checklists.oneAndroid appSign in
‹ Money

Spotting subscription leaks

One evening with your statements to find the small monthly charges you no longer use, then stop them for good.

21 items · 5 sections · money, personal-finance, budget

Start this checklist

Find them (5)

  • Download 3 months of statements for every card and bank accountAdd 12 months if you can, to catch annual renewals.
  • Mark every charge that repeats
  • Check the subscriptions list in the Apple App Store and Google PlayThey may show on your statement only under Apple or Google.
  • Check PayPal and other payment apps for automatic payments
  • Search your email for receipt, renewal and trial

Decide (4)

  • List each one with its monthly cost and the last time you used it
  • Add up the yearly totalExample: 5 charges of 10 a month is 600 a year.
  • Keep, downgrade, share or cancel: pick one for each
  • Look for double payers, like two music or cloud plans

Cancel properly (4)

  • Follow the company's own cancellation steps
  • Ask about skipping or a cheaper plan if you may want it back
  • Keep a copy of the request, and notes of any calls
  • Remember that deleting an app does not cancel its subscription

If charges keep coming (4)

  • Check your next statements for charges after you cancelled
  • Ask your card company to stop the payments
  • Dispute the charge with your card company right awayDo it online or by the number on the card, then follow up in writing.
  • Report it. US: ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your state attorney generalOpen

Stop new leaks (4)

  • Set a calendar reminder before any free trial ends
  • Untick pre-ticked boxes when you sign up
  • Be careful with renewal notices that ask for card detailsCall the company on a number you already know.
  • Repeat this check every 6 months

Written from consumer.ftc.gov

Similar