Step 1 — Pull 90 days of charges
Export CSV from your bank or use your card app’s recurring filter. Tag anything that hits more than once in 90 days.
Step 2 — Bucket by type
| Bucket | Examples | Typical overlap trap |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming video | Netflix, Max, Prime Video add-ons | Two services with the same shows |
| Audio | Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music | Paying for books + music you do not use |
| AI / dev tools | ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Copilot | Two chat subs + one IDE bundle |
| Amazon digital | Prime, KU, Audible, Kids+ | Trials that rolled to paid |
| Auto-ship | Subscribe & Save | Duplicate cadence vs pantry load |
| SaaS productivity | Notion, Canva, VPN | Annual plans forgotten until renewal |
Step 3 — Annualize and rank
Multiply every monthly line by 12. Sort descending. The top three lines are usually 60–80% of recurring spend.
Step 4 — Apply the SubAudit cut rule
Cancel or downgrade if both are true:
- You have not opened the app or shipment in 45 days.
- A cheaper swap exists with documented cancel steps (we link those in category guides).
