Is JustAnswer Legit or a Scam? Real Reviews, Pricing, and Hidden Fees Explained

JustAnswer is a real platform that gives expert advice. However, many users are surprised by unexpected subscription charges. This guide covers how JustAnswer works. It explain why users get surprise bills, steps to cancel your JustAnswer subscription, how to get a refund, and if it’s trustworthy or not.

What is JustAnswer and How Does It Work?

JustAnswer was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. It connects users to verified experts in areas like medicine, law, technology, automotive support, and more. These experts give personalized answers to specific questions. It markets itself as a quick, affordable alternative to in-person consultations. However, the pricing model is where things get confusing.

Many users think they are signing up for a simple “pay-per-question” service. But, they often end up in a recurring monthly plan after a low-cost trial, often without fully realizing it.

Why Are People Questioning if JustAnswer Is Legit?

The confusion stems from how the trial is presented. During signup, users are enrolled in a full subscription unless they cancel within 7 days. Because this is buried in the fine print, many people don’t realize they’re committing to a monthly fee.

This lack of clarity has led to a flood of complaints and questions like: “Is JustAnswer legit, or is this a scam?”

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has over 8000 consumer complaints from the last three years. Most complaints are about unclear billing. However, the company usually responds to these cases.

Common Complaints About JustAnswer

The most common user complaints include:

• Recurring charges after the $1 trial ends
• Hidden or poorly explained subscription terms
• Difficulty canceling or contacting support
• No email reminder before renewal
• Refund delays or denials

Many people only find out they’re subscribed after checking their billing statement weeks or even months later.

How Do JustAnswer Subscriptions Work?

JustAnswer runs on a trial-based subscription model that can easily confuse users. Here’s a more straightforward explanation:

When you ask your first question, you’ll be prompted to start a trial for $1 to $5, which gives you temporary access to their experts.

As part of the signup, you’ll need to enter your credit card details, and the subscription terms are mentioned, usually in small print.

If you don’t cancel the trial within 7 days, it will automatically convert into a paid subscription. According to the official JustAnswer pricing page, the standard plan costs $55 per month and includes unlimited questions to experts.

There’s also a premium plan (called “Membership Plus”) that may include extra services like document reviews or phone consultations, depending on the category of your question.

Although the pricing is disclosed on their website, it’s easy to miss because the offer feels like a one-time service. This lack of clarity has led to many users feeling blindsided by surprise charges.

It’s not an illegal practice, but the setup can be misleading, especially since the subscription checkbox is often pre-selected by default.

JustAnswer Pricing Comparison Table

Plan Type	Cost	Access	Renewal
Trial Plan	$1–$5	7-day access	Auto-renews unless canceled
Standard Membership	$55/month	Unlimited questions	Monthly
Membership Plus	Varies	Extra perks (e.g., phone consults)	Monthly

The pricing is disclosed on the website but easily overlooked. This makes the setup technically legal, but it raises ethical concerns.

Is JustAnswer a Scam or Just Poorly Explained?

No, JustAnswer isn’t a scam. It’s a legitimate U.S. company with over 10 million users worldwide. They have a team of true professionals. However, its trial-to-subscription model causes confusion.

• Trustpilot: 4.6 / 5 stars (111000+ reviews)
• BBB rating: B+ (many billing complaints)

Why Is JustAnswer Charging Me?

If you’re seeing charges on your account, it’s likely because:

• You signed up for a trial and didn’t cancel in time.
• You accidentally enrolled in a monthly plan thinking you were paying a one-time fee.
• Someone else used your card or device to create an account.

Charges usually appear as “JustAnswer,” “JustAnswer.com,” or “JA Services” on your statement.

How to Cancel a JustAnswer Subscription

If you’re trying to stop the recurring charges, here’s how to cancel:

1. Go to www.justanswer.com and log into your account.
2. Click “My Account” in the top right corner.
3. Navigate to “Membership” or “Subscription Settings.”
4. Click “Cancel Membership” or “Cancel Trial”.
5. Follow the prompts and confirm the cancellation.

Alternatively, you can cancel by:

• Using the Live Chat on their website
• Calling their support number (listed on their contact page)

After canceling, make sure to take a screenshot or save the confirmation email in case the charge continues.

Can I Get a Refund from JustAnswer?

JustAnswer does offer refunds in certain cases, especially if:

• You cancel shortly after being charged
• You never actually used the service
• You were unaware of the recurring nature of the subscription

To request a refund:

1. Visit https://www.justanswer.com/help/contact-us
2. Use their Live Chat or Contact Form
3. Clearly state that you were charged unexpectedly and request a refund

Response times can vary. Many users find success by contacting support within a few days of the charge. They should also politely explain their situation.

How to Identify If You’re Subscribed to JustAnswer

If you’re unsure whether you’re currently subscribed, or you want to confirm your status, here’s how to check:

• Search your inbox for any emails from JustAnswer. Look for confirmation emails, billing notices, or reminders about trial periods ending.
• Log into your JustAnswer account. Then, go to the “My Account” or “Membership” section. It will show your current plan status and next billing date.
• Look at your bank or credit card statement. Check for any recent charges labelled “JustAnswer” or something similar.
• If you’re unsure, you can contact customer service via live chat. Just ask if your account is active.

Check if you’re enrolled. This helps you act fast, especially if you need to cancel or ask for a refund before the next billing cycle.

Is JustAnswer Safe to Use for Real Advice?

From a security standpoint, JustAnswer is safe and legitimate. The site uses HTTPS encryption, secure payment processing, and partners with verified professionals. However, when it comes to the quality of the answers, user experiences vary widely.

Many users appreciate the service for its fast, professional replies. This is especially helpful for legal or medical questions that usually need appointments or long wait times. Others, however, report issues such as:

• Generic or templated answers
• Experts who don’t follow up after the initial response
• Advice that feels rushed or incomplete

To give you a clearer overview, here’s how JustAnswer performs across key criteria:

Criteria	Rating	Notes
Security	✅ Strong	SSL encryption
Expert Verification	✅ Yes	Licensed professionals
Transparency	⚠ Moderate	Terms easy to miss
Value for Money	⚠ Depends	Expensive for one-time use

JustAnswer is safe to use. Its value for the price might be unclear. This is especially true if you only need one answer and not ongoing expert help.

Red Flags When Signing Up

Here are the most common red flags that have tripped up new users:

• Pre-checked subscription boxes: When you sign up, a checkbox for monthly billing might be checked by default.
• Hidden pricing: The monthly cost is often buried in the fine print.
• Short trial periods: Trials usually last just 7 days. If not canceled, they automatically switch to full-priced subscriptions.
• No reminder before charging: Many users don’t know when the trial ends, leading to surprise charges.

These practices are legal, but many find them ethically questionable. This is why users often ask, “Is JustAnswer legit?”

Better Alternatives to JustAnswer

If you want expert advice with no hidden fees or subscriptions, check out these safer alternatives :

Platform	Cost	Help Type	Transparency
Reddit (r/AskDocs, r/LegalAdvice)	Free	Community advice	High
Quora	Free	Crowd-sourced answers	High
Specialized Forums	Free	Niche support	High
Official Hotlines / Telehealth	Free / Low	Verified professionals	High

These options don’t provide instant one-on-one support. However, they are transparent, community-driven, and free. You can get reliable advice online through them.

What to Do If You Feel You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe JustAnswer charged you unfairly or you didn’t authorize the subscription:

• Contact JustAnswer support and request a refund
• Dispute the charge with your bank
• Report to the BBB or FTC if unresolved
• Keep screenshots and emails as proof

Even if you don’t receive a refund, these steps can help protect other consumers.

How to Protect Yourself from Unwanted Subscription Charges

To avoid surprises in the future, use these simple techniques:

• Set calendar reminders to cancel any free trial before it renews.
• Regularly check your credit card or PayPal statements for unfamiliar charges.
• Use a virtual credit card, such as Privacy.com or Revolut. Set spending limits for your online subscriptions.
• Keep a running list of active subscriptions and review it monthly.

Staying proactive is the best way to ensure you never fall victim to unexpected charges – from JustAnswer or any similar service.

JustAnswer Customer Support: What to Expect

JustAnswer offers several ways to reach support, including:

• Live chat (available on their website)
• Help center contact form
• Phone support (available in select regions)

In many cases, customer service will cancel your subscription right away. They may offer a refund, especially if you haven’t used the service. Just contact them within a few days of the charge.

Users have mixed experiences. Some get quick help, but others face long wait times or need to reach out multiple times.

Final Verdict: Is JustAnswer Legit or Should You Stay Away?

Yes, JustAnswer is a legitimate company that provides real professional advice. But, its auto-renewing trial and unclear billing have frustrated many users.

If you understand the terms and plan frequent use, it can be worth it. For one-time help, opt for a free and transparent alternative or proceed with caution.

Still Unsure About JustAnswer?

If you’ve had experience with JustAnswer, good or bad, share it in the comments. Your insight may help others make an informed choice.