How to Read the Fine Print on Online Promotions

Online promotions often look simple, but the details that matter are in the terms. Reading them takes a few minutes and can save you money and frustration.

What to look for

• Eligibility: Who can participate and where.
• Costs: Any purchase, fee, trial or subscription required. Look for phrases like “paid participation required”.
• Conditions: What exactly you must do and by when.
• Payout details: When and how any reward is delivered, and any limits.
• Cancellation: How to stop a trial or subscription and whether you could be charged.
• Who runs it: The company behind the offer, and whether a well-known brand is actually involved.

Red flags

Vague wording, no company name, pressure to act immediately, or claims that sound too good to be true.

Before you click

Take a screenshot of the terms, read the privacy policy, and never share sensitive information unless you trust the provider. If it is unclear, skip it.

This article is for general information only. See our Disclaimer.