Did you ever sign up for a “free trial” only to wake up to unexplained bank charges? You’re not alone—many unsuspecting consumers fall into the trap of free trials draining bank accounts with auto-renew fees and hard-to-cancel subscriptions. The FTC’s click‑to‑cancel rule was recently struck down, leaving consumers vulnerable once again. Understanding which trials are the worst offenders can help you avoid surprise withdrawals. Here are five free trial tactics that have drained real bank accounts—and what to watch for.
