In plain English
It is a way to start using a service first and pay later if the subscription continues. The no-cost period lasts only for a limited time. After that period, subscription charges begin.
In context
Here, “free trial” names the subscription offer that lets a person use the service for a limited time without payment before subscription charges begin.
- Situation
- Managing subscriptions, trials, renewals, proration, upgrades, and cancellations
- What it communicates
- names the starter offer on the signup page
Meaning limits
The term itself does not say how long the no-cost period lasts or what the later subscription charges are.
Examples
“He used the service through a free trial for two weeks without paying, and the subscription charge started afterward.”
“We signed up under a free trial and decided at the end of the week whether to keep the subscription.”