Free Services: Make Sure You Don't Get Surprised!

bigcajunman

Jan 23

TL:DR: Never give your Credit Card number when starting a free service.

Big Cajun Man (and many others)

I have just purchased an iPad Pro. This gift to myself comes with three different free services from Apple. These free services are only for three months. To start them up, I must give Apple my Credit Card or provide them access to a payment system. In my books, that isn't free.

I learned my lesson many years ago. The Motley Fool offered me free access to one of their proprietary newsletters. I read it and got a little from it. I had given them my credit card number, but I had sent my cancellation email long before it was to be charged. The card was charged with a large amount for the subscription. I spent a long time arguing to get my money back, but I eventually did. From that day, I haven't given out my credit card number unless I buy something.

Conversely, I also give my credit card if a service I am buying offers a free trial period. I carefully note in my calendar when that free trial is completed. If you do this, you will know when the added charges arrive.