Instant Checkmate, established in 2010, provides public record searches but often traps users in subscriptions costing $35.12 to $42.25 monthly. You could save over $420 a year by cancelling. Accessible on Desktop and Android, the service rides the "internet sleuth" wave popular on TikTok. Visit Instant Checkmate. However, the Better Business Bureau logs over 1,200 complaints in the last 3 years. Users on Pissed Consumer frequently cite "poor customer service" and "unauthorized charges" as major headaches. If you are done with the confusing billing or just finished your research, here is how to stop the charges.
How to Cancel Instant Checkmate on Desktop or Laptop
Most users sign up via the web, so this is the most common way to cancel. The interface can be a bit "sticky" with retention offers.
1 Log In to Your Account
Go to the Instant Checkmate website and log in. If you forgot your password, reset it immediately because you cannot cancel without access.
2 Access Account Settings
Look for the My Account menu in the top navigation bar. It is usually a dropdown menu.
3 Select Subscription Settings
Click on Subscription Settings or Membership Settings. This is where they hide the status of your billing.
4 Initiate Cancellation
Find the Cancel Subscription button. You might have to scroll past some offers to stay.
5 Confirm Your Choice
They will likely ask you to confirm multiple times or offer a discount. Keep clicking Cancel until you see a final confirmation screen.
How to Cancel Instant Checkmate on Android
If you subscribed through the app, you must cancel through Google Play. Deleting the app does nothing.
1 Open Google Play Store
Tap the Play Store icon on your device. Make sure you are signed into the Google account used for the purchase.
2 Tap Your Profile Icon
It is located in the top right corner of the screen.
3 Select Payments & Subscriptions
Tap on Payments & subscriptions and then select Subscriptions.
4 Locate Instant Checkmate
Find Instant Checkmate in the list. If it is not there, you likely subscribed via the website directly (see the Desktop guide).
5 Cancel Subscription
Tap the app and select Cancel subscription. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
How to Cancel Instant Checkmate on iPhone (iOS)
This only applies if you paid via Apple. Most users actually pay via credit card on the site, so check your bank statement if you are unsure.
1 Open Settings
Tap the grey Settings gear icon on your home screen.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Tap your name at the very top of the Settings menu.
3 Tap Subscriptions
Select Subscriptions. It might take a second to load.
4 Find Instant Checkmate
Look for Instant Checkmate in the Active list. If you do not see it, you probably signed up on their website, not through Apple.
5 Cancel Subscription
Tap Cancel Subscription. If you only see "Renew Subscription," it is already cancelled.
Cancel Instant Checkmate by Phone
If the website is glitching or you just want to talk to a human, you can call them.
Phone Number: 1-800-222-8985
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST (10:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST).
Be prepared for a hold time. Also, have your account email and phone number ready so the agent can find you quickly.
What is Instant Checkmate Cancellation Policy
Instant Checkmate operates on a recurring subscription model. When you cancel, you stop future billing, but you typically retain access until the end of your current billing cycle.
The Catch: They generally do not offer refunds for partial months or "unused" time. This is a huge point of contention on Trustpilot. If you cancel one day after your renewal hits, you are likely out $35 for that month. They state that all sales are final, though some users have had luck arguing for refunds if they call immediately after an accidental renewal.
Before You Cancel Instant Checkmate: What You Should Know
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you cut the cord:
- Report History: Once your subscription expires, you may lose access to the reports you previously viewed unless you downloaded them as PDFs.
- Fees: There are usually no cancellation fees, but verify this on the final screen.
- Timing: It is best to cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date to avoid getting hit with another charge due to time zone differences.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Instant Checkmate Subscription?
Stuck in a loop? Here are some common fixes:
- Check the Source: Did you sign up via PayPal? You might need to cancel the recurring payment inside your PayPal account settings instead of the Instant Checkmate site.
- Browser Issues: If the cancel button is not loading, try opening the site in an Incognito/Private window or use a different browser (like Chrome instead of Safari).
- Forgot Login: If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" link. If that fails, you have to call them.
- Card Block: As a last resort, you can contact your bank to stop payments, but this is nuclear and might affect your credit standing with the merchant.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan Duration | Monthly Cost | Total Billed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | ~$35.12 | ~$35.12 | Billed monthly. High flexibility. |
| 3 Months | ~$28.09 | ~$84.28 | Billed as a lump sum. Lower monthly rate but higher upfront cost. |
| 5-Day Trial | $1.00 | $1.00 | Warning: Converts to full monthly price automatically if not cancelled. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Instant Checkmate Subscription
With background check services facing scrutiny in 2024 for confusing billing practices, now is a smart time to clean up your recurring expenses. Pine AI makes it effortless.
Step 1: Let's get started to cancel Instant Checkmate Simply tell us you want to cancel Instant Checkmate. We will ask for a few basic account details to locate your subscription.
Step 2: Pine gets to work We navigate the confusing clicks, wait on hold, and handle the awkward conversations to ensure it is actually cancelled. We do not just suggest it; we finish it.
Step 3: You're free from Instant Checkmate The payments stop and you get your time back. No "retention offers," no run-around, just a confirmed "one-and-done" result.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instant Checkmate
Can I unsubscribe from Instant Checkmate anytime?
Can I get a refund from Instant Checkmate if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Instant Checkmate subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Instant Checkmate to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Instant Checkmate subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Instant Checkmate?
How does Pine AI work with Instant Checkmate to cancel my subscription?
