Free trials are one of the easiest ways to use premium services for free — the problem is most people forget to cancel and end up paying for months of something they barely used. The calendar reminder method below solves that completely.
The Calendar Reminder Method
Before signing up for any free trial, immediately set a calendar reminder for 2 days before the trial ends. Not the day before — two days before. That gives you time to actually cancel without scrambling at the last minute. Make this a non-negotiable habit and you’ll never get charged for a trial again.
Best Free Trials Worth Grabbing
Amazon Prime — 30 Days
The Amazon Prime trial gets you free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading for 30 days. Most valuable right before a big purchase you need shipped fast, or before a long weekend when you want something to watch. Cancel via Account Settings > Memberships & Subscriptions.
Walmart+ — 30 Days
Walmart+ includes free same-day delivery on groceries, fuel discounts, and a Paramount+ subscription. Genuinely useful for a month of grocery shopping. Cancel before day 30 under your account settings.
Hulu — 30 Days
Hulu gives 30 days free with access to their full on-demand library. Best used during a show you want to binge. The ad-supported plan is free-ish even after the trial ends.
Disney+ — 7 Days (Varies)
Disney+ occasionally brings back free trials through partner promotions (Verizon, certain credit cards). Worth checking before paying outright.
Audible — 30 Days + Free Audiobook
Audible gives one free audiobook credit that you keep even after canceling. Pick a book you actually want to own permanently — credit stays in your account after cancellation.
Kindle Unlimited — 30 Days
Access to over 4 million ebooks and audiobooks free for a month. Best used during a reading binge or vacation. Cancel under Manage Your Content and Devices on Amazon.
Instacart+ — 14 Days
Instacart+ covers free delivery on grocery orders over $35 during the trial. Time it around a bigger grocery haul to get maximum value from the 14-day window.
Quick Cancellation Tips
- Set calendar reminders at sign-up — don’t wait until day 29
- Use virtual credit cards (Privacy.com) that you can freeze after the trial starts
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation so you have proof if billing continues