Consumer Protection - Automatic Renewals

Clearer subscription charges and easier cancellation

Beginning June 1, 2026, Maryland’s renewal protections cover paid subscriptions and purchasing agreements regardless of the original term’s length. Before charging you or filling an order, sellers must clearly show renewal terms, pricing or pricing changes, and cancellation instructions. Free trials or gifts lasting more than 14 days require clear information about post-trial prices and other relevant terms. Renewal notices must explain the renewal length, terms, price, cancellation methods, and seller contact information. Electronic notices must offer an accessible electronic way to cancel. For free trials or gifts lasting more than 14 days, notice is due 3–21 days before renewal. For accepted offers with initial terms of at least one year, notice is due 15–45 days before renewal. For initial definite terms longer than one month, automatic credit-card charges require clear notice and your consent. Cancellation must be timely, cost-effective, at least as easy as signup, and available through the same medium. It must stop recurring billing immediately and prevent future charges. Electronic cancellation must offer a prominent direct link or button, or an immediately accessible cancellation email. Sellers cannot force you through multiple menus or a live or virtual representative to cancel electronically. Sellers requiring online account verification must clearly offer another cancellation method for people unable or unwilling to verify. In-person cancellation must be rapid; consumers billed at a postal address must have an in-person cancellation option. Specified insurance entities and affiliates, regulated service-contract entities and affiliates, and regulated utility and communications services are exempt. Following the responsible state or federal regulator’s renewal procedures, or holding a license under Maryland’s Title 18, counts as compliance. Violations face Maryland’s unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade-practice enforcement and penalties, except under sections 13-408 and 13-411. The law creates no private right to sue over these violations.