1. Amazon Prime Video Channels
Many Americans sign up for add-on channels like STARZ or Showtime through Amazon Prime Video—often during a free trial. These subscriptions renew automatically, and users forget they’re separate from Prime itself. The charges blend into monthly statements, unnoticed. It’s streaming with stealth.
Even if you cancel Prime, the channels may persist unless manually removed. Amazon’s interface makes it tricky to locate and manage these extras. The subscription is hidden in plain sight. And yes, someone’s paying for a channel they haven’t watched in a year.
2. Uber One
Uber One offers discounts and perks for frequent riders and eaters—but many users don’t recall signing up. Some report being charged after clicking promotional banners or accepting unclear trial offers. The subscription renews quietly, often without confirmation emails. It’s loyalty with a loophole.
Canceling can be confusing, especially if the app doesn’t show the membership clearly. Users have resorted to deleting accounts or disputing charges with banks. The perks may be real—but the consent is questionable. And yes, someone’s paying $9.99 for a service they never used.
3. Spotify Premium
Spotify trials often convert to paid subscriptions without clear reminders. Users forget they linked a card or signed up through a phone carrier bundle. The charges continue—even if the app isn’t installed. It’s music with memory loss.
Finding the linked account can be tricky, especially if multiple emails were used. Spotify’s cancellation process requires knowing which account is active. The playlist may be gone—but the billing isn’t. And yes, someone’s paying for Premium with no login.
4. Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe offers free trials for Photoshop, Illustrator, and other tools—but charges kick in fast. Users often forget to cancel before the trial ends, triggering monthly fees. The cancellation process can be confusing, and penalties apply for early termination. It’s creativity with commitment.
Even if you uninstall the software, the subscription remains active. Adobe support forums are filled with refund requests and confusion. The trial is short—but the billing is long. And yes, someone’s paying $20 for a program they don’t use.
5. Apple Subscriptions via iTunes
App Store purchases often include hidden subscriptions—fitness apps, meditation tools, or photo editors. Users forget they agreed to auto-renew during setup. The charges appear as “Apple Services,” making them hard to trace. It’s wellness with a whisper.
Canceling requires navigating deep into iOS settings. Many users don’t realize uninstalling the app doesn’t stop the billing. The subscription lives on—even if the app doesn’t. And yes, someone’s paying $4.99 for a breathing app they deleted.
6. Google Play Subscriptions
Android users often sign up for trials through games, productivity apps, or streaming services. These subscriptions renew automatically and are buried in Google Play settings. The charges show up as “Google Services,” not the app name. It’s entertainment with ambiguity.
Canceling requires digging through menus and remembering which app triggered the charge. Many users miss the renewal window and get billed for months. The subscription is silent—but persistent. And yes, someone’s paying for cloud storage they never use.
7. Gym Membership Apps
Apps linked to gym memberships—like ClassPass or Planet Fitness perks—often include digital subscriptions. Users forget they opted in during sign-up or onboarding. The charges continue even if they stop going to the gym. It’s fitness with fine print.
Canceling may require contacting both the gym and the app provider. Some memberships auto-renew annually, catching users off guard. The workout may be over—but the billing isn’t. And yes, someone’s paying for virtual yoga they never streamed.
8. Meal Kit Trials
Services like HelloFresh or Blue Apron offer discounted first boxes—but auto-renew into weekly deliveries. Users forget to pause or cancel, and meals keep arriving. The subscription is tied to your card, not your appetite. It’s dinner with a deadline.
Skipping a week doesn’t cancel the plan—it just delays the charge. Many users get billed for boxes they didn’t select. The food may go uneaten—but the fee is fresh. And yes, someone’s fridge is full of forgotten kale.
9. Cloud Storage Bundles
Cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive offer free space—but upsell paid tiers quietly. Users forget they upgraded for a project or photo backup. The charges continue—even if the files are deleted. It’s storage with strings.
Canceling requires logging into the correct account and navigating billing settings. Many users pay for space they no longer need. The cloud is light—but the bill isn’t. And yes, someone’s paying $9.99 for empty folders.
10. Meditation and Wellness Apps
Apps like Calm, Headspace, or Breethe offer free trials that convert to annual plans. Users forget the renewal date and get hit with $60–$100 charges. The subscription is tied to peace—but causes panic. It’s mindfulness with a surprise.
Uninstalling doesn’t cancel, and refunds are rarely offered. The apps often hide billing info behind login walls. The calm fades—but the charge remains. And yes, someone’s paying for guided breathing they never heard.
This post 10 Subscription Services That Americans Forgot They Signed Up For (But Still Get Charged) was first published on American Charm.
