Manage Mailerlite

How to cancel MailerLite and claim your refund: the complete south african guide

What MailerLite is and why you might cancel

MailerLite is a cloud-based email marketing platform that helps you build subscriber lists, create automated campaigns, design landing pages and track email performance. It targets small to medium businesses and solo entrepreneurs who need straightforward email tools without overwhelming complexity.

You access MailerLite through your web browser or mobile apps (iOS and Android), and billing for mobile subscriptions flows through the App Store or Google Play rather than directly through MailerLite.

Common reasons south african users cancel MailerLite

You might cancel because your email list has grown beyond MailerLite's limits, you've found a competitor with better automation features, your business model has shifted, or the monthly cost no longer fits your budget. Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to guide you through the cancellation process step-by-step so you avoid unexpected charges and understand your rights.

Key facts before you cancel

MailerLite's pricing is displayed in USD, so your ZAR invoices will fluctuate with exchange rates. The platform offers a Free plan (up to 500 subscribers, 12,000 emails per month) and paid tiers starting around R190 per month (approximately USD 10). When you cancel, your account remains active until your current billing cycle ends, then automatically drops to the Free plan-no refund is issued for unused time, with limited exceptions.

Your consumer rights when cancelling MailerLite in south africa

As a South African consumer, you are protected by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, which grants you specific rights when dealing with online services like MailerLite.

Protection act and distance marketing rules

The Consumer Protection Act requires MailerLite to provide you with clear information about cancellation processes and to honour cancellation requests without unreasonable delay. Because MailerLite operates as a distance transaction (online, no face-to-face interaction), you have the right to withdraw from a distance contract within 14 calendar days of conclusion, provided you are an individual consumer (not a business) and you have not breached the terms.

This 14-day window is your strongest lever. If you cancel within 14 days of first agreeing to MailerLite's terms and you have not already used substantial services, you may request a full refund. After 14 days, your right to cancel becomes a matter of subscription management rather than statutory protection.

National credit regulator and escalation

If MailerLite refuses to process your cancellation or wrongfully charges you after cancellation, you can escalate your complaint to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) or the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO). Stopee recommends documenting every communication with MailerLite-screenshot confirmation emails, note timestamps and keep records of all invoices-so you have evidence if you need to lodge a formal complaint.

How to cancel MailerLite on the web

Cancelling on the web is the fastest and most reliable method, because it processes directly through MailerLite's billing system and generates an immediate confirmation email.

Step-by-step web cancellation process

1. Open your browser and go to https://app.mailerlite.com (or use the MailerLite login page).
   • Sign in with your email address and password.
   • If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the verification step.
2. Once logged in, look for your account menu (usually a profile icon or your email address in the top-right corner).
   • Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.
   • Select Account Settings or Settings.
3. Navigate to the Plan and Billing section.
   • Look for a tab or menu item labeled "Billing", "Subscription", or "Plan".
   • This section shows your current plan, next billing date and payment method.
4. Find the cancellation option (usually labelled Cancel subscription or Turn off auto-renewal).
   • Click the button or link to initiate cancellation.
   • MailerLite may ask you why you are cancelling-provide honest feedback, but this step does not prevent cancellation.
5. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
   • Read the confirmation message carefully to verify the exact date your subscription will end.
   • Your account will remain active and fully functional until the end of your current billing cycle.
   • After that date, you will be automatically downgraded to the Free plan with no further charges.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message from MailerLite.
   • Pro tip: Forward this confirmation to yourself or save it in a folder labeled "Cancellations" for your records.
   • If you do not receive a confirmation email within 5 minutes, log back into your account and verify the cancellation status.

What to check after web cancellation

Warning: Do not assume cancellation is complete until you see it reflected in your account settings. Log in 24 hours later and verify that your subscription status shows as "cancelled" or "ending on [date]". If it still shows as active or if you receive an unexpected charge after your cancellation date, contact MailerLite support immediately (support@mailerlite.com) with your cancellation confirmation email attached.

How to cancel if you subscribed through the app store or google play

If you signed up for MailerLite using your Apple or Android device and your billing runs through the App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that platform, not through MailerLite's website.

Cancelling an iOS subscription (Apple app store)

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap your profile icon (usually in the top-right corner).
2. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
   • You will see a list of all active and cancelled subscriptions.
3. Find MailerLite in the list and tap it.
   • The screen will show your plan name, renewal date and billing history.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription or Cancel Free Trial (depending on your status).
   • Confirm the cancellation by tapping again when prompted.
   • You will see a message confirming your subscription will end on a specific date.
5. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple.
   • You will no longer be charged after the end date shown on screen.

Cancelling an android subscription (Google play)

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
   • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or your profile picture.
2. Select Manage my subscriptions or Subscriptions.
   • You will see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
3. Find and tap MailerLite.
   • The subscription details screen opens.
4. Tap Cancel subscription.
   • Follow any prompts to confirm cancellation.
   • Google Play will confirm the end date of your subscription.
5. Look for a confirmation email from Google Play.
   • Your MailerLite app will remain functional until the end of your billing period.

Important note for app store subscriptions

Warning: MailerLite's Help Centre does not offer a separate cancellation pathway for app-store subscriptions. You must cancel directly through Apple or Google-MailerLite customer support cannot process app-store cancellations for you. If you have trouble cancelling through the app store or if you are still being charged after cancellation, contact Apple Support or Google Play Support first, then escalate to MailerLite support if needed.

MailerLite pricing and plan details

MailerLite publishes prices in USD, so your ZAR cost will vary with exchange rates and any local payment processing fees your bank applies. Below is an indicative breakdown of the main plans available to South African users.

Current MailerLite plan pricing (ZAR approximate)

Pro tip: These are approximate conversions and may shift monthly. Always verify the exact amount on your MailerLite billing page before purchasing or during your final billing cycle to confirm you are not being overcharged due to exchange rate fluctuations.

What happens to your account after cancellation

Cancelling MailerLite does not delete your account immediately-your data and email history remain stored, but your feature access and sending capacity shrink significantly.

Access, data and downgrade details

Your account will downgrade to the Free plan at the end of your current billing cycle. You retain access to all your subscriber lists and email templates, but sending limits fall to 12,000 emails per month and you can only store up to 500 subscribers. Advanced features like automation workflows, custom domains and dedicated support may be disabled or restricted depending on the specific features you were using.

Your subscriber data is not deleted when you downgrade. You can re-upgrade to a paid plan at any time by returning to Account Settings, choosing a plan and resuming payments. Pro tip: If you are worried about data loss, export your subscriber list as a CSV file before your cancellation date takes effect. This way, you have a backup copy stored locally on your computer.

Email sending and automation limits on the free plan

• You can send up to 12,000 emails per month (a hard limit).
• Advanced automations (multi-step workflows, conditional logic) may not function on the free tier.
• Custom domains and CNAME records for sender addresses may be removed or disabled.
• Landing page builder access may be restricted or removed entirely.
• Analytics and reporting features are simplified on the free plan.

Will you get a refund from MailerLite?

MailerLite's refund policy is strict by default, but South African consumer law creates narrow windows where you may still be entitled to a refund.

MailerLite's standard refund policy

MailerLite does not refund unused subscription time. If you cancel on the 1st day of a 30-day billing cycle, you do not receive a refund for the remaining 29 days-you simply stop being charged after the current cycle ends. The only automatic refund MailerLite issues is if the company terminates service without cause before the end of a paid year, which is rare.

MailerLite reserves the right to refund at its own discretion in exceptional cases, but any such refund must be requested within 30 days of the transaction. Stopee strongly recommends requesting a refund in writing (email to support@mailerlite.com) within this window if you believe you have grounds-for example, accidental double charges or billing errors.

Your 14-day statutory refund right (South african law)

If you are an individual consumer (not a business) and you cancel within 14 calendar days of first signing up or agreeing to MailerLite's terms, you may request a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. This right applies only if you have not breached the terms and you have not substantially used the service. MailerLite may argue that using the platform to send even one email campaign constitutes substantial use, so act quickly if you want to invoke this right.

Important: MailerLite will not volunteer this refund. You must request it explicitly by emailing support@mailerlite.com, referencing the Consumer Protection Act, explaining that you are within the 14-day window and asking for a refund of the full amount charged.

Refunds MailerLite will not issue

• Refunds for forgetting to cancel before renewal (even if you requested it days before but the system processed a charge).
• Refunds for cancelling immediately after a yearly payment if you are outside the 14-day statutory window.
• Refunds for choosing the wrong plan (e.g., paying for annual instead of monthly by mistake).
• Partial refunds for downgrading mid-cycle.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling feels straightforward, but small oversights can leave you exposed to unexpected charges or data loss.

Mistake 1: confusing cancellation with account deletion

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your MailerLite account or your data. Your account and all your subscriber lists, templates and campaign history remain intact, sitting dormant on the Free plan. If you want to permanently delete all your data, you must contact MailerLite support (support@mailerlite.com) and request account deletion separately. This is a different process from cancellation and may take 5-7 business days to complete.

Mistake 2: failing to check your cancellation confirmation

After you click "confirm cancellation," you receive a confirmation email and see a status change in your account settings. Do not assume this means your cancellation is locked in. Log back in 24 hours later and verify that your subscription status still shows as cancelled and that the end date matches what you expected. If your status has reverted to active, contact support immediately-this indicates a system error that must be corrected before your next billing date.

Mistake 3: cancelling via web but having a separate app-store subscription

Many users sign up through the web, then later download the mobile app. If you create a separate subscription through the App Store or Google Play, you will have two active subscriptions with two separate cancellation dates. When you cancel the web subscription, the app-store one continues to charge you. Audit all your subscriptions across platforms before your cancellation date and cancel each one independently.

Mistake 4: missing the billing date and losing the refund window

If you want to invoke your 14-day statutory refund right, do it before day 15 expires. Do not wait for your next billing date to arrive-once you are charged the second time, you are likely outside the window and MailerLite will refuse a refund. Stopee advises setting a phone reminder for day 7 if you are unsure and want to keep your options open.

Mistake 5: not exporting your data before the free-plan limits kick in

Your subscriber list is capped at 500 on the Free plan. If you have 1,500 subscribers when you downgrade, MailerLite may hide or lock the excess contacts. Export your full subscriber list as a CSV file before your cancellation end date to preserve all contact data locally.

After cancellation: what to do next

Cancelling is just the start-protecting yourself after cancellation requires a few follow-up steps so you do not fall victim to billing errors or forget to migrate to a new platform.

Verify the charge cycle ends

Mark your calendar for your stated end date (the date shown in your cancellation confirmation email). Log into MailerLite one day after that date and confirm you have been downgraded to the Free plan and that no new invoice is pending. Check your bank statement 5-7 days after the end date to verify no charge appeared. If a charge does appear after your cancellation date, contact MailerLite support within 24 hours with your cancellation confirmation email and demand a refund or reversal.

Migrate your subscriber list

If you have switched to a new email platform, use MailerLite's export feature (under Subscribers or Contacts) to download your list as a CSV file, then import it into your new platform. Do not wait-some email platforms limit your ability to export data if you do not request it within a certain period after cancellation.

Set up a payment method audit

Log into your payment method (credit card, debit card or PayPal) and review your subscription settings. Make sure no other services are auto-renewing that you also intend to cancel. Stopee recommends auditing all recurring charges on your card at least twice per year to catch unwanted subscriptions early.

Keep your cancellation records

Save your cancellation email, any screenshots of your account status, invoice copies and correspondence with MailerLite support in a dedicated folder. If a dispute arises later-for example, if MailerLite claims you were still an active subscriber-you will have proof of your cancellation request and the date it was processed.

Comparing MailerLite with popular south african alternatives

Before you cancel, consider whether MailerLite is truly the wrong fit or whether you simply need to downgrade to a lower plan.

Why you might stick with MailerLite

• Generous Free plan (500 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month) beats most competitors.
• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor-minimal learning curve even for non-technical users.
• Solid automation and landing page features on paid tiers.
• Customer support is responsive and helpful.

Why you might cancel MailerLite

• Pricing in USD means invoices fluctuate with exchange rates-unpredictable for ZAR budgets.
• Free plan caps at 500 subscribers-if your list grows past this, you must pay.
• Advanced features (custom integrations, dedicated IP addresses) require pricier plans.
• Limited offline documentation-most help resources are web-based.

Your final checklist before cancelling MailerLite

Use this checklist to ensure you have covered all bases before pressing the cancellation button.

How stopee can help you cancel with confidence

Cancelling subscriptions is often trickier than signing up. Dark patterns in billing systems, confusing account menus and unclear refund policies make it easy to overpay or accidentally remain enrolled. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds and understand their rights under South African consumer law. Whether you need step-by-step guidance on a specific service, want to understand your statutory protections, or need help drafting a refund request email, Stopee is your trusted source for transparent, empowering cancellation advice.

Visit Stopee (stopee.com) to explore cancellation guides for hundreds of services, access templates for formal refund requests and connect with consumer resources if a company refuses to honour your cancellation. Your time and money are yours to control-Stopee makes sure you take back that control.

Contact information and cancellation address

How to reach MailerLite support

MailerLite operates as a fully remote, cloud-based SaaS company and does not publish a physical street address for cancellation requests. All communication must be handled through digital channels:

• Email: support@mailerlite.com
• Help Centre: https://www.mailerlite.com/help
• Web app login: https://app.mailerlite.com
• Status page (outages/issues): status.mailerlite.com

When you contact MailerLite support regarding cancellation disputes, refund requests or billing issues, always include your account email address, the date of your original sign-up, your current plan name and any invoice or confirmation numbers. Send all cancellation-related requests from the email address linked to your account for faster verification.

Pro tip: Keep copies of all support emails. If you need to escalate to the National Credit Regulator or consumer ombudsman, you will need proof of your communication attempts with MailerLite first.