Manage Course Hero

How to cancel your course hero subscription and get your money back

What course hero is and why you might want to cancel

Course Hero is a subscription-based learning platform that gives you access to study documents, textbook solutions and question tutoring services. The service operates on a freemium model where basic access is free, but you unlock premium features through a paid Premier membership. Your subscription renews automatically at the end of each billing cycle, which means charges continue until you actively cancel. If unexpected renewal charges have caught you off guard or you've simply moved on from the platform, Stopee is here to help you navigate the cancellation process with confidence and clarity.

How course hero's subscription plans work

Course Hero offers two main subscription tiers: a monthly Premier membership and an annual Premier membership. You also have the option to purchase one-off unlocks and tutor credits directly within the app. When you sign up, your membership begins immediately and charges appear on your card or app store account right away. The platform has built automatic renewal into its terms, which means you need to actively cancel to stop future charges.

Why customers cancel course hero

Most people cancel Course Hero for practical reasons: they've finished their course, found a cheaper alternative or discovered they weren't using the service enough to justify the recurring charge. Some customers report surprise renewal charges that prompted them to reassess their subscription. Others simply want to avoid the automatic renewal trap altogether. Whatever your reason, cancelling early protects your wallet and gives you back control of your study budget.

Your consumer rights when cancelling course hero in australia

Australian consumer law gives you specific protections when dealing with subscription services like Course Hero, and knowing these rights is your strongest lever when disputes arise.

The australian consumer law cooling-off period

Under the Australian Consumer Law, you have a 14-day cooling-off window from the date you purchase your Course Hero subscription. During this period, you can cancel and request a full refund, provided the service hasn't been substantially used. The key word here is "substantially": if you've downloaded multiple documents or used tutor credits extensively, Course Hero may deduct a proportional amount for the service you've already consumed. However, minimal use within those first 14 days typically qualifies you for a full refund without reduction.

Refund rights beyond 14 days

After the cooling-off period expires, your refund rights depend on whether Course Hero breached its terms or the service failed to meet reasonable standards. If you cancel voluntarily after day 14, the company is not legally required to refund you under the Australian Consumer Law. However, some companies offer discretionary refunds as a goodwill gesture, especially if you contact them promptly and explain your situation. Stopee recommends always asking for a refund politely and referencing the circumstances of your cancellation.

Automatic renewal obligations

The Australian Consumer Law requires businesses to obtain your explicit, informed consent before charging you for automatic renewals. Course Hero must have made its renewal policy clear at the point of purchase. If the renewal terms were unclear, hidden or genuinely difficult to find, you have stronger grounds to dispute a charge. Additionally, companies must provide you with an easy, obvious way to cancel your subscription. If cancellation is deliberately difficult to find or requires contacting support rather than offering a self-service option, this breaches the law.

How to cancel your course hero subscription

Course Hero offers several cancellation methods depending on how you purchased your subscription and which platform you use. Follow the steps that match your specific situation to avoid delays and ensure your cancellation is processed correctly.

Cancelling your subscription through your course hero account

The quickest and most straightforward way to cancel is directly through your account dashboard. This method gives you immediate confirmation and ensures your cancellation is logged in their system right away.

1. Log in to your Course Hero account using your email and password
2. Click on your profile icon or account menu, usually located in the top right corner of the screen
3. Select "Account settings" or "Subscription settings" from the dropdown menu
4. Navigate to the "Billing" or "Subscription" section
5. Locate your active Premier membership and select "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription"
6. Course Hero will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer retention incentives; select "Cancel" again to proceed
7. Wait for the on-screen confirmation message and take a screenshot of the confirmation page as proof
8. Check your email inbox within one hour for a cancellation confirmation email

Pro tip: Cancellations processed through your account dashboard typically take effect immediately for future charges, but allow 3-5 business days for confirmation emails to arrive.

Cancelling a subscription purchased through the apple app store

If you subscribed to Course Hero through an iOS device, Apple manages your billing and refunds. You'll cancel through your Apple ID settings rather than the Course Hero website.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen to open Apple ID settings
3. Select "Subscriptions"
4. Find and tap "Course Hero" in your active subscriptions list
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen
6. Select your reason for cancelling from the popup menu (optional but helpful for the company to understand feedback)
7. Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Cancel subscription" again
8. Apple will immediately show you the cancellation confirmation and email you a receipt

Warning: If you've been charged within the last 48 hours, you may be eligible for an automatic refund through Apple's system. Check your Purchases in the App Store within 2-3 business days to see if a refund has been processed.

Cancelling a subscription purchased through google play

Android users who subscribed through Google Play can cancel directly via their Google account settings.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
3. Select "Payments and subscriptions"
4. Tap "Subscriptions"
5. Choose "Course Hero" from the list of active subscriptions
6. Tap "Cancel subscription"
7. Select a cancellation reason if prompted
8. Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Cancel subscription" one final time
9. Google Play will display a confirmation message and send you a cancellation email

Pro tip: Google Play often offers a brief window (usually 7-10 days before your renewal date) where you can cancel and still receive a prorated refund. Act early if you know you want to cancel.

Cancelling by contacting course hero support

If you're having trouble cancelling through the methods above or want a written record of your cancellation request, reach out to Customer Support directly. This approach is especially useful if you're requesting a refund and want documented proof of your cancellation.

1. Visit the Course Hero website and navigate to the Help or Support section
2. Look for a "Contact us" or "Submit a request" button
3. Select "Account" or "Billing" as your issue category
4. Write a clear subject line such as "Request to cancel my Premier membership"
5. In your message, include:
   • Your full name
   • The email address associated with your Course Hero account
   • Your subscription ID (visible in your account settings)
   • The date you purchased your current subscription
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Premier membership and refund of all charges since [date]"
6. Send the support request and wait for a response email (typically within 24-48 hours)
7. Save all email exchanges as evidence of your cancellation request

Warning: Support tickets can take 3-5 business days to resolve. If your renewal date is approaching, cancel through your account dashboard immediately and then follow up with support about any refund request separately.

Cancelling by post or certified mail

If you want an official, traceable record of your cancellation for dispute or legal purposes, you can cancel by sending a formal letter to Course Hero's postal address. This method is slower but creates undeniable proof of your cancellation intent.

1. Write a formal cancellation letter on plain paper or your letterhead that includes:
   • Your full name
   • Your current residential address
   • Your email address
   • Your Course Hero account username or subscription ID
   • The date of your most recent subscription charge
   • A clear statement: "I hereby request cancellation of my Course Hero Premier subscription effective immediately, and I request a refund of all charges [and specify the date range if applicable]"
   • The date you're sending the letter
   • Your signature
2. Print the letter and sign it by hand (signatures on postal requests carry legal weight)
3. Place the letter in an envelope addressed to Course Hero's registered business address in Australia
4. Send the letter via Australia Post Registered Mail or similar traceable service to obtain proof of delivery
5. Keep your proof of postage receipt and a photocopy of your letter for your records
6. Allow 14-21 business days for the postal request to be processed and acknowledged
7. If you don't receive a response within 21 days, follow up with support via email referencing your postal cancellation

Pro tip: Registered mail costs a little extra but is worth it if you're pursuing a refund dispute. The proof of delivery protects you if Course Hero later claims they never received your request.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation and what comes next can feel uncertain, especially if you're waiting for a refund or worried about surprise charges. Here's what actually happens once your cancellation is processed.

Immediate effects of cancellation

Once you cancel your Course Hero subscription, the following happens right away: your account status changes to "cancelled" in their system; you lose access to premium features like document unlocks and tutor credits (if you're not mid-question or document download, you won't be able to unlock new ones); any remaining unused credits or unlocks typically expire and are not converted to cash or store credit. Free-tier access to Course Hero remains available to you, but you cannot use any paid features.

When your final charge will stop

The timing depends on when you cancel relative to your billing cycle. If you cancel before your renewal date, no further charges appear on your card. If you cancel after your renewal has already processed (but before you use the new subscription significantly), you may be eligible for a refund. Course Hero's system typically processes the cancellation within 24 hours, but some billing platforms (especially app stores) may take 3-5 business days to reflect the cancellation in their backend systems.

Refund timeline and what to expect

Refund timelines vary depending on your situation and how you purchased. If you purchased directly through Course Hero within the 14-day cooling-off window and request a refund immediately, Stopee recommends expecting a response within 3-5 business days. The actual refund (credit back to your card or payment method) takes a further 5-10 business days to appear. If you purchased through Apple or Google Play, refunds are processed through their systems and typically appear within 5-7 business days of approval. Card companies sometimes display refunds as "pending" for a day or two before the money is fully returned to your account.

Refund eligibility and how to request one

Not every cancellation automatically comes with a refund, but you have stronger rights than you might think. Understanding when you qualify protects you from accepting "no refund" responses without pushing back.

When you can get a refund

You're eligible for a refund in these situations: you cancel within 14 days of your initial subscription purchase and haven't substantially used the service; you cancel within 14 days of a renewal charge and can demonstrate minimal use since the renewal; the service failed to provide advertised features or experienced persistent technical problems; Course Hero breached its terms by charging you despite a prior cancellation request; or you cancel through Apple or Google Play within their respective refund windows (typically 48 hours of purchase).

How to request a refund

1. Log into your Course Hero account and navigate to your subscription or billing section
2. Locate your cancellation confirmation and note the date and amount charged
3. Contact Course Hero support via email with the subject line "Refund request for cancelled subscription"
4. In your message, clearly state:
   • That you've cancelled your subscription (provide the cancellation confirmation number if available)
   • The exact date and amount of the charge you're requesting a refund for
   • Your reason for requesting a refund (e.g., "I cancelled within 14 days of purchase and have not substantially used the service")
   • That you're referencing your consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law
5. Attach a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation to your email
6. Send the email and keep a copy for your records
7. Wait for a response (typically 3-5 business days)
8. If Course Hero denies your refund and you believe you have a valid claim, escalate to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your state's consumer protection agency

Pro tip: When requesting a refund, be polite but firm. Reference the specific consumer law that supports your claim (e.g., "Australian Consumer Law section 139A, cooling-off period"). Companies take legal references seriously and are more likely to approve refunds when they see you understand your rights.

If course hero refuses your refund

If Course Hero declines your refund request, you have escalation options. First, reply to their refusal with a formal written response restating your position and referencing the relevant law. If they maintain their refusal, contact the ACCC or your state's fair trading office. Stopee strongly encourages you to document every communication-screenshot emails, record phone calls (with consent where required), and note dates and times of each interaction. This paper trail becomes invaluable if you need to lodge a formal complaint.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancellation feels straightforward until something goes wrong, and small oversights can cost you money or delay your refund by weeks. Learn from others' mistakes so you don't repeat them.

Not cancelling early enough before renewal

The most expensive mistake people make is waiting too long to cancel. If your renewal date is 3 March and you try to cancel on 2 March, there's a real risk your account will renew overnight and you'll be charged before the cancellation takes effect. The lesson: cancel at least 5-7 days before your renewal date to be absolutely safe. Check your billing date today and mark your calendar for a cancellation date one week earlier.

Cancelling through only one channel and hoping for the best

If you subscribed through an app store, cancelling only through the Course Hero website may not actually stop your subscription. The two systems sometimes don't sync immediately. Always cancel through the exact channel where you purchased: app store subscriptions need to be cancelled in your app store account settings, not on the Course Hero website. Stopee recommends cancelling through the original platform first, then following up with Course Hero support to confirm the cancellation in their records.

Failing to save cancellation confirmation

A confirmation message on screen is helpful, but it disappears when you close the window. Screenshots are free and take two seconds. If a refund dispute arises later, a cancellation confirmation screenshot or email becomes your proof that you acted in good faith. Without it, Course Hero can claim they never received your request.

Ignoring the 14-day cooling-off window

Many people cancel after weeks or months and then feel frustrated when they're told no refund is available. The Australian Consumer Law gives you 14 days from purchase to change your mind, but only if the service wasn't substantially used. If you're dissatisfied with Course Hero, act within that window. Stopee advises cancelling immediately if you're not happy, even if you've only been subscribed for a few days.

Not keeping records of renewal charges

If Course Hero renews your subscription after you've already cancelled, your only proof of the mistake is your transaction history and the original cancellation confirmation. Without these records, you can't prove the charge was unauthorized. Review your bank or app store statements monthly and flag any unexpected charges immediately.

Comparison: stay or cancel

Before you finalize your cancellation, it's worth taking a moment to weigh whether staying or leaving truly makes sense for your situation. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers make this decision, and the answer is rarely the same twice.

After cancellation: what to do next

Your subscription is cancelled, but your financial responsibility doesn't fully end until you've confirmed no additional charges appear and any refund you're entitled to has arrived.

Monitor your account for surprise charges

For 30 days after cancellation, check your bank statement or payment app weekly to confirm no new charges appear. Billing system glitches sometimes cause phantom charges even after cancellation. If a charge appears post-cancellation, take a screenshot immediately and contact both Course Hero and your bank or app store to dispute the charge. Most payment systems allow you to dispute a charge within 60 days of the transaction, so act quickly if you spot a problem.

Track your refund

If you requested a refund, use your bank's transaction lookup tool to check when the credit actually hits your account. Card refunds sometimes appear as "pending" for a day or two. If 10 business days have passed since Course Hero approved your refund and the money hasn't arrived, contact your bank or app store to investigate.

Unsubscribe from course hero emails

After cancelling, you may still receive marketing emails offering discounts to resubscribe. Scroll to the bottom of these emails and click "Unsubscribe" to stop them. This reduces the temptation to reactivate and keeps your inbox cleaner.

Contact details for course hero cancellation

If you need to send a formal cancellation letter or follow-up communication by post, ensure you use Course Hero's correct registered business address. Stopee recommends confirming the current address on the Course Hero website before posting, as office locations can change. Send your letter via registered mail to obtain proof of delivery. Allow 14-21 business days for postal requests to be processed.

For online support and account inquiries, use the Help or Support portal on the Course Hero website directly. Email is the most reliable method for creating a documented trail of communication if you later need to dispute a charge or escalate to a consumer protection agency.

Final thoughts: regain control of your subscription

Cancelling Course Hero is straightforward once you know the right steps, but the emotional load of managing unwanted charges and navigating refund requests is real. You deserve clarity, control and fairness from every service you subscribe to. Whether you're cancelling because your course ended, you've found a cheaper alternative, or you simply can't afford it anymore, your decision is valid and your money deserves protection. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate cancellations just like yours, and we're here to remind you that companies must respect your right to cancel without tricks, delays or hidden obstacles. Take action today, document everything as you go, and if any issues arise, don't hesitate to escalate to the ACCC or your state's consumer protection agency. Your wallet-and your peace of mind-will thank you.