Is it safe to share my credit card number for a free trial that says there is no charge today?
Proceed with caution. Many free trials that require a card automatically charge you after a short period, and some sites use the card details for unauthorised charges immediately.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Free trial card entry fraud works in two ways. In the first, you are enrolled in a subscription that is deliberately hard to cancel before the trial ends, resulting in a large recurring charge. In the second, the site collects your card details for immediate or delayed fraudulent use. Even when the trial is genuinely free for the first period, the business model relies on you forgetting to cancel. Before entering card details for any free trial, check whether the refund and cancellation policy is clear and easy to exercise, whether the site is a known legitimate business, and whether you can set a calendar reminder to cancel before the charge date. Consider using a virtual one-time card number from your bank for free trials if that service is available to you.
Common red flags
- Cancellation process requires a phone call or is buried in the account settings
- Trial period is short and the subsequent charge is large
- Site is new or found through a social media ad
- Terms and conditions are lengthy and hard to locate before sign-up
- Site asks for your CVV on a page that does not use HTTPS
What to do now
- Read the cancellation terms before entering card details
- Set a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial period ends
- Consider using a virtual card number if your bank offers one
- Monitor your bank statements for trial-to-subscription charges
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel a free trial?
Some companies refund promptly on request. If they refuse, escalate to your card issuer for a chargeback on the grounds that you did not consent to the ongoing subscription.