Manage Fetlife

How to cancel FetLife in new zealand and protect your account

What is FetLife and why people use it

FetLife is a social network built for people interested in BDSM, kink and alternative sexual communities across the world. You create a profile, join groups, RSVP to events, and share content with like-minded members. The platform operates completely free at its core, but offers an optional "Support" tier that you can purchase to unlock small features like badges and extended feed scrolling.

Many New Zealand members join for community and connection, but life circumstances, privacy concerns or changing interests mean cancellation becomes necessary. At Stopee, we understand that cancelling subscriptions can feel complicated, especially with platforms that blend free and paid features. This guide walks you through every cancellation path so you stay in control.

Free membership vs. support donations

Your FetLife account itself costs nothing. The "Support" tier is a voluntary donation you choose to buy, typically billed in USD and converted to NZD at your bank's rate. If you have never purchased Support, you have nothing to cancel-you can simply stop using the platform or delete your account. If you have purchased Support through your phone's app store or FetLife's web payment system, you do need to cancel it to stop future charges.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

New Zealand consumer law gives you strong protections when you buy digital content or services, even from overseas companies like FetLife.

What the consumer guarantees act means for you

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) applies to digital services and content you buy in New Zealand. This means FetLife must deliver what it promises-if Support features don't work, or if billing is unclear, you have grounds to complain. You also have the right to cancel within a reasonable time if the service doesn't meet your expectations.

FetLife's own 7-day refund policy actually aligns with this protection. If you request a refund within 7 days of purchase, you can get your money back to your original payment method. After 7 days, the CGA allows you to pursue a complaint with FetLife directly or escalate to the Commerce Commission if the company refuses to engage.

Escalation path if FetLife refuses to help

If FetLife ignores your cancellation request or refund claim, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). They investigate unfair contract terms and billing disputes involving overseas traders. Document everything: your account email, transaction dates, screenshots of billing, and copies of your cancellation requests. Stopee recommends keeping these records for at least 90 days after cancellation.

How to cancel FetLife on android (Google play)

If you subscribed to FetLife Support through the Google Play Store on your Android phone, you must cancel through Google Play itself-not through the FetLife app.

Step-by-step cancellation on google play

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Payments and subscriptions from the menu.
   • This takes you to your subscription dashboard.
3. Tap Subscriptions to view all active subscriptions.
   • Scroll down to find "FET" or "FetLife Support."
4. Tap the FetLife subscription entry.
   • You see your billing date and renewal amount in NZD.
5. Tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.
   • Google Play asks you to confirm the cancellation.
6. Confirm cancellation and you receive an on-screen confirmation immediately.
   • Google Play also sends a confirmation email to your Google account.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the confirmation page; it proves you cancelled on time if a dispute arises.

What happens after you cancel on google play

Your subscription ends at the close of your current billing period. You do not receive an immediate refund unless you cancel within 7 days of your most recent charge (see the refund section below). Google Play stops all future automatic renewals immediately, so you won't be charged again.

How to cancel FetLife on iOS (Apple app store)

iPhone and iPad users who bought FetLife Support through the App Store must cancel directly in Apple's subscription settings.

Step-by-step cancellation on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) if needed.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu.
   • You may need to enter your passcode or Face ID.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
   • This shows all active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Tap FetLife or FET from the subscription list.
   • You see your renewal date, price in NZD, and subscription tier.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom.
   • Apple asks you to confirm; select Confirm.
6. You receive an instant on-screen confirmation.
   • Apple emails a cancellation receipt to your Apple ID email address.
   • Warning: Do not uninstall the FetLife app after cancelling-your subscription cancellation is stored with Apple, not with the app. Uninstalling does not cancel anything and may make it harder to prove you cancelled if you need to dispute a charge later.

Timing and billing after iOS cancellation

Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. You lose access to Support features (badges, extended feed) after that date, but your FetLife account stays open with your profile and content intact. Future charges stop completely once the current period ends.

How to cancel FetLife support donations on the web

If you purchased FetLife Support directly on FetLife's website (not through an app store), you cancel through your FetLife account settings.

Step-by-step web cancellation

1. Log in to FetLife.com on a computer or mobile browser.
   • Use your email address and password.
2. Click your profile icon in the top navigation and select Settings.
   • On mobile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) first.
3. Look for Payments, Billing or Support donations in the left sidebar.
   • FetLife's interface occasionally moves these options; check all tabs if needed.
4. Find your active Support donation entry and click Cancel next to it.
   • FetLife shows your donation start date, next renewal date, and amount in NZD.
5. Confirm the cancellation when FetLife prompts you.
   • You receive a confirmation message on-screen immediately.
   • Pro tip: Screenshot this confirmation; FetLife's web donations sometimes leave traces of billing even after cancellation.
6. Check your email for a cancellation receipt from FetLife.
   • If you don't receive an email within 24 hours, contact FetLife support to confirm the cancellation went through.

Important note about web donations

Unlike Google Play and App Store subscriptions, FetLife web donations do not automatically renew. If you bought Support on the website and did nothing else, you would not be charged again. However, if you set up recurring donations or purchased a multi-year Support package, you must still cancel it manually in your settings to prevent future charges. Stopee recommends treating all Support purchases the same way: cancel them actively in writing so you have proof.

What happens after you cancel FetLife support

Cancelling Support is straightforward, but understanding what changes after cancellation helps you avoid surprises.

Your account stays open by default

Cancelling Support does not delete your FetLife account, profile, photos, videos, or group memberships. Your profile remains visible to other members, and you keep all your conversations and followers. You simply lose access to Support-only features: your "I Support FetLife" badge disappears, you cannot scroll your feed as far, and you lose access to a few minor tools.

If you want to delete your entire account after cancelling Support, that is a separate action. You contact FetLife support or use the account deletion option in your settings. Stopee advises making this choice deliberately-account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

Billing stops immediately

Once you cancel through Google Play, the App Store, or FetLife's web settings, no future charges occur. If you cancelled mid-billing cycle, you keep Support benefits until the cycle ends, then access stops. You do not receive a pro-rata refund for unused time unless you qualify for FetLife's 7-day refund window (see below).

Timeline for losing support features

Features vanish at the end of your current billing period, not immediately after cancellation. If you renew on the 15th of each month and cancel on the 20th, you keep Support features until the next 15th. After that date, your badge disappears and feed restrictions apply.

FetLife support pricing and plans in new zealand

FetLife Support is billed in USD and converted to NZD at your bank's exchange rate, so exact prices fluctuate slightly.

Support plans and what you get

Longer plans offer better value per month, but commit you to a larger upfront payment. At Stopee, we recommend the 6-month plan if you are unsure whether you will keep using FetLife-it gives you time to decide before the next charge arrives.

How to request a refund from FetLife

FetLife honors a 7-day return and refund policy for Support purchases, making it one of the more consumer-friendly platforms.

Who qualifies for a refund

You qualify for a full refund if you request one within 7 days of your Support purchase. FetLife refunds to your original payment method-credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. You must submit your request within the 7-day window; after that, FetLife typically declines refunds unless you have a valid dispute under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

How to request your refund

1. Gather your information before emailing FetLife.
   • Your FetLife account email address.
   • The exact date you purchased Support (check your bank or app store receipt).
   • The amount charged in NZD.
   • A screenshot or copy of your transaction receipt if available.
2. Send an email to FetLife's support address.
   • Visit FetLife.com and look for "Contact Us" or "Support" in the footer.
   • Be clear and direct: "I purchased Support on [date] and request a refund within the 7-day window. Please process my refund to my original payment method."
3. FetLife responds within 3-5 business days.
   • They confirm receipt and either approve the refund or explain why it does not qualify.
   • Pro tip: Save all email correspondence; if FetLife denies your refund unfairly, you have proof to show the Commerce Commission.
4. Track the refund in your bank or payment app.
   • Refunds take 5-10 business days to appear after FetLife approves them, depending on your bank.
   • If the refund does not arrive after 10 days, follow up with FetLife and ask for a refund reference number.

Refunds you cannot claim

FetLife excludes certain payment methods from refunds: Gift Card Trade-IN, POLi (Australian payment system), cryptocurrency, and Paysafecard. If you paid using one of these methods, FetLife typically declines refunds because those payment types are non-reversible. FetLife also limits refunds to one per person per year according to their published policy, though this limit rarely affects typical users.

Web Support donations fall under the same 7-day policy as app store purchases. If you bought Support directly on FetLife.com and want your money back, email support within 7 days with the same information above.

Common mistakes when cancelling FetLife

Cancelling a subscription across multiple platforms can feel frustrating, especially when you are juggling app stores and website logins. We have seen many New Zealand members trip up on these points-let us help you avoid them.

Uninstalling the app without cancelling the subscription

This is the single most common mistake. You delete the FetLife app from your phone, assume you have cancelled, and then a month later your credit card is charged again. The app is just software; your subscription lives with Google Play, the App Store, or FetLife's payment system. Deleting the app does nothing to stop billing. Always cancel through the store or FetLife's website first, then uninstall the app afterward if you wish.

Cancelling only on FetLife's website when you subscribed through an app

If you bought Support through Google Play or the App Store, cancelling it in your FetLife profile settings does not work. Your subscription is managed by the store, not by FetLife. You must cancel through Google Play or Apple's settings, or future charges will continue. Stopee recommends cancelling in the same place you subscribed-if you bought through an app store, cancel there; if you bought on the web, cancel on FetLife's website.

Not saving proof of cancellation

Screenshots and confirmation emails are your best defence if a charge disputes arises. Take a photo of the cancellation confirmation screen before closing the browser or app. Forward your cancellation email to yourself or print it. If FetLife charges you after you cancelled, you can show the Commerce Commission clear evidence that you took action.

Waiting to cancel until the day before a charge

Cancellation processing can take 24-48 hours, especially on weekends. If you cancel on a Friday afternoon, Google Play or the App Store may not register the cancellation until Monday-by which time your renewal date has passed and you have been charged. Cancel at least 2-3 days before your next billing date to be safe. Check your billing date in your subscription settings and mark a reminder on your calendar one week before.

A checklist to confirm your FetLife cancellation is complete

Use this checklist after you cancel to verify everything worked.

• Check you received a confirmation message (on-screen or email) from Google Play, the App Store, or FetLife.
• Log back into your subscription settings 24 hours later and confirm FetLife Support no longer appears on your active subscriptions list.
• Verify your next renewal date no longer appears in your billing information.
• If you are within 7 days of purchase and want a refund, email FetLife support with your receipt and account details.
• Mark the date you cancelled and set a reminder to check your bank statement 30 days later-confirm no charge appears.
• Save all cancellation confirmations and emails in a folder for 90 days.

Should you cancel FetLife? key reasons members leave

Deciding whether to cancel depends on your personal circumstances. Here are the most common reasons New Zealand members choose to stop using FetLife.

Privacy and anonymity concerns

FetLife collects profile data, search history, and group memberships. If you are concerned about privacy-whether for relationship security, workplace risk, or general data protection-cancellation and account deletion might be the right choice. FetLife does not sell data to third parties, but your profile is visible to members unless you set it to private. Deleting your account permanently removes all traces.

Cost or accidental charges

Some members forget they subscribed to Support and are surprised by charges. If the Support features do not add real value to your experience, cancelling saves you NZ$50-200 per year. Cancellation also stops accidental recurring charges if you subscribed on impulse.

Changing life circumstances

Relationships change, interests evolve, or life gets busier. If you have not logged in for months and do not miss the community, cancelling makes sense. Your account will not disappear if you simply stop visiting-you can always return later-but cancelling Support stops financial drain.

Dissatisfaction with features or community moderation

If you feel FetLife's interface is outdated, groups are inactive, or moderation decisions affect your experience negatively, cancellation sends a message. Write FetLife feedback before you go; they monitor cancellation reasons and customer input shapes product decisions.

FetLife's contact details and support address for new zealand users

If you need to escalate a cancellation dispute, contact FetLife directly or pursue a Commerce Commission complaint.

FetLife support contact

Visit FetLife.com and scroll to the footer to find the "Contact Us" or "Support" link. You can also email support through your account settings. Include your account email, the issue, and any transaction or cancellation details. FetLife aims to respond within 3-5 business days.

If FetLife refuses to process your cancellation or refund after you have contacted them twice, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. Provide them with copies of your emails, screenshots of your billing information, and proof of your cancellation attempts. The Commission investigates unfair practices by overseas traders.

Stopee's role in your cancellation journey

At Stopee, we have helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds, and navigate disputes with overseas companies. Whether you need step-by-step guidance for FetLife or want to compare cancellation difficulty across platforms, Stopee is here to empower you. We know the laws, the loopholes, and the tactics that companies use-and we share that knowledge to put you back in control of your money and data.

Use this guide to cancel FetLife confidently. Keep your receipts, take screenshots, and remember: cancellation is your right, not a privilege. Stopee stands behind every consumer who takes action to protect their wallet and privacy.