Subscription Contract

A subscription contract is a contract under which goods or services are provided regularly and continuously for a fixed or indefinite term. Consumer subscriptions are governed by Article 52 of Law No. 6502 and the Subscription Contracts Regulation. Digital platform memberships, software subscriptions, gym memberships and regularly delivered products fall within this scope.

The Consumer’s Right to Terminate

The consumer may terminate an indefinite-term subscription, or a fixed-term subscription longer than one year, at any time without giving reasons and without paying a penalty. Termination takes effect when the notice reaches the provider.

Easy Termination

The seller or provider may not require a method of termination more difficult than the method of conclusion. A subscription concluded online must be terminable online, and one concluded in an app must be terminable in the app. Designs making cancellation complex are also considered dark patterns.

Commitment Subscriptions

For subscriptions discounted in return for a commitment to continue for a certain period, recovery of the discount given is possible if the consumer terminates early. The amount may not exceed the total discounts given and may not amount to a penalty; sectors such as electronic communications have additional limits.

Price Changes

In fixed-term subscriptions, changing the price to the consumer’s detriment during the term is problematic unless expressly provided in the contract. In indefinite-term subscriptions, changes should be notified in advance and the consumer given the right to terminate without penalty; otherwise the clause may be an unfair term.

Renewal

Fixed-term subscriptions may not automatically extend at the end of the term; extension requires the consumer’s request or consent; see Automatic Renewal. For subscriptions concluded online, distance contract rules and the right of withdrawal also apply.