Streaming services
Usually cancellable monthly, often in your account. Since 2022 a visible cancellation button is mandatory (§ 312k BGB); without it you may cancel at any time without notice. Template: streaming cancellation.
Clubs (Verein)
Leaving is always possible (§ 39 BGB). The statutes set form and notice — at most two years. Common: in writing to the end of the financial year with three months' notice.
Building savings contract (Bausparvertrag)
As a saver you can usually cancel with the notice in the contract terms, often three months. The balance is paid out; the arrangement fee is usually lost. Check whether a favourable loan rate would be lost.
Life insurance
Cancellable to the end of the current insurance period (§ 168 VVG). You receive the surrender value (§ 169 VVG), often well below premiums paid in early years. Alternative: premium-free status (§ 165 VVG) — the policy rests, the balance remains.
Riester pension
Cancelling with payout counts as harmful use: allowances and tax benefits must be repaid. Usually better: pause contributions or switch provider — possible with three months' notice to the end of a quarter.
Writing the cancellation
- Contract or membership number, "at the earliest possible date"
- For insurance: bank details for the payout
- Ask for written confirmation and send by Einwurfeinschreiben
Templates: insurance cancellation, cancellation letter.
Note: For life insurance and Riester, independent advice (e.g. consumer advice centre) is worthwhile. This article is not legal or financial advice.