If you’re seeing higher-than-expected expenses, or noticing less and less money left over at the end of the month, it could be the fault of subscription creep. What is the dreaded subscription creep, how does it drain your bank account and how can you fight back? Read on to learn more.
What Is Subscription Creep?
Subscription creep refers to a situation in which consumers are paying a monthly fee for services they rarely or never use. In many cases, people don’t even know they’re subscribed!
How Does Subscription Creep Occur?
Nowadays, we usually need a subscription to access music, TV, food delivery, gym memberships and more. With so many different services, it’s easy to lose track of all those automatic debits. In addition—and unfortunately—subscription creep is often the result of unsavory business practices. Some companies intentionally make it difficult for consumers to cancel a subscription, knowing many people will stay subscribed longer if cancelling the subscription is a hassle. Free trials are another way subscription providers may entice consumers into signing up for a subscription they don’t necessarily need.
What’s the Damage of Subscription Creep?
The technology website CNET estimates American consumers are spending an average of $90 on subscriptions each month, with millennials paying closer to an average of $101 per month. And, this number may be significantly higher for people whose subscription spending goes beyond entertainment alone. With subscriptions now available for groceries, meal kits, pet food, office supplies, software and much more, it’s often difficult to manage the financial implications of so many subscriptions.
How Can Consumers Fight Back?
- Rotate Subscriptions: Entertainment streaming services are a top contributor to subscription payments. To reduce your spending, try cancelling all streaming subscriptions, then rotate between services so you’re only using one platform per month.
- Avoid Free Trials: Getting a free month of streaming or delivery or fitness center access might sound like a great deal, but many free trials automatically convert into a year-long subscription if you forget to cancel by a certain date.
- Use an App: Apps like Rocket Money or TrueBill can help consumers see what subscriptions they’re paying for. While the billing analysis is usually free, apps may charge a fee to help you cancel the subscriptions.
- Choose Free Media: Public libraries are an amazing resource to access free ebooks, audiobooks and streaming services. Check in with your local library to get a card and see what’s available—all for free, and with absolutely on subscription!
- Spend Less to Spend Less: When you have a subscription to a marketplace like Amazon, Instacart or DoorDash, you may be tempted to purchase items beyond what you’d otherwise buy. Consider cancelling these types of subscriptions as part of an overall budget trim.
- Report Bad Business Practices: If you’re struggling to unsubscribe, report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission. As of July 14th, 2025, companies that don’t offer a simple mechanism to cancel subscriptions may be penalized.