📌 Overview
You signed up expecting a free trial, but your card was charged right away. This can happen when you have used Search Atlas before. This article explains why it happens, what to do next, and how to avoid it in future.
❓ Why Was I Charged Immediately?
Free trials are generally intended for first-time customers. If the system recognizes you as a returning customer, your new subscription may start as a paid plan instead of a trial. Common reasons include:
- You previously had an account or trial with the same login details.
- You used the same payment card on an earlier trial or subscription.
- You are signing up for a website or business that was already linked to a past trial.
- A team member or colleague already started a trial using the same details.
Because the checkout page may not make this clear, many customers only notice when the charge appears on their statement. If this happened to you, we can look into it.
🔎 Step 1: Confirm What Was Charged
Before contacting us, take a minute to check the details so we can resolve your request faster.
- Log in to your Search Atlas account.
- Open your billing or subscription settings.
- Note the plan name, the charge amount, and the date of the charge.
- Check whether the plan shows as active or as a trial.
If your account shows an active paid plan and no trial, the charge was likely applied because the trial was not available for this sign-up.
🛑 Step 2: Stop Further Charges
If you do not want to continue with the paid plan, cancel it as soon as possible so you are not billed again at the next renewal.
- Go to your billing or subscription settings.
- Select the option to cancel your plan.
- Confirm the cancellation and check that your plan status updates.
If you cannot find the cancel option, or the cancellation does not seem to go through, our team can cancel it for you in chat.
💬 Step 3: Request a Refund
Refund requests for charges like this are reviewed by our team. To get help, use the live chat widget in the platform and include the following:
- The email address or login you used to sign up
- The date and amount of the charge
- The plan you were charged for
- A short note that you expected a free trial and were charged immediately
- Whether you want a refund only, or a refund and cancellation
Giving us this information at the start helps us avoid back-and-forth and review your request sooner.
⏱️ What Happens Next
- Our team will review your account and the charge.
- We will confirm whether the trial was unavailable for your account and what options are available.
- If a refund is approved, it is returned to the original payment method. Your bank may take several business days to show it.
- If you cancel, you keep access to the plan according to the terms shown in your billing settings.
Outcomes can depend on your account history and how much of the plan you have used, so we review each request individually.
✅ How to Avoid This in Future
- Read the checkout page carefully. It should show whether you are starting a trial or paying today.
- Look at the order summary. A trial usually shows a zero amount due today, while a paid plan shows a charge.
- If you are a returning customer and want to try the platform again, ask our team first whether a trial is available for your account.
- Use the same login you used before. Creating a duplicate account can cause billing confusion.
- Set a reminder before any trial ends so you can cancel or upgrade on your own terms.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a second free trial? Trials are normally limited to new customers. Ask our team in chat if you would like to know what is available for your account.
Will I lose my data if I cancel? Cancelling stops future billing. If you want to keep your projects and data, tell our team before you cancel so they can explain what to expect.
How long will the refund take? Once a refund is processed, the time it takes to appear depends on your bank or card provider and is usually a few business days.
I do not recognize the charge at all. What should I do? Contact us in chat as soon as possible, with the charge date and amount, so we can check whether it is linked to your account.
🆘 Need More 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.