How to get a refund after a free trial charged you

Free trials are engineered so you forget to cancel. If a trial rolled into a paid charge you didn't want, a polite-but-firm refund request works surprisingly often, and a chargeback backs you up.

Reviewed by Corey Musa, Founder·Last reviewed June 2026·LinkedIn

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Your rights

Many regions require clear consent and reminders before a trial converts to paid billing. Where that's murky, card chargeback rules let you dispute a charge you didn't knowingly authorise. Most companies refund a just-charged trial rather than risk a dispute.

Step by step

  1. 1Cancel the subscription immediately so it doesn't bill again.
  2. 2Write to support requesting a full refund of the trial charge, noting you didn't intend to continue.
  3. 3If they refuse, raise a chargeback for the unauthorised/unwanted charge.

What they'll say, and your comeback

“You agreed to the terms.”

Comeback, Request a refund as a goodwill resolution; if refused, your card issuer can still reverse a charge you didn't knowingly authorise.

“All sales are final.”

Comeback, 'Final sale' wording doesn't override chargeback rights or local auto-renewal consumer protections.

FAQ

Can I dispute a free trial charge with my bank?

Yes. If the company won't refund, a card chargeback for an unwanted auto-renewal is a standard route.

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A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.