Short answer. A paid newsletter that charges consumers monthly or yearly needs the key terms and the 14-day right to cancel set out before sign-up, a reminder at least every six months, and an online cancel link. Many platforms send only some of these.
Paid newsletters often run on a platform that handles payments but leaves the notices to you. Small publishers also tend to offer a short free trial, which brings the trial-ending reminder into play.
- Check what your newsletter platform sends and what it leaves out.
- A free first issue or trial week needs an ending reminder inside your stated window.
- Put a manage or cancel link in every notice.
Worked example: Paid monthly newsletter
An £8 a month subscriber who joined on 10 February 2027.
| Date | Notice | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 10 February 2027 | Full contract information | At sign-up |
| 10 February 2027 | Cooling-off notice | Cooling-off ends 24 February 2027 |
| 3 August 2027 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £8.00 on 10 August 2027 |
| 3 February 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £8.00 on 10 February 2028 |
| 3 August 2028 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £8.00 on 10 August 2028 |
| 3 February 2029 | Six-monthly reminder | Payment of £8.00 on 10 February 2029 |
End-of-contract confirmation: Within 24 hours of an online cancellation.
Suggested checkout wording: We'll email you before renewal at least every 6 months, 5 to 10 days before the payment. You can cancel online at any time.
Timings use our suggested defaults. The law doesn't fix the number of days; you choose a window and state it at checkout.
Questions
I am a sole trader. Do the rules apply?
They apply to the contract with a consumer, not to the size of the business. Use the scope checker and ask an adviser if unsure.
Does a free newsletter count?
A free list with no payment is not a paid subscription. If it rolls into paid, the trial rules apply.
Not legal advice. If unsure, check with an adviser.