How to use the cooling-off rule deadline calculator
Enter the sale date, where the sale happened and the purchase amount. The tool applies the dollar threshold, counts three business days the way the Rule defines them, and returns the cancellation deadline, days remaining and how many Sundays or holidays were skipped.
Legal basis (September 2026) — The FTC Cooling-Off Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 429, gives buyers until midnight of the third business day after the sale to cancel. Section 429.0(f) defines a business day as any calendar day except Sunday and eight listed holidays, which is why Saturdays are counted here. The Rule covers sales of $25 or more made at a buyer home or other buyer location and $130 or more at a seller temporary location, and the seller must provide two copies of a cancellation form. Many states add their own longer cooling-off statutes for specific contracts, so check your state law.
Cancellation is effective when mailed, so send the notice by a method that records the postmark rather than relying on a phone call.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
The FTC Cooling-Off Rule at 16 C.F.R. Part 429 lets a buyer cancel until midnight of the third business day after the sale. That is far shorter than Korea, which gives 14 calendar days for door-to-door sales under its Door-to-Door Sales Act.
Yes. Under 16 C.F.R. 429.0(f) a business day is every calendar day except Sunday and eight named holidays: New Year Day, Washington Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Rule applies to sales of $25 or more at a buyer location and $130 or more elsewhere. It generally excludes sales made at the seller permanent place of business, along with real estate, insurance, securities, and vehicles sold at a permanent auto dealership.