Many users often overlook their billing details until an unexpected charge catches them off guard, such as an automatic subscription renewal. This guide aims to provide you with a clear understanding of how refunds work for The Times, outlining eligibility criteria and the efficient steps to request your money back. Whether you're new to the subscription or just need some assistance, we’re here to ensure your experience is as straightforward as possible.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Account Credentials: Your username and password for The Times account to access subscription details.
Subscription Information: The specific subscription plan you are on (e.g., digital-only, print, or combined). Include start and expiration dates.
Transaction ID: The unique ID associated with your payment transaction to expedite the refund process.
Payment Method: The method you used for the payment (credit card, direct debit, etc.) including the last four digits of the card if applicable.
Proof of Payment: Copies of any receipts or confirmations received via email for your purchase or subscription.
Refund Reason: A clear explanation of why you are requesting the refund and any relevant circumstances.
Contact Information: Your current email address and phone number linked to your account for follow-up communication.
Date of Request: The exact date you are submitting your refund request, to keep a record of your communication.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
3-5 working days
PayPal
2-4 working days
Direct Debit
5-10 working days
Gift Card
Up to 14 working days
Apple Pay
2-5 working days
Google Pay
2-5 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 The Times
The Times offers a subscription-based digital news service, providing users access to a wide range of articles, features, and multimedia content. Understanding your eligibility for refunds is essential when managing your subscription. Refunds may apply in certain circumstances related to account management or subscription status inquiries.
Free Trial Conversion: If you signed up for a trial period and were billed at the end of the trial without intending to continue the subscription, you may qualify for a refund on that charge if you reach out within the specified time frame after the billing.
Service Interruption: In cases where access to The Times’s digital content is disrupted for an extended period due to technical issues, subscribers might be eligible for a consideration related to those specific days of disrupted service.
Subscription Downgrade: If you downgraded your subscription plan and the changes were not reflected in your next billing cycle, you could inquire about a potential adjustment related to the billing amount charged.
Billing Error Clarification: If you notice discrepancies in your billing statement related to your subscription fees that differ from what was initially agreed upon, it may be possible to seek a resolution involving adjustment or refund.
Change in Terms: If The Times made a notable change to the terms of your subscription agreement that you do not accept, this could create a possible scenario for requesting a refund for the unused portion of your subscription.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your The Times Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through TheTimes.com:
Visit the Times Online website and log in to your account.
Navigate to the Account Settings section.
Click on Billing Information to review your latest charges.
Locate the charge you wish to dispute and click on Request a Refund.
In the refund request form, mention that the subscription renewed without notice.
Submit your request and check your email for confirmation.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your device.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top.
Select Subscriptions to view your active subscriptions.
Find your The Times subscription and tap on it.
Select Report a Problem in the subscription details.
Choose the relevant issue and specify that the subscription renewed unexpectedly.
Submit your message and await a response from Apple support.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap on the profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Payments & subscriptions.
Tap on Subscriptions and find your The Times subscription.
Select Cancel Subscription (this may be required for a refund request).
After cancellation, go back and choose Request a Refund from the subscription details.
State that you did not receive renewal notification in your refund request.
If you purchased through Roku:
Visit the Roku website and log in to your account.
Go to Manage Account.
Click on Subscriptions to view your active services.
Find your The Times subscription and click on Manage Subscription.
Click on Request a Refund and provide details that your subscription renews without prior notification.
Submit the refund request form and check for further instruction via email.
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.
Get help with your refund
"This app saved me $127 in minutes"
Draft email to The Times for Refund
Script
Copy
Subject: Refund Request – The Times Account [Your Email]
Dear The Times Customer Service,
I hope this message finds you well.
I would like to inform you that [describe reason].
I would like to request a refund in the amount of [Amount].
Please find attached any relevant documentation to support my request.
I kindly ask for a confirmation of this request within 3-5 business days.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards, [Your Name] [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.
You will receive updates once the status changes. Please allow up to 3 business days for processing.
Processing
Your refund is currently being processed.
This means our team is reviewing your request. You can expect completion within 5 business days.
Refunded
Your refund has been successfully processed.
The amount will be credited back to your original payment method within 7-10 business days.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your original payment has been refunded.
The refunded amount will appear in your account shortly; however, some charges may still apply.
Completed
The refund process is finalized, and no further actions are needed.
Your refund has been fully processed and finalized. Thank you for your patience!
Canceled
Your refund request has been canceled, possibly due to insufficient information.
If you believe this is an error, please contact customer support to resolve the issue.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Understanding the diverse needs of its subscribers, The Times often encounters situations where users successfully claim refunds due to specific circumstances. Here are a few real user scenarios:
Subscription Overlap: A user, after subscribing to The Times digital edition, realized they had also forgotten to cancel a previous subscription. They contacted customer service, explaining the overlap, and successfully received a refund for the additional payment after confirming their current subscription status.
Billing Anomaly After Plan Change: A long-time subscriber requested to downgrade their subscription plan. The transition was seamless, but an unexpected charge occurred during the billing cycle. After reaching out to support with their account details, the user was offered a prompt refund for the mistakenly applied amount.
Accidental Renewal During Transition: A user attempted to switch to a different subscription plan during a promotional period. Due to a minor technical glitch, they were inadvertently charged for the original plan. After providing the support team with the relevant context, they successfully obtained a refund for the unintentional renewal.
Service Interruption Compensation: During a scheduled maintenance, some users experienced a temporary loss of access to their digital content. After expressing their concerns to The Times’ customer service, they received a goodwill refund as compensation for the inconvenience, allowing them to continue enjoying their services hassle-free.
The Easiest Way to Get a The Times Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from The Times—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 The Times is a straightforward process, thanks to their streamlined communication channels and user-friendly interface. Here are some efficient ways to keep tabs on your refund:
Email Notifications: Look for refund updates sent directly to your registered email address. The Times will send you notifications as soon as your refund request is processed and provide details about the timeline.
Account Dashboard: Log into your account on The Times website. Navigate to the Order History section to view the status of your refund. You’ll find real-time updates indicating whether your refund is pending, completed, or requires further action.
Mobile App Alerts: If you have The Times mobile app, ensure notifications are enabled. You will receive in-app alerts that inform you of any changes to your refund status, allowing you to stay updated even on the go.
Billing Section: Within your account settings, head to the Billing section where you can track the payment method used for your order. Any refunds processed will be reflected here along with their estimated arrival date.
Detailed Progress Updates: The Times typically includes specific information regarding the progress of your refund. Look for details such as the date of the refund request, the processing time, and notes on any approvals needed.
Customer Support: If you need additional information, The Times offers a dedicated customer support section. You can quickly reach out to them through live chat or email for real-time assistance regarding your refund status.
FAQ
If you forgot to cancel your subscription in time, refunds are generally not provided for charges that have already occurred. However, it's always a good idea to reach out to customer support, as they may be able to offer assistance or guidance based on your situation.
Refunds from The Times can take between 5 to 10 business days to process, depending on your bank's policies. Once the refund is initiated, you will receive a confirmation email, and the funds should reflect in your account shortly thereafter.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, please first check your account status by logging into The Times website. If you're still unable to identify the charge, contact customer support directly for assistance with your account details and any potential discrepancies.
If you are unable to obtain a refund directly from The Times, it's advisable to reach out to customer service once more for further assistance. You may also consider escalating your inquiry within their support system or reviewing your account details for additional options that could help resolve your situation.
If The Times refuses to issue a refund, it's advisable to review their refund policy thoroughly to ensure all requirements have been met. You may also contact customer support again for further clarification or assistance, and double-check your account details to confirm the status of your subscription.
Chargeback and the Chargeback trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Chargeback and its affiliates. The use of any other trade name, copyright, or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the copyright or trademark holder of their product or brand. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
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
Comments (0)