Patreon is a fantastic platform that allows creators to earn money from their fans through membership subscriptions. Whether you’re supporting an artist, podcaster, writer, or any other creator, Patreon provides a simple and effective means to show appreciation. However, there may come a time when you need or want to cancel your Patreon membership—perhaps due to financial reasons, changing interests, or because the creator is no longer active. Whatever the reason, canceling your Patreon support is a straightforward process if you know where to look.
TL;DR
To cancel your Patreon membership, log into your account and go to your Active Memberships page. Select the creator you want to stop supporting and click Edit Membership, then select Cancel Membership. Follow the prompts to finish the cancellation. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step and explains what happens after cancellation.
Why You Might Want to Cancel
There are various reasons why someone might choose to end their subscription to a creator on Patreon:
- Your budget has changed and you need to cut back on expenses.
- The creator is no longer producing content or has stopped engaging with patrons.
- You discovered a new creator you want to support instead.
- You were trying Patreon for the first time and found that it’s not for you.
Whatever your motivation, knowing how to cancel your Patreon membership ensures you’re not paying for content you no longer consume.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Your Patreon Membership
1. Log In to Your Patreon Account
Begin by navigating to Patreon.com. Click on Log In at the top right-hand corner and enter your login credentials.
2. Access Your Active Memberships
Once logged in, click your profile icon located in the upper right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Manage Memberships. This will take you to a page showing all your active creator subscriptions.
This page gives you an overview of:
- All the creators you support
- The amount you’re contributing monthly
- Current reward tiers you’re enrolled in
3. Choose the Membership You Want to Cancel
Find the specific creator whose membership you’d like to cancel. Click the Edit button next to their name. This opens a new window or panel showing your current pledge settings and tier details.
4. Click “Cancel Membership”
Scroll to the bottom of the edit screen and click Cancel Membership. Patreon will ask if you’re sure and may also ask you for a reason for the cancellation. Choose a reason or select Prefer not to answer, then proceed.
5. Confirm Cancellation
Before the cancellation is finalized, Patreon will summarize what content you will lose access to—if applicable—and what will happen to your current billing cycle. Click Confirm Cancellation to complete the process.
What Happens After Cancelling?
Once you’ve canceled your membership:
- Your billing stops immediately. You will not be charged in the next cycle.
- You may retain access to content for the remainder of the paid period, depending on how the creator has set up access.
- You will stop receiving updates or exclusive content reserved for paying patrons.
- Your name or username may also be removed from any supporter lists or credits published by the creator.
Can You Rejoin Later?
Absolutely! Patreon makes it easy to rejoin a creator’s membership at any time. Simply return to the creator’s page and choose a reward tier you’d like to subscribe to. Be mindful that if they’ve changed their offerings or pricing, you might not see your previous tier anymore.
Alternative Options to Full Cancellation
If you still want to support the creator but not as much financially, here are some alternatives to fully canceling:
- Lower Your Tier: Choose a lower-priced reward tier that fits your budget.
- Pause Your Membership: Some creators enable the “pause membership” option. This holds your support temporarily but saves your preferences.
- One-Time Support: Send a one-time tip or donation using other platforms the creator might offer (like Ko-fi, PayPal, etc.).
What If You Used PayPal or Apple ID?
If you subscribed to Patreon through a method like PayPal or Apple billing, the cancellation works mostly the same but may involve additional steps:
Cancelling via PayPal:
- Log into your PayPal account.
- Navigate to Payments › Manage Automatic Payments.
- Find Patreon and select Cancel Automatic Payments.
Cancelling via Apple:
- Go to your iPhone or iPad’s Settings.
- Tap your Apple ID then tap Subscriptions.
- Find Patreon and tap Cancel Subscription.
Things to Watch Out For
Before you cancel, here are a few things to consider:
- Timing: Patreon charges on the 1st of each month, so canceling just after the 1st means you’ve already paid for that month.
- Annual Memberships: If you’ve paid annually, your access will continue until the next renewal date, even if you cancel today.
- Unintended Renewals: Many people forget they’ve subscribed and are surprised by recurring charges. It’s a good idea to check your account periodically.
Final Thoughts
Cancelling your Patreon membership doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Whether you’re just taking a break or moving your support to a different creator, it’s a decision that’s entirely within your control. The ability to easily manage and tailor your patronage is what makes Patreon a flexible platform for both creators and supporters alike.
Remember, creators understand that life changes, and most appreciate the support you’ve provided, even if it was only temporary. And who knows? You may find down the line that you’re ready to return and support them again.
Quick Checklist
- ✔ Logged into Patreon
- ✔ Navigated to “Manage Memberships”
- ✔ Selected creator and clicked “Edit”
- ✔ Clicked “Cancel Membership”
- ✔ Confirmed cancellation
Now that you’re equipped with all the information, you can cancel your Patreon membership confidently and responsibly.
