You canceled a free trial and still got charged. When you contacted support, the answer was simple and frustrating: the charge is non-refundable.
This usually happens not because the cancellation failed, but because the service’s free trial includes a strict no-refund clause once billing starts.
Canceling on time does not always guarantee a refund.
Why Some Free Trial Charges Are Non-Refundable
- The trial converts to paid status immediately at expiration
- Refund eligibility ends once billing is triggered
- The policy allows cancellation without refund, not reversal
- Digital services often exclude prorated refunds
- Terms were accepted at signup, even if unnoticed
How to Confirm Whether a Refund Is Allowed
- Review the refund section in the original trial terms
- Check whether the charge is marked as “final” or “settled”
- Confirm if the platform or app store controls refunds
- Look for exceptions tied to first-time subscriptions
What to Do After a Non-Refundable Charge
- Stop further renewals immediately
- Save the policy text shown at signup
- Use the remaining paid period if access continues
- Set reminders before future trial expirations
Many free trial disputes come down to refund rules, not timing errors. Understanding this distinction prevents repeated surprises.