LinkedIn Premium free trial: how it works and when to cancel
Thinking about a LinkedIn Premium free trial? See how the 30-day trial works, what to test, the cost afterwards, and how to cancel before you're charged.
You can usually try LinkedIn Premium free for 30 days. This gives you immediate access to extra features, such as InMail and advanced search filters. You do need to enter your payment details upfront, and the subscription is billed automatically if you don't cancel in time. That's why it's worth deciding beforehand exactly what you want to test, and when you'll cancel.
This article explains how the trial works, what you can actually test, and how to avoid paying for something you didn't mean to keep.
- The LinkedIn Premium free trial usually lasts 30 days and starts as soon as you activate it.
- You need to enter payment details upfront, and automatic renewal is switched on by default.
- Not every account is offered a trial; this depends on whether you've used one before and on your region.
- Testing it with a clear plan helps you work out whether LinkedIn Premium is actually worth the cost.
LinkedIn Premium free trial: how it works in practice
When you start a LinkedIn Premium free trial, it typically runs for 30 days. This period is also known as the LinkedIn Premium trial. You get temporary access to a paid tier, such as Career or Business. The exact offer varies by account, because LinkedIn looks at your location and any previous trials you've used.
During this period you can use every feature included in the tier you've chosen. Think LinkedIn InMail credits, extra search filters, and visibility into who's viewed your profile. Once the trial ends, it converts automatically into a paid subscription. So it's down to you to act in time if you want to avoid that.
When you can try LinkedIn Premium free, and which tiers are on offer
Most users are offered the chance to try LinkedIn Premium Career or LinkedIn Premium Business for free. Career is aimed at jobseekers and helps with applications. Business is geared more towards networking and finding potential clients or candidates.
Not seeing an option to try LinkedIn Premium for free? You've most likely already used a trial in the past. LinkedIn decides itself when you become eligible for a new one.
LinkedIn Premium free trial: a step-by-step guide to activating it
Activating it is simple, but it pays to go in with a plan so you don't waste any of that trial time.
- Go to the Premium page, or click a banner within your account.
- Choose the tier that best fits your goal, such as Career or Business.
- Check the LinkedIn Premium price you'll be charged once the trial ends.
- Enter your payment details and confirm your choice.
- Set a reminder in your calendar for the trial's end date, straight away.
The trial starts immediately, so every day counts. That's why it helps to be clear beforehand about exactly what you're going to test.
Tip: Elvatix gets more out of every InMail credit. Higher response rates, lower cost per contact.
See how →What can you actually test during a LinkedIn Premium free trial?
Use the trial with a clear purpose, so you find out quickly whether it adds value. Test the LinkedIn InMail credits, for example, by reaching out to people outside your network. This is especially relevant for recruiters and sales professionals. Want to get this right? See how we help with writing better InMails, so your messages come across as clear and personal.
Also check the insights on who's viewed your profile. This gives you a good sense of your visibility and helps you understand whether your profile stands out. Use the extra search filters too, to search more precisely for candidates or companies. Choose the Career tier, and you also get free access to LinkedIn Learning to keep developing your skills.
Want to fit these features properly into your workflow? Read how it works in practice and how to combine this seamlessly with your day-to-day work.
LinkedIn Premium free trial and understanding automatic renewal
One important thing to watch when trying LinkedIn Premium for free is that the subscription rolls on automatically afterwards. Automatic renewal for LinkedIn Premium is switched on by default. That means you'll start paying automatically once the trial ends, unless you take action yourself.
LinkedIn often sends a notice about this beforehand, but that's unfortunately no guarantee. So it's sensible to keep a close eye on the end date yourself and set a reminder. That way you avoid any unexpected charges.
Cancelling LinkedIn Premium during or after the trial
Cancelling LinkedIn Premium is straightforward through your account settings. Go to the subscription page and select cancel. You'll receive a confirmation by email after cancelling. Keep this for your own records.
If you cancel during the trial, your access to the Premium features usually stops immediately. Cancel later on instead, and your paid subscription continues until the end of the current billing month. This distinction determines what, if anything, you get charged.
The cost of LinkedIn Premium, and when it's genuinely worth it
The cost of LinkedIn Premium varies by tier. The Business tier, for instance, is pricier than Career, because it offers considerably more search and networking functionality. Whether the investment pays off depends heavily on how actively you use LinkedIn in practice.
If you work with potential candidates or leads on a daily basis, the extra insights and contact options often deliver a real advantage. Only use LinkedIn occasionally? Then the free version usually offers more than enough functionality.
How to get the most out of your LinkedIn Premium free trial
The biggest gains come from a structured approach. Work with a clear plan throughout your trial period. Draw up a concrete list beforehand of the candidates or companies you want to reach out to. Only use an InMail once a standard connection request hasn't had the effect you wanted. Measure your response rate closely and adjust your approach accordingly.
For recruiters, it's crucial to realise that good tooling certainly helps, but the substance of your message is always what tips the scale. Read more about how this works specifically for corporate recruiters, and take a look at an interesting case study from the recruitment world, where the right content and timing genuinely make the difference.
Frequently asked questions about the LinkedIn Premium free trial
How long does the LinkedIn Premium free trial last?
The trial usually lasts 30 days, though this can vary slightly by account.
Do you have to pay to try LinkedIn Premium for free?
You do need to enter your payment details upfront, but you won't actually be charged anything, provided you cancel the subscription in time.
What happens after the LinkedIn Premium trial ends?
Once the trial period ends, your subscription is billed automatically, unless you cancel it in time.
Can you use the LinkedIn Premium free trial more than once?
No, this usually isn't possible straight away. LinkedIn decides itself when, if ever, you become eligible for a new trial.
Is LinkedIn Learning free during the trial?
Yes, most Premium tiers give you temporary unlimited access to every course on LinkedIn Learning.
Want more than just access to handy tools, and actually get better results from your messages? You can try our approach for yourself, to see how it fits into your own workflow.
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