Your free trial ended, and instead of the full subscription price, a small charge appeared first. It looks odd, incomplete, or even suspicious.
This is usually not an extra fee. Many platforms place a preliminary charge before the full billing cycle begins.
A small charge after a free trial often represents authorization, proration, or tax processing — not a second payment.
Why a Small Charge Appears Before the Full Amount
- The system runs a payment authorization before final billing
- Taxes or regional fees are processed separately
- The billing cycle starts mid-day, creating a prorated amount
- Payment processors confirm card validity before full capture
- The full charge is scheduled but not yet settled
How to Tell If Another Charge Is Coming
- Check whether the charge is marked as pending or completed
- Review the subscription start date and billing cycle
- Look for a second line item scheduled within 24–72 hours
- Confirm the final price listed in your subscription plan
What You Should Do Right Now
- Do not dispute the charge unless a duplicate appears
- Wait for the billing cycle to fully settle
- Save a screenshot of the transaction details
- Monitor your statement for the final consolidated charge
Small charges after free trials are part of how billing systems stage payments. Understanding this sequence helps avoid unnecessary cancellations or disputes.