How to Cancel Birchbox Monthly Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Birchbox has long been a favorite among beauty enthusiasts, delivering a monthly box of sample-sized skincare, makeup, and haircare products tailored to your preferences. It’s an affordable way to test new items, but there may come a time when you want to cancel—perhaps your stash is overflowing, you’re trimming expenses, or you’re ready for full-sized buys. Canceling your Birchbox monthly plan is straightforward when you know the process, and this 1,000-word guide will walk you through every step to ensure you stop it smoothly and avoid unwanted charges.
What is Birchbox?
Birchbox is a subscription service that sends a box of five beauty samples each month for $15/month (as of March 2025). You fill out a profile to customize your selections, and it auto-renews unless you cancel, with no long-term commitment beyond the current billing cycle. There’s also an option to upgrade to a 6- or 12-month plan for slight savings, but this guide focuses on the monthly plan. Whether you’re a new subscriber or a veteran, this guide will help you cancel with ease.
Why Cancel Birchbox?
People end their Birchbox subscriptions for various reasons:
- Product Excess: You might have more samples than you can use.
- Budget Shift: The monthly fee might not fit your current spending.
- Preference Change: Your beauty needs could outgrow the sample sizes.
- Sample Burnout: Maybe you’re ready to shop retail instead.
- Trying Alternatives: You might be eyeing Ipsy or Sephora instead.
Whatever your reason, Birchbox makes cancellation accessible online, and we’ll cover every detail here.
How to Cancel Birchbox Online
The easiest way to cancel is through your Birchbox account on their website (there’s no dedicated app for managing subscriptions). Here’s how:
Step 1: Log In to Your Birchbox Account
Visit Birchbox.com on your browser. Click “Sign In” (top right) and enter your email and password tied to your subscription. If you’ve forgotten your login, use “Forgot Password” to reset it via email. You need account access to manage your Birchbox plan, so this step is essential.
Step 2: Access Subscription Settings
Once logged in, click your name or profile icon (top right) to open a dropdown menu. Select “Subscription” or “Account” (it might say “Manage Subscription” depending on updates). This takes you to a dashboard showing your active monthly plan, next billing date, and box details.
Step 3: Locate the Cancellation Option
In the subscription section, look for a button or link like “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Plan,” or “Edit Subscription.” It’s usually under your plan info. Birchbox keeps this visible, though you might need to scroll or click into “Subscription Details” to find it. Since this is a monthly plan, cancellation applies to the next cycle—no mid-term commitments to worry about.
Step 4: Cancel the Subscription
Click “Cancel Subscription.” Birchbox will ask why you’re canceling—options might include “Too expensive,” “Too many products,” or “Not interested.” This feedback is optional but helps them improve. They may offer a discount or free box to keep you—decline if you’re set on canceling. Confirm by selecting “Cancel Anyway” or “Yes, Cancel.” This stops the next renewal, effective after your current month.
Step 5: Verify Cancellation
You’ll see a confirmation on-screen, and Birchbox will email you to confirm (check your inbox or spam folder). Log back in to ensure your subscription status shows “Canceled” or “Inactive” with a final date. If there’s no email or update, double-check or contact support.
Timing and Billing: What to Know
- Monthly Plans: Cancel before the next billing date (typically the signup date each month—e.g., the 15th if you joined March 15). Birchbox bills around this date and ships mid-month.
- Cutoff: Cancel at least 2–3 days before renewal (e.g., by the 12th for a 15th billing) to avoid the next charge—earlier is safer due to processing.
- Prepaid Plans: If you accidentally chose 6- or 12-month, cancellation applies post-term; check “Subscription” for your status.
Alternative Cancellation Methods
Not a fan of online? Birchbox offers support options:
Cancel via Customer Support
- Email: Send a message to info@birchbox.com with your account email and cancellation request. This takes 24-48 hours, so it’s slower near billing deadlines.
- Chat: Visit Birchbox.com, click “Help” or “Contact Us” (bottom of the page), and use live chat (if available) to request cancellation with your account details.
- No Phone: Birchbox doesn’t widely list a phone number—email or chat is your best bet.
Online cancellation is fastest, but support can help if you’re stuck.
Post-Cancellation: What Happens?
After canceling:
- Monthly: No more boxes ship after the current month (you’ll get any box already billed).
- There’s no refund for mid-month cancellation, but you can gift your last box. Restarting is simple—resubscribe on Birchbox.com if you change your mind.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No Cancel Option?: If it’s missing, your box might be processing—check your billing date or contact support.
- Login Trouble?: Verify you’re using the right email if you’ve got multiple accounts.
- Late Cancellation?: If charged after canceling, reach out—Birchbox’s support is often accommodating.
Before You Cancel: Key Tips
- Use Your Box: Enjoy your last shipment or gift it to a friend.
- Pause Option: Birchbox doesn’t officially pause, but you can skip a month by not renewing—check “Subscription” for flexibility.
- Check Billing: Review “Billing History” to confirm your last charge.
Why Cancel Properly?
Canceling the right way avoids surprise shipments or charges. Birchbox’s no-contract monthly option is user-friendly, but timing is critical to skip the next cycle.
Extra Birchbox Insights
- Value Check: If you love samples, $15/month often beats retail—rethink before quitting.
- Customization: Update your profile instead of canceling if it’s a fit issue.
- Gifting: Extra boxes make great presents for beauty fans.
Final Thoughts
Canceling your Birchbox monthly plan is a cinch: log in, hit the subscription settings, and confirm your exit before renewal. Whether you’re decluttering your beauty stash or taking a break, this guide keeps you in control. Need help? Birchbox’s support is an email or chat away. Enjoy your beauty journey—on your terms!