Research from Citizens Advice has revealed that than 13 million UK adults (around 26 per cent) have accidentally taken out a subscription in the past year.
These range from fitness apps to food deliveries, repeat pet food orders to digital magazines.
What are forgotten subscriptions really costing you?
Between 2023 and 2024, the cost of these unused or unnoticed subscriptions had reached £688 million.
That is more than double the £306 million recorded in late 2022.
Auto-renewals that went unnoticed (40 per cent) and free trials that were never cancelled (39 per cent). Almost one in four thought they were making a one-off purchase.
When loyalty leads to higher costs
This pattern of passive spending does not stop at streaming services.
The UK’s largest mobile providers are facing a proposed £3 billion class action, accused of concealing pricing practices that kept customers overpaying for years after their phone contracts had ended.
A chance to redirect your money?
It raises an important question. If you are not actively aware of where your money is going, could it be put to better use?
That unnoticed £10 here or £20 there could become a monthly investment.
Redirecting just a few forgotten payments could help build savings, top up a pension or begin an investment strategy with long-term impact.
Even modest contributions can grow over time.
Regular savings into a stocks and shares ISA, a Lifetime ISA, or a pension plan can yield meaningful returns, particularly when combined with tax reliefs and compound growth.
With careful planning and advice, forgotten outgoings could be transformed into something with lasting value.
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