Overview
Substack is a platform where writers, podcasters, and video creators can share their work directly with readers and subscribers. It lets them publish newsletters, podcasts, and videos that fans can subscribe to, either for free or by paying a subscription. The platform also has features like a Notes feed for quick sharing and chatting, spaces for videos, live video sessions, and private chats to build community. Creators get most of the money from their subscribers, and they control what they publish and how their community operates. If a creator wants to leave, they can take their content and subscriber list with them. Overall, Substack makes it easy for creators to connect directly with their audience and earn a living from their work.
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The description is based on detailed information from Substack's official about page, which clearly outlines the main services and features aimed at consumers, using simple language suitable for explaining to a friend.
How to Get a Substack Refund: Step by Step
If you purchased through Substack Subscribers Dashboard:
- Log in to your Substack account and go to the Subscribers tab in your dashboard.
- Use the search bar to locate the paid subscriber by entering their email address.
- Click the three dots next to the subscriber's name and select Cancel subscription.
- Choose whether to cancel with a pro-rated or full refund for the most recent subscription charge.
- The subscriber will be notified by email, downgraded to free, and lose access to paid content.
- Important: Refunds must be issued through the Substack Subscribers dashboard, not through Stripe, to avoid Substack's 10% fee.
If you purchased through Apple App Store:
- Open a browser and go to reportaproblem.apple.com.
- Sign in with the Apple ID used for the Substack subscription purchase.
- Click "I'd like to" then select Request a refund.
- Select the reason for the refund and click Next.
- Select the Substack subscription or app purchase from the list and click Submit.
- You can also cancel the subscription if you no longer want it.
- Wait 24 to 48 hours to receive an update by email about your refund request status.
- If the refund is approved, it may take some additional time to see the funds return.
If you purchased through Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device or go to the Google Play website.
- Ensure you are signed in with the Google account that made the Substack subscription purchase.
- Navigate to Account > Purchase History.
- Find the Substack subscription purchase in the list.
- Select Request a refund or Report a problem.
- Provide the reason for your refund request. Useful phrasing angles include "The subscription renewed without notice" or "The account was unused during the subscription period."
- Submit the request and wait for Google Play to process and notify you of the outcome.
Email
The email is not available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Substack Refund
- Be polite and respectful: Use friendly but firm language when requesting a refund.
- Explain clearly: Provide a plausible and concise reason for why you want the refund.
- Act quickly: Request the refund as soon as possible, ideally within the first 7 days of the charge.
- Escalate if needed: Mention calmly that you may escalate the matter (e.g., contacting payment provider) if the refund is not granted.
- Use chargebacks as last resort: If Substack or the publisher is unresponsive, dispute the charge through your bank or Stripe (if applicable).
- Cancel future payments: Always cancel the subscription to prevent further charges before requesting a refund.
- Contact the publisher first: Substack directs refund requests to the publisher; try all contact methods including app messages and emails.
- Persistence pays off: Follow up regularly while maintaining polite language.
- No official support line: There is no Substack customer support phone number; escalation mainly happens through email or chargeback.
- Timing matters: Refund requests within 7 days of payment have higher chances of success, as per user reports.
- Use your payment method leverage: Payment through credit card or Stripe can give you additional refund avenues.
- Language tips: Use phrases like "I would appreciate your assistance in resolving this", "I canceled the subscription immediately after the charge", and "I am hoping we can resolve this quickly without needing further steps".
Why Do People Request Refunds from Substack
- Change of mind about the content.
- Failure to engage with the content or read it.
- Lack of interest in the content after subscribing.
- Payments made in error, such as duplicate charges due to processing errors.
- Cancellation of subscription within 7 days of payment for an automatic refund.
- Refund requests due to a publication being dormant or inactive.
- Disabling emails or changing subscription status without proper refund process, leading to confusion.
Substack Refund Script
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Hello Substack Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a refund due to an unexpected billing issue with my account. I noticed an accidental charge that I would like to resolve promptly. I would appreciate your assistance in processing this refund.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
Substack Refund Policy
Substack's refund policy allows publishers to issue refunds at their discretion, while subscribers may request a refund within 7 days of payment. After this period, refunds are also at the publisher's discretion, particularly if a publication is inactive or in cases of processing errors. Requests from subscribers that exceed five refunds may be subject to further discretion by the publisher.
The Easiest Way to Get a Substack Refund
If you’re frustrated trying to get a refund from Substack—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.
Start reclaiming your money today with Chargeback
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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