Transferring your subscription to someone else's name
A move, a separation, a change of flatmate: sometimes, you want to transfer your subscription to someone else rather than cancelling it. Ownership transfer exists, but it is neither automatic nor universal.
What an ownership transfer is
To transfer is to change the name, contact details and payment method associated with the contract, without interrupting the service. The new owner takes over the current subscription, often under the same conditions. The contract continues, only the responsible person changes.
Checking if it's possible
Not all services allow it. The rule is stated in the general terms and conditions, and the option, when it exists, can be found in the subscription area or through customer service. If this option is not available, another route must be considered.
Agreement of both parties
A transfer assumes that the current owner requests it and that the new owner accepts, with their own contact details and payment. Some services require validation from both, sometimes through a joint form. Without clear agreement, the transfer does not happen.
What follows or doesn't follow the contract
The original price, seniority, an ongoing commitment: depending on the service, these elements are transferred or reset. A new owner can inherit a good price or start over under current conditions. Check this point beforehand, it completely changes the interest of the operation.
The case of personal services
A subscription linked to an identity, a nominative use or personal data is difficult to transfer. History, preferences, content belong to the original owner. In these cases, it is better to cancel and reopen in the name of the correct person than to force a shaky transfer.
When transfer is not foreseen
Failing a transfer option, the classic solution remains to cancel and then have the new owner subscribe again from scratch. They lose seniority but sometimes benefit from a welcome offer. Compare the cost of this switch to the benefit of a direct transfer, when the latter exists.
Payment, a sensitive point
The essence of the transfer is the payment method. As long as the old owner's card remains registered, they are the one paying. Make sure the new owner has entered their own payment method before considering the transfer complete.
Confirming that the transfer has taken effect
Once the process is complete, check that the account displays the correct owner and payment method, and that the old one is no longer being debited. Written confirmation from the service, specifying the date of the change, avoids any subsequent disputes over who was supposed to pay what.
Notifying the service in advance
An improvised transfer often runs into identity or solvency checks of the new owner. Announcing the process to the service a few days in advance allows the requested documents to be gathered and avoids a break between the old and new owner. The service then specifies the exact processing time.
