Cancel New Scientist the easy way

Short description

New Scientist is a weekly science and technology magazine and digital news outlet providing news, features, videos and archives for readers interested in scientific developments. It offers print and digital subscriptions and an app with article audio and archive access.

Formats and scope

Offers include Print & Online subscriptions (51 issues annually), digital access, student offers and a free account tier with limited stories and newsletters.

Company facts

Website (recommended)

1. Go to https://subscribe.newscientist.com/myaccount/NeedHelp.aspx or to newscientist.com/my-account and log in.
2. Click "Need Help" then "Cancellation Request" and follow the on-screen form.
3. Save or screenshot the confirmation page and keep confirmation emails.

iOS - App Store

1. On your iPhone or iPad open Settings and tap your name.
2. Tap Subscriptions and select New Scientist.
3. Tap Cancel Subscription and keep Apple's confirmation email as proof.

Android - Google Play

1. Open the Google Play app and tap your profile icon.
2. Tap Payments and subscriptions then Subscriptions.
3. Select New Scientist and tap Cancel subscription. Save the Google confirmation.

Phone

1. Call 0330 333 9470 between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday (UK Time).
2. Have your subscription reference, name and billing details ready.
3. Ask the agent for a cancellation reference or a confirmation email.

Email

1. Send a clear cancellation message to [email protected] or [email protected] with your full name, address, order number and the words "Cancellation request".
2. Keep the reply email as proof.

Post

1. Write a signed statement with your name, address, subscriber number and the words "I wish to cancel my New Scientist subscription".
2. Send it by recorded delivery to New Scientist, 2 Derry Street, W8 5TT London, United Kingdom and keep the postal receipt.

PayPal

1. Email [email protected] to notify New Scientist of your cancellation.
2. Log in to PayPal: Profile > My money > Update in My preapproved payments > Select New Scientist Ltd. > Click Cancel.

For the official account help page see New Scientist account help.

Moving abroad or change of address

If you move and no longer receive the print edition, New Scientist allows cancellation with proof. Required documents: a copy of new address evidence such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement showing the new country or address. The contract ends at the end of the current paid term unless you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period.

Price increase

If New Scientist increases the subscription price, you have the right to cancel before the change takes effect if the increase was not agreed in your original contract. Required documents: the renewal notice or invoice showing the price increase and your subscription details. Applicable law: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections on unfair terms.

Death of the subscriber

If the subscriber dies, relatives or the executor can cancel the subscription. Required documents: copy of the death certificate and subscriber details. The contract will be terminated and any post-death refunds handled in line with New Scientist procedures; time to process refunds is 14 days if within the cooling-off rules.

Legitimate ground accepted by New Scientist

New Scientist accepts cancellations during the 14-day cooling-off period and will refund if notified within 14 days of the start or renewal. Other legitimate grounds for early termination such as material breach by the publisher should be supported by evidence of the breach. Applicable law: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and Consumer Rights Act 2015.

End of minimum commitment

If your subscription has a minimum term - for example Print & Online annual (51 issues) at £216.00 - cancellation becomes effective at the end of that minimum term. Required documents: your subscription confirmation showing the start date and minimum term.

Cooling-off (14 day) right

You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the start of the subscription or a renewal during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. To exercise this right send a clear statement to New Scientist by email or post. Applicable law: The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the cooling-off rules referenced in the 2024 amendments: Cooling-off rights 2024.

Before you cancel: negotiate

Research found no public record of guaranteed retention discounts currently offered by New Scientist. To request a retention offer call 0330 333 9470 or email [email protected]. When you call or email, state your current plan, your willingness to stay for a reduced rate and ask specifically for any student, promotional or loyalty offer. Keep any offer in writing before accepting.

What cancelling saves you

Calculate yearly savings from common New Scientist plans and a cheap alternative.

Print & Online: £18.00 x 12 = £216.00 per year. Cancelling this plan saves £216.00.

Digital Student annual: £79.00 per year. Cancelling student annual saves £79.00.

Student trial 10 weeks for £10 then rolls into discounted annual - trial price: £10.00 for 10 weeks.

Cheapest real alternative in our competitor list: BBC Science Focus annual £49.98. Comparison example: Print & Online £216.00 - BBC Science Focus £49.98 = £166.02 saved per year when switching from Print & Online to BBC Science Focus.

Which laws apply

In the United Kingdom the primary protections are the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (14-day cooling-off period) and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 covering services performed with reasonable care and skill and unfair contract terms. The 2024 amendments introduced specific renewal cooling-off protections; see Cooling-off rights 2024.

Auto-renewal and the regulator

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces rules against unclear auto-renewal and hard-to-cancel subscriptions. If New Scientist practices mislead you about renewal or make cancellation unduly difficult, you may complain to Citizens Advice and the CMA.

Escalation steps

1) Complain to New Scientist via the official help page or by post. 2) If unresolved, seek advice from Citizens Advice and escalate to the CMA for unfair commercial practices. 3) For card payments you can consider Section 75 or chargeback via your card issuer for qualifying transactions.

Check access and final billing

After cancellation, your subscription normally continues until the end of the current paid term. For annual Print & Online that period can be up to 51 issues or the annual term paid. If you cancelled within the 14-day cooling-off period you should receive a full refund processed within 14 days of cancellation.

Data and account

Your account remains with New Scientist. If you want your data deleted, request account deletion by emailing [email protected]. Keep copies of any confirmation emails and the cancellation reference.

Re-activation and re-subscription

You can re-subscribe at any time through the New Scientist website or app. Re-subscribing may subject you to current promotional offers; prior prices are not guaranteed.

Follow this checklist to complete your cancellation and protect your refund and rights.

• Gather your subscriber number, order confirmation and payment method details.
• Choose a cancellation method: website, phone, email or recorded post.
• If using the website, log in and submit "Cancellation Request" and save the confirmation.
• If emailing, send to [email protected] with the subject "Cancellation request" and keep the reply.
• If posting, send a signed letter by recorded delivery to New Scientist, 2 Derry Street, W8 5TT London, United Kingdom and keep the receipt.
• If you cancel within 14 days, request a full refund and expect it within 14 days of the notification.
• After cancellation check your bank or card statement to confirm that future recurring payments have stopped.