Manage Rakuten

How to cancel rakuten and understand your subscription rights in the UAE

Understanding rakuten and why you might want to cancel

Rakuten operates multiple services across e-commerce, travel, cashback programs and streaming-which means your cancellation path depends entirely on which Rakuten product you use. If you subscribed to Rakuten Viki (the streaming platform), purchased through Rakuten's marketplace, booked travel, or signed up for cashback rewards, each service has its own cancellation process. At Stopee, we help you navigate these different services so you cancel the right way the first time.

What rakuten services operate in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, you most likely interact with Rakuten through one of these channels: Rakuten Viki (anime and international drama streaming), app store subscriptions (iOS or Android), Rakuten's cashback or rewards membership, or third-party merchant orders. Rakuten's English-language support pages do not publish UAE-specific terms, which means you should rely on consumer protections under UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 (Consumer Protection Law) when disputing charges or demanding refunds.

When cancellation makes sense

You should cancel if you no longer watch content on Viki, no longer use the cashback rewards, or have finished a travel booking. Many users cancel because they forget the subscription renews automatically, they signed up via an app store without realizing the recurring charge, or they simply prefer competing services. Stopee recognizes that accidental charges frustrate customers-which is why we walk you through every cancellation method to stop them immediately.

Your consumer rights and protections under UAE law

The UAE Consumer Protection Law grants you the right to cancel subscriptions and request refunds under specific conditions, even if Rakuten's terms seem restrictive.

Cooling-off period and statutory rights

Under UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 2006, you have the right to cancel distance contracts (including online subscriptions) within 14 days of purchase without penalty or reason, provided you have not yet consumed the service. For digital content like Rakuten Viki, this cooling-off window applies only if you have not yet accessed substantial portions of the subscription. If you cancel within 14 days and have not used the service heavily, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method.

Pro tip: If Rakuten refuses a refund within the 14-day cooling-off period and you have not consumed the service, escalate your complaint to the UAE Ministry of Economy (Consumer Protection Department) or your local Emirate's consumer protection office. Stopee recommends documenting your cancellation request (screenshots of emails, dates, reference numbers) so you have proof if you need to file a formal complaint.

Refunds for defective or misrepresented services

If you purchased a Rakuten subscription under false pretenses-for example, the service description was inaccurate, or the app does not work as advertised-you have the right to cancel and demand a refund, even beyond 14 days. This is a separate right from the cooling-off period and applies to any breach of contract or misleading marketing.

Unauthorized charges and dispute rights

If you were charged for a Rakuten subscription you did not authorize, or if the company continued charging you after you cancelled, you have the right to dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider and request a chargeback. Most UAE banks and credit card companies allow you to file a dispute within 120 days of the unauthorized charge. Keep evidence (email confirmations, bank statements, cancellation requests) to support your claim.

Step-by-step cancellation methods for each rakuten service

Your cancellation steps depend on which Rakuten service you subscribed to and where you made the payment.

Cancel rakuten viki subscription via the website

This is the fastest and most reliable way to cancel Rakuten Viki (their streaming service). You retain access until the end of your paid billing cycle after you submit the cancellation.

1. Open your web browser and go to Viki.com.
2. Click the profile icon in the top right corner and select Account Settings.
3. Look for the Subscription tab or Billing section.
4. Click Cancel plan or Manage subscription.
5. Read the cancellation confirmation screen carefully-it will show your final billing date.
6. Click Confirm cancellation (or similar button) to finalize.
7. Check your email inbox (including spam folder) for a cancellation confirmation from Viki within 5 minutes.

Warning: Do not close the browser tab until you see a confirmation message. If your screen shows "pending" or "processing," wait 30 seconds before refreshing. If you receive no confirmation email after 10 minutes, log back in and verify the subscription status under Account Settings.

Cancel rakuten viki subscription via apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribed to Viki through your Apple ID rather than the Viki website, you must cancel through Apple's App Store, not through Viki itself. Apple handles the billing and refund eligibility.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile icon (usually in the bottom right or top right corner).
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find and tap Rakuten Viki or Viki.
5. Tap Cancel subscription or Turn off auto-renewal.
6. Confirm your choice by tapping Confirm.
7. You will see a confirmation message showing your access ends on a specific date.

Pro tip: Apple sometimes offers a discounted renewal rate or asks you why you are cancelling. You can choose to keep the subscription at a lower price if prompted, or proceed with cancellation. Your choice. After cancellation, Apple emails a confirmation to your Apple ID email address within 1 hour.

Cancel rakuten viki subscription via google play store (Android)

If you subscribed through Google Play on your Android device, Google processes the cancellation and refund, not Rakuten.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left.
3. Select Manage my subscriptions.
4. Find Rakuten Viki or Viki in the list.
5. Tap on the subscription and select Cancel subscription.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation.
7. Google sends a cancellation confirmation email to your Google account email within 1 hour.

Warning: If Google Play shows "Pending cancellation," do not subscribe again until that status clears (usually within 24 hours). Subscribing while a cancellation is pending can create duplicate charges.

Cancel rakuten cashback membership or account access

If you joined Rakuten's cashback rewards program or created a standalone membership account (not through an app), you must log in directly to Rakuten's website to cancel.

1. Visit Rakuten.com (or your regional Rakuten site) and log in with your account credentials.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or My Account.
3. Look for Membership, Subscription, or Billing options.
4. Click Cancel membership or Close account.
5. Rakuten may ask you to confirm your decision or select a reason for cancellation.
6. Follow the final confirmation step and look for a confirmation email.

Pro tip: Before you cancel a Rakuten cashback account, check your pending Cash Back balance and your account statement. Any outstanding Cash Back may be forfeited upon cancellation depending on Rakuten's terms. At Stopee, we recommend taking screenshots of your final balance in case you need to dispute this later.

Cancel rakuten travel bookings and refund eligibility

Travel cancellations follow the supplier's (hotel or airline) rules, not Rakuten's. Rakuten is an intermediary.

1. Log in to your Rakuten or Rakuten Travel account.
2. Go to My Bookings or My Reservations.
3. Find the booking you want to cancel and click Manage booking or Cancel.
4. Read the cancellation policy for that specific hotel or airline (shown in your confirmation email).
5. If the policy allows cancellation, select Cancel booking and confirm.
6. Your refund timeline depends on the supplier; expect 5-30 days to your original payment method.

Warning: Many hotels and airlines impose cancellation fees or offer only partial refunds if you cancel close to your stay date. If the supplier denies your refund claim after cancellation, contact Rakuten customer support with your booking confirmation. Rakuten may escalate the dispute on your behalf.

Understanding refund timelines and what happens after you cancel

Cancellation and refund eligibility are two separate events-cancelling your subscription does not automatically guarantee a refund.

What happens immediately after cancellation

You will receive a confirmation email within 5-30 minutes (depending on the platform). For subscriptions billed in advance, you retain full access until your paid period ends. For example, if your Viki subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 5th, you still watch until the 15th. After that date, your access stops and the service removes you from the platform.

Your login credentials remain active for 30 days after cancellation. After 30 days, Rakuten may delete your account and you lose the ability to recover any saved watchlists, preferences, or profile data. Download or screenshot any data you want to keep before the deletion window closes.

Refund eligibility and timelines

Refunds depend on three factors: when you cancel, how much of the service you used, and which payment method you used.

Outstanding balances and pending rewards

If you have an outstanding balance (unpaid charges or invoices) at the time of cancellation, you remain liable for those amounts. Rakuten will pursue payment or pass the debt to a collection agency. Cancelling your account does not erase debt.

Pending Cash Back, Rakuten Points, or rewards may be forfeited upon cancellation depending on the terms of your specific program. Before you cancel, withdraw or redeem any available balance. Stopee recommends logging in 48 hours before you cancel to check your rewards balance and take a screenshot as proof.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent your cancellation

Many customers struggle to cancel because they make small but costly errors. We have seen users attempt cancellation on the wrong platform, miss confirmation emails, or fail to act within critical time windows. Let us walk you through the traps.

Mistake 1: cancelling on the viki website when you subscribed via apple or google

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel there-not on Viki.com. Cancelling on the Viki website will not work. Your subscription will renew automatically because Apple or Google still has your payment method on file. After you cancel on the app store, go to Viki.com to verify the subscription shows as "inactive" or "cancelled" in your Account Settings.

Mistake 2: forgetting to confirm the cancellation

After you click "Cancel subscription," most platforms show a confirmation screen asking you to verify your choice. If you close the browser or app without confirming, the cancellation does not go through. Stopee recommends waiting for the final "Cancellation confirmed" message before you leave the page.

Mistake 3: ignoring the confirmation email

Rakuten, Apple, and Google send confirmation emails to your account email address. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox within 30 minutes. Do not assume cancellation succeeded just because you clicked a button-confirmation emails are your proof. Save or screenshot these emails in case you need to dispute a charge later.

Mistake 4: cancelling too late in the billing cycle

If your subscription renews on the 15th and you cancel on the 14th, you will still be charged for the next month. To avoid this, cancel at least 2-3 days before your renewal date. Check your confirmation email or account settings for your exact renewal date, then set a reminder to cancel beforehand.

Mistake 5: not requesting a refund after cancellation

Cancellation and refunds are separate actions. Simply cancelling does not trigger a refund-you must request one if you qualify. If you cancel within 14 days with minimal service use, contact Rakuten support or your payment provider and explicitly ask for a refund. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.

Escalation steps if rakuten refuses to cancel or refund

If Rakuten does not honour your cancellation request or refund claim, you have legal remedies under UAE consumer law.

Step 1: contact rakuten customer support directly

First, send a written request (email is fine) to Rakuten's customer service team requesting cancellation and, if applicable, a refund. Include your account number, subscription start date, cancellation date, and the reason for cancellation. Ask for a written response within 7 days. At Stopee, we advise keeping all email correspondence as evidence.

Step 2: file a chargeback with your bank

If Rakuten does not refund you within 14 days of your request, contact your bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback or dispute. You have up to 120 days from the charge date to dispute most transactions. Provide your bank with your cancellation confirmation email and any correspondence with Rakuten proving you requested a refund.

Step 3: escalate to UAE consumer protection authorities

If your bank denies the chargeback or Rakuten continues to charge you, file a formal complaint with the UAE Ministry of Economy (Consumer Protection Department) or your local Emirate's consumer authority. You can file online or visit in person. Provide copies of your cancellation request, confirmation emails, bank statements showing unauthorized charges, and any response (or lack thereof) from Rakuten. The consumer authority has the power to order Rakuten to refund you and impose penalties for violations of the UAE Consumer Protection Law.

Pro tip: Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate escalations like these. Document everything-dates, times, names of support staff, reference numbers-so authorities can investigate your complaint thoroughly.

Rakuten pricing and subscription plans comparison

Understanding what you pay helps you decide whether to cancel or pause.

Viki sends a renewal reminder email 3 days before your subscription renews. Check your inbox (and spam folder) regularly so you catch this notification and cancel before the charge posts if you decide not to renew.

Creating your cancellation action plan and checklist

Before you cancel, prepare so you do not miss critical steps or forget important details.

Pre-cancellation checklist

• Log in to your Rakuten or Viki account and take a screenshot of your subscription status (showing service type, renewal date, and billing amount).
• Check your account for any pending refunds, rewards balances, or outstanding invoices.
• Download or screenshot any saved watchlists, preferences, or booking confirmations you want to keep.
• Identify your exact renewal date so you can cancel before it (or within 14 days of your last charge if you want a refund).
• Gather your most recent email from Rakuten showing the charge (you will need this for chargeback or complaint purposes).
• Note whether you subscribed directly (Viki.com) or via Apple/Google so you know which platform to cancel on.

During cancellation

• Take a screenshot of every confirmation message or screen you see.
• Do not close the app or browser until you see "Cancellation confirmed" or similar language.
• Wait for your confirmation email and forward it to yourself or save it to a folder titled "Cancellations" for your records.
• Log back into your account 24 hours later to verify the subscription now shows as "Inactive," "Cancelled," or "No active subscription."

After cancellation

• Monitor your bank statement for the next 30 days to ensure no further charges appear.
• If you see a charge after cancellation, take a screenshot and contact your bank immediately.
• If 14+ days pass and you have not received a refund and you believe you qualify, contact Rakuten support in writing requesting a refund reference number and expected timeline.
• Keep all emails, confirmation numbers, and screenshots for at least 12 months in case of disputes or complaints.

Why stopee helps you cancel with confidence

Rakuten operates across multiple platforms and regions, which makes cancellation confusing for most users. You might cancel on the wrong platform, miss a confirmation email, or not realize you still qualify for a refund. Stopee exists to guide you through every step of the cancellation process-from identifying the right cancellation method for your specific service, to understanding your legal rights under UAE consumer law, to escalating disputes if Rakuten refuses to honour your request.

At Stopee, we know that cancelling should not require a detective-it should be clear, fast, and customer-friendly. We have helped thousands of consumers cancel Rakuten subscriptions successfully by providing step-by-step instructions, flagging common mistakes before they happen, and empowering you with consumer law facts so you can push back if the company refuses your cancellation or refund. Visit Stopee.com today to access guides for cancelling hundreds of other subscriptions, get templates for escalation letters, and find contact information for consumer authorities in your country.

Your right to cancel is not a favour Rakuten grants you-it is your legal right as a consumer in the UAE. Stopee is here to help you exercise that right with confidence.