What Is the STARZ Charge on Your Statement?

Understanding the STARZ Charge on Your Bank Statement

If you've noticed a charge labeled STARZ, STARZ ENTERTAINMENT, or STARZPLAY on your bank statement, this article will help you understand what it represents, why it appeared, and how to manage or dispute the charge if needed.

What Is STARZ?

STARZ is a premium streaming entertainment service that offers thousands of movies, original series, and exclusive content. Owned by Lionsgate, STARZ provides subscribers with on-demand access to hit shows like Outlander, Power, and BMF, as well as a rotating library of blockbuster films.

STARZ subscriptions can be purchased directly through the STARZ website or app, or as an add-on channel through third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Roku, Hulu, YouTube TV, and others.

Common Reasons for a STARZ Charge

1. Monthly Subscription Fee

The most common reason for a STARZ charge is your monthly subscription payment. As of 2024, STARZ charges approximately $9.99 to $10.99 per month for unlimited streaming access. This charge recurs automatically every month on the anniversary of your signup date unless you cancel.

2. Free Trial Converted to Paid Subscription

STARZ often offers free trial periods (typically 7 days) to new subscribers. If you signed up for a free trial and did not cancel before the trial ended, your subscription automatically converted to a paid plan, resulting in the charge on your statement.

3. Annual Subscription Payment

Some subscribers choose the annual plan, which costs around $74.99 per year. This one-time yearly charge provides access for 12 months and represents a savings compared to paying monthly.

4. Add-On Through Third-Party Platform

If you subscribed to STARZ through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku Channel, or another streaming aggregator, the charge may appear with that platform's descriptor (e.g., AMZN*STARZ or Apple.com/bill) rather than directly from STARZ.

5. Duplicate or Unauthorized Charge

Occasionally, billing errors or forgotten subscriptions can result in unexpected charges. If you see multiple STARZ charges in the same billing cycle or charges after you believe you cancelled, this may indicate a billing issue or subscription confusion across multiple platforms.

How to Identify Your STARZ Subscription

To confirm whether you have an active STARZ subscription, follow these steps:

• Check your email: Look for confirmation emails from STARZ or the platform you subscribed through (Amazon, Apple, Roku, etc.).
• Log in to STARZ.com: Visit starz.com, sign in, and go to Account Settings to view your subscription status and billing history.
• Review third-party subscriptions: Check your Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Subscriptions, Roku account, or other platforms where you may have added STARZ.
• Contact STARZ support: Call 1-855-807-8279 or visit the STARZ Help Center for assistance.

How to Cancel Your STARZ Subscription

Cancelling Direct STARZ Subscription

If you subscribed directly through STARZ.com or the STARZ app:

1. Go to starz.com and sign in to your account.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or Subscription.
3. Select Cancel Subscription and follow the prompts.
4. You will retain access until the end of your current billing period.

Cancelling Through Third-Party Platforms

If you subscribed through Amazon, Apple, Roku, or another service, you must cancel through that platform:

• Amazon Prime Video: Go to Amazon account → Memberships & Subscriptions → Prime Video Channels → Manage STARZ.
• Apple TV: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → STARZ → Cancel Subscription.
• Roku: Roku account online → Manage your subscriptions → STARZ → Turn off auto-renew.
• Hulu, YouTube TV, etc.: Access subscription management within the respective app or website.

Refund and Dispute Options

Requesting a Refund from STARZ

STARZ generally does not provide refunds for partial billing periods, as you retain access to the service until the end of the paid cycle even after cancellation. However, if you were charged in error or immediately after cancellation, you may contact STARZ customer support to request a prorated refund or goodwill credit.

Contact STARZ at 1-855-807-8279 or through the Help Center to explain your situation.

Disputing the Charge with Your Bank

If you believe the STARZ charge is fraudulent, unauthorized, or the result of a billing error that STARZ will not resolve, you can file a chargeback dispute with your bank or credit card issuer. Provide documentation such as:

• Proof of cancellation (confirmation email or screenshot)
• Communication with STARZ support
• Bank statement showing the disputed charge

Most banks allow you to dispute charges within 60-120 days of the transaction date.

Preventing Future STARZ Charges

To avoid unexpected STARZ charges in the future:

• Set calendar reminders for free trial end dates so you can cancel before being charged.
• Review all active subscriptions across platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Roku regularly.
• Use virtual cards or privacy.com for free trials to limit recurring charges.
• Check your email for renewal notices from STARZ or subscription platforms.

Conclusion

A STARZ charge on your bank statement is most commonly a monthly or annual subscription fee for the STARZ streaming service. Whether you subscribed directly or through a third-party platform, understanding your subscription status and cancellation options is key to managing your entertainment expenses. If you encounter billing issues, contact STARZ support or initiate a dispute with your bank as needed.