You started a free trial expecting it to end quietly. There was no reminder you noticed, no clear warning, and no action taken. Then a charge appeared.
In many cases, this happens because the service automatically converts the trial into a paid plan by default. The policy exists, but users often miss it.
A free trial does not usually stop on its own.
Why Automatic Conversion Is Often Missed
- The auto-renewal notice is shown only during signup
- Trial terms are hidden behind expandable sections
- Users assume inaction means cancellation
- Access continues without visible billing alerts
- The charge happens immediately at trial end
How to Confirm If Auto-Conversion Applied
- Review the original signup screen or receipt
- Check subscription settings for auto-renew status
- Look for wording like “renews automatically”
- Match the charge time to the trial end moment
What to Do Going Forward
- Do not assume trials expire without action
- Disable auto-renew immediately after signup
- Save screenshots of trial terms
- Track future billing dates manually
Many unexpected charges are not errors, but automatic conversions users never realized were active.