Is JustAnswer Legit or A Scam? Understanding The Charges

JustAnswer is a real platform offering expert advice, but many users are caught off guard by high subscription charges. This guide explains how JustAnswer works, why unexpected billing occurs, and what steps you can take to cancel and get a refund.

What is JustAnswer and How Does It Work?

JustAnswer is a website that offers users access to verified professionals, including doctors, lawyers, mechanics, tech experts, and more, who provide personalized answers to specific questions. It markets itself as a fast and affordable way to get expert advice without waiting for an in-person appointment or phone consultation.

The platform allows users to submit questions, and in return, get quick responses from certified professionals. However, the pricing model is where things get confusing. While it appears to be a pay-per-question service, many users are automatically enrolled into a subscription during the sign-up process, 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?”

Common Complaints About JustAnswer

The most common user complaints include:

• Recurring monthly charges without a clear reminder or confirmation
• Charges after a $1 trial that users didn’t expect to continue
• Difficulty canceling the subscription, either due to poor customer support or unclear cancellation steps
• No email notification when the free trial ends and the full charge begins

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	Cost	Features
Trial Plan	$1 – $5 (7 days)	Temporary access to experts
Standard Membership	$55/month	Unlimited expert questions
Membership Plus	Varies	Includes premium services like phone consults or document reviews

Is JustAnswer a Scam or Just Poorly Explained?

Legally speaking, JustAnswer is not a scam. It is a real company, and the experts it employs are typically licensed professionals. However, the marketing and subscription practices raise eyebrows.

• On Trustpilot, JustAnswer holds a rating of around 4.5 stars, with thousands of users praising expert responses, and some criticizing the billing model.
• On platforms like Reddit, many users warn others to read the fine print and avoid signing up altogether unless you plan to use the service long-term.

So, while it’s not fraudulent, the lack of transparency around billing practices makes it feel deceptive to many.

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.

The charge usually appears on your statement as “JustAnswer”, “JustAnswer.com”, or “JA Services” and often ranges between $46 to $55 per month depending on your country or subscription type.

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 vary, but many users have reported success when they acted promptly and explained the situation politely.

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 and navigate to the “My Account” or “Membership” section. It will show your current plan status and next billing date.
• Check your bank or credit card statement for any recent charges labeled “JustAnswer” or similar.
• If you’re still not sure, you can always contact customer service through their live chat and ask directly whether your account is active.

Knowing whether you’re enrolled helps you act quickly, especially if you want to cancel or request a refund before the next billing cycle hits.

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 certified experts. But when it comes to the quality of the answers, results can vary.

Some users praise the service for quick and professional responses, especially for legal or medical advice that might otherwise take days or require an appointment. However, others report:

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

So, while it’s safe to use, the value for the price is questionable, especially given the high cost of the monthly subscription if you only needed one quick answer.

Red Flags When Signing Up

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

• Pre-checked subscription boxes: During sign-up, a checkbox agreeing to monthly billing may be selected by default.
• Hidden pricing: The monthly cost is often buried in the fine print.
• Short trial periods: Trials often last only 7 days and automatically roll into full-priced subscriptions if not canceled.
• No clear reminder before charging: Many users aren’t notified that the trial is ending, resulting in surprise charges.

These practices are technically legal but are often considered ethically questionable, and they’re the reason so many users ask, ‘Is JustAnswer legit?’”

Better Alternatives to JustAnswer

If you’re looking for expert advice without hidden fees or subscriptions, here are some safer alternatives:

• Reddit Communities (like r/AskDocs, r/LegalAdvice, or r/TechSupport): Free, crowd-sourced advice from people with firsthand experience.
• Quora: Ask questions and get responses from real professionals and enthusiasts — no charge required.
• Your insurance provider’s nurse/doctor line: For medical questions, this is often included in your health plan.
• Online forums for niche problems: For car, tax, or pet questions, you’ll find free expert advice in specialized forums.

These options may not offer real-time or one-on-one expert access, but they’re transparent, free, and offer community-vetted responses.

What to Do If You Feel You’ve Been Scammed

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

1. Contact JustAnswer Support and formally request a refund. Be firm but polite.
2. Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company, especially if you never used the service.
3. Report the incident to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.
4. Keep screenshots, email receipts, and any chats as documentation.

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 (like Privacy.com or Revolut) with spending limits for 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, their customer service will cancel your subscription immediately and may issue a refund, especially if you haven’t used the service or reach out within a few days of the charge.

However, users report mixed experiences, while some receive fast help, others mention long wait times or having to contact them multiple times.

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

Yes, JustAnswer is a real company, and many users have had positive experiences getting quick expert answers. But the platform’s subscription model, lack of transparency, and unexpected charges have led to legitimate frustration for thousands of users.

If you clearly understand the subscription terms and plan frequent use, JustAnswer may be worthwhile. However, if you need only a one-time answer, consider using a free 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.