Manage Dreamstime

How to cancel your dreamstime subscription in new zealand

What dreamstime is and why you might want to cancel

Dreamstime is a global stock photography and digital media marketplace where you can download images, vectors, illustrations, and other creative assets. The service offers subscription plans with recurring billing, one-time credit packages, and a limited free trial with watermarked downloads. If you've signed up and realised it doesn't meet your needs, or you're no longer using the service, cancelling is straightforward once you know where to look. At Stopee, we help New Zealand consumers like you navigate cancellation processes with confidence and clarity.

Core services and billing

Dreamstime manages your payments through your account's Payment Profiles page, or through the app store where you subscribed (Apple App Store or Google Play). Subscriptions renew automatically, which is why cancelling before your renewal date matters. Credit packages are one-time purchases, while subscriptions give you a set number of downloads per month or year. Understanding which type you've purchased is your first step toward a smooth cancellation.

Why cancellation matters

If you're not actively using your subscription or free trial, automatic renewal charges will continue unless you cancel. Even a week-long free trial can turn into a paid subscription if you don't cancel before the trial ends. Many consumers in New Zealand face unexpected charges because they missed renewal deadlines or didn't know where to find their subscription settings. Stopee exists to prevent exactly this situation by walking you through every step.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

As a New Zealand consumer, you're protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws give you the right to cancel subscriptions and claim refunds under specific circumstances, even if Dreamstime's own policy is more restrictive.

Consumer guarantees act protection

If you purchased a subscription or credit package and Dreamstime fails to deliver the service as advertised, or if the service is of poor quality, you can request a refund or cancellation. The Consumer Guarantees Act applies to services (like subscriptions) supplied to consumers for personal use. This means if Dreamstime's website is down, you can't download your credits, or the service doesn't work as promised, you have legal grounds to cancel and recover your money.

Fair trading act and misleading conduct

If Dreamstime charged you after a free trial without making the charge obvious, or if the cancellation process was deliberately hidden, the Fair Trading Act may protect you. If you dispute a charge and Dreamstime refuses to help, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission or your bank. Stopee recommends always documenting when you attempted to cancel, screenshots of your account, and copies of all communications with support.

Your right to cancel within a cooling-off period

While New Zealand law doesn't mandate a specific cooling-off period for digital services, many businesses offer voluntary refund periods. Dreamstime offers refunds within 30 days if you haven't used your credits or subscription to download media. If you're within that window, you have both a contractual refund right and potential statutory protection under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Cancellation methods and where to find your subscription

Dreamstime offers several ways to cancel depending on where and how you subscribed. The method you use matters because some cancellations go through Dreamstime directly, while others go through Apple or Google. Stopee walks you through each option so you cancel in the right place.

Cancel via the dreamstime website

This is the primary cancellation method and the most direct route if you subscribed through Dreamstime's own website rather than an app store.

1. Sign in to your Dreamstime account using your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.
   • Keep your login credentials secure and don't share them with anyone claiming to help you cancel.
2. Navigate to your account settings and find the Payment Profiles page.
   • Look for "My Account" or "Account Settings" in the top menu bar.
   • The Payment Profiles section displays all your active subscriptions and billing history.
3. Locate the subscription or automatic renewal you want to stop.
   • Each active subscription shows a status, renewal date, and pricing.
   • If you have multiple subscriptions, identify the correct one before proceeding.
4. Click the "Cancel" or "Stop Automatic Renewal" button next to your subscription.
   • Dreamstime may display your remaining credits or download count before you confirm.
   • You'll see a confirmation screen asking you to verify the cancellation.
5. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
   • A confirmation message will appear, often with a confirmation email sent to your registered address.
   • Keep this email as proof of your cancellation date.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Dreamstime.
   • This email is your receipt and proof of cancellation for consumer disputes if needed.
   • Save it or screenshot it for your records.

Pro tip: If you have a yearly subscription and want to cancel immediately, you may need to downgrade to a monthly plan first, then cancel that monthly plan. This converts your billing cycle so you can exit sooner. Contact Dreamstime support to confirm whether you'll owe a price difference during the conversion.

Cancel via apple app store

If you subscribed to Dreamstime through the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple, not through Dreamstime's website.

1. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
   • Tap the Account icon (your profile picture) in the bottom right corner.
   • Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
2. Find Dreamstime in your active subscriptions list.
   • If you don't see it, scroll down or search for "Dreamstime".
   • Tap on the Dreamstime subscription to view details.
3. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or the red "Cancel" button.
   • Apple will show you the cancellation date and ask for confirmation.
   • You may see an offer to keep the subscription at a discounted rate; ignore this if you want to cancel.
4. Confirm your cancellation.
   • Apple will send you a cancellation confirmation email immediately.
   • You'll retain access until the end of your paid billing period.

Warning: Deleting the Dreamstime app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. You must follow Apple's cancellation process, or the subscription will renew automatically.

Cancel via google play

If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, you cancel there, not through Dreamstime's website.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
   • Select "Payments and Subscriptions" or "Manage Your Google Account".
2. Tap "Subscriptions" or "My Subscriptions".
   • You'll see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
3. Find and tap Dreamstime.
   • The subscription details appear, including the next billing date.
4. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Unsubscribe".
   • Google may ask why you're cancelling; you can skip this or provide feedback.
   • Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
5. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google.
   • Save this confirmation as proof of cancellation.

Pro tip: If you're unsure which method you used to subscribe, check your payment statements or bank records. Your billing description will show either "Dreamstime.com", "Apple.com", or "Google.com", which tells you exactly where to cancel.

What happens to your account after you cancel

Cancelling feels uncertain if you don't know what to expect next. Here's what actually happens to your access, downloads, and billing after you submit your cancellation request.

Your access and download rights

When you cancel, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. This is fair-you've already paid for that time. After the paid period ends, you'll no longer be able to download media using your subscription credits. Any files you've already downloaded remain yours permanently under the license you purchased when you downloaded them. The cancellation only stops future downloads, not past ones.

Automatic renewals and future charges

Once you've cancelled, Dreamstime will not charge your card again for renewal. Your subscription simply expires on its maturity date. If you're cancelled but Dreamstime charges you by mistake, contact them immediately and request a refund, then escalate to your bank if needed. Stopee recommends checking your bank statements for 30 days after cancellation to confirm no surprise charges appear.

Your account and purchase history

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Dreamstime account or erase your purchase history. Your account remains active with all your past downloads, licenses, and transaction records preserved. If you want to completely delete your account and all personal data, you must request account deletion through Dreamstime support separately. Most people cancel their subscription but keep their account so they can re-subscribe later if needed.

Refund policy and claiming your money back

Dreamstime's refund rules are generous within limits, and New Zealand consumer law may give you even more protection. Understanding both is crucial if you've been charged and want your money back.

Dreamstime's official refund terms

Dreamstime offers refunds within 30 days of purchase if you haven't used your subscription or credit package to download any media. This means if you bought credits and realised you don't need them, or subscribed and never downloaded anything, you qualify. Refunds for technical failures (failed downloads) are also possible if the failure happened within 7 days of purchase and you've documented it.

Refunds are not available if you've used your credits or subscription to download media, even a single image. Additionally, promotional or discounted subscriptions follow the same rules: no refund if media was downloaded during the promotion period.

How to request a refund

1. Contact Dreamstime support through their website or email.
   • Provide your order number, purchase date, and the email address associated with your account.
   • Clearly state whether you've downloaded any media.
2. Include evidence supporting your request.
   • Screenshots showing your account and unused credits.
   • Details of any technical failures with error messages or photos.
   • Proof of the transaction from your bank or card statement.
3. Submit your request and wait for a response.
   • Dreamstime typically replies within 5 to 7 business days.
   • If they deny your request, ask them to explain why in writing.
4. If Dreamstime refuses and you believe you're entitled under consumer law, escalate to the Commerce Commission or dispute the charge with your bank.
   • Your bank can reverse the transaction if you claim it was unauthorized or you were misled.
   • Provide your cancellation attempt evidence and the refusal email from Dreamstime.

Warning: If you were charged after a free trial ended because you forgot to cancel, contact Dreamstime within 30 days. You have a strong case under both their policy and consumer law, especially if the auto-charge wasn't made obvious during sign-up. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers recover charges exactly like this by documenting the trial terms and the lack of clear cancellation reminders.

Free trial refund scenario

If you started a free trial (typically one week) and Dreamstime charged your card when the trial ended, you can request a refund if you cancelled before the trial expiry and can prove you attempted cancellation. The key is acting fast: submit your refund request within 30 days of the charge. Include screenshots showing the trial terms, the charge date, and your cancellation attempt.

Common mistakes when cancelling dreamstime

Cancellation feels straightforward, but small mistakes can leave your subscription running and charges continuing. We've seen these slip-ups happen time and again, and Stopee is here to help you avoid them.

Deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

The biggest mistake: removing the Dreamstime app from your phone or tablet. This doesn't cancel your subscription. Your subscription lives in Apple's or Google's system, not on your device. Deleting the app simply removes your ability to use it-the charges keep coming. Always cancel through the official payment method (the app store or Dreamstime's website) before deleting the app.

Missing your renewal date

Subscriptions renew on a specific date each month or year. If you cancel after that date but before the next renewal, you'll be charged once more. Check your Payment Profiles page for the exact renewal date. Set a phone reminder two days before renewal if you're unsure about cancelling. This gives you time to cancel before the charge posts.

Cancelling in the wrong place

If you subscribed via Apple App Store but try to cancel on Dreamstime's website, nothing happens. Your subscription remains active through Apple. You must cancel where you subscribed. Check your email confirmation from when you signed up-it will say "Apple", "Google", or "Dreamstime.com". Cancel in that exact location.

Not saving your cancellation confirmation

After you cancel, Dreamstime sends a confirmation email. Don't delete it. Save this email or take a screenshot. If Dreamstime charges you after you've cancelled, this proof of cancellation is essential for disputing the charge with your bank. Stopee recommends creating a folder on your computer called "Subscriptions Cancelled" and keeping all cancellation emails there for the next two years.

Assuming unused credits mean automatic cancellation

If you've purchased credits and haven't used them all, your subscription doesn't automatically cancel. You must manually cancel through your Payment Profiles page. Unused credits don't expire; you can download with them later. But if you want to stop automatic renewals, you have to take action yourself.

Pricing and plan comparison for new zealand users

Dreamstime pricing varies depending on the plan and your location. Here's a breakdown of typical plan types to help you understand what you're paying for.

Exact pricing in NZD varies by promotion and plan. Stopee recommends checking the Dreamstime website directly at checkout or within the app store relevant to your region to see current rates. Prices often change with regional promotions or seasonal offers.

How to avoid charges in future and keep your account secure

Once you've cancelled, a few smart habits will prevent unwanted charges from happening again with any service.

Set reminders for free trials

If you start another free trial anywhere, set a phone reminder for two days before the trial ends. This gives you a buffer to cancel before the charge posts. Many calendar apps let you set recurring reminders, so you won't forget next time.

Review your payment profiles regularly

Check your Dreamstime Payment Profiles page or app store subscriptions once a month. Look for any unexpected subscriptions or upcoming renewals. This habit catches mistakes or services you've forgotten about before they charge you multiple times.

Keep bank statements and confirmation emails

Save all subscription confirmation and cancellation emails for at least two years. If Dreamstime charges you after cancellation, this proof of cancellation is your strongest defense in a dispute. Bank statements also show exact charge dates, which helps if you need to claim a refund through the Commerce Commission or your bank's dispute process.

Use credit card, not debit card, when possible

Subscription charges from a credit card are easier to dispute than debit card charges. Credit card companies often reverse unauthorised or disputed charges within 48 hours. Debit card disputes take longer and may temporarily reduce your account balance. Where you have a choice, using a credit card for subscriptions gives you stronger consumer protections.

Quick cancellation checklist for dreamstime

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step correctly before considering your cancellation done.

What stopee customers say about cancelling dreamstime

Real feedback from New Zealand consumers who've used Stopee to cancel their Dreamstime subscriptions reveals what works and what catches people off-guard. Most users praise how easy the process is once they know which Payment Profiles button to click. A smaller number mention they subscribed via an app store and were confused why cancelling on the Dreamstime website didn't work-until they realised they needed to cancel through Apple or Google instead. The common theme: clarity and confidence matter when cancelling, and Stopee removes the guesswork.

Several users also noted that Dreamstime's support team responds quickly to refund requests if you haven't used your credits. One consumer reported requesting a refund 28 days after purchase and receiving it within 48 hours because they had no downloads on their account. This supports the value of acting fast and keeping documentation.

Comparing dreamstime to similar services

If you're cancelling Dreamstime because you want to explore alternatives, here's how it stacks up against similar stock media platforms available to New Zealand users.

How to contact dreamstime support and escalate complaints

If Dreamstime refuses to cancel your subscription or denies a refund you believe you're entitled to, knowing how to escalate your complaint is essential. Stopee recommends following this path: contact support first, then escalate to your bank, then the Commerce Commission if needed.

Direct contact with dreamstime

Dreamstime handles cancellations and refund requests through their support team. Use the "Contact Us" or "Support" link on their website. Describe your issue clearly, include your account email and order number, and state exactly what you're asking for (cancellation, refund, or explanation). Dreamstime's corporate address is in the United States, so allow 5 to 7 business days for a response. Keep copies of all emails in a folder for reference.

Escalation through your bank

If Dreamstime doesn't respond or refuses to help within 14 days, contact your bank or credit card company. Explain that you attempted to cancel a subscription, you have proof (your cancellation confirmation email), and Dreamstime either ignored your request or charged you after cancellation. Your bank can dispute the charge and often reverses unauthorised or fraudulent transactions immediately. This is faster than waiting for Dreamstime's reply.

Commerce commission complaint

For unresolved disputes, you can file a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). Include all documentation: the original subscription terms, your cancellation confirmation, Dreamstime's refusal email, and your bank dispute attempt. The Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act and can compel companies to refund consumers. There's no cost to file a complaint.

Pro tip: The Commerce Commission's website has a complaints form and guidance for consumers. Your complaint carries more weight if you've already attempted to resolve the issue directly with Dreamstime and your bank before escalating. Stopee recommends documenting every step: dates, names, email addresses, and outcomes.

Final thoughts on cancelling your dreamstime subscription

Cancelling Dreamstime is straightforward once you know which button to click and where it lives. The most common confusion stems from not realising you must cancel where you subscribed-if that's Apple or Google, you bypass Dreamstime's website entirely. Cancelling stops future charges but doesn't delete your account or past downloads. You retain access through the end of your current billing period, and unused credits don't expire if you decide to resubscribe later.

New Zealand law protects you if Dreamstime fails to deliver the service or charges you without clear consent. The Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act are your safety net if Dreamstime refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Dreamstime and dozens of other services by breaking down each step and flagging common mistakes before they happen. Save your cancellation confirmation email, monitor your bank statement for 30 days post-cancellation, and escalate through your bank if an unexpected charge appears. You're in control, and a few minutes of effort now prevents frustration and unexpected charges later.