When does a free trial turn into a paid plan?
How trial dates get set
The billing date usually appears in your signup confirmation or account settings. Some companies count the trial from the day you sign up, while others start it when you enter payment details. Time zones can shift the actual charge by a day, so look for the exact timestamp when you can.
Spotting the billing date early
Set a reminder a few days before the trial ends. Check your bank app for pending authorizations, since some services post small test charges. Write down the price you expect so you notice a higher amount right away.
- Confirmation email with the trial end date
- Account page showing the next billing date
- Reminder set two or three days ahead
- Bank alert turned on for each new charge
What to do if billing started early
If the company charged you before the date it promised, ask for a refund in writing and quote the terms you signed up under. Keep a screenshot of the trial offer if the terms later change. Canceling right after an early charge can limit further billing.
Common mistakes
- Relying on memory for trial end dates instead of saving the confirmation.
- Assuming a 'free' label means no charge will ever appear on the card.
Related questions
- How do I cancel a subscription I no longer want?
- Can I get a refund for a subscription I forgot to cancel?
- What is a negative option subscription and how do I cancel it?
- How do I cancel a free trial before I'm charged?
- Why is it so hard to cancel some subscriptions?
- Can I cancel a subscription after the free trial ends?