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Use free trials without getting charged: what the FTC advises, how to track renewal dates, and how to cancel or dispute charges.
Key takeaways
- If you don't cancel on time, you'll probably be charged. Calendar the end date the day you sign up.
- A renewal notice for a subscription you already agreed to should not ask for card details.
- Monitor statements and dispute unauthorized charges quickly.
Before you sign up
The Federal Trade Commission’s consumer advice on free trials makes three points: if you don’t cancel on time you’ll probably be charged; if you pay shipping or fees for a ‘free’ trial it isn’t really free; and some offers enroll you in ongoing subscriptions. Read the terms before giving a card number.
A simple system
- When you start a trial, put a reminder on your calendar two days before it ends.
- Write down where and how to cancel.
- Use one card for all subscriptions so they are easy to spot on one statement.
- Review that statement every month.
Auto-renewals
The FTC notes that renewal prices can be higher than what you paid before, especially after a promotional rate, and that scammers send fake renewal notices. A real renewal notice for a subscription you already agreed to should not ask for your card information.
Store memberships with trials
Several retail memberships offer trials that convert to paid plans. For example, when we checked, Instacart offered a 2-week Instacart+ trial that auto-renews to $99 a year, and Walmart offered a 30-day Walmart+ trial for $1. Decide before the trial ends whether you will use the membership enough to justify the fee.
If you can’t cancel
The FTC’s advice is to contact your credit card company and ask them to stop the payments, and to dispute charges you didn’t authorize as soon as you spot them.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be charged after a free trial?
Usually yes, unless you cancel before it ends. The FTC advises noting the end date on your calendar.
Should a renewal notice ask for my card number?
For a subscription you already agreed to auto-renew, the FTC says a renewal notice is a reminder and shouldn't ask for card information.
What if a company won't let me cancel?
The FTC suggests calling your card company to stop payments and disputing unauthorized charges.
Sources
- FTC: Getting in and out of free trials, auto-renewals and negative option subscriptions
- FTC: Free trials and tribulations
- Instacart+
- Walmart+
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