Manage Pigeonly

How to cancel pigeonly and protect your spending on prison communication

What is pigeonly and why you might cancel

Pigeonly is a US-based service that simplifies communication with incarcerated family members and friends by offering photo printing, postal mail delivery, calling support, and messaging solutions. The company acts as an intermediary between you and correctional facilities or phone providers, handling payments on your behalf.

You might use Pigeonly to send printed photos, cards, or messages without visiting a facility in person. The service operates through a website and mobile apps, with costs charged in USD. However, if you've found the service doesn't meet your needs, the costs are adding up, or you've discovered a cheaper alternative, cancelling is straightforward - once you know where to look.

Core features and how they work

Pigeonly offers free photo sending (within monthly limits), paid subscription tiers for reduced per-transaction rates, and direct payment processing to prison phone providers. Some transactions are processed in USD, which can mean unexpected currency conversion fees for New Zealand customers.

The service stores your account data, payment history, and messages within their system. Understanding what happens to this data when you cancel is important, which is why Stopee breaks down every cancellation pathway below.

Common reasons to cancel

You might cancel Pigeonly if monthly fees are straining your budget, you prefer a cheaper competitor, the service doesn't support your preferred contact method, or you no longer need to maintain regular contact. Whatever your reason, you have consumer rights in New Zealand - and Stopee is here to help you exercise them.

Your consumer rights when cancelling pigeonly

New zealand consumer guarantees act protections

Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have specific rights when purchasing services. Pigeonly must provide a service that is of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe.

If the service fails to meet these standards - for example, if photos don't arrive or the app repeatedly crashes - you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or remedy. The Consumer Guarantees Act applies to all goods and services sold to consumers in New Zealand, regardless of where the company is based.

Cooling-off rights and payment disputes

If you subscribed to Pigeonly through a mobile app store (Apple or Google), you typically have 14 days to request a refund for accidental or unwanted purchases. This window is controlled by the app store, not Pigeonly.

For direct subscriptions via Pigeonly's website, no explicit cooling-off period is stated in their Terms of Service. However, if a charge is unauthorised or incorrect, you can dispute it with your bank or card provider. Stopee recommends checking your transaction history regularly to catch unexpected charges early.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Pigeonly refuses to honour your cancellation request or withholds a refund you believe you're entitled to under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commission investigates unfair contract terms and misleading conduct by businesses.

How to cancel pigeonly on the website

Step-by-step cancellation via pigeonly's website

Cancelling directly on Pigeonly's website is the most straightforward method if you manage your subscription there. Follow these steps carefully to ensure cancellation is confirmed.

1. Open a web browser and go to Pigeonly's website (pigeonly.com).
   • Log in with your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
2. Navigate to your account settings or profile section.
   • Look for tabs labelled "Account", "Settings", "Subscription", or "Manage Plan".
   • The exact label may vary, but subscription management is always in account settings.
3. Locate the subscription or billing section.
   • You should see your current plan, next billing date, and payment method.
   • Look for a button or link labelled "Cancel Subscription", "Downgrade", or "Manage Subscription".
4. Click the cancellation option and confirm your choice.
   • Pigeonly may ask why you're cancelling (feedback is optional).
   • Review the cancellation summary - it should state your access ends at the end of the current billing period.
5. Confirm cancellation and wait for an email confirmation.
   • Check your inbox (and spam folder) for a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
   • Warning: Do not assume the cancellation is complete until you receive this email.
6. Verify cancellation in your account.
   • Log back in within a few days to confirm your subscription is no longer listed as active.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your account settings showing "No active subscription" as proof of cancellation.

What to do if the website cancellation fails

If you cannot find the cancellation option or the website shows an error, contact Pigeonly support directly. Stopee recommends using email rather than a contact form, as email creates a written record of your request.

Send a message stating your name, account email, and clear request: "I wish to cancel my Pigeonly subscription effective immediately." Request written confirmation of the cancellation date and any refunds due.

How to cancel pigeonly on mobile app stores

Cancelling through apple (iOS)

If you subscribed to Pigeonly through the Apple App Store, Apple controls the subscription and refund process - Pigeonly cannot cancel on your behalf.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap your name at the top of the screen (Apple ID profile).
2. Tap "Subscriptions".
   • You'll see a list of all active and expired subscriptions.
3. Find Pigeonly in the list and tap it.
   • If you don't see it, scroll down or search.
4. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription".
   • Confirm your cancellation choice when prompted.
5. Check the confirmation message.
   • It will show your access ends on a specific date (usually the next billing date).
   • Take a screenshot as proof.

Pro tip: If you subscribed via the App Store and believe you're entitled to a refund, go to reportaproblem.apple.com, find the Pigeonly charge, and request a refund within 14 days of purchase. Apple reviews requests and often grants refunds for accidental or unauthorised charges.

Cancelling through google play (Android)

Google Play also manages Pigeonly subscriptions independently. Pigeonly cannot cancel or refund app store subscriptions.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left.
2. Tap "Payments and subscriptions".
   • Then select "Subscriptions".
3. Find Pigeonly and tap it.
   • If it's not visible, ensure you're viewing active subscriptions, not cancelled ones.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Unsubscribe".
   • Google may ask why you're cancelling (feedback is optional).
5. Confirm the cancellation.
   • You'll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email shortly after.
   • Note the cancellation effective date.

Like Apple, Google Play allows you to request a refund for any Pigeonly charge within 14 days. Visit support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2411519 for the refund process.

What happens after you cancel pigeonly

Your access and account data

Once you cancel, your access to Pigeonly typically continues until the end of your current billing period. After that date, you will no longer be able to send photos, messages, or make payments through the service.

Your account data - including message history, photos, and mailing records - may remain in Pigeonly's systems according to their privacy policy. If you want your data deleted, contact Pigeonly support and request account deletion. Some data may be retained for legal or operational reasons, but the company should confirm what is or isn't removed.

Unused credits and refunds

Pigeonly's Terms of Service state that they do not refund the reasonable value of unused credits you've purchased. This is a significant limitation, so check your account balance before cancelling and consider using remaining credits before your access ends.

However, if you believe this policy violates the Consumer Guarantees Act or if you paid for credits that were never credited to your account, Stopee recommends disputing the charge with your bank or contacting the Commerce Commission.

Automatic renewal and billing

After cancellation confirmation, automatic renewal will stop and no further charges should appear on your card or bank account. Monitor your statements for 30 days to ensure no surprise charges occur. If a charge does appear after cancellation, contact your bank immediately and report the transaction as unauthorised.

Will you get a refund from pigeonly

Pigeonly's stated refund policy

According to Pigeonly's Terms of Service, the company does not offer refunds for unused credits or subscription fees already paid. Payments made on your behalf to prison phone providers or facilities are listed as non-refundable by policy.

This policy is strict, and Pigeonly relies on it to resist refund requests. However, this does not override your rights under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. If the service was not fit for purpose or failed to deliver as promised, you may still be entitled to a remedy.

Exceptions: app store and google play refunds

Apple and Google have their own refund policies that supersede Pigeonly's. If you subscribed via an app store, you can request a refund directly from Apple or Google within 14 days of purchase, regardless of Pigeonly's refund policy.

To maximise your chances of approval, explain why you're requesting the refund: accidental purchase, service didn't work as advertised, or duplicate charge. Include evidence (screenshots of the charge, account page, or app crashes).

Disputing charges if pigeonly refuses to refund

If Pigeonly refuses a refund and you believe the charge is unjust or unauthorized, you can dispute it with your bank or credit card provider. This is called a chargeback or dispute claim. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge if evidence supports your complaint.

Stopee recommends keeping all emails from Pigeonly, cancellation confirmations, and screenshots of your account for this process. The Commerce Commission also accepts complaints about unfair refund policies - visit comcom.govt.nz to lodge a complaint.

Pigeonly pricing and plan comparison

Available plans and costs

Pigeonly offers a free tier with limited features and paid subscription tiers priced in USD. The exact cost and plan names may vary by region.

Currency and pricing notes for new zealand customers

Pigeonly displays pricing in USD on its website. When you pay from New Zealand, your bank or payment processor will convert NZD to USD, and you may be charged a currency conversion fee (typically 2-3%). Always check the final NZD amount before confirming payment.

No dedicated New Zealand pricing or NZD subscription tiers are currently advertised by Pigeonly. If pricing or tax treatment is unclear before you subscribe, contact Pigeonly support to avoid surprise charges later.

Common mistakes when cancelling pigeonly

Missing the cancellation confirmation email

Many people assume cancellation is complete after clicking "cancel", but without confirmation from Pigeonly, your subscription may still be active. Check your email inbox and spam folder for confirmation within 24 hours.

If you don't receive an email, log back into your account within a few days. Verify that your subscription status shows as "Cancelled" or "Inactive". If it still shows active, your cancellation request may have failed - contact support immediately.

Cancelling on one platform but not the other

If you have a Pigeonly account linked to both the website and a mobile app, cancelling on one platform does not cancel the other. You must cancel each separately.

Pro tip: Log into Pigeonly's website and check if your subscription is managed there. Then check your Apple or Google Play account. Cancel on whichever platform(s) show an active subscription to avoid unexpected charges.

Forgetting unused credit balances

Pigeonly does not refund unused credits, so use any remaining balance before your access ends. Calculate how many messages or photos you can still send and schedule them before your cancellation effective date. Once access ends, those credits are lost.

Not documenting the cancellation

Save every confirmation email, screenshot, and chat transcript. If a charge appears after you cancel, you'll need proof that you submitted a cancellation request. Stopee advises keeping these records for at least 6 months after cancellation.

How to check if you cancelled successfully

Verification checklist

Before you consider cancellation complete, work through this checklist to confirm everything is in order:

1. Received cancellation confirmation email from Pigeonly (or app store).
   • Check inbox, spam, and promotions folders.
   • Email should state the cancellation effective date and any final balance.
2. Logged back into your account and verified "No active subscription" or "Cancelled" status.
   • Do this at least 48 hours after requesting cancellation.
3. Checked your bank or card statements for 30 days after cancellation.
   • No Pigeonly charges should appear.
   • If a charge does appear, contact your bank immediately.
4. Noted the final access date (usually the next billing date).
   • You can still use Pigeonly until this date at no additional cost.
5. Taken screenshots of cancellation confirmation and account status.
   • Keep these for your records.

Contacting pigeonly support for cancellation help

How to reach pigeonly

If you cannot cancel through the website or app, or if cancellation fails, contact Pigeonly support directly. Since Pigeonly has no dedicated New Zealand postal address, all cancellation correspondence should be sent to their US mailing address.

Always request written confirmation of your cancellation request and the date it was processed. Email is preferable to phone, as it creates a verifiable record.

Escalation if pigeonly does not respond

If Pigeonly ignores your cancellation request or refuses to stop billing after you've cancelled, escalate to the Commerce Commission. File a complaint at comcom.govt.nz describing your situation, including all emails and cancellation attempts.

You can also dispute the charges with your bank and request a chargeback if Pigeonly continues to bill you after you've explicitly cancelled. Stopee recommends doing both simultaneously to maximise your chances of resolution.

Why you should use stopee to stay informed about cancellations

Cancelling subscriptions can be confusing, especially with services like Pigeonly that span multiple platforms and currencies. Stopee breaks down every cancellation process into clear, actionable steps so you avoid costly mistakes.

Our guides cover the pitfalls (unused credits, app store confusion, currency fees) and your consumer rights (Consumer Guarantees Act, refund windows, escalation paths). Whether you're cancelling Pigeonly or any other service, Stopee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers reclaim control of their spending and protect their rights.

Bookmark Stopee (stopee.com) as your trusted cancellation resource. We're here to empower you - not trap you in subscriptions you don't want.