What is Optus?
An Australia’s largest mobile carriers, Optus provides diverse services such as mobile telecommunications, broadband, NBN, and entertainment. Their services range from postpaid phones to prepaid SIMs, and from an internet connection to customer support, Optus covers all of Australia.
Types of Optus Plans
Optus has various offerings, including:
• Mobile Postpaid Plans – Postpaid plans charged monthly and come with fixed inclusions.
• Prepaid Mobile Plans – Pay-as-you-go services.
• SIM Only Plans – Non-commitment or month-to-month contracts for SIM cards.
• Broadband/NBN Services – Home internet options.
• Mobile Broadband Plans – Dongle or mobile hotspot internet access.
Each of these services has different cancellation procedures, so it’s important to identify the type of plan you have.
Contract Terms and Conditions
Some Optus plans have a lock-in contract of 12, 24, or 36 months. If you cancel prior to the date, you may incur a fee that optimally charges based on the remaining months and the plan’s value.
Motives for Canceling Optus Plans
Pricing Issues
Let’s face it—no one wants to pay more than necessary. Many users find better deals with other providers or tire of disguised fees. If you’re in this camp, you’re not alone.
Network Problems
Some users, while Optus covers a large part of Australia, experience inconsistent signal strength with slower data rates both in remote and urban areas. Frequent network interruptions can make staying on Optus frustrating.
Changing Providers
The availability of Telstra, Vodafone, and other providers offering competitive pricing and better coverage makes it easier to switch for better services.
Relocating Overseas, or No Longer Requiring the Service
It makes perfect sense to cancel an Optus plan when moving abroad or when planning to not require a mobile or internet plan.
Important Information to Consider Before Cancelling
Are You in a Contract?
If your plan is still under contract, cancelling could cost you. Check your My Optus app or log in on their website to find out if your plan remains under commitment, and if so, for how long.
Early Termination Fees Explained
These fees apply when you terminate a contract before the agreed-term period. They can be steep—sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars based on the remaining months. Make sure to evaluate this cost beforehand.
Checking Your Account Status
Before proceeding with cancellation, ensure that:
• all invoices are settled.
• all remaining data and call allowances are exhausted.
• significant account information is backed up.
What Happens to Your Phone Number After Cancellation
For individuals that intend to switch to another carrier, it is best to have the new carrier port your number prior to terminating Optus. If you choose to terminate first, there is a risk of losing your number.
How to Cancel an Optus Plan
Step-by-Step Method to Cancel Online
- Access your account via My Optus Account.
- Within Services, locate the plan you intend to cancel.
- Scroll down and select “Manage Plan” or “Cancel Service”.
- Complete the prompts and confirm cancellation.
This method would be the easiest and fastest, provided that you are comfortable navigating the website.
How To Cancel Using Chat or the My Optus App
If you would prefer not to use the phone, you can initiate a cancelation request through Live Chat on the website or the My Optus app. Inform the virtual assistant that you would like to cancel, and they will transfer you to a live agent.
Cancel Through an Optus Store Visit
If you wish to receive assistance in-person, you can visit any Optus store. Don’t forget to bring your ID and account information. The agent will assist you to cancel the plan immediately.
How To Cancel Optus Auto Recharge
What is Auto Recharge?
For prepaid customers, this feature allows your account balance to be topped up automatically based on saved credit cards or bank details. It is very convenient—until it needs to be canceled.
Cancelling Auto Recharge Using The App
- Launch My Optus App.
- Click Recharge or Manage Payment.
- Click Auto Recharge Settings.
- Select Disable Auto Recharge.
Cancelling Auto Recharge Using The Website
- Go to optus.com.au and sign into your account.
- Navigate to your Prepaid Service page.
- Go to Recharge Settings.
- Disable the Auto Recharge option.
Deleting Saved Bank Information Post Disabling Auto Recharge
It is recommended to delete any saved cards or bank account information from the billing section to prevent any unwanted charges from occurring in the future after auto recharge is disabled.
Live Chat as a Cancellation Method
Live Chat is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to cancel an account. Simply visit the webpage, open the chat window, and ask for a cancellation. You will either be served immediately or booked for a later appointment.
Cancelling Using My Optus App
As a multifunctional app, it aims at providing all services under one roof:
• Navigate to the specific plan you wish to cancel.
• Click on “Support” and “Need Help?”
• Enter: “Cancel my plan” in the chatbot.
• Validate cancellation with a human representative.
Online Portal Account Deactivation
Occasionally, Optus enables the direct deactivation of services from the dashboard for certain users, especially prepaid users. This can be located under Manage > Cancel Service or something similar.
How Can I Cancel My Plan With Optus?
To end an Optus plan, you don’t need a PhD in technology. Depending on your preference, you have multiple methods to cancel the service:
Cancel Using Optus’ Website
• Visit www.optus.com.au
• Access your My Optus account.
• Under Services, select the relevant plan.
• Look for either a “Manage Plan” button or a “Cancel Plan” link.
• Complete the steps, and you’ll get a cancellation confirmation.
This method is optimal for SIM-only or broadband accounts. If you’re still under contract, the system may display applicable exit fees prior to completion.
Cancel With My Optus App
• Launch the My Optus application on your mobile device.
• Pick the account you wish to cancel.
• Press Help > Message Us and enter “cancel my plan”.
• The bot might redirect you to a human agent.
You will not need to call and wait in line. It is like texting the customer support chatbot.
Cancelling In Store At Optus
If you have multiple services and are unsure of the terms of your contract, it could be easier to cancel via an in person visit. Bring:
• Your identification
• Account details
An Optus staff member will assist you with cancellation.
Through Live Chat (No Call Needed)
This approach is ideal for individuals who want to avoid phone calls.
• Head to the Optus website.
• Start the live chat function.
• Say “I want to cancel my mobile/broadband plan.”
• In a couple of minutes, a real agent will assist you.
Note: agents are only available during business hours.
With A Prepaid Plan, it is likely that you have set up auto recharge. This is how you disable it:
With My Optus App
- Open the app.
- Head to the Prepaid Dashboard.
- Select Manage Payment or Recharge Settings.
- Disable Auto Recharge.
- Confirm your changes.
Through The Website
- Access your My Optus account.
- Select your Prepaid Service.
- Navigate to Recharge Settings.
- Disable Auto- Recharge.
Important Note: If you do not intend to use the service again, ensure that you delete your saved payment method after disabling it. This will help prevent Optus from accidentally re-enabling it.
How to Cancel Optus Number Without Calling
Do you want to discreetly cancel your number without enduring uncomfortable calls or lengthy waits? Here’s how to go about it:
Use the Optus Chat Assistant
• Visit the Help webpage for Optus.
• Select either Message Us or Live Chat.
• Input: “Cancel my number.”
A customer care representative will assist you in deactivating the service at that moment.
- Launch the app.
- Go to your mobile number’s details section.
- Proceed to Support or Plan Settings.
- Select cancel and complete the required steps.
Cancel Through the App
Through Online Portal
This is another non-verbal method to cancel:
• Access the Optus website and log in.
• Navigate to Manage Service.
• Search for Cancel Number or Terminate Service.
Please note: The number is likely lost forever once it’s been canceled, unless you ported it to another service provider.
Can I Close My Optus Account?
Absolutely, closing your Optus account means terminating all services associated with it. Here’s the detailed procedure:
Step by Step Process:
- Ensure all balances are cleared first.
- Cancel any ongoing subscriptions (postpaid or prepaid).
- Reach out to Optus via Live Chat and request “Complete account closure.”
In the case you are moving to a different provider, they typically manage number porting and your account with Optus will close automatically.
How do I cancel my Auto Plan or subscription with Optus?
For mobile broadband and tablet subscriptions, as well as postpaid data SIMs, Optus plans can be revoked in the same manner as phone contracts:
Cancel through App or Web:
• On the App or Optus Portal, go to My Services.
• Select the plan or device subscription.
• Hit Cancel and confirm.
If on a data-only SIM plan, remember to remove your payment method as well.
How to Cancel Automatic Payments with Optus
Auto pay is prevalent with postpaid plans or NBN accounts. This is how to stop it:
Through App or Web:
• On your My Optus App or account on the website, log in.
• Go to Billing.
• Go to Payment Settings.
• Select Edit to disable or remove saved payment method.
If the payment method is removed, you will need to manually pay bills to settle the outstanding balance.
Note: Ensure your bill is fully settled before canceling your auto-pay to avoid late fees.
Can I Cancel My Plan Anytime?
Short answer: Yes, however, there are some conditions.
If You’re on a No-Contract Plan:
These are able to be canceled at any time without incurring any charges. Optus and prepaid plans are examples of these.
If You’re on a Contract Plan:
Most likely you will incur an early termination fee (ETF). It is often calculated as follows:
ETF = Remaining Months × Monthly Charge × Cancellation Fee Rate
Be sure to verify your terms and conditions prior to canceling.
Cooling Off Period
New services might come with a 10 day cooling off period during which you are able to cancel without incurring any charges. Not all services come with this feature so it would be worthwhile checking your welcome email or terms and conditions.
What Comes After Canceling An Optus Plan?
- Last Invoice
The last invoice you receive will likely include the following charges:
• Certain partial charges
• Termination fees for those under contracts
• Any unpaid device repayments
- Device Return
If you received a modem, router or mobile phone as part of your plan, Optus may have a policy that requires these to be returned within 14 to 30 days.
Not doing so may lead to extra charges.
- No More Service or Network Access
After cancellation, you will no longer have access to the following:
• Call or data services.
• Details of My Optus Account.
• Customer support unless service is reactivated.
How Do I Contact Optus From Overseas?
For those located overseas and wish to cancel their Optus account, you may reach out via:
• Optus Customer Support from overseas: +61 2 8082 5678
• Live Chat: Works from anywhere via Optus’ website.
• Email or My Optus App: Asynchronous support via messaging feature within the app.
Tip: Ensure you have your account number and ID handy as they will be required to verify your identity.
How Do I Remove My Credit Card From Optus?
To prevent further payments from being made, this step is crucial:
- Log in to My Optus App or website.
- Billing > Payment Settings.
- Choose your saved card or bank account.
- Select Remove or Delete.
Important: Turn off auto-pay before removing the card from saved payment methods.
How Do I Deactivate Automatic Payment?
To stop Optus from automatically charging your account:
• My Optus account—access it.
• Billing or Payments—navigate to it.
• Search for AutoPay or Direct Debit options.
• Click on Turn Off or Cancel Setup.
If you’re still using the services, ensure that you are paying manually to avoid late fees.
How Do I Stop Automatic Renewal Payment?
Prepaid or add-on services may have options to auto-renew.
To cancel:
• Access your services through the Optus App or website.
• Tap Manage Add-ons or Recharge Settings.
• Select the auto-renewable addon and turn it off.
Tip: Always double check after canceling because it can take up to 24 hours for changes to be fully processed.
What Happens If I Stop Paying Optus?
Here’s what you can expect.
• First Missed Payment: You’ll receive an SMS or email reminder.
• Ongoing Non-Payment: Services provided may be suspended.
• Account Default: After a significant period of inactivity, your account may be placed with a collections agency.
• Credit Risk: A default may be registered with credit reporting agencies which may hinder your ability to secure future credit services like loans or mobile phone plans.
If you are having difficulty making payments, reach out to Optus for an extension or ask for support from their financial hardship team.
What Is The Smart Way to Cancel a Phone Contract?
Here’s a smart breakdown:
- Review your contract – Look for minimum periods.
- Know the early exit fees – They are available by calling Optus directly.
- Port your number first (if changing providers).
- My Optus account or the app – Do not call, attend, or ask for help through chat to avoid long queues.
- Get written confirmation – Take screenshots of the final cancellation to preserve proof.
How Do I Speak to an Optus Representative?
You have several solid choices:
• Call 133 937 if you are in Australia. Open from 8am to 8pm local time.
• Chat online – the Live Chat function
• Go to an Optus Store. Best for face to face assistance.
• Send a message via the Optus App
Tip: If you’re using chat, request for “Talk to a human” to skip the bot.
How To Stop Optus International Roaming
Are you traveling overseas and don’t want to incur unexpected surprise fees?
How to Disable Roaming Steps:
- My Optus login.
- Choose the mobile service.
- Go to Manage Settings or Roaming Options.
- Disable International Roaming.
You can also manually toggle it off on your phone through:
Settings > Mobile > Roaming.
Can I Cancel All Automatic Payments?
Yes, all autopay configurations can be canceled. To do so, follow these steps:
- Disable Auto Recharge for prepaid accounts.
- Disable Direct Debit for postpaid accounts.
- Clear all saved payment methods.
- Switch to manual payment if an active plan exists.
To prevent future charges from Optus, ensure that no services are active in your account dashboard.
Can I Cancel a Subscription Through My Bank?
Yes, though this approach is not always optimal.
You may request the following actions:
• Contact your bank directly.
• Request a block of all future payments to Optus or cancel the direct debit authorization.
While this will halt payment processing, the Optus plan will remain active. Optus may still consider the account balance unresolved and initiate collections. Always cancel through Optus first, then disable the bank payment option.
Can I Cancel My Phone Plan At Any Time?
Yes, there is a limitation.
• Prepaid plans: can be cancelled anytime without incurring any charges.
• Postpaid no-contract plans: Can cancel anytime, usually without incurring charges.
• Postpaid Contract Plans: Can be cancelled anytime, but if still under contract or within phone repayment plan, early termination fees apply.
Review your service summary or reach out to customer service for confirmation.
What If I Do Not Return My Phone to Optus?
In case your phone was associated with a lease or repayment plan:
• Leased Devices: Return is necessary post cancellation. Failure results in a penalty fee which can exceed $499.
• Buy-to-Own Devices: Unpaid balances will result in charges from Optus.
Tip: For clarity on device agreements, contacting support would be a wise step.
Can I Cancel My Postpaid Plan via Online Platforms?
Yes, most postpaid SIM or mobile broadband plans can be canceled on:
• Optus App: Navigate to your plan > Support > Message Us, and input “Cancel my postpaid plan.”
• Optus Web Portal: My Account > Select Service > Manage Plan > Cancel.
In case a device is linked, the system may show outstanding balance due prior to cancellation.
Does Disabling AutoPay results in Subscription Cancellation?
No, this action alone won’t affect your subscription. Disabling AutoPay simply stops charges from being processed automatically.
Your plan continues accruing unpaid charges unless you cancel the plan entirely.
To avoid unwanted charges, always cancel the service rather than removing payment options.
What Can Be Considered Acceptable Reasons for Canceling Plans?
Below are some rational and widely accepted explanations:
• Shifting overseas or inter-state
• Service no longer needed
• Network issues
• Economic strain
• Changing to another provider
Optus usually does not contest these reasons, although if you are on a contract they may still impose exit fee penalties over any reason provided.
Is It Wiser To Disable Cellular Data Rather Than Cancel the Service?
Disabling cellular data does not eliminate billing.
This is useful when:
• Avoiding roaming charges during travel
• Reducing data consumption
Ultimately, if you no longer wish to pay, you will have to cancel your plan.
Final Statement
Canceling your plan with Optus does not need to be a daunting or intricate task. Whether you are trying to cease an auto recharge, disable roaming, or close an entire account, solutions exist to effectively resolve the matter, often without needing a phone call and opting for non-verbal communication. Just make sure to look out for contract terms, any applicable fees, or returning devices.
Don’t be in a hurry. Check your Optus app or online account and go step by step through the processes we provided. In case anything seems off or there is some uncertainty, they can always reach out through live chat which is a few clicks away.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I able to cancel my Optus plan via email?
No. You won’t be able to cancel an account with Optus over email. Cancellation is available through live chat, phone calls, or via the app.
- Will I be able to keep my number if I cancel with Optus?
Yes, but only if you port it to another provider before cancellation.
- Is there a cooling-off period when signing up with Optus?
Sometimes. It varies by plan, but many services include a 10-day window to cancel without facing any charges.
- What do I do if I get charged after the account is supposed to be canceled?
For those charges, make sure to get in touch with customer service right away. Cancellations sometimes result in pre-cancellation billing.
- Can I cancel recharge that has just gone through?
For auto-recharge systems, balances are typically non-refundable. You may appeal for a refund through chat support, but it may not be granted.
