Free trials usually convert to a paid subscription automatically unless you cancel before the trial ends. If you forgot and were charged, you can still cancel to stop future payments and ask our team to review a refund. This article explains how.
❓ Why Was I Charged After My Trial?
When you start a trial, your plan is set to renew automatically at the end of the trial period. If the subscription was still active on the renewal date, the first paid charge was processed using the payment method you provided at sign-up. This is the most common reason for an unexpected charge.
🛑 How to Cancel Your Subscription
Cancel as soon as possible so you are not charged again at the next billing date. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your Search Atlas account.
- Open your account or profile settings.
- Look for a section named Billing, Subscription, or Plan. Exact names can vary slightly.
- Select the option to cancel or manage your subscription.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
- Check that you see a confirmation message, or that your plan status shows as canceled.
Tip: If you receive a confirmation, keep a screenshot for your records.
🔎 Can't Find the Cancellation Option?
If you can't find the cancel button, check these common causes:
- Different login: You may have signed up with a different email address or login method. Check that you are in the account that was charged.
- Team or workspace access: Billing settings may only be visible to the account owner or an admin.
- Different billing section: Cancellation options are often inside Billing or Subscription settings rather than the main dashboard.
- Page not loading fully: Refresh the page, or try another browser or an incognito window.
If you still can't find it, our team can cancel the subscription for you. Details are in the last section below.
💰 How to Request a Refund
Refund requests after a trial renewal are reviewed by our team on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not automatic, so contact us promptly and explain what happened. Requests made soon after the charge are generally easiest to review.
To help us resolve your request faster, have the following ready:
- The email address on your Search Atlas account
- The date and amount of the charge
- The name of the plan you were charged for
- A short explanation, for example that you forgot to cancel before the trial ended
- Whether you have used the platform since the charge
Please do not share your full card number or any sensitive payment details in the chat.
📅 What Happens After You Cancel?
- No future charges: Canceling stops the next renewal from being billed.
- Access: Depending on your plan and whether a refund is issued, you may keep access until the end of the paid period or lose it sooner.
- Refund timing: If a refund is approved, it is returned to your original payment method. Your bank may take several business days to show it.
✅ How to Avoid Unwanted Renewal Charges
- Set a calendar reminder a few days before your trial ends.
- Cancel right after you sign up if you only want to try the platform. You can usually keep trial access until the trial period ends.
- Check your confirmation emails for the trial end date and renewal terms.
- Check your Billing or Subscription page to confirm your plan status.
💬 Need Help From Our Team?
If you can't cancel on your own, or you'd like to request a refund, we're happy to help. If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be instantly connected with a member of our team.
In your first message, mention that you want to cancel your subscription and request a refund after a trial renewal charge, and include the details listed above so we can review your request quickly.