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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/Helpfulness on 2023-07-06 14:31:41+00:00.

I frequently read or hear accounts of people who failed to end their free trials and were charged. Or even worse, they terminated the subscription but were still billed, forcing them to deal with customer care.

It’s an easy fix that has served me well for a long time. Make use of a virtual card that you can manage. Although I use Privacy.com, I’m sure there are other businesses offering comparable services. I can specify a specified dollar amount, a number of charges, or even lock the card to prevent any charges from going through.

Let’s say I sign up for HBO Max’s free trial without intending to continue my active subscription. When you register an account, they require you to add a card. I use my locked virtual card, which won’t be billed. In this manner, I won’t be charged if I neglect to end the trial.