Is a free trial that requires my card details safe?
It depends. Legitimate companies do offer card-backed free trials, but some use them to trap people in expensive subscriptions that are very hard to cancel.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Providing card details for a free trial is not automatically a scam, but it is a high-risk situation. Some businesses — particularly those running negative-option billing — obscure their subscription terms in small print or pre-ticked boxes, then charge a high monthly fee the moment the trial ends. A more extreme version involves companies that are essentially fraudulent from the start: they have no intention of honouring the trial and begin charging immediately. Before entering card details for any free trial, verify the company's legitimacy, read the cancellation terms, set a calendar reminder to cancel, and check how easy it is to reach their customer service.
Common red flags
- Trial terms hidden in small print or behind a link
- No easy cancellation method stated upfront
- Pre-ticked boxes for additional products or subscriptions
- Extremely short trial window (e.g. 3 days)
- No publicly verifiable company address or customer service contact
What to do now
- Screenshot the trial terms before signing up
- Set a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial ends
- Use a virtual card number where your bank offers one, to limit exposure
- If you are being charged unexpectedly, contact your bank and request a chargeback
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a subscription I was tricked into?
Yes. If you were not clearly informed of ongoing charges, your card issuer may be able to issue a chargeback. You can also dispute the charge with your consumer protection agency.