-back guarantee |
| Google Docs (free) |
Full features, no limits |
R 0 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Microsoft Word (free) |
Full features, no limits |
R 0 |
N/A |
N/A |
When to keep your VisualCV subscription
Before you cancel, consider whether VisualCV is actually the right tool for you or if you are cancelling for the wrong reasons.
Keep VisualCV if you:
- Actively job-hunt and apply to multiple roles monthly-unlimited résumé versions save time
- Want analytics on who downloads your résumé and when-valuable for tracking employer interest
- Prefer a professionally designed template over a plain Word document-improves first impressions
- Use the Career Journal to document projects, skills and professional development-useful for performance reviews
Cancel VisualCV if you:
- Have secured employment and do not plan to job-hunt for 6+ months
- Prefer Google Docs or Microsoft Word, which are free and meet your needs
- Cannot afford the monthly charge or find competitor tools cheaper
- Have not logged in or updated your résumé in 3+ months
If VisualCV fails to cancel your subscription, charges you after you cancelled or refuses to process your refund request, escalate your complaint to the correct contact point.
Primary support contact
Email: support at visualcv dot com
Include your account email, username and the date you attempted cancellation. Request a response within 7 business days. Keep this email for your records.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If VisualCV does not respond or refuses your refund request, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC), which enforces consumer rights in South Africa. You can file a complaint online at www.nccsa.org.za or call 0860 08 4400. Provide your cancellation email, billing statements and copies of all communication with VisualCV. The NCC investigates for free and can compel VisualCV to refund you if the company breached the CPA.
Alternative contact: WorkStory inc. headquarters
VisualCV is operated by WorkStory Inc. If email support does not respond within 14 days, you can escalate to the company's main office. Yafee recommends researching the current head office address on VisualCV's official "Contact Us" page or on Companies House records, then sending a registered letter demanding cancellation and refund. Include a deadline (e.g. "I require confirmation within 7 days") to create urgency and a clear record for the NCC.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling VisualCV is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure and understand your rights under South African consumer law. Log in to your account, locate the subscription settings, click "Cancel" and request written confirmation. If your dashboard does not show a cancellation option, email support at visualcv dot com with your account details and a clear request to cancel. Monitor your bank statement for 2 billing cycles to ensure no further charges appear, and request a refund if you are within 30 days of your first paid charge.
Document everything-your cancellation date, confirmation email and billing statements. If VisualCV ignores your request or continues to charge you, escalate to the National Consumer Commission, which will investigate for free. The CPA protects you from unfair contract terms, hidden auto-renewal and abusive cancellation penalties. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and claim refunds under South African law, and we recommend treating this process seriously to protect your rights.
Your action starts today: log in to VisualCV, navigate to your subscription settings and cancel immediately if you have decided the service no longer serves you. If you encounter any resistance from VisualCV, refer back to this guide and escalate to the NCC. You have the legal right to cancel, and no company can prevent you from exercising that right.