You’ve seen the offer: Try it free for 7 days—cancel anytime. But what happens when “free” turns into an unexpected $100 charge? That’s exactly what happened to Andy, a real consumer who reached out with a familiar story: he downloaded an app, started the free trial, forgot to cancel, and was promptly charged. When he asked for a refund, the company said: Sorry, all purchases are final.

 

So what are your rights when a free trial turns into an unwanted bill?

The Free Trial “Gotcha”

Companies that offer free trials are  banking on forgetfulness (literally). It’s a common tactic: hook a user with the promise of no upfront cost, then automatically roll them into a paid subscription. It’s perfectly legal, as long as the terms are disclosed. The problem? Those disclosures are often buried deep in fine print or hidden behind multiple screens.

 

In Andy’s case, that “non-refundable” policy was likely hiding in the app’s terms and conditions. Unfortunately, just because it’s legal doesn’t make it fair.

 

But here’s the good news: if you act fast, you might still be able to get your money back.

What You Can Do If You’re Charged

  1. Try a Chargeback
     If you used a credit or debit card, contact your bank or card provider and request a chargeback. Explain that you didn’t knowingly authorize the charge or that you misunderstood the trial agreement. Financial institutions often side with consumers—especially when recurring charges are involved.

     

  2. Use the App Store’s Refund Tools
     Both Apple and Google have refund request processes built into their platforms:
    • On Apple devices, go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in, find the purchase, and select “Request a refund.”

    • On Google Play, go to your order history, select the item, and choose “Request a refund.”

       

  3. While neither platform guarantees a refund, many users have had success—especially if they act quickly.

     

  4. Cancel Immediately—and in Writing
     If the app is set up for recurring billing, cancel now and take a screenshot or save confirmation of the cancellation. If the company continues to bill you after that, you’ll have documentation to back up a claim with your bank. In some cases, you can even request that your bank block future charges from that vendor.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Keeps Happening

Subscription-based apps have become a significant part of the mobile economy, with consumers increasingly spending on recurring services. However, many users find themselves surprised by charges they didn't anticipate, often due to overlooked trial periods or complex cancellation processes.

 

That’s why consumer advocates urge people to:

  • Read the terms before starting a trial
  • Set reminders to cancel before the trial ends
  • Avoid entering payment info unless you’re serious about subscribing

It’s easy to get caught off guard—but you’re not powerless.

Final Takeaways: Cancel Smart, Dispute Fast

Free trials aren’t always free, but they don’t have to cost you peace of mind. If you’ve been hit with an unexpected app charge:

  • Act quickly
  • Document everything
  • Use the tools available to you—especially from your app store and bank

And next time? Set a reminder for the day before the trial ends.