Short answer: Email Semrush support requesting a refund with a 7-day deadline. If denied — which happens in the majority of reported cases — file a chargeback with your bank using reason code “services not as described” or “billing error.” You have 60–120 days from the charge date.

Why Semrush Refunds Are Systematically Denied

Based on data from consumer reports across 17 countries, Semrush’s refund denial rate is exceptionally high. Common denial justifications include:

  • “Our policy doesn’t allow refunds after renewal” — even when no renewal notice was sent
  • “You agreed to the terms” — pointing to auto-renewal clauses buried in sign-up flows
  • “The subscription was used” — even when usage was zero or minimal after the disputed charge
  • “You missed the cancellation window” — a window that was never clearly communicated

These practices mirror what the U.S. Department of Justice called illegal when Adobe did it — resulting in a $150 million settlement in March 2026. Semrush is now a wholly-owned Adobe subsidiary.

Step 1: Request a Refund Directly from Semrush

Start here — you need a paper trail showing you attempted resolution.

Send an email (not just live chat) to Semrush support:

Subject: Refund Request — [Your Email] — Invoice [Number]

I am requesting a full refund for the charge of [amount] on [date].

[Choose your reason:]

  • I cancelled my subscription on [date] but was charged anyway
  • I was not notified of the renewal before it processed
  • The cancellation process was unclear/obstructed
  • I was charged after a free trial without adequate notice

Please process this refund within 7 business days. I have documentation and am prepared to escalate to my bank and relevant consumer protection authorities.

Invoice: [number] Amount: [amount] Date charged: [date]

Screenshot this email and note the date sent.

Step 2: If Denied — File a Chargeback

If Semrush refuses, ignores, or offers a partial credit instead of a full refund, contact your bank immediately.

What to tell your bank

  • Reason: “Services not as described” or “Recurring charge not authorized”
  • Visa reason code: 13.1 (Merchandise/Services Not Received) or 13.3 (Not as Described)
  • Mastercard reason code: 4841 (Cancelled Recurring Transaction) or 4853 (Not as Described)

Evidence to provide

  • Screenshot of your cancellation attempt or confirmation
  • The email to Semrush requesting a refund + their denial (or silence)
  • Invoice/charge on your statement
  • Any evidence of missing renewal notification

Deadline

You typically have 60–120 days from the charge date to file. Don’t wait for Semrush to “get back to you” — the clock is running.

Get a pre-written letter

Our free chargeback letter generator creates a personalized letter with the correct consumer protection laws for your country, pre-filled with your details and ready to send to your bank.

Step 3: File a Complaint with Regulators

Even if your chargeback succeeds, filing a complaint helps build the case for regulatory action.

By country:

EU / UK — PSD2 + Consumer Rights Act

Under PSD2, payment service providers must not process recurring charges without valid, informed consent. If you were not clearly notified before renewal, the charge may be unauthorized. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (UK) and EU Consumer Rights Directive give you 14 days to withdraw from digital service contracts.

United States — ROSCA + FCBA

The Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) requires clear disclosure of material terms before charging. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives you 60 days to dispute billing errors. Both laws were central to the DOJ’s case against Adobe.

Australia — Australian Consumer Law

The ACL prohibits misleading conduct in trade and gives consumers remedies for services not rendered or misrepresented.

What If the Charge Was Months Ago?

  • Under 120 days: File a chargeback immediately — you’re within the standard window.
  • 120–540 days: Some banks and card networks allow extended disputes for recurring billing issues. Call your bank and explain the situation.
  • Over 540 days: A chargeback is unlikely to succeed, but you can still file regulatory complaints. The more reports on file, the more likely authorities act.

FAQ

Will I lose access to Semrush if I chargeback?

Probably yes. Semrush will likely terminate your account. If you don’t plan to continue using the service, this is irrelevant.

Can I get a refund for multiple months?

Yes — if you can demonstrate that you cancelled or attempted to cancel and were charged repeatedly, you can dispute each charge. Some banks allow batch disputes for recurring unauthorized charges.

Does Semrush have a money-back guarantee?

Semrush’s published refund policy is restrictive and frequently cited as the reason for denial. However, your bank’s chargeback rights and consumer protection laws override a company’s internal refund policy.

What about Adobe’s responsibility now?

As of April 28, 2026, Semrush is a wholly-owned Adobe subsidiary. Adobe’s DOJ consent decree requires clear fee disclosure and easy cancellation. Whether this extends to Semrush’s practices is an open question — but it creates significant regulatory scrutiny.

Report your case to get an instant personalized chargeback letter and help document these practices for consumer protection agencies.