Shutterstock is a website where you can get stock photos, images, illustrations, and vectors. They offer subscription plans where you pay monthly to download a set number of images, starting at $49 per month. If you prefer, you can also buy image packs that give you a set number of downloads to use within a year without a monthly fee. Most subscriptions automatically renew each month so you might see regular charges, but you can cancel anytime if you don’t want to keep going.
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Cancelling a Shutterstock subscription is straightforward and can be done directly in the account's Plans page by clicking a clear 'Cancel plan' button. The process is simple and quick, with no reported complications or requirements to contact support, making it very easy for consumers.
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How to Cancel Shutterstock: Step by Step
If you purchased through Shutterstock.com:
- Log in to your Shutterstock account.
- On the Dashboard, go to the **Account** section.
- Select **Manage Account** from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the **Plans** tab.
- Locate your active subscription and click on **Cancel Plan**.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to confirm the cancellation.
- You will receive a confirmation email once your subscription is successfully canceled.
Tips & Tricks for Canceling Shutterstock
- Call your bank or credit card company immediately and ask them to freeze any payments to Shutterstock.
- Dispute charges with your bank via chargebacks for any unauthorized or unexpected payments.
- Block your card after the first unauthorized charge and request a new card number to prevent future charges.
- Threaten to dispute charges with your bank if Shutterstock demands cancellation fees; sometimes they waive these fees after you escalate.
- Use strong, firm language indicating you will escalate to your bank and regulatory authorities if charges continue.
- Attempt cancellation during free trial periods by clicking "Cancel plan early" if available, to avoid automatic conversion to paid plans.
- Avoid relying solely on Shutterstock's chat or online help, as it often leads only to FAQs or dead ends.
- Be prepared to escalate by phone, even driving a long distance if necessary, to speak with a representative willing to cancel your subscription.
- Consider using virtual credit cards or payment methods with spending limits to prevent unexpected charges from subscription services.
- Timing your cancellation before auto-renewal can prevent unwanted charges, but be sure to confirm cancellation by checking account status.
- Know that Shutterstock may use aggressive tactics to retain you, including charging cancellation fees, so stay persistent.
Shutterstock Customer Service Info
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with Shutterstock's support team.
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Hello Shutterstock Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request the cancellation of my subscription. Due to changes in my current workload, I find that I no longer require the services at this time. I appreciate the quality of your content and services, but I must adjust my budget accordingly.
Please let me know if you need any further information to process this request. Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
Frequently Asked Questions
Shutterstock allows cancellation of monthly plans without annual commitment at any time without cancellation fees. Annual subscriptions with upfront billing or month-to-month subscriptions can also be canceled without fees, but early cancellation of annual commitment plans may incur a fee. Refunds are only available within 14 days of purchase or if the plan has not been used.
To cancel your Shutterstock subscription, you do need to log in to your account, which requires your password. Shutterstock currently does not offer cancellation via phone or unauthenticated chat support where a password is not needed. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it at this URL: https://www.shutterstock.com/account/reset-password.
- Unexpected auto-renewal charges without prior notification
- Difficulty and complexity in cancelling subscriptions
- High fees for early cancellation or termination
- Unethical billing practices perceived by users
- Lack of clear communication about subscription terms and pricing
- Accidental subscription sign-ups during free trials
- Not using downloaded images or services paid for
- Disappointment with service quality or image selection
- Subscription plans not matching user needs or expectations
- Feeling exploited due to rigid cancellation policies
Shutterstock subscriptions typically allow cancellation at any time; however, if you have an annual subscription paid upfront and you cancel before the term ends, you will be charged 50% of the remaining contract obligation as an early cancellation fee. There are no cancellation fees if you cancel at the end of a subscription term or if you are on month-to-month billing, but you should be aware that refunds are not available after 14 days or once the plan has been used. This means the main landmine is the substantial early cancellation fee if you try to exit an annual contract early.
Before canceling your Shutterstock subscription, know that you will lose the ability to download new images, videos, or other assets included in your plan once the subscription ends. However, any existing downloads remain accessible until the current subscription period or pack expires. If you choose to delete your Shutterstock account after canceling, you will also lose all remaining downloads and your licensing history. It's important to download and save any assets you need before your subscription or account is fully terminated.
- Shutterstock account login credentials (email address and password)
- Access to the Plans page in your Shutterstock account dashboard
- Subscription or membership type (monthly or annual, individual or team)
- Knowledge of your subscription renewal date
- Ability to navigate to the "Cancel plan" option on the website
- Contact method (optional: customer service phone number if canceling by phone, e.g., 646-419-4452)
- Reason for cancellation (may be optionally requested for feedback)
- Payment information (in case there are cancellation fees, especially for annual commitments)
- Ensure no active commitments before closing your account
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from Shutterstock. Check it out!
The Easiest Way to Cancel Shutterstock
If you’re frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from Shutterstock—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or email account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Start reclaiming your money today with Chargeback
What Are Some Alternatives to Shutterstock?
STK*Shutterstock, Shutterstock, STK Shutterstock, Shutterstock.com
Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.
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