Manage Sittercity

How to cancel sittercity and stop unwanted charges in the philippines

Understanding what sittercity is and why you might cancel

Sittercity is an online marketplace that connects families with caregivers for children, seniors, and pets across the United States. The platform operates through a web interface and mobile apps, allowing you to browse caregiver profiles, post job listings, and contact sitters directly, but only if you hold a paid subscription.

If you are based in the Philippines, you can still create and fund a Sittercity account online, but the service itself is U.S.-focused, which means limited local support, pricing in U.S. dollars, and no dedicated Philippine customer service office. Many people discover this reality only after they have already been charged and decide to cancel.

What you actually pay for on sittercity

Sittercity offers two main subscription types, and it is crucial you identify which one is attached to your account before you cancel. The confusion here costs many users extra charges.

Premium Membership unlocks contact features, job posting, and broader profile visibility for families seeking caregivers. Featured Sitter is a separate monthly add-on for caregivers that increases visibility and includes background check updates every three months while your subscription remains active. You may have one or both, depending on whether you use the platform as a parent or a caregiver.

The pricing for Premium Membership typically runs around 9.99 USD per month (approximately 560 Philippine pesos at current rates), while Featured Sitter add-ons vary. If you signed up through the App Store or Google Play, your billing flows through that platform instead of directly through Sittercity, which affects how you cancel.

Why people cancel sittercity

The most common reason to cancel is simple: you found a caregiver or no longer need the service. Others cancel because they did not realize the subscription would renew automatically, or they discovered that Sittercity does not offer reliable local support for Philippine-based users. Some people cancel because they moved, changed priorities, or found a cheaper alternative platform.

Whatever your reason, the good news is that Sittercity allows you to cancel at any time without penalty, as long as you do it before your next billing date. If you have been charged unfairly or feel misled about renewal terms, Stopee has detailed guidance on how to recover that money using consumer protection laws.

Sittercity pricing and subscription options

Transparent pricing helps you spot hidden charges and protect your wallet.

Pro tip: Currency conversion fluctuates daily. Check your actual charge on your bank or GCash statement-do not rely on the USD amount alone. You may be charged in Philippine pesos at a conversion rate set by your payment processor, not the spot rate.

How to cancel sittercity in the philippines

Cancellation on Sittercity works differently depending on where you bought your subscription.

Cancel through your sittercity account on the website

This is the primary cancellation method for anyone who signed up directly at sittercity.com.

1. Log in to your Sittercity account at sittercity.com on a desktop or mobile web browser using your email and password.
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select Account Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Membership or Subscription section.
4. Select Manage subscription or Manage membership-the exact wording varies.
5. Click on the red or highlighted button that says Downgrade to basic or Cancel subscription.
6. Read the confirmation message carefully and confirm your choice by clicking the final confirmation button.
7. Wait for a confirmation email from Sittercity at your registered email address. This usually arrives within 5 to 15 minutes.
8. Screenshot the confirmation screen and save the confirmation email.

Warning: Do not confuse "Downgrade to basic" with deleting your account. Downgrading stops the charge but keeps your account so you can log in later. If you want to delete all your data, you will need to email support separately.

Pro tip: If the confirmation email does not arrive within 30 minutes, take a screenshot of the final confirmation screen and email support@sittercity.com immediately with your screenshot. This creates a paper trail if a charge appears on your next statement.

Cancel through the apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribed through the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple, not through the Sittercity app itself.

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find Sittercity in the list and tap on it.
5. Tap Cancel subscription or Edit subscription and then Cancel.
6. Select a cancellation reason (optional but helpful for Apple's feedback) and confirm.
7. Apple will send you a confirmation email from your Apple ID account. Save this email.

Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period, then it will not renew. You can re-subscribe at any time without penalty.

Cancel through google play (Android)

If you are using the Sittercity app on an Android device and subscribed through Google Play, cancel here.

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. Find Sittercity and tap on it.
6. Tap Cancel subscription.
7. Select a reason for cancellation (optional) and confirm.
8. Google will send a confirmation email. Save it.

Your active subscription continues until the billing date, at which point it will stop renewing.

Cancel by contacting sittercity support

If the online methods do not work or you are stuck, you can request cancellation directly through customer support.

1. Email support@sittercity.com with the subject line Subscription Cancellation Request.
2. Include your full name, email address, the phone number on file, and your current subscription type (Premium Membership or Featured Sitter).
3. State clearly: "I request immediate cancellation of my Sittercity subscription, effective today."
4. Request a written confirmation of cancellation and the exact date your subscription will no longer renew.
5. Save a copy of your email and any response from Sittercity.

Sittercity support typically responds within 24 to 48 hours. If you need to cancel urgently, you can also call their U.S. customer service line at 1-888-748-2489. Be aware that international calls from the Philippines may incur carrier charges, so email is usually the safer option.

What happens after you cancel sittercity

Cancellation does not mean instant removal from the platform.

Your account will downgrade to a free basic account immediately after you confirm cancellation online or after Sittercity processes your email request. You will lose access to Premium features like the ability to contact caregivers, post new jobs, and view detailed profiles. However, your account itself remains active, and you can log in anytime to view your past activity or browse caregivers without contacting them.

Your next billing date will not trigger a charge. Sittercity says automatic renewal stops as soon as cancellation is confirmed, but you should wait until the next billing date passes to be absolutely certain no charge appears. If a charge does appear after cancellation, you have full grounds to dispute it.

Pro tip: Set a phone reminder for 3 to 5 days after your normal billing date to check your bank or GCash statement. If an unexpected charge from Sittercity appears, report it immediately to your bank or payment provider. Most financial institutions offer dispute windows of 30 to 90 days.

Refunds and chargebacks for unauthorized sittercity charges

If Sittercity charged you after you cancelled, or if you were never granted the service you paid for, you may be entitled to a refund.

Request a refund from sittercity directly

Start here before disputing with your bank.

1. Email support@sittercity.com with the subject line Refund Request for Unauthorized Charge.
2. Include your full name, email, the disputed transaction date, the amount charged, and your payment method (credit card, debit card, GCash, or Maya).
3. Explain clearly why you believe the charge was unauthorized (e.g., "I cancelled on [date] but was charged again on [date]").
4. Attach screenshots of your cancellation confirmation and your bank or wallet statement showing the charge.
5. Request a written response within 14 days.

Sittercity typically processes refund requests within 5 to 7 business days if they approve your claim. The refund will return to the same card or payment account you used.

Dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider

If Sittercity does not respond or denies your refund request, you can escalate to your bank, credit card issuer, or digital wallet provider.

• Credit card or debit card: Contact your bank's fraud or dispute department and file a chargeback. Provide the transaction date, amount, and explanation. Most banks process chargebacks within 30 to 90 days.
• GCash: Open the GCash app, navigate to the transaction, tap Report an issue, and select Unauthorized transaction. GCash will investigate and may reverse the charge within 5 to 10 business days.
• Maya: Open the Maya app, find the transaction, tap Help, and report it as unauthorized. Maya handles disputes similarly to GCash.

Keep all documentation-screenshots, emails, and bank statements-for at least 6 months in case you need to prove your case.

Your consumer rights under philippine law

The Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) protects you from unfair billing and deceptive subscription practices.

Under this law, businesses must clearly disclose subscription terms, including the price, renewal dates, and cancellation instructions, before you pay. If Sittercity failed to make cancellation obvious or charged you after you cancelled in good faith, you have grounds to demand a refund and file a complaint with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Additionally, if a company misrepresents a service or makes cancellation deliberately hard to find, this violates Section 10 of the Consumer Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices. Stopee helps consumers understand these rights and provides templates for formal complaints if needed.

Filing a complaint with the DTI

If Sittercity refuses to refund an unauthorized charge or violates the Consumer Act, you can escalate to the Department of Trade and Industry.

1. Gather all documentation: cancellation confirmation, bank statements, emails, and screenshots.
2. Visit the DTI website (dti.gov.ph) and locate the Consumer Complaint Form.
3. Complete the form with your full name, address, contact details, and a detailed account of the dispute.
4. Submit the form online or by visiting your nearest DTI regional or provincial office.
5. Include copies (not originals) of all supporting documents.
6. The DTI will notify Sittercity and request a response, typically within 15 to 30 days.
7. If mediation fails, the DTI can escalate the case to enforcement action.

Filing with the DTI is free and carries no risk to you. It creates an official record and puts pressure on Sittercity to resolve the issue fairly.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling sittercity

Cancellation feels simple, but one wrong move can cost you another month of charges-and the frustration of chasing a refund.

Mistake 1: cancelling too late in the billing cycle

If your next billing date is tomorrow and you cancel today, Sittercity will still charge you for the next month because the charge processes automatically before cancellation takes effect. Always check your next billing date before you cancel.

Pro tip: Cancel at least 2 to 3 days before your renewal date to ensure the system processes your cancellation before the charge runs. If you miss the window, immediately contact support and ask for an exception or a pro-rata refund.

Mistake 2: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

Removing the Sittercity app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. The charge will still appear on your statement every month. You must cancel through the account settings, App Store, Google Play, or email support.

Mistake 3: assuming "Downgrade to basic" is not the same as cancel

On Sittercity, "Downgrade to basic" and "Cancel subscription" mean the same thing-your paid membership stops and you keep only a free account. Both stop your automatic renewal. Do not hesitate to click either button.

Mistake 4: not saving confirmation emails and screenshots

If a charge appears after cancellation, you will need proof that you cancelled. Save the confirmation email, screenshot the final confirmation screen, and note the exact date and time of cancellation. This evidence protects you if you need to dispute the charge with your bank or file a complaint with the DTI.

Mistake 5: cancelling the wrong subscription type

If you have both a Premium Membership and a Featured Sitter add-on, you must cancel both separately. Check your account carefully to see which subscriptions are active. If you cancel only one and miss the other, you will still be charged.

Pre-cancellation checklist for sittercity users

Before you hit the cancel button, run through this checklist to avoid mistakes.

• Check your current billing date and ensure you have at least 2 to 3 days before the next charge.
• Identify which subscription type you hold: Premium Membership, Featured Sitter, App Store, or Google Play.
• Take a screenshot of your Membership or Subscription page showing the plan name and renewal date.
• Save your last receipt or invoice from your email or your bank statement.
• If cancelling through email, prepare a clear, one-paragraph cancellation request with your name and email address.
• Have your payment method information on hand (card last 4 digits, or GCash/Maya account email).
• Plan to check your statement 5 to 7 days after your normal billing date to confirm no charge appears.
• Bookmark the Sittercity support email (support@sittercity.com) and the DTI website (dti.gov.ph) for quick access if needed.

Comparing sittercity to alternative caregiver platforms

If you are cancelling because you found a better platform or simply do not need Sittercity anymore, here is how it compares to key alternatives available to Philippine users.

If cost or limited local support drove your cancellation, exploring local Philippine nanny agencies or community-based referrals may serve you better.

What to do if sittercity keeps charging you after cancellation

It is frustrating when a charge appears despite your cancellation confirmation-but you have clear options.

1. Pull your cancellation confirmation email and the date you cancelled. Cross-check your bank statement to see the exact charge date and amount.
2. Email support@sittercity.com immediately with the subject line Unauthorized charge after confirmed cancellation. Include the cancellation date, confirmation screenshot, and the charge date and amount.
3. Allow 5 to 7 business days for a response. If Sittercity does not respond or refuses, move to step 4.
4. Contact your bank, credit card company, GCash, or Maya and file a dispute or chargeback. Provide the cancellation confirmation, Sittercity support email response (if any), and your bank statement showing the unauthorized charge.
5. If the charge was made through your bank or card, the bank will typically reverse it within 30 to 90 days. If the charge was through GCash or Maya, those platforms usually respond faster, within 5 to 10 days.
6. If the dispute is not resolved within 90 days, file a formal complaint with the Department of Trade and Industry using the process outlined in the "Your consumer rights" section above.

Warning: Do not simply ignore unexpected charges. The longer you wait to dispute, the harder it becomes to recover your money. Act within 30 days of the charge for the fastest resolution.

Contact information for sittercity cancellation and support

When you need to reach Sittercity directly, use these verified contact methods.

Email support: support@sittercity.com - Use this for cancellation requests, refund disputes, and account issues. Email is recommended for Philippine users because it creates a written record and avoids international calling charges.

Telephone support: 1-888-748-2489 (U.S. number, international rates may apply) - Call during U.S. business hours (typically Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) for real-time support.

Billing inquiries: Sittercity is operated by Choice Sitter Solutions, LLC, registered at Newton, Massachusetts, United States. No Philippine office exists, so all billing and customer service flows through the U.S. headquarters.

Consumer protection contact: If Sittercity refuses to resolve your dispute, file a complaint with the Department of Trade and Industry at dti.gov.ph or visit your nearest DTI office in your province or region.

Final takeaway: know your rights and take action

Cancelling Sittercity is straightforward if you follow the steps, save your confirmations, and act before your next billing date. The trickiest part is staying vigilant-checking your statement after cancellation and being ready to dispute any unauthorized charges.

Remember, the Consumer Act of the Philippines gives you strong protection against unfair subscription practices. If Sittercity charged you unfairly, refused to cancel, or made the process deliberately confusing, you have the right to demand a refund and escalate to the DTI at no cost.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds, and understand their consumer rights. Whether you are cancelling Sittercity today or protecting yourself from future surprise charges, Stopee at stopee.com offers free, plain-language guides tailored to your situation. Visit Stopee to learn more about your options and take control of your subscriptions.