Manage Doctors Without Borders

How to cancel your doctors without borders recurring donation and stop monthly charges

Understanding doctors without borders and why donors cancel

Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF USA) is an international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, and disasters worldwide. The U.S. office relies on recurring donations from supporters-particularly through its Field Partner program-to fund rapid response operations. If you've set up a monthly gift and now want to stop it, you're not alone. Life circumstances change, budgets shift, and your priorities may evolve. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of donors navigate cancellations with nonprofits, and we know the process can feel unclear. This guide walks you through every option to cancel your Doctors Without Borders pledge, avoid billing traps, and protect your financial records.

The field partner program and what you're canceling

The Field Partner program is Doctors Without Borders' primary recurring-donation mechanism. When you join as a Field Partner, you commit to a monthly gift (typically a minimum amount, though this varies by campaign) that renews automatically each month. Unlike one-time donations, this recurring pledge creates an ongoing charge cycle until you explicitly cancel it. Many donors sign up for Field Partner through street fundraising, door-to-door conversations, or the MSF USA website. Understanding that your donation is recurring-not a one-time charge-is the first step to canceling confidently.

Why donors choose to cancel doctors without borders

Common reasons to cancel include financial hardship, shifting charitable priorities, job loss, or simply feeling that your giving capacity has changed. Some donors report signing up during street fundraising and later realizing they wanted to adjust their commitment. Others find that recurring charges don't align with their budget anymore. Whatever your reason, canceling is your right, and Stopee believes you deserve a process that's straightforward, documented, and final.

Your rights as a donor and consumer protections

Federal law protects your right to cancel recurring donations and stop automatic charges.

Federal trade commission act section 17 and the restore online shoppers confidence act (ROSCA)

Under the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act (ROSCA) and the FTC's Negative Option Rule, any organization-including nonprofits like Doctors Without Borders-that charges recurring donations must allow you to cancel easily, honor your cancellation request promptly, and provide clear confirmation. You have the explicit right to cancel in a manner that is no more burdensome than the method you used to enroll. If you signed up online, you should be able to cancel online. If you called to sign up, you should be able to cancel by phone. The FTC enforces these rules to protect consumers from unwanted recurring charges.

How to use these rights as leverage

If Doctors Without Borders delays your cancellation, continues billing after you request to stop, or refuses to cancel, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also contact your state's Attorney General office. These escalation points exist precisely because nonprofits sometimes make cancellation unnecessarily difficult. Stopee recommends keeping copies of all cancellation requests, confirmation emails, and billing statements as proof of your effort to cancel. Documentation is your strongest tool if a dispute arises.

Methods to cancel your doctors without borders donation

Doctors Without Borders offers multiple ways to stop your Field Partner pledge, each with different timelines and confirmation methods.

The donor portal: the fastest online method

The easiest path is to log into your Donor Portal account on the MSF USA website and manage your pledge directly. This method gives you immediate visibility into your account, allows you to suspend or cancel with a few clicks, and typically produces an on-screen confirmation instantly. Many donors report that this approach is the least confusing because you control the action in real time.

The "Update your field partner pledge" form without logging in

If you don't have portal access or prefer not to log in, Doctors Without Borders provides a form-often labeled "Update Your Field Partner Pledge"-that you can submit without creating an account. You'll need to provide your name, email, phone number, and donor ID (if you have it). This form is typically available on the MSF USA website under the donor or giving section. Once you submit it, allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. The downside: you won't receive instant confirmation, so follow up by phone if you don't hear back within two weeks.

Donor services phone line: the human-backed option

You can call Donor Services toll-free at 1-888-392-0392 to request cancellation directly. This method is ideal if you want to speak to a person, ask clarifying questions, and receive verbal confirmation on the spot. Donor Services representatives can cancel immediately over the phone and often send written confirmation via email within one business day. Pro tip: Call during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time) for the shortest wait. Request that they email you a cancellation confirmation with the effective date so you have a written record.

Step-by-step cancellation instructions

Follow the method that works best for you, from portal login to phone call.

Option 1: cancel via the donor portal online

1. Visit the MSF USA website (msfusa.org) and locate the "Donor Portal" or "Manage Your Donation" link. This is usually in the footer or under a "Giving" or "Donate" section.
   • If you don't see a direct link, search the site for "donor portal" or "manage my donation."
2. Log in with your email address and password. If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset instructions sent to your inbox.
   • Check your spam or promotions folder if the reset email doesn't arrive within 5 minutes.
3. Once logged in, navigate to your active donations or pledges section. Look for your Field Partner pledge listed by monthly amount.
   • The page may say "Active Recurring Gifts," "My Pledges," or "Monthly Gifts." The exact label varies.
4. Click on your Field Partner pledge. You'll see options to edit, suspend, or cancel.
   • Do not confuse "pause" or "suspend" with "cancel." Suspension may resume automatically after a set period. Choose "cancel" if you want to stop permanently.
5. Select "Cancel This Pledge" and confirm your choice when prompted. The system will ask you why you're canceling (optional feedback) and display a confirmation message.
   • Screenshot or print this confirmation page. Write down the date and time shown.
6. Check your email within 30 minutes for a confirmation message from MSF USA. This email should state the cancellation effective date and your pledge details.
   • Warning: If no email arrives within 1 hour, call Donor Services to verify the cancellation was processed.

Option 2: submit the "Update your field partner pledge" form

1. Go to msfusa.org and search for "Update Your Field Partner Pledge" or a similar form link. This form is often under the "Ways to Give" or "Manage Your Donation" section.
   • If you can't find it after 2 minutes of searching, call Donor Services at 1-888-392-0392 and ask them to email you the form directly.
2. Fill out the form with your full name, email address, phone number, and donor ID (if you have it). Your donor ID is usually in your donation receipts or the top of your mailed newsletters.
   • If you don't know your donor ID, leave it blank and provide your email. MSF can look you up by name and email.
3. In the "Request Type" or "Action" field, select "Cancel Pledge" or "Stop Recurring Donation." Some forms may ask you to describe your request in a text box instead.
   • Write clearly: "Please cancel my monthly Field Partner pledge, effective immediately."
4. Submit the form online if there's a submit button, or follow the instructions to email it to the address listed. Save a copy of the form for your records.
   • Screenshot the submitted form or the confirmation page if the website provides one.
5. Wait 5 to 10 business days for Doctors Without Borders to process your request. You should receive an email confirming the cancellation.
   • If you don't hear back after 10 business days, call Donor Services at 1-888-392-0392 and reference your submission date.
6. Once you receive written confirmation, verify that your next billing cycle does not include a charge for your Field Partner pledge.
   • Check your bank statement or credit card statement on your usual billing date. If a charge appears, call Donor Services immediately.

Option 3: call donor services directly

1. Dial 1-888-392-0392 from any phone. This is a toll-free number, so there's no long-distance charge.
   • Call during business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times may be longer on Mondays and Fridays.
2. When a representative answers, say: "I'd like to cancel my monthly Field Partner pledge." Have your name, email, and donor ID ready (your donor ID is optional but speeds up the process).
   • Stay calm and patient. Representatives handle cancellation requests regularly and are trained to process them quickly.
3. The representative will confirm your pledge details (monthly amount, start date, payment method) and ask why you're canceling. Your reason is optional; you don't have to provide it.
   • Simply say "I'd prefer not to say" if you don't want to explain.
4. Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation effective date. Important: This is the date your monthly charge will stop. If today is the 15th and you call, the effective date might be immediate or the end of the current billing cycle.
   • Confirm: "So my cancellation is effective as of [date], and I will not be charged after that date. Correct?"
5. Request that the representative email you a written cancellation confirmation. Provide your email address and ask them to include the cancellation effective date, your pledge details, and a reference number.
   • Example: "Could you please email me a confirmation that includes the effective date and my donor ID for my records?"
6. Hang up once you've received confirmation. Look for the confirmation email within 1 to 2 business days.
   • If the email doesn't arrive within 2 days, call back and request they resend it, or ask for Donor Services' email address so you can email them directly for confirmation.

Understanding timelines and when your cancellation takes effect

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the gap between when you request cancellation and when it actually stops.

Immediate vs. end-of-cycle cancellations

Doctors Without Borders may process your cancellation as immediate (effective today) or at the end of your current billing cycle (the next scheduled charge date). Ask for clarity when you cancel. If today is the 10th and your usual charge date is the 25th, you might be charged one final time on the 25th before cancellation takes effect on the 26th. This is normal and legal, but you need to anticipate it. Pro tip: Ask the cancellation agent: "Will I be charged again this month?" If yes, ask when that final charge will post and confirm no charges will occur after that date.

Verification period

After cancellation, monitor your bank account or credit card for 30 to 60 days. Your billing cycle may take a full month to reflect the cancellation. For example, if you cancel on June 15, but your billing cycle runs on the 20th of each month, you'll see the cancellation confirmed on July 20 (no charge appears). Don't assume silence means success; check your statement actively.

Refunds and reclaiming charges after cancellation

If Doctors Without Borders continues to charge you after you've canceled, you have options.

Requesting a refund for erroneous charges

If a charge appears after your cancellation effective date, contact Donor Services immediately at 1-888-392-0392 and explain the situation. Bring your cancellation confirmation to the call. Most organizations process refunds within 7 to 14 business days once they confirm the charge was unauthorized. Stopee has seen nonprofits reverse charges quickly when you have proof of a cancellation request.

Disputing the charge with your bank or credit card company

If Doctors Without Borders refuses to refund an unauthorized charge, you can dispute it with your bank or credit card issuer. Contact your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card) and report the charge as unauthorized. Explain that you canceled your recurring donation and have proof of cancellation. Your bank will typically reverse the charge within 5 to 10 business days and investigate on your behalf. The Federal Trade Commission backs your right to dispute unwanted recurring charges this way.

Common mistakes to avoid when canceling

Many donors make cancellation harder than it needs to be. Here are the pitfalls to sidestep.

Not keeping proof of cancellation

The biggest mistake is assuming that canceling verbally or via email is enough. Write down the date, time, method (phone, portal, form), and the name of any representative you spoke to. Screenshot portal confirmations, save emails, and photograph printed forms. If a dispute arises, this paper trail proves you acted in good faith. Stopee advises all donors to treat cancellation like a financial transaction worthy of documentation.

Confusing "pause" or "suspend" with "cancel"

Some platforms offer a "pause" or "suspend" option alongside "cancel." Pausing may restart automatically after a set period (e.g., 3 months). If you want to stop permanently, always choose the word "cancel," not "pause" or "suspend." This is a critical distinction.

Canceling just before your charge date without confirming the timing

If you cancel on the 23rd and your charge date is the 25th, you'll likely still be charged on the 25th. Then cancellation takes effect. Ask explicitly: "Will I be charged again?" to avoid surprise. If you want to avoid any further charges, cancel earlier in your cycle or ask the agent to mark cancellation as "effective immediately" and reverse any pending charge.

Not following up after 14 days

Silence after submitting a cancellation form or calling Donor Services doesn't mean your request was received. After 10 to 14 days, if you haven't heard back, call Stopee recommends calling Donor Services again to verify. This is especially important if you used the form method, which has no instant confirmation.

What to do after your cancellation is confirmed

Canceling a recurring donation can feel like closing a chapter, and it's natural to want to move on. But a few follow-up steps protect you from billing surprises.

Monitor your next billing cycle

Check your bank or credit card statement on your regular billing date (or the date the cancellation agent told you). Your goal is to see no charge from Doctors Without Borders. If a charge appears, contact Donor Services within 24 hours and reference your cancellation date. The faster you report it, the faster they can reverse it.

Keep your cancellation records for one year

Store your cancellation email, screenshots, and notes in a folder (physical or digital). The Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act allows you to dispute charges for up to 60 days after they post, but you'll need proof that you canceled. One year is a safe retention window.

Consider a donation alternative, if desired

If you still care about Doctors Without Borders' mission but need to adjust your giving, you can donate one-time amounts instead of recurring pledges. One-time gifts give you full control and eliminate automatic charges. Many donors find this option strikes a better balance.

Pricing and donation structures at doctors without borders

Understanding what you were paying helps you confirm your cancellation worked.

Checklist before and after cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and irreversible.

Before you cancel

• Gather your donor ID, email, phone number, and the email address used for your account.
• Note your current monthly charge amount and billing date (check a recent credit card or bank statement).
• Decide which cancellation method you prefer (portal, form, or phone).
• Clear your calendar for 10 minutes to complete the cancellation without rush.

During cancellation

• Write down the date, time, and method (portal, phone, form) you used to cancel.
• Take a screenshot or save a copy of any confirmation message or form.
• If calling, ask for the representative's name and the cancellation effective date. Request written confirmation via email.
• Confirm that your cancellation is effective immediately or on a specific date you both agree on.

After cancellation

• Watch for a confirmation email within 1 to 2 business days. If it doesn't arrive, call Donor Services.
• Mark your calendar to check your next billing date. Verify no charge appears from Doctors Without Borders.
• Store all cancellation documentation (emails, screenshots, notes) in one folder for 12 months.
• If an unauthorized charge appears, contact Donor Services or your bank within 24 hours.

Comparison: cancellation methods side by side

Not sure which method to use? This table shows the trade-offs of each approach.

Contact information and next steps

If you need to cancel or have questions, here's how to reach Doctors Without Borders directly.

Donor services contact details

Phone: 1-888-392-0392 (toll-free, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time)

Website: msfusa.org (look for "Manage Your Donation," "Donor Portal," or "Contact Us")

Mailing address for written requests: Doctors Without Borders USA, Attn: Donor Services, [check msfusa.org for current address, as this may change]

Email: Check the contact page on msfusa.org for the current donor services email, as it is not publicly listed in most contexts. If you can't find it, call Donor Services and ask them to provide their email for cancellation confirmations.

Escalation if your cancellation is denied or delayed

If Doctors Without Borders refuses to cancel or continues charging after 14 days, file a complaint with:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-438-4338
• Your state's Attorney General office: Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaints" for the website
• Your bank or credit card issuer: Call the number on the back of your card to dispute the charge

Final thoughts: empowerment through transparency

Canceling a recurring donation should never feel like a battle. You have the legal right to stop automatic charges, and Doctors Without Borders has clear mechanisms in place to honor that right. The key is documenting your request, following up within 14 days, and monitoring your next billing cycle. If the organization makes cancellation difficult, escalation tools exist to protect you. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recurring donations with clarity and confidence, and we believe your cancellation should be no different. Use the step-by-step instructions above, keep your records, and don't hesitate to call Donor Services or escalate to the FTC if you encounter delays. Your money, your choice-always.