A 'ghost subscription' is best summarized as a recurring charge that you're paying for but no longer (or never) use — tiny amounts that float under your radar. These charges are often billed monthly and look innocent because of their low dollar amounts: $1.99, $3.49, or $4.99. Because they're small, people rationalize them ('it's less than a coffee') and skip regular audits of their statements. The practical problem is cumulative: a handful of ghosts can cost as much as a meaningful service or an unexpected bill at year's end. Ghosts originate in many ways: forgotten trial conversions, promotional add-ons that never got turned off, store credit accounts, apps billed through platform accounts, or vendor descriptors that don't match the product name. The consumer defense starts with visibility — run a monthly check of recurring charges, either manually or with an app you trust. When you see a small, unfamiliar charge, trace it immediately: search your email for receipts, check app subscriptions tied to phone stores, and examine secondary cards or family members' accounts that might be the real source. Label each recurring entry with a short note (what it is and who authorized it).

Once you identify ghosts, decide whether to cancel, downgrade, or consolidate. For very small, genuinely useful services you might tolerate the charge, but for forgotten or redundant services prioritize cancellation. If a vendor obfuscates cancellation, escalate: use the platform's support channels, your card issuer's dispute process (as a last resort), or request cancellation confirmations in writing. To prevent reappearance, adopt the 'single subscription card' approach (use one card for trials/ subscriptions and swap it out if needed), or use virtual/temporary card numbers that expire after a billing cycle so the subscription can't auto-renew without a conscious reenrollment. Finally, track annual savings from canceled ghost subscriptions — the visible benefit reinforces the habit and reduces future overlook.