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NYC’s “Click to Cancel” rule is now in effect

As of October 1, 2026, you can file a complaint against businesses that make it hard to cancel subscriptions

File a complaint

In our city, we're drawing a clear line: if you can sign up with a click, you must be able to cancel with one.

- Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

- Mayor Zohran Mamdani

What is the “Click to Cancel” rule?

Too often, businesses force their customers through confusing, time-consuming hurdles to cancel unwanted subscriptions. This first-in-the-nation municipal rule protects consumers from such subscription traps.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will enforce this rule, which has been finalized and will take effect on October 1, 2026. Businesses that violate the rule would be liable for civil penalties, starting at $525, and may be liable for refunding the consumer.

Know your rights

The “Click to Cancel” rule means:

  • Companies must clearly explain subscription terms to you
  • Companies must clearly disclose consumers’ rights when buying or cancelling subscriptions
  • Companies must provide you with a straightforward cancellation process in the same method as sign up.
  • Companies cannot ask that you pay to ship them things they gave you for free.
Read the rule

File a complaint to report a business

If you’ve experienced any of the following, submit a complaint:

  • You were not clearly told the terms of the subscription.
  • It was hard to cancel the subscription. For example, you signed up online, but were forced to cancel your subscription on the phone, in person, or another way.
  • The business delayed canceling your subscription.
  • The business sent you products that you did not ask for, and expected you to return or pay for them.
  • You were not informed of changes to the subscription terms.
  • You were not informed of auto-renewal.
File a complaint

Frequently asked questions

  • After you file a complaint, you will receive a complaint number which you can use to check the status of your complaint.
  • The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will review your complaint and any documents you provided. If you share your contact information, someone from DCWP may reach out with further questions or to request documents.
  • A mediator may be assigned to your complaint to look into the issue. In that case, DCWP will send a copy of your complaint to the business for a written response. A DCWP mediator will then speak with both you and the business to try to reach an agreement and settle the matter.

Download the complaint form:

You can mail the completed form and copies of related documents (receipts, contracts, etc) to:

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Consumer Services Division
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Or, you can fax your complaint and documents to (212) 487-4482.