Are you signing up to a dating app? Many dating apps now offer paid versions, with extra features – here are some things to know before getting involved with a subscription service. This advice also applies to other subscription services, such as streaming services, so keep reading if you’re planning a romantic evening of movies and chill.
Subscription Services
Once you start using the app or the content on the app, for example, swiping left or right on potential dates, you are considered to be using the product. This is similar to removing the tag from clothing – you may not be able to return it.
Read The Terms and Conditions
Before signing up to an app, whether free or paid, always read the terms and conditions. Make sure you are comfortable with what you are signing up to. Pay close attention to terms and conditions around cancelling your subscription and closing your account.
Minimum Subscription Terms
Before you sign up, check if you are committing to a minimum term – is the payment taken monthly or yearly? Some monthly payments may be part of a minimum year long subscription. If you sign up to a year as the minimum term, you may not be able to get your money back, even if you pay monthly.
You can request to cancel your subscription at any time, but the business may not cancel your subscription until the end of the period of time you signed up for. You may not receive a refund for the payments for the rest of the subscription term after you request to cancel. Always check the terms and conditions of the subscription service so you know what to expect if you cancel.
Trial Periods
Dating apps often offer trial periods, so you can try the premium features before you commit. You may have to enter your payment details to access the free trial. Check when the free trial ends and be sure to cancel your subscription before this. If you do not cancel in time, you may be signed up to a full paid subscription. If you do not want to be subscribed to the paid version of the app, you should cancel as soon as possible.
Cancelling Your Subscription
If you want to cancel your subscription to an app, you should follow the cancelation process in the terms and conditions.
Please note that deleting the app does not mean you have cancelled your subscription.
You may need to cancel via your payment method if you signed up via Google Play Store or your Apple account.
Autorenewals
Be aware of autorenewals before you sign up. Many apps will enter you into another year’s subscription automatically. Make sure you know when this will happen, and cancel your subscription before the autorenewal.
I have an issue with a dating app or other subscription service I signed up for. What can I do?
- You should first raise a formal complaint with the business. We have a letter template to help you with this here Ending a subscription – European Consumer Centre Ireland.
- If you still cannot resolve your issue, and the business you have an issue with has a headquarters in the EU, Norway, Iceland or the UK, you can submit a complaint to ECC Ireland here Submit a complaint – European Consumer Centre Ireland.
If you are in Ireland and the business you have an issue with is also based in Ireland, you should contact the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC). More information can be found here The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.