You believed your free trial was still valid under the original conditions. There was no clear alert, no forced confirmation, and no obvious change during use. Then a charge appeared.
This usually happens because the free trial terms were updated during the trial period. The service applied new conditions automatically, even if you never noticed the change.
Free trial terms can change mid-trial without resetting the expiration.
Why Trial Charges Happen After Terms Change
- The service updated billing or trial conditions during your trial period
- Policy changes were posted in an update log or terms page
- No direct email or in-app alert was required by the platform
- Continued use counted as acceptance of the new terms
- The trial expiration date stayed the same despite new conditions
How to Check If Terms Changed During Your Trial
- Review the service’s terms update or change log
- Check the “effective date” listed in the current policy
- Compare the original signup terms with the current version
- Look for notices hidden in account or legal sections
What to Do After a Charge Linked to Term Changes
- Document the timeline of trial usage and policy updates
- Confirm whether acceptance was automatic or required action
- Check refund rules tied to mid-trial policy changes
- Cancel immediately to prevent future renewals
Many free trial disputes are caused by unnoticed policy updates, not user error. Knowing where and how terms change helps avoid unexpected charges.