# Free trial (/docs/account/trial)

New subscribers get a **7-day free trial** of the plan they pick. You add a card at checkout, and you are charged when the trial ends unless you cancel first.

## How it works [#how-it-works]

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Length | 7 days |
| Card required | Yes, at checkout |
| What's included | Everything in the plan you picked. See [Plans and limits](/docs/account/plans-and-limits). |
| Who can get it | First-time subscribers only |
| Reminder | WriteStack emails you before the trial ends |

Some partner links and promotions give a longer trial. The length shown on the checkout button (for example, **Start 7 days free trial**) is the one you get.

If you subscribed before, there is no new trial. The button reads **Subscribe now** and billing starts right away.

## Steps [#steps]

1. Open the pricing page and choose **Monthly** or **Annual**.
2. Click **Start 7 days free trial** on the plan you want.
3. Enter your card on the Stripe checkout page.

## During the trial [#during-the-trial]

- You can change plan or billing interval. Your trial keeps its end date and you are not charged for the change. The button reads **Update plan (Keep trial)**. See [Change your plan](/docs/account/change-plan).
- In **Settings → Subscription → Billing & Invoices**, your plan shows the status **Trial**.

## When the trial ends [#when-the-trial-ends]

- If you do nothing, your subscription starts and your card is charged for the plan and interval you picked.
- If you cancelled during the trial, you keep access until the trial end date and are not charged. See [Cancel](/docs/account/cancel).

## If it doesn't work [#if-it-doesnt-work]

- **No trial offered:** the trial is only for first-time subscribers.
- **Card declined at checkout:** try another card, or contact [support](/docs/using/support).