Quiz: can you spot the hidden costs of a subscription?

Short answer: the hidden costs of a subscription are usually found in automatic renewal, in the price rise after the promotional period, in extra fees, in duplicate plans and in the difficulty of canceling. This quiz helps you notice those signs. It is not financial advice.

How to use the quiz

For each situation below, think: "would I notice this cost?" If the answer is "no" for several, it is worth reviewing your subscriptions.

Situations to assess

1. Free trial. You started a free 7- or 30-day trial. What happens afterwards? In many services, billing starts on its own if you do not cancel.
2. Promotional price. The first month or year is cheaper. What is the price afterwards?
3. Automatic annual renewal. You pay once a year and forget. Is there a notice before the charge?
4. Family or shared plans. You pay for a plan for several users, but only one person uses it?
5. Duplicate subscriptions. Do two services offer similar content, or did you buy the same feature in different bundles?
6. Additional fees. Is there a charge for extra features, upgrades, taxes or currency conversion, in the case of international services?
7. Card charge under a different name. The name on the charge differs from the name of the service, which makes it hard to recognize.
8. Actual use. How much have you used the service in the last three months?
9. Cancellation. Can you cancel in a few steps, or does it require calling and insisting? Is there a penalty or minimum term?

How to interpret

• 0 to 2 "I wouldn't notice": you seem to have good control.
• 3 to 5: it is worth doing a review.
• 6 or more: do a full inventory now.

How to review your subscriptions

1. Read the last few months of card and bank statements.
2. List each recurring charge, with amount, date and use.
3. Decide what to keep, switch to a cheaper plan or cancel.
4. Set reminders before annual renewals.
5. Consider using a card or method that makes tracking easier.

Counterpoints

Subscriptions can be advantageous when used often. The problem is not subscribing, but subscribing without noticing what you pay.