What is Subscription Creep?
Definition
The gradual, often unnoticed increase in the number and total cost of subscriptions over time.
Understanding Subscription Creep
Subscription creep happens when you slowly accumulate subscriptions without regularly reviewing them. Each individual subscription may seem affordable, but collectively they can become a significant expense. Common patterns: signing up for a free trial and forgetting to cancel, adding a 'just $5/month' service here and there, or keeping subscriptions for content you no longer watch.
Studies show the average person's subscription spending increases by 15% year-over-year. Regular tracking and alerts help prevent subscription creep from impacting your budget.
Related Terms
Subscription Fatigue
The feeling of being overwhelmed by the number of active subscriptions and the cumulative cost of maintaining them.
Subscription Audit
A systematic review of all active subscriptions to evaluate their value, identify unused services, and optimize spending.
Auto-Renewal
A feature that automatically renews a subscription at the end of each billing cycle without requiring manual action from the user.
Budgeting
The process of creating a plan for how to allocate income, including accounting for recurring subscription expenses.