Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act

This bill sets basic rules for subscriptions that renew automatically or start as a free trial and then begin charging. Companies must clearly show the renewal terms and how to cancel, and they have to offer simple ways to cancel online and by at least one other easy method, like a toll‑free phone number or email. They must remind you at least 7 days before each renewal and explain how to cancel. They also must get your clear permission every year before charging again. If you haven’t used the service for 6 straight months, they must get your permission before renewing and tell you that you can end the contract and get a prorated refund for the time left. If these rules are broken, the renewal is void and you get your money back for charges caused by the violation. Tricks that push you to agree (called “dark patterns”) do not count as real consent. The Federal Trade Commission can enforce these rules. Some contracts, like certain service contracts, may be exempt. The rules start 1 year after the law is enacted.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Consumers and companies that sell subscriptions or free trials that convert to paid plans.
• What changes: Clear disclosures; 7‑day renewal and trial end reminders; easy online and other cancellation options; yearly opt‑in before charging; extra permission if unused for 6 months; prorated refunds if you terminate after non‑use notice; no “dark pattern” consent; FTC enforcement; some exemptions.
• When it starts: 1 year after enactment.