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When it applies
Does your contract have a cooling-off right?
The real issue
Cooling-off rights are not universal. They apply to specific contract types — primarily those where you had less time to consider, such as door-to-door sales, online purchases, and contracts signed away from a business's premises. Contracts signed at a business's normal premises after you initiated the visit often have no statutory cooling-off right — though many businesses offer one voluntarily. Check your contract.
| Contract type | Cooling-off right? | Typical period |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door / unsolicited sale at home | ✅ Yes — statutory right | AU: 10 business days · UK: 14 days · US: 3 business days |
| Online / distance contract (phone, email, website) | ✅ Yes — statutory right | AU: depends on type · UK: 14 days · US: varies by state |
| Gym membership (AU) | ✅ Yes — 48 hours minimum (some states longer) | Check state fair trading for your state |
| Real estate contract (AU) | ✅ Yes — 2–5 business days depending on state | Varies by state. Does not apply to auctions. |
| Insurance (AU) | ✅ Yes — 14 days statutory cooling-off | 14 days from policy issue |
| Retail purchase in-store (you walked in) | ❌ No statutory right | Voluntary policy only — check the store's policy |
| Auction purchase | ❌ No cooling-off in most jurisdictions | No statutory right |
| Financial products (AU) | ✅ Yes — 14 days for most products | Superannuation: 14 days. Life insurance: 30 days. |
The cooling-off period clock starts from when you signed — not from when you decided to cancel. If you signed five days ago and your period is 10 business days, you have approximately five business days left. Check the date on your contract now.
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By country
Cooling-off periods and rules by jurisdiction
Australia — Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
| Contract type | Period | Authority if refused |
|---|---|---|
| Unsolicited consumer agreement (door-to-door, phone) | 10 business days | ACCC · accc.gov.au · 1300 302 502 |
| Gym membership (varies by state) | 48 hours minimum; some states more | State fair trading authority |
| Real estate contract of sale | 2 days (WA) to 5 business days (QLD/NSW/VIC/SA) | State consumer affairs authority |
| General insurance policy | 14 days | AFCA · afca.org.au |
| Superannuation | 14 days | AFCA · afca.org.au |
| Life insurance | 30 days | AFCA · afca.org.au |
United Kingdom — Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
| Contract type | Period | Authority if refused |
|---|---|---|
| Distance contracts (online, phone, mail order) | 14 calendar days from receipt of goods or contract confirmation | Citizens Advice · Trading Standards |
| Off-premises contracts (signed at your home, workplace, or away from business) | 14 calendar days from signing | Citizens Advice · Trading Standards |
| Financial services distance contracts | 14 days (30 days for life insurance and personal pensions) | Financial Ombudsman Service |
| In-store purchases | No statutory right — voluntary returns policy only | N/A unless goods are faulty |
United States — FTC Cooling-Off Rule
| Contract type | Period | Authority if refused |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door sales over $25 at home, workplace, or temporary location | 3 business days from signing | FTC · ftc.gov · 1-877-382-4357 |
| Health club memberships (state law — varies) | 3–5 days depending on state | State Attorney General |
| Online purchases | No federal right — voluntary store policy unless goods are faulty | FTC for deceptive practices |
| Real estate | 3 business days for refinancing and second mortgages (TILA right of rescission) | CFPB · consumerfinance.gov |
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How to cancel
Cancellation — the correct steps and what to say
Cooling-off cancellation must be in writing in most jurisdictions. A phone call is not sufficient — you need a written record with a timestamp. Email is accepted and creates an automatic timestamp and delivery record. Use the template below and keep a copy.
Cooling-off cancellation notice — use this template
Subject: Notice of Cancellation — [Contract/Agreement type] dated [date]
To [Company name],
I am writing to give notice that I am exercising my cooling-off right to cancel the [describe contract] I entered into on [date of signing].
Contract/agreement reference: [reference number if you have one]
Date signed: [date]
My name: [your full name]
My address: [your address]
Please confirm receipt of this notice and advise the process for [refund of deposit / return of goods / cancellation of policy].
[Your name]
[Date sent]
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Send written notice | Email is sufficient in most jurisdictions. Send to the address or email on your contract. Subject line: "Notice of Cancellation." |
| 2. Keep proof of sending | Screenshot the sent email with timestamp. If posting, use registered/tracked mail and keep the receipt. |
| 3. Check what you're entitled to | AU ACL: full refund of any money paid. UK: refund within 14 days of cancellation. US FTC: full refund within 10 business days. |
| 4. Return goods if applicable | You may be required to return goods. Keep them in reasonable condition. In some jurisdictions the seller must arrange and pay for collection. |
| 5. If they dispute your right | Quote the relevant legislation in your next communication. See escalation section below. |
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If they refuse
Escalation — when the supplier won't honour the cancellation
| Country | First escalation | Second escalation |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | State fair trading authority (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria). File a complaint online — free. | ACCC (for systemic issues) · AFCA for financial products · Small claims tribunal for refunds |
| UK | Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) · Trading Standards via Citizens Advice | Financial Ombudsman for financial products · Small Claims Court (Money Claim Online) for refunds |
| USA | State Attorney General consumer protection division · FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) | Small Claims Court · CFPB for financial products (consumerfinance.gov) |
Credit card chargeback as a last resort: If you paid by credit card and the supplier refuses to honour a valid cooling-off cancellation, contact your card issuer and request a chargeback on the basis that the supplier failed to deliver a service you are legally entitled to cancel. This is a separate right from the cooling-off right and applies in AU, UK, and US.
Do not accept a credit note instead of a refund. If your cooling-off right entitles you to a cash refund, a credit note does not satisfy that obligation. State clearly in writing: "I am requesting a full refund, not a credit note."