When did I say it can't work? I said you're still on the hook for charges to your card. Specifically, if a service is provided, even if you cancel your card.

It doesn't come up often, because most places charge you before providing a service. For example, if you have a NYT subscription, and it goes to renew and your credit card has been turned off, you don't actually get your NYT subscription. No services rendered, no accrued charges.

However, if your gym bills your credit card at the end of the month of your membership, then you are still obligated to pay it, even if your credit card has been disabled, because the service has been provided.

> if your gym bills your credit card at the end of the month

does that actually happen? Most places make you pay up front, at least one month's worth, even if they subsequently bill at the end of the month.

In any case "No services rendered, no accrued charges." is actually the case I'm talking about. You pay a month's worth, then forget about the monthly renewals, and they love to keep billing you anyway, but surprise, surprise: the CC declines. At that point, you can decide if you want to keep paying or not. Which is how it should work.

I think we agree then. If you owe money, and your card is charged but declined, you still owe money. But, if you don't owe money and you only owe money contingent on your card being charged, then you owe nothing.

With all due respect your tone made it hard for me to deal directly with your point. But, maybe you only had that tone because I poorly expressed my understanding.

> However, if your gym bills your credit card at the end of the month of your membership, then you are still obligated to pay it, even if your credit card has been disabled, because the service has been provided.

Are gyms usually post-paid? Every one I've been a member of (admittedly only 3) has been pre-paid.