NYC's "Click to Cancel" rule is now in effect

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.

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.