What is Auto-Renewal?
Definition
A feature that automatically renews a subscription at the end of each billing cycle without requiring manual action from the user.
Understanding Auto-Renewal
Auto-renewal is the default for nearly all subscription services. Your subscription automatically continues and your payment method is charged when each billing period ends. While convenient for services you use regularly, auto-renewal is a leading cause of unwanted charges — especially for forgotten subscriptions or after free trials.
Many regions now require services to notify users before auto-renewal and make cancellation easy. Subscription trackers help monitor auto-renewals and send alerts before charges occur.
Related Terms
Recurring Billing
An automatic payment system that charges a customer at predetermined intervals for ongoing access to a product or service.
Free Trial
A limited-time period where users can access a subscription service at no cost before committing to a paid plan.
Subscription
A recurring payment arrangement where a customer pays at regular intervals to access a product or service.
Cancellation
The act of ending a subscription, which stops future billing and eventually terminates access to the service.