Where the amount debited from your subscription comes from
An incorrect amount almost always comes from the billing cycle, rarely from a bug. The key is to understand this cycle.
The billing cycle
The debit date generally follows the subscription date, renewed monthly or annually. A monthly plan bills in advance: the first and last debits are therefore the most surprising, one partial, the other sometimes still debited after a late cancellation.
Pro-rata after a change
Upgrading your plan in the middle of the month triggers a pro-rata adjustment for the remaining days, detailed in your subscription area. This results in an intermediate amount, neither the old nor the new rate, which is not an error.
Displayed price and VAT
The price of a consumer subscription is generally displayed inclusive of all taxes. On the invoice, the details separate the amount excluding taxes and the VAT, which is useful if you reclaim the expense or keep accounts. A discrepancy between the advertised price and the debited amount is often explained here, not elsewhere.
Where to find your invoices
| Invoice Line | What it says | To check |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice date | Start of period | Locate the debit |
| Amount ex. VAT and VAT | Price details | Verify the advertised rate |
| Period covered | Service dates | Identify a duplicate |
| Payment method | Card used | Anticipate an expiry |
Comparing two debits
When faced with two different amounts, align the periods covered rather than just the debit dates. A month spanning a price change, a promotion ending, a pro-rata: a line-by-line comparison shows where the difference comes from.
When an amount is off
Compare the debit with the plan rate and the billed period. Nine times out of ten, the difference is due to a pro-rata adjustment, a promotion ending, or an announced increase. If nothing explains it, the downloaded invoice is the document to present to customer service.