Is autopay right for your bills?

7 Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay


Autopay is a convenient option that many of us use to manage our monthly bills efficiently. By setting up automatic payments, you can avoid late fees and the hassle of remembering multiple due dates. However, while autopay works well for some types of expenses, there are certain bills you should never put on autopay. In this article, we will explore seven such bills and explain why handling these payments manually can be a smarter choice.

1. Your Cell Phone Bills

This one is the most important of the 7 Bills You Should Never Put on Autopay. When it comes to cell phone bills, autopay might not always be the best choice, especially if you have a variable plan. Unlike fixed-rate bills, your cell phone charges can fluctuate based on your usage. Exceeding your data limit or making international calls can lead to unexpected overages, and with autopay, these charges are deducted automatically without your immediate knowledge. This could result in paying more than you anticipated.

Tip: Instead of autopay, review your cell phone bill each month to catch any discrepancies or overcharges before making the payment. This way, you can address any issues with your provider and avoid overpaying.

Is Cellphone Autopay bad?
Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay - Gym Memberships

2. Your Gym Membership

Having a gym membership can be a great investment in your health, but it’s important to assess how often you actually use it. Many people set their gym membership fees on autopay, only to realize they rarely visit the gym. If you’re not utilizing your membership regularly, you’re essentially throwing money away each month.

Tip: Evaluate your gym attendance before putting your membership on autopay. If your visits are sporadic, consider paying month-to-month instead. This will give you the flexibility to cancel if your routine changes.

3. Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are a popular trend, offering everything from beauty products to gourmet snacks. While receiving these monthly packages can be exciting, it’s crucial to consider whether you’re truly getting value from them. Many times, the novelty wears off, and you’re left with items you don’t need or use.

Tip: Rather than setting subscription boxes on autopay, pay manually so you can periodically reassess if the service is worth continuing. This approach also makes it easier to cancel without incurring unwanted charges.

Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay - Subscription Boxes
Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay - Annual Subscriptions

4. Annual Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions can be convenient, but they can also be easy to forget about. Services such as magazine subscriptions, software memberships, or online platforms often offer a discount for yearly payments. However, with autopay, you might not remember the renewal date, leading to surprise deductions from your account.

Tip: Pay for annual subscriptions manually. This not only helps you keep track of renewal dates but also makes it simpler to cancel or switch services if your needs change.

5. Video Streaming Services

With so many streaming options available, it’s tempting to subscribe to multiple platforms. However, managing these subscriptions on autopay can quickly add up, especially if you don’t use all of them regularly.

Tip: Conduct a monthly audit of your streaming services and decide which ones you actually watch. Paying for these services manually ensures you stay mindful of your entertainment expenses and helps you avoid paying for unused subscriptions.

Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay - Video Streaming Services
Pay your utility Utility bills manually

6. Utility Bills

Utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, often fluctuate based on your usage. Setting these bills on autopay without monitoring the amounts can lead to paying for mistakes or leaks that you didn’t notice immediately.

Tip: Check your utility bills each month before paying. This practice allows you to spot any unusual increases and take corrective action, such as repairing leaks or adjusting your usage, to avoid future surprises.

7. Newspaper Subscriptions

Tip: Consider testing a short-term subscription before committing to a longer-term autopay arrangement. This will help you gauge how much you actually use and enjoy the service. If you find yourself not utilizing it, it’s easier to cancel without having to track down future payments.

If you enjoy reading the newspaper, subscribing can be a great way to stay informed. However, if you find yourself not reading it as often as you thought, having it on autopay can lead to unnecessary costs.

7 Bills You Should NEVER Put on Autopay

Final Thoughts

While autopay can simplify your life, it’s not always the best choice for every bill. By selectively choosing which bills to automate and which to handle manually, you can stay in control of your finances and avoid unnecessary expenses. Take the time to review your bills regularly, assess your needs, and ensure that your payments align with your usage and lifestyle. By doing so, you’ll save money and maintain financial stability.


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