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Free Trial Turned into a Paid Subscription
If a free trial has turned into a paid subscription you do not want, cancel with the company and ask your card provider to stop the payments. The FCA says your card issuer must stop recurring card payments once you ask, even if you have not contacted the business, and must refund any taken afterwards.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Stopping the Payments
Your Right to Stop Them
A recurring card payment lets a business charge your card without asking each time. You can ask your card issuer to cancel it, and it must stop the payments even if you have not contacted the business. Where possible, let the business know too. source
Payments After You Cancel
Any further payments after you cancel are unauthorised transactions. Your card issuer must refund them and any related charges immediately. source
Your Rights
Cooling-off Period
Most online and phone orders have a 14-day cooling-off period, but goods that are clearly personalised or made to your specification are excluded. Made-to-measure items for non-standard sizes are an example. source
New Subscription Rules
New UK subscription rules (pre-contract information, reminder notices, easy online cancellation and a cooling-off right after a free trial or 12-month auto-renewal) were expected in autumn 2026 but have been delayed to spring 2027, so they do not apply yet. They may cover some subscription-style memberships once in force. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayAsk your card issuer to stop the paymentsIt must stop them once you ask
- Spring 2027New subscription rules (reminders, easy exit)Delayed to spring 2027, not yet in force
- 13 monthsReport an APP scam or unauthorised paymentWithin 13 months of the payment, but as soon as possible
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Cancel the subscription with the company, in its app or account settings, and take a screenshot.
Step 2 of 5
Ask your card provider to stop any recurring payments to that company.
Step 3 of 5
If money is taken after you cancelled, ask your card provider to refund it as an unauthorised payment.
Step 4 of 5
Ask the company for a refund of the first payment if you were not told clearly that the trial would turn into a paid plan. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 5 of 5
If you are stuck, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the gym will not refund or keeps charging you.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
The gym refuses and you need advice on your next step.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Set a reminder for a few days before any free trial ends.
Check your bank statements for small payments you do not recognise: trials often start with a low price.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- fca.org.uk/news/continuous-payment-authorities-your-right-to-cancel Checked 13 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/exemptions-right-cancel-consumer-contracts Checked 12 October 2026
- lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/06/11/consumer-law-podcast-subscriptions-new-rules-delayed-but-dont-delay-your-preparation Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/cancelling-a-gym-membership Checked 12 October 2026