Manage Big Fish

How to cancel big fish and reclaim your gaming budget in new zealand

What big fish is and why you might want to leave

Big Fish is a digital games publisher and platform that lets you buy casual games individually or subscribe to Game Club, their monthly membership service. The platform offers points, discounts, early access to new releases, and free game credits to subscribers, but cancelling is straightforward once you know where to look.

Whether you've finished your gaming backlog, found a better alternative, or simply want to reduce your monthly expenses, Stopee recognises that cancelling subscriptions should be easy and transparent. This guide walks you through every step, from the cancellation process itself to your consumer rights in New Zealand.

Why people cancel big fish

Common reasons include unused subscription benefits, preference for free-to-play games, budget cuts, or switching to competing platforms. Some players realise they're not using the monthly credits or discounts enough to justify the cost. Others discover they prefer purchasing individual games rather than committing to a monthly plan.

What you need to know before you cancel

Cancellation timelines vary depending on whether you subscribe through Big Fish's website or via Apple App Store and Google Play. Your access to subscription benefits continues until the end of your current billing cycle, but membership perks (points, discounts, free credits) stop accumulating after cancellation. Stopee advises keeping cancellation confirmation emails as proof in case of unexpected charges.

Big fish subscription pricing and what's included

Game Club is Big Fish's primary subscription offering, and understanding what you pay helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move.

Big Fish charges Game Club in USD and converts to NZD at checkout using current exchange rates. Select NZD as your currency on the payment page to see the exact price you'll be charged before confirming. This helps you avoid surprises on your credit card statement.

Is game club worth keeping?

The monthly cost typically equates to NZD $12-14, depending on the USD to NZD exchange rate. If you consistently use your 699 monthly points or take advantage of the daily deals and early access, the subscription may justify itself. However, if your games library sits untouched or you prefer purchasing individual titles, cancelling frees up money for other priorities.

How to cancel big fish via the website

Web-based cancellation is the most direct method and applies to Game Club subscriptions purchased directly from Big Fish. Stopee recommends this approach because you control the process completely and receive immediate email confirmation.

1. Open your web browser and visit the Big Fish website (bigfish.com).
2. Click the account icon or login link in the top-right corner.
   • Enter your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the reset email.
3. Navigate to "My Account" or "Account Settings" from the menu.
4. Look for "My Subscription" or "Subscriptions" in the left sidebar.
5. Select "Game Club" or your active subscription from the list.
6. Click "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice.
   • Big Fish may offer a discounted renewal to entice you to stay. Only accept if you genuinely want to continue.
   • Read any final prompts carefully-some services use dark patterns to delay or obscure the cancellation button.
7. Wait for the confirmation message on screen and check your email immediately.
   • Big Fish sends a confirmation email within minutes. Pro tip: Screenshot or save this email as proof of cancellation.
   • Cancellation processing can take up to 24 hours, though most accounts update faster.

Warning: Do not close your browser or refresh the page until you see the final confirmation. If the page doesn't confirm, assume the cancellation did not go through and repeat the steps.

Cancelling via apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, Big Fish cannot cancel on your behalf. You must manage the cancellation through your Apple ID settings directly.

1. Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap "Subscriptions" from the menu.
4. Find "Big Fish Games" or "Game Club" in your active subscriptions list.
5. Tap the subscription and select "Cancel Subscription."
   • Apple will ask you to confirm and may offer a brief extension discount. Decline unless you want to restart your subscription.
   • Some users report that the Cancel button appears only after tapping "Edit" on the subscription row.
6. Confirm the cancellation. Apple sends an email confirmation immediately.

Your Big Fish account remains active until the end of your current billing cycle, at which point the subscription terminates automatically.

Cancelling via google play (Android)

Like Apple, Google Play manages subscriptions independently. Big Fish does not process cancellations for app-based subscriptions, so you must use Google Play's system.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Payments and subscriptions."
3. Tap "Subscriptions" from the menu.
4. Select "Big Fish Games" or "Game Club" from your active subscriptions.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm your choice.
   • Google may offer a final discount to keep you. Only accept if you intend to renew.
6. Check your email for Google's cancellation confirmation.

Your subscription access continues until the next scheduled billing date. After that, your Game Club membership ends automatically.

What happens after you cancel big fish

Cancelling your subscription is not the same as deleting your account, and understanding the difference helps you avoid confusion or unexpected recharges.

Your access after cancellation

Once you cancel, you retain access to Big Fish and any games you own until the end of your current billing period. This means if you cancel mid-cycle, you keep your benefits until that cycle ends. Stopee emphasises that you do not lose access immediately-you simply do not renew.

Games you purchased individually remain in your library permanently. Only subscription perks (monthly points, discounts, free credits) stop applying once your membership expires.

Timeline for cancellation to take effect

Web cancellations processed through Big Fish typically take up to 24 hours to finalise, though most complete within a few hours. Apple App Store and Google Play cancellations take effect according to their respective billing cycles, which may be slightly longer. Pro tip: Check your account page after 24 hours to confirm the cancellation status shows "Cancelled" rather than "Active."

Protecting yourself from recharge

Save your cancellation confirmation email in a dedicated folder. Include a screenshot of the "Subscription Cancelled" confirmation page. If a charge appears on your card after cancellation, you have proof of when and how you cancelled. Contact Big Fish support immediately if an unexpected charge posts to your account.

Deleting your account versus cancelling your subscription

Cancelling Game Club does not delete your Big Fish account or remove your purchased games. Your account, login, and game library remain intact. If you want full account deletion, contact Big Fish support explicitly and request permanent account removal. Account deletion is a separate process from subscription cancellation and may result in loss of game access depending on your account status.

Refunds and your rights under new zealand law

Big Fish's standard policy states that membership fees charged to your account are non-refundable. However, New Zealand consumer law provides protections that override non-refund clauses in certain situations.

Big fish's standard refund policy

Game Club payments processed on the Big Fish website are final. Once a monthly charge posts to your payment method, Big Fish considers it earned and does not reverse it under normal circumstances. This applies even if you cancel the next day.

Refunds for app store and google play purchases

If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, Big Fish does not handle refunds directly. Instead, Apple and Google manage all refund requests independently. Warning: Each platform has its own refund window and approval process, and neither guarantees a refund simply because you ask.

• Apple App Store refunds are typically available within 14 days of purchase. Contact Apple Support directly to request one.
• Google Play refunds are available within 48 hours of purchase. Submit requests through Google Play Support or your Google Account settings.

Your legal rights under the consumer guarantees act 1993

Big Fish's non-refund clause does not override your rights as a New Zealand consumer. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) guarantees that all services are of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. If Big Fish fails to deliver these guarantees, you are entitled to a remedy.

• Services must be fit for their stated purpose (games must be playable, accounts must function properly).
• Services must be of acceptable quality (no major bugs, crashes, or feature loss shortly after purchase).
• If a service fails these standards substantially, you may claim repair, replacement, or refund depending on the severity and how long you've used it.

For example, if Game Club charges you monthly but games are unplayable, crash immediately, or Big Fish withdraws promised features, you could pursue a remedy under the CGA. The Commerce Commission oversees consumer complaints in New Zealand if Big Fish refuses to cooperate.

When to pursue a refund claim

Pro tip: Document all issues with dates, screenshots, and error messages. If a Big Fish service fails within weeks of purchase, gather evidence before contacting support. Stopee advises being clear about what went wrong and what remedy you expect (repair, replacement, or refund).

If Big Fish refuses to help, escalate to the Commerce Commission or consider a chargeback with your bank. Many credit card issuers allow disputes on subscription charges if the service fails to deliver what was promised.

Common mistakes when cancelling big fish

Cancelling a subscription should be simple, but a few preventable errors can leave you frustrated. These traps are avoidable if you know what to watch for.

Assuming cancellation is instant

Many people cancel and assume the subscription ends immediately. In reality, Big Fish processes web cancellations within 24 hours, and platform cancellations depend on Apple or Google's billing cycles. Check your account the next day to confirm the status has changed to "Cancelled." If it still shows "Active," log back in and try cancelling again or contact support.

Cancelling on the website instead of the app (or vice versa)

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, cancelling on Big Fish's website won't work-Apple controls that subscription. You must cancel in your Apple ID settings. Similarly, Google Play subscriptions require cancellation through Google's system. Stopee recommends checking your subscription method first. Go to "My Account" on Big Fish's website and look for the payment method listed next to your subscription. It will say "Web," "Apple," or "Google."

Losing your confirmation email

Your cancellation confirmation email is your proof. Without it, Big Fish can claim they never received a cancellation request if a charge appears months later. Save this email to a folder titled "Subscriptions" on your computer and back it up to cloud storage. A screenshot of the confirmation page provides additional proof.

Forgetting to cancel after a free trial

Big Fish sometimes offers free trial periods for Game Club. If you sign up for a trial and forget to cancel before it expires, your card is charged automatically. Set a phone reminder 3 days before your trial ends to cancel in time. This prevents unwanted charges and reduces the need for refund disputes.

Not checking for follow-up charges

Even after cancellation, review your credit card or bank statement for the next 2-3 billing cycles. Occasionally, a charge may slip through due to a system error or a timing issue between Big Fish and your bank. If you spot an unexpected charge, contact Big Fish immediately with your cancellation confirmation email. Most companies reverse erroneous charges within 5-10 business days.

Your cancellation checklist

Stopee has developed this checklist to ensure you cancel Big Fish cleanly and protect yourself from future surprises.

• Before cancelling: Check where you subscribed (Big Fish website, Apple App Store, or Google Play) by reviewing your payment method.
• During cancellation: Screenshot the final confirmation page or receipt. Write down the date and time of cancellation.
• After cancellation: Save the confirmation email to a dedicated folder and back it up to cloud storage.
• Verification: Return to your account 24 hours later and confirm the subscription status shows "Cancelled."
• Monitoring: Check your credit card or bank statement weekly for the next 2-3 cycles for unexpected charges.
• If problems arise: Contact Big Fish support with your cancellation confirmation. Reference the Consumer Guarantees Act if they refuse to help.

Should you cancel or keep big fish?

Before you press the cancel button, honestly assess whether Game Club is still worth NZD $12-14 per month.

Consumer rights and recourse in new zealand

As a New Zealand consumer, you have legal protections that apply to Big Fish and any online platform. Understanding these rights empowers you if disputes arise.

The consumer guarantees act 1993

This law guarantees that all services-including digital games and subscriptions-are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with reasonable care. If Big Fish breaches these guarantees (games are unplayable, accounts malfunction, promised features disappear), you have the right to pursue a remedy: repair, replacement, or refund.

The commerce act 1986

This law prohibits misleading advertising and deceptive practices. If Big Fish makes false claims about Game Club benefits or misrepresents what the subscription includes, you can report them to the Commerce Commission.

Payment dispute and chargeback rights

If Big Fish refuses to refund a failed service or processes an unauthorised charge after cancellation, contact your bank or credit card issuer. Most banks allow you to dispute or "chargeback" unauthorised subscription charges. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Big Fish ignores your complaints or refuses to honour your consumer rights, escalate to the Commerce Commission. The Commission handles complaints about unfair trading practices and can investigate if a business violates consumer law. Stopee recommends documenting all communication with Big Fish before escalating-dates, times, email addresses, and their responses.

Final thoughts: take control of your subscriptions

Cancelling Big Fish is a straightforward process once you know the steps, but protecting yourself requires attention to detail. Whether you're exiting due to budget constraints, lack of use, or preference for another platform, Stopee empowers you to cancel confidently and without regret.

Remember: your cancellation confirmation is your proof. Save it, verify the cancellation after 24 hours, and monitor your statements afterward. New Zealand consumer law backs you if Big Fish fails to deliver on their promises, and the Commerce Commission stands ready if Big Fish refuses to cooperate.

Stopee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate subscription cancellations and assert their rights. Visit Stopee.com today to find guides for cancelling other services, understand your consumer rights under NZ law, and reclaim control of your digital subscriptions. Your budget-and peace of mind-will thank you.

Big fish contact information

For support with your cancellation or to dispute a charge, use these official Big Fish channels:

• Help Centre: Available through the Big Fish website; submit form-based requests for account and billing issues.
• Email support: Check your cancellation confirmation email for a support address. You can also reply directly to confirmation emails from Big Fish.
• Postal contact: Big Fish does not publish a dedicated New Zealand mailing address. Use the Help Centre form for fastest response.

If you need to escalate beyond Big Fish, contact the Commerce Commission through their website (beehive.govt.nz) or call their consumer hotline for guidance on pursuing a complaint.