LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s paid subscription service that provides users with additional features beyond the free LinkedIn account. Some of the key benefits of LinkedIn Premium include seeing who has viewed your profile, sending InMail messages to anyone (even if they’re not in your network), expanded search filters, learning courses, and more profile views.
If you signed up for a paid LinkedIn Premium subscription but have decided you want to cancel it, you may be wondering if you can get a refund for the remaining subscription time you didn’t use. Here’s what you need to know about canceling LinkedIn Premium and getting a refund.
How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium
Before exploring the refund options, the first step is to officially cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription if you no longer want to keep it. Here’s how to cancel LinkedIn Premium:
1. Log into your LinkedIn account and go to your homepage.
2. Click on the “Me” icon at the top right (your profile picture).
3. Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
4. Click on the “Account preferences” tab at the top of the page.
5. Under “Premium Settings”, click on “Downgrade to Free”.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the cancellation.
Once you complete the cancellation process, your Premium membership will remain active until the end of your current billing period. So if you’re halfway through the month, for example, you’ll still have Premium benefits for the remainder of that month.
Refund Options When Canceling LinkedIn Premium
When you cancel LinkedIn Premium before your subscription renews, you have two options for potentially getting a refund:
Option 1: Unused Time Refund
If you cancel with unused time still left in your current billing period, LinkedIn will automatically give you a prorated refund for the unused days.
For example, if you signed up for a monthly Premium subscription on the 5th of the month, then canceled on the 15th with 15 days left, you’ll receive a refund for approximately half the monthly fee.
The refund is usually processed within 3-5 business days after cancellation and goes back to your original payment method.
Option 2: Requesting a Refund
If you’ve already been billed for your next billing cycle but know you won’t use that time, you can request a refund by contacting LinkedIn’s customer support:
– Go to https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin and click “Contact Us”.
– Choose the relevant department (such as “Billing”).
– Select the issue type (such as “Request Refund”).
– Explain why you’re requesting the refund and when you canceled.
– Provide any other relevant details about your Premium subscription.
LinkedIn states that refunds are generally provided on a “case-by-case basis”. There’s no guarantee you’ll get the refund approved, but it’s worth asking especially if you canceled very soon after renewing.
What LinkedIn Considers for Premium Refunds
When reviewing refund requests, LinkedIn will take several factors into account, such as:
– How recently you canceled after renewing – If it’s been less than a week or so, a refund is more likely. If it’s been over a month, it’s less likely.
– The length of your billing cycle – Annual subscriptions are less likely to get refunds compared to monthly.
– How long you’ve been a paying member – Longer-term loyal customers may have a better chance.
– How much you used Premium after renewing – If you used the benefits extensively after renewing, a refund is less likely.
– Your reason for canceling – Dissatisfaction with the service or financial hardship have a better chance than simply changing your mind.
How to Avoid Needing a LinkedIn Premium Refund
While refunds are sometimes possible when canceling Premium, there’s no guarantee. Here are a few tips to avoid needing a refund in the first place:
– Only upgrade to an annual plan if you’re sure you’ll use Premium long-term. Otherwise, stick to monthly billing.
– Set a reminder to evaluate if you’re getting value from Premium before your renewal date. Cancel early if not.
– Use Premium consistently after upgrading to maximize the value before your renewal.
– Downgrade back to free version 1-2 weeks before billing if you’re uncertain about keeping Premium. You can always upgrade again later.
– Check for any special offers before renewing at regular price. Loyalty discounts may be available.
– Compare Premium to free features to see if you really need the upgrade. Free may be sufficient.
The Bottom Line
While LinkedIn Premium refunds are not guaranteed in every scenario, you may be able to get your money back depending on when you canceled, how long you’ve been a member, and the specifics of your situation. Contacting LinkedIn support to request a refund is worth a try.
The best approach, however, is being proactive before your subscription renews. Evaluate if you’re using Premium enough to justify the costs. Downgrade ahead of time if uncertain. And set reminders so you don’t forget to cancel and wind up paying for time you don’t need.
Time of Cancellation | Refund Eligibility |
---|---|
During current billing period | Prorated unused time |
Right after renewal | Good chance if requested |
Two weeks after renewal | Reasonable chance if requested |
1-2 months after renewal | Small chance if requested |
3+ months after renewal | Very unlikely |
Key Takeaways
- Cancel through account settings before billing date to avoid charges
- Automatic prorated refunds are issued for unused time
- Contact support to request refund after renewing
- Likelihood depends on cancellation timing and membership tenure
- Downgrade beforehand if uncertain about continuing Premium