It is the silent leak in household finances. A new survey reveals that Britons are spending up to £1,200 a year on subscription services, with nearly a third of that money going to "zombie" memberships—apps and streaming services they pay for but never use.

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, research by Nationwide Building Society suggests that simply auditing your bank statement could save the average household £400 (approx. KES 65,000) annually. The culprit? Auto-renewals and free trials that were forgotten but never cancelled.

The "Set and Forget" Economy

The survey found that 19% of subscribers admit they do not use every platform they pay for. From the gym membership started in January (and abandoned in February) to the Apple TV+ account opened to watch Ted Lasso and left running, these small monthly fees add up to a significant drain.

• The "Audit" Strategy: "Start by making a full list of everything you pay for regularly," advises Rebecca Bebbington of NetVoucherCodes. She recommends checking bank statements for recurring payments under £15, which often fly under the radar.
• The "Churn" Tactic: Savvy consumers are adopting a "subscribe and churn" strategy—signing up for Disney+ for a month to binge a specific show, then cancelling immediately. It requires discipline but saves hundreds.
• Family Plans: Another tip is pooling resources. Instead of four individual Spotify accounts, a family plan cuts the cost by 50%.

The Psychology of Subscriptions

Companies bank on inertia. They make signing up frictionless (one click) but make cancelling a labyrinthine process of "are you sure?" screens. Regulators in the UK are looking into these "dark patterns," but for now, the onus is on the consumer.

With inflation still pinching wallets, the message for 2026 is clear: check your direct debits. That £9.99 a month for a meditation app you haven't opened since 2024 could be better spent on heating your home.