Seeing a $99 charge you don't recognize is stressful. This article explains why it may have happened, how to confirm the details, how to stop future charges, and how to ask our team to review a refund.
🔎 Why You May Have Been Charged $99
Many Search Atlas plans start with a trial. If a trial is not canceled before it ends, it usually moves to a paid subscription automatically, and the first payment is taken at that point. Because this can happen days or weeks after you sign up, the charge can feel unexpected.
Other common reasons include:
- A teammate, colleague, or agency partner started a trial using your email address or company card.
- You signed up a while ago and forgot about the trial.
- You started a trial using a different email address than the one you normally use.
🧾 Step 1: Confirm the Charge Details
Before you request a refund, gather a few details. They help our team find your account quickly.
- Check your bank or card statement for the exact date, amount, and the name shown for the charge.
- Search your inbox (including spam and promotions folders) for a welcome email, trial confirmation, or receipt from Search Atlas.
- Note which email address received those messages. This is the email linked to the subscription.
- Log in to the platform with that email and open your account or billing settings to see your current plan and billing status.
Tip: If you can't find any Search Atlas emails, ask your teammates whether anyone may have signed up using your card or company details.
🛑 Step 2: Stop Future Charges
If you don't want to keep the subscription, cancel it right away so you are not billed again at the next renewal.
- Log in to your Search Atlas account.
- Open your account or billing settings.
- Select the option to manage or cancel your subscription and follow the prompts.
- Confirm that your plan status has updated, and keep any cancellation confirmation you receive.
If you can't find the cancellation option or the plan status looks wrong, tell our team in chat and they can help.
💬 Step 3: Request a Refund Review
Refund requests are reviewed by our team. Each request is looked at individually, so the outcome depends on your account and billing details. The sooner you reach out after seeing the charge, the easier it is to review.
To help us move quickly, include the following in your message:
- The email address on your Search Atlas account
- The date and amount of the charge ($99)
- The last four digits of the card that was charged (never send the full card number)
- A short note that you did not expect the charge, and whether you have used the platform since signing up
- Whether you have already canceled the subscription
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.
⏳ What Happens After You Ask
- Our team will locate your account and verify the charge.
- They will review your request and explain the outcome.
- If a refund is approved, it is returned to the original payment method. Your bank or card issuer controls how long it takes to appear on your statement.
- If a refund isn't possible, our team can explain why and help you with next steps, such as canceling to avoid future charges.
Please don't dispute the charge with your bank while we are reviewing it, as this can slow down the process. Reaching out to us first is usually the fastest route.
🛡️ How to Avoid Surprise Charges in the Future
- When you start a trial, note the trial end date and set a calendar reminder a day or two before.
- Read the plan and billing details shown at sign-up before you confirm.
- Save your welcome and receipt emails in a dedicated folder.
- If you only want to try the platform, cancel your plan before the trial ends.
- Use a shared team inbox for billing emails so everyone stays informed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be refunded automatically if I cancel?
Canceling stops future charges. A refund for a charge that has already been made needs to be reviewed by our team.
Can I still use the platform after canceling?
Access depends on your plan and billing status. Check your account settings or ask our team in chat to confirm what applies to you.
I don't recognize the account at all. What should I do?
Tell our team in chat. Include the charge date, amount, and the email address on any Search Atlas receipt you found, and they will help investigate.
Who should I contact for help?
Our live chat is the fastest way to reach us. 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.