From streaming platforms to fitness apps, subscription services are everywhere, and they add up faster than most people realize.
A few forgotten charges each month can quietly siphon hundreds of dollars a year. The good news: you can cancel unwanted subscriptions with a few quick checks and smarter systems.
Audit Your Accounts Like a Detective
Begin by reviewing your bank and credit card statements from the past three months. Look for recurring charges, especially those under $20. It’s often the small, easily overlooked ones that stick around longest. Subscriptions are sometimes billed under different names, so if something looks unfamiliar, search it online before assuming it’s legitimate.
Once you identify them, list each service, its monthly cost, and whether you actually use it. Seeing the total amount in one place can be eye-opening and motivating.
Check out How to Make Your Credit Card Work for You (Not Against You) to make your cards work for you.
Check Your App Store and Email
Many people subscribe through app stores or take advantage of free trials that renew automatically. On your phone, check “Subscriptions” under your App Store or Google Play settings. You might find old trials you forgot to cancel.
Also, search your email inbox for the words “receipt,” “renewal,” or “subscription.” Filter by date to catch recurring payments. Some services even hide renewal reminders in promotional emails, so a manual search ensures nothing slips through.
For painless money wins, read The $5 Rule: How to Make Small Purchases Add Up to Big Wins.
Identify the Sneaky Ones
Some subscriptions are hidden behind bundling or trial offers, such as music streaming tied to a phone plan, software linked to a purchase, or fitness apps connected to a wearable device. Others might be billed annually, meaning you only notice them once a year.
Look especially for:
- Free trials you never canceled.
- Auto-renewals for software you no longer use.
- Memberships with overlapping features (like two cloud storage plans).
- Old streaming services for shows you finished months ago.
These “set it and forget it” charges are where most people lose money.
If a service’s claims look sketchy, learn How to Spot a Fake Online Review in 10 Seconds.
Use a Subscription Tracker or Bank App
Several modern banking apps automatically flag recurring payments. You can also use dedicated tools like Truebill, Rocket Money, or Mint to track and categorize subscriptions. These apps help you track your expenses and can even cancel unused services for you.
If you prefer manual control, create a simple spreadsheet to track your progress. List each subscription, the cost, billing cycle, and renewal date. Update it quarterly to stay current with changes.
Evaluate Value, Not Just Cost
Some subscriptions are worth keeping, especially if you truly use them. Ask yourself: Does this save me time, stress, or money? Would I miss it if it were to disappear tomorrow? If not, it’s probably time to cancel. You can always resubscribe later if you need it again.
For the ones you keep, check if you can downgrade your plan. Many people pay for premium tiers when the basic version meets their needs just as well.
Watch for “Dark Patterns”
Some companies intentionally make cancellation difficult by hiding links, using confusing menus, or requiring customers to call customer service. If you encounter this, search online for “how to cancel [service name]” or contact your bank to block future charges. Under consumer protection laws, you have the right to stop automatic payments.
Before any renewal, see Why You Should Never Auto-Renew Anything Without Checking This First.
Set Reminders for Annual Renewals
For yearly subscriptions, add the renewal dates to your calendar with a reminder one month in advance. That gives you time to decide whether it’s worth keeping before the charge hits. Annual renewals can be the sneakiest culprits because they only appear once and often slip your mind.
Reward Yourself for Canceling
Every time you cancel a subscription you no longer use, transfer that amount into savings or your “fun fund.” Watching the balance grow reinforces the satisfaction that comes from being intentional with your money.
A few canceled subscriptions might not seem like much, but collectively, they free up cash and clarity. The less your money moves automatically without you noticing, the more control and peace of mind you gain.
