Billing issues often come as a surprise, especially when an unexpected charge appears from a service like CNN. This guide is designed to help you navigate the refund process, clarifying who is eligible for refunds and the straightforward steps to request your money back swiftly. With helpful insights and practical tips, you can resolve any concerns regarding your subscription with confidence.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Account Information: Ensure you have your CNN account username and password ready for verification.
Transaction Details: Locate your transaction ID associated with the purchase or subscription you are seeking a refund for.
Subscription Type: Identify if your refund request pertains to a monthly subscription, yearly subscription, or a one-time purchase to streamline your request process.
Purchase Receipt: Gather the receipt or email confirmation that was sent after your transaction, which includes the date of purchase and amount paid.
Reason for Refund: Prepare a clear explanation of the reason for your refund request, as CNN often requires justification for processing refunds.
Cancellation Confirmation: If you have already initiated a cancellation prior to requesting a refund, provide any confirmation emails or documentation related to the cancellation.
Payment Method: Have details of your payment method handy (credit card info, PayPal account, etc.) as this may be needed to process your refund.
Support Ticket Reference: If you have previously contacted CNN customer support regarding your issue, include any ticket reference numbers or communication history.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
5-7 working days
PayPal
3-5 working days
Apple Pay
3-5 working days
*Working days are Monday to Friday, and don't include public holidays.
What are my Rights? Am I eligible for a Refund from CNN
CNN offers a range of subscription-based services, primarily focused on providing news content and streaming access to a variety of programs. Understanding your rights as a user regarding refunds is essential, particularly for those engaged in subscription services. The following scenarios may qualify for a refund or adjustment based on your unique circumstances:
Subscription Cancellation: If you have canceled your subscription prior to the renewal date and face an unexpected charge, you might be eligible for a refund for the unused period.
Technical Issues: If you experience persistent technical problems that prevent you from accessing the service, you may qualify for a refund for the time you were unable to use the service.
Service Not as Described: If the features of the service you subscribed to do not match what was advertised at the time of your subscription, a refund may be considered for the discrepancy in service offered.
Billing Errors: If there are discrepancies in your billing that do not reflect the terms of your subscription agreement, adjustments or refunds might be applicable based on those terms.
Trial Period Discrepancy: If you signed up for a trial period and were charged after the trial without explicit notice, you could be eligible for a refund for that charge.
To determine your eligibility, it is recommended to review your subscription agreement and reach out to CNN's customer service for personalized assistance regarding your account situation.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your CNN Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through CNN.com:
Visit the CNN membership management page by going to cnn.com/account.
Log in using your account credentials.
Navigate to the 'Billing' section of your account.
Locate the 'Refund Request' option and click on it.
Fill out the form detailing your request. Mention that the subscription renewed without notice.
Submit your request and note the confirmation number for your records.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the 'Settings' app on your device.
Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select 'Subscriptions.'
Find the subscription to CNN and tap on it.
Scroll down and select 'Report a Problem.'
Choose the option for requesting a refund and explain that the account was unused.
Follow the prompts to submit your refund request.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
Select 'Subscriptions.'
Find your CNN subscription and tap on it.
Scroll down to find 'Refund' and click on it.
Provide a reason for the refund, like stating there was no notification of renewal.
Submit your request and await confirmation.
If you purchased through Roku:
Press the 'Home' button on your Roku remote.
Navigate to 'Streaming Channels' and select 'Manage Subscriptions.'
Locate your CNN subscription.
Click on it and select 'Cancel Subscription.' (Note: cancellation is required to issue a refund.)
After cancellation, visit the Roku website and log into your account.
Go to the 'My Account' section.
Under 'Order History,' find the transaction and look for the option to request a refund.
Indicate that you were unaware of the renewal cycle.
Disclaimer
Chargeback is an independent consumer resource that provides educational information to help users understand how to cancel, manage, or request refunds for various subscriptions. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned on this site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information we provide is based on publicly available sources and user reports and may contain inaccuracies or become outdated over time. Our guides are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official company instructions or legal advice.
Consumers are solely responsible for reviewing their own contracts, terms of service, and refund or cancellation obligations before taking any action. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal, financial, or contractual guidance.
Chargeback does not encourage or condone disputing valid charges, misrepresenting transactions, or taking any action that could violate a company's terms, service agreement, or applicable laws. We promote fair, transparent, and lawful communication between consumers and businesses.
I would like to request a refund in the amount of [Amount].
If applicable, I have attached relevant documentation for your reference.
Could you please confirm the status of this request within 3-5 business days?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
Your refund request has been received but is not yet processed.
Please allow 3-5 business days for us to review your request.
Processing
Your refund is currently being processed.
Your funds should reflect in your account within 5-7 business days.
Refunded
The refund has been successfully issued to your payment method.
You should see the amount credited back to your account shortly.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your order total has been refunded.
You will receive the remaining amount based on your request and our policy.
Completed
Your refund process is complete.
Thank you for your patience; you will not need to take any further action.
Canceled
Your refund request has been canceled.
If you believe this is an error, please contact our support team for assistance.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Users often find themselves in situations where they need clarification on their subscriptions or account management with CNN. The following scenarios illustrate how users successfully claimed refunds due to various circumstances:
Subscription Downgrade: A user decided to downgrade their CNN subscription plan but mistakenly continued to be billed for the higher tier. After reaching out to customer service for clarification on their billing history, they found that the downgrade request hadn't processed correctly. CNN promptly issued a refund for the extra charges while ensuring the user’s new plan was activated immediately.
Billing Cycle Confusion: A subscriber was unsure about when their subscription would renew, fearing they would be charged unintentionally. Upon contacting CNN's support team, they learned their renewal date had been miscommunicated. The team helped them adjust their billing date and issued a refund for the recent charge based on the clarified schedule.
Service Interruption: During a high-traffic news event, a user experienced a temporary service interruption that affected their access to live news streams. After submitting a feedback request regarding the issue, CNN acknowledged the inconvenience and issued a small refund as a token of goodwill, ensuring the user felt valued during stressful times.
Account Upgrade Issue: A customer upgraded their CNN Plus subscription but faced technical difficulties that temporarily prevented access to premium content. After reporting the issue through the help center, they were offered a refund for the first month of service while the technical team resolved the problem to restore full access.
The Easiest Way to Get a CNN Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from CNN—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 card account, and we'll take care of the rest.
How to Track Your Refund Status Efficiently
Tracking your refund status with CNN can be straightforward if you know where to look and what to expect. Here are some efficient ways to stay updated on your refund process:
Check Your Email Regularly: CNN typically sends out refund updates via email. Keep an eye out for messages with the subject line "Refund Update" which will detail the status of your refund request.
Utilize the CNN Account Dashboard: Log into your CNN account and navigate to the Order History section. Here, you can view the status of all your recent transactions, including any refunds in progress.
Mobile App Notifications: If you use the CNN mobile app, ensure that notifications are enabled. You may receive in-app alerts that provide real-time updates on your refund status.
Billing Section Insight: Go to the Billing section of your account settings. This area will provide a detailed breakdown of your transactions, including pending and completed refunds.
Refund Progress Information: When checking your refund status, you will often find information regarding the processing timeline, and if applicable, the expected date for your refund to be completed.
Customer Support: If you're unable to track your refund through the available methods, don't hesitate to reach out to CNN's customer support for assistance. They can provide specific details related to your case.
FAQ
Unfortunately, if you missed the cancellation deadline, we are unable to process a refund for the previous billing cycle. We encourage you to review the refund policy for specific details, and if you have further questions, our customer support team is here to assist you.
Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to process, depending on your bank or financial institution's policies. Once processed, the refund will appear in your account based on their timeline for posting transactions.
If you see a charge but don't have an active subscription, please check your email for any subscription confirmations or previous communications from CNN. If you still have questions, contact CNN's customer support for further assistance in resolving the charge.
If you are unable to secure a refund directly from CNN, consider reaching out to their customer service team again for further assistance. You may also want to explore escalating your inquiry within CNN's support system to ensure your concerns are addressed. Additionally, reviewing your account details and any associated policies may provide further insights.
If CNN has declined to issue a refund, you may want to revisit their refund policy to ensure you fully understand the eligibility criteria. Additionally, consider reaching out to their customer support again for clarification or assistance with your specific situation. Checking your account details might also provide insights into the status of your request.
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¹ Total savings is calculated based on internal annualized estimates of savings for customers. ² Average requests times may vary depending on volume of requests
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