Subscriptions and recurring payments

A free trial that becomes a recurring charge

A trial can be genuine and still become expensive when the renewal price or cancellation route is unclear. Check what you agreed and act quickly if charges continue.

Reviewed 29 August 2026 Next review 29 November 2026

What to do first

Check the confirmation email, terms and bank statement for the trial end date, renewal price and merchant name.
Cancel with the business in writing and keep the message, screenshots and any cancellation confirmation.
For a recurring card payment, you can also ask your card issuer to stop future payments. Do this no later than the end of the business day before the next payment is due.
If you did not authorise the charge, or the offer was misleading, tell your bank promptly and ask what recovery options are available.

Warning signs

A “free” offer that needs card details for postage, verification or a very small payment.
The full renewal price, payment frequency or trial end date is difficult to find.
A countdown or limited-time message pushes you through checkout.
Cancellation is much harder than joining, or no written confirmation is provided.

What not to do

Do not assume replacing your card will stop a recurring card payment.
Do not rely only on a telephone cancellation; keep written evidence where possible.
Do not ignore a small unfamiliar charge, because it may be followed by further payments.
Do not assume stopping the payment automatically ends any contract or money you legitimately owe.

Sources checked

Cleverways summarises these sources in plain English. Follow the source organisation’s current instructions where they differ.