The Smithsonian Institution offers memberships that support its museums, zoo, research centers, and programs. When you become a member, you get a subscription to Smithsonian magazine and perks like discounts at their stores, special event invitations, and free admission to some museums. Different membership levels come with added benefits like exclusive tours, guides, and dining discounts. So if you see a charge from Smithsonian, it’s likely for your membership and magazine subscription.
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The cancellation process for Smithsonian Institution memberships or subscriptions involves contacting customer service by phone or email, which is straightforward but may require some wait times or email response time. Clear instructions and direct phone numbers and emails are provided, making it relatively easy for consumers to cancel their memberships or subscriptions.
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How to Cancel Smithsonian Institution: Step by Step
If you purchased through Smithsonian Folkways:
- Call 1-888-FOLKWAYS to speak with a representative.
- Email FolkwaysMembership@si.edu to request cancellation.
- Ensure to cancel at least 15 days before your membership term expires to avoid auto-renewal.
If you purchased through Smithsonian Institution general membership:
- Email membership@si.edu.
- Call 202.633.1000 to speak with customer service.
- Provide your membership details for verification.
- Request the cancellation of your membership.
Tips & Tricks for Canceling Smithsonian Institution
- Call customer service directly using the number 1-800-766-2149 for quicker response.
- Email cancellation requests to Smithsonian@SmithsonianService.com with your membership ID, phone number, and subscriber name.
- Keep a copy of your cancellation email or confirmation for future proof if disputed.
- Be persistent and polite, but firm in your intent to cancel. Escalate by asking to speak to a supervisor if your request is stalled or denied.
- Timing matters: Call during business hours early in the week for shorter hold times and faster handling.
- Reference any prior communications or promises made by representatives to avoid being re-subscribed or charged.
- Use clear and unambiguous language like “I want to cancel and stop all future charges immediately.”
- Consider canceling automatic payments if the institution is not responding but notify them of your actions to avoid service interruptions.
- Check your billing statements after cancellation to ensure no unexpected charges appear.
Smithsonian Institution Customer Service Info
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with Smithsonian Institution's support team.
Cancel Smithsonian Institution Script
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Dear Smithsonian Institution Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request the cancellation of my subscription/membership. Due to personal circumstances, I am unable to continue my membership at this time. I have greatly appreciated the benefits and resources provided, but I need to prioritize my finances currently.
Thank you for your assistance in processing this cancellation. Please confirm once it has been completed.
Best regards,
Frequently Asked Questions
The Smithsonian Institution's membership payments are considered donations and are nonrefundable. For cancellation or membership questions, members can email ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922 (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) for assistance.
To cancel your Smithsonian Institution subscription, you will need to log in to your account using either your account number or mailing address, which implies password access may be needed to manage your subscription online. However, there is also phone support available for subscription cancellation at 1-800-766-2149, which might not require a password. If you do need to reset your password, you can do so at this link: https://www.sites.si.edu/s/login/ForgotPassword? This provides you both an online management option and a phone support alternative.
- Financial constraints leading to inability to afford ongoing membership fees.
- Lack of perceived value or benefits from the membership compared to the cost.
- Limited engagement or not feeling connected to the institution's activities or events.
- Changing personal interests reducing interest in the Smithsonian's offerings.
- Life changes such as relocation, changing schedules, or other priorities.
- Overcrowding or limited access to exhibits and events included in membership.
- Communication gaps leading to members feeling uninformed or unappreciated.
- Membership benefits overlap with other memberships making renewal redundant.
Smithsonian Institution's Smithsonian magazine subscription includes an automatic renewal feature, meaning your subscription will auto-renew at the end of each term unless you cancel. You will get a renewal reminder 4-6 weeks before your subscription expires. You can cancel at any time and receive a refund for any unmailed issues by calling 1-800-766-2149 or emailing Smithsonian@SmithsonianService.com. There are no early cancellation fees or lock-ins, but be aware of the automatic renewal to avoid unexpected charges.
Before cancelling a subscription, membership, or bill with the Smithsonian Institution, it's important to know that you will lose access to the exclusive benefits tied to your membership level. This includes your subscription to Smithsonian magazine, invitations to virtual and in-person lectures with Smithsonian experts, and access to special member-only hours at select Smithsonian venues. Additionally, you will forfeit discounts at Smithsonian Museum Stores and dining facilities, as well as invitations to exclusive receptions, tours, and events like the Annual Smithsonian Weekend. Cancelling also means losing any recognition in Smithsonian publications and personalized reports or consultations if you were at higher giving levels.
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from Smithsonian Institution. Check it out!
The Easiest Way to Cancel Smithsonian Institution
If you’re frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from Smithsonian Institution—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.
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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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