How to Cancel Subscription Boxes Like Birchbox, Fabletics, and Others Without Getting Trapped

Subscription boxes are built for convenience. Signing up takes seconds, and the offers are hard to resist. But when it’s time to cancel, suddenly everything feels complicated. Whether you’re trying to avoid the next charge, simplify your budget, or escape a brand that no longer fits, this guide breaks down how to cancel two of the most common services, Birchbox and Fabletics, step by step.

You’ll also learn how to spot the tricks many brands use to delay or discourage cancellation. No filler. No fluff. Only the steps you actually need.

How Each Subscription Box Handles Cancellations

Birchbox

1. Best method: Website login via desktop
2. Fee: None, but no refund once billed
3. Deadline: Cancel before the 1st of the month
4. Confirmations: Email confirmation sent

Fabletics

1. Best method: Online via "My Account" or by phone
2. Fee: None
3. Deadline: Cancel before the 5th of the month
4. Confirmations: Email and/or rep confirmation

How to Cancel Birchbox

Cancel Using a Desktop or Laptop

This is the most reliable method. The mobile version of the site and app often lacks the full set of cancellation features.

1. Open a browser and go to Birchbox.com
2. Click Log In at the top-right corner
3. Enter your email and password
4. Hover over your name and select Account Settings
5. Look for the Subscriptions or My Box tab
6. Click Cancel Subscription
7. Follow the prompts and complete the confirmation
8. Check your inbox for a confirmation email

Canceling on iPhone or Android

You cannot cancel through the app or via the App Store. Use your mobile browser instead.

1. Open Safari or Chrome on your phone
2. Visit Birchbox.com and log in
3. Tap the menu icon and go to Account Settings
4. Navigate to the Subscriptions section
5. Tap Cancel Subscription
6. Confirm your decision when prompted

Cancel by Email (if website fails)

Send a clear cancellation request to support@birchbox.com. Include:

1. Full name
2. Email address linked to your Birchbox account
3. Statement that you want to cancel your subscription

Birchbox typically replies within 1 to 3 business days.

Billing and Refund Notes

1. Cancel before the 1st of the month to avoid being billed again
2. Once billed, you will not receive a refund
3. You can pause for 1, 2, or 3 months if you don’t want to cancel completely

How to Cancel Fabletics

Cancel Online

1. Visit Fabletics.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Go to My Account or Subscription Settings
4. Click Cancel Membership
5. Follow the on-screen prompts until you get a final confirmation

Cancel by Phone

Call Fabletics customer service at 1-844-322-5384. Available 24/7.

Have your account info ready. Ask for immediate confirmation of your cancellation.

Cancel via Live Chat

1. Go to the Fabletics website
2. Click the Chat icon
3. Request to cancel and follow the representative's instructions
4. Ask for a copy of the chat for your records

Cancel via Facebook Messenger

1. Open Fabletics’ official Facebook page
2. Click Message
3. Type your cancellation request
4. Provide your account email and wait for confirmation

Cancel by Email

Email support@fabletics.com with:

1. Your full name
2. Email address tied to the account
3. Clear cancellation request
4. 
   

Skip-a-Month vs Cancel

1. You can skip the Month from the 1st to the 5th of each month to avoid being charged
2. Skipping does not cancel the membership
3. Cancelling means no future charges or VIP perks

Post-Cancellation Notes

1. Cancel before the 5th of the month to avoid charges
2. You can still use unused VIP credits (check for expiration dates)
3. Regular pricing applies after cancellation

Cancellation Traps That Catch People Off Guard

1. Hidden links: Cancel buttons are often buried in menus or styled to blend in
2. Exit surveys: You may be required to answer a multi-step feedback form before you can finish canceling
3. Pause nudge: Many services try to redirect you to pause instead of canceling
4. Mobile limitations: Some features don’t appear in the app or mobile browser version
5. No confirmation: If you don’t receive a confirmation email, assume the cancellation didn’t go through

Always cancel using a desktop if you’re unsure. Save all emails and screenshots.

Still Being Charged After Canceling?

Here’s what to do:

1. Double-check your billing date: You might have canceled too late
2. Log in to verify status: Make sure your account doesn’t still show as active
3. Search your inbox: Look for a cancellation confirmation
4. Contact support: Use phone or live chat for faster resolution
5. Take screenshots: If you need to escalate, this helps prove your case
6. Dispute the charge: Contact your credit card company and file a chargeback
7. Know your rights: FTC regulations require companies to allow cancellation online if the signup was online

Pause, Skip, or Cancel: Know the Differences

1. Pause: Temporarily freeze your account. You won’t be charged or receive products for a set time.
2. Skip: Available on services like Fabletics. Opt out of one billing cycle, but stay subscribed.
3. Cancel: Ends the subscription completely. No future charges, credits, or VIP perks.

Skipping is often marketed as easier, but be cautious. If you forget to skip during the window, you’ll still be charged.

Alternatives to Subscription Boxes That Don’t Lock You In

If the recurring charges and hidden cancellation fees are starting to feel like a trap, there are other ways to shop without being tied down.

One-Time Purchase Brands

Some companies now offer the same products without subscriptions. You can buy only what you need, when you need it.

1. For beauty: Glossier, Ulta, Sephora
2. For activewear: Nike, Gymshark, Alo Yoga

Build-Your-Own Box Options

A few retailers let you curate your own product bundle, no subscription required.

1. Amazon sample boxes
2. Target beauty boxes
3. Custom outfit bundles from Revolve or Nordstrom

Flexible Memberships

Some brands let you pay once per season or only when you place an order.

1. Frank And Oak Style Plan
2. Nuuly Rent (rent-on-demand)
3. Rent the Runway one-time rentals

You’ll have more control over spending and no risk of being billed automatically.

Tools That Cancel Subscriptions for You

Trying to track down hidden cancel buttons can get old fast. These apps can detect and cancel subscriptions without the hassle.

Rocket Money

1. Scans your bank and card activity
2. Lists all active subscriptions
3. Cancels many subscriptions on your behalf

Trim

1. Sends cancellation requests to services via chatbot
2. Also negotiates bills and fees

Pine AI

1. Cancels memberships like Birchbox and Fabletics automatically
2. Let's you manage all subscriptions from one place
3. No need to contact each brand yourself

These tools are especially helpful if you forgot where you signed up or don’t want to deal with customer service.

Your Rights as a Consumer

Many customers don’t realize they’re protected by law when it comes to canceling subscriptions. Here’s what you should know:

1. If you signed up online, you are legally allowed to cancel online.
2. Brands must make cancellation options clear and easy to access.
3. If they continue to charge you after you cancel, you can dispute the charges with your bank or card provider.
4. In some states, like California, failure to offer online cancellation could be illegal.

If a brand gives you the runaround, escalate. Keep records and file a complaint with the FTC if needed.

Final Checklist Before Canceling

Before you hit cancel, make sure you:

1. Know your billing cycle and cutoff dates
2. Have access to your login credentials
3. Take a screenshot of each step
4. Save all emails related to cancellation
5. Cancel early in the month to avoid last-minute charges

Use a desktop instead of a mobile when possible, and don’t trust that a cancellation was successful unless you’ve received written confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel after my first order?

Yes. Most subscription services allow cancellation after one box, though they may not refund if the next billing cycle has already started.

Is canceling through the app enough?

No. Most brands require you to cancel through their full website, not their app or mobile browser.

Will I lose my points or rewards after canceling?

You won’t lose unused points immediately, but you may not be able to earn new ones or redeem them without an active subscription.

What if I can’t log in to cancel?

Contact support using your account email. You can also request cancellation by email if you can prove ownership.

Can I return items after I cancel?

Yes, if they fall under the brand’s return policy. Canceled subscriptions don’t void your return rights.