Workout apps: what to check before you subscribe

Workout apps often start with a free trial or a cheap first month, then roll into an ongoing payment. This guide doesn't rate apps or say whether any will work for you. It covers what to check before you subscribe.

1. Know what a subscription trap looks like

The ACCC describes a "subscription trap" as a business misleading you into signing up for a subscription by making it look like a one-off purchase, or by making a subscription hard to cancel. Some start with a free trial or a discounted first purchase, and some people only realise later that regular payments are coming out.

The ACCC says all businesses must give clear information about the cost of goods and services, including ongoing subscriptions.

2. Read the free trial terms

Before you start a trial, find out: - When does the trial end, and what happens then? - Will it roll into a paid plan automatically? - How much will you be charged, and how often: weekly, monthly or yearly? - Do you need to enter card details to start the trial?

If the answers are hard to find, take that as a warning. The ACCC says some businesses bury ongoing payments at the bottom of long pages, several clicks away, or in fine print or confusing terms.

Put a reminder in your calendar a couple of days before the trial ends, so you can decide while there's still time.

3. Watch for boxes already ticked

The ACCC warns that some online sellers use pre-checked boxes that you have to untick to opt out. At checkout, slow down and read each box. Untick anything you didn't ask for.

4. Check how to cancel, before you join

The ACCC lists restrictions on cancelling unwanted services among the things to watch for. Before you subscribe, look for: - where and how you cancel, whether that's in the app, on a website, or through your phone's app store - whether cancelling stops the next payment straight away or at the end of the period

Once you cancel, keep the confirmation email or a screenshot.

5. Think about the data it asks for

Workout apps can ask for a lot: your name, date of birth, photos, location, and details about your body and health. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) says personal information includes things like your name, date of birth, photos and location information from a mobile device. It also says health information is "sensitive information", which generally has a higher level of privacy protection.

Before you sign up: - Read what the app collects and why, in its privacy policy. - Only fill in what's required. Optional fields are optional. - Check your phone's settings for location, camera and contacts access, and switch off what the app doesn't need.

6. If something goes wrong

If you were charged without clear notice, contact the business first and keep your records. If that doesn't fix it, you can make a report to the ACCC.

The short version

• Find out when the free trial ends and what it rolls into.
• Check the price and how often you'll be charged before entering card details.
• Untick any pre-checked boxes you didn't ask for.
• Know how to cancel before you join, and keep proof when you do.
• Share only the personal details the app actually needs.

We don't list prices here, because they change depending on where you are. Check the app's own site or store page for current prices and plans.

Sources

• https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-warns-consumers-to-beware-of-subscription-traps (22 June 2016)
• https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/justanswer-in-court-for-alleged-misleading-prices-subscription-trap-and-government-affiliation-claims (23 September 2025)
• https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/your-personal-information/what-is-personal-information