Cancel or withdraw a BahnCard: subscription and automatic renewal

The BahnCard is a subscription that renews automatically for a year without timely cancellation. Anyone who overlooks this keeps paying unnecessarily. With an online conclusion there may also be a right of withdrawal. It is important to meet the cancellation deadline and to stop the unwanted renewal in time.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The BahnCard renews automatically if you do not cancel in time (as a rule six weeks before expiry). A timely cancellation prevents the chargeable renewal.

For an online or distance conclusion there may be a 14-day right of withdrawal. In addition, online subscriptions must offer an easily findable cancellation button; if it is missing, that makes it easier to get out of the contract.

What you should do now

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1. Check the deadline
See by when you must cancel (often six weeks before expiry) to prevent the automatic renewal.
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2. Declare the cancellation
Cancel in time and in writing/via the cancellation button and have the cancellation confirmed.
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3. Check a withdrawal
If you have only just concluded online, a 14-day right of withdrawal may apply.
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4. Stop an unwanted renewal
If it has already been renewed, check cancellation at the earliest possible date and a chargeback for an unauthorized debit.

How to spot the scam

The cancellation deadline (often six weeks) is overlooked and the subscription renews.
An easily findable cancellation button is missing in the online account.
It keeps being debited despite the cancellation.

Frequently asked questions

Does the BahnCard renew automatically?

Yes. Without timely cancellation, usually six weeks before expiry, the BahnCard renews automatically for another year. So watch the cancellation deadline to avoid an unwanted renewal.

Can I withdraw from the BahnCard?

For a conclusion by distance selling (online or by phone) there may be a 14-day right of withdrawal. In addition, online subscriptions must provide an easily findable cancellation button.

What if the renewal has already happened?

Cancel at the earliest possible date and check whether the debit was authorized. If it was debited without a valid basis, you can have the direct debit charged back through your bank.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.