The short answer
A charge from PROTON* VPN represents a high-speed virtual private network subscription (VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited) from Proton AG.
Why it shows up like this
A bank statement entry showing PROTON* VPN indicates a recurring subscription charge for the high-speed virtual private network service operated by Proton AG. This service encrypts internet traffic and routes connections through secure servers worldwide to protect user privacy. Similar to security tools like nordvpn or encrypted communication platforms such as proton-mail, this subscription ensures your browsing data remains confidential.
Charges appear on your statement when an automated billing cycle renews for monthly, annual, or multi-year plans. Unrecognized charges frequently originate from promotional introductory rates expiring at standard pricing, automatic renewals on saved payment cards, or household members purchasing upgrades without notice. Cardholders occasionally confuse these recurring tech expenses with other digital services like 23andme-genomics or 24-hour-fitness.
To verify or stop future billings, log into your user portal on the official website to review your active plan and disable automatic renewal settings. If the transaction is entirely unauthorized, contact customer support for refund assistance within the eligible window or notify your financial institution to dispute the charge. Keeping close track of your monthly statements ensures complete financial security and prevents unexpected surprises from recurring charges.
Don’t recognize it? Common scenarios
Checking shared household accounts helps determine if another user activated a secure networking plan.
Introductory discounts often transition to standard pricing after the initial term concludes.
- An annual VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited plan renewed automatically on your card.
- A family member upgraded device connections from the free server tier to the 10-device high-speed plan.
- An in-app subscription purchased via Google Play or the iOS App Store auto-renewed.
How to locate the invoice and cancel
Locating your digital invoice in the account portal provides exact transaction dates and payment confirmation codes.
Disabling auto-renew before the billing date stops upcoming subscription fees.
- Log in to Proton Account Open account.proton.me and sign in with your Proton credentials.
- Review Subscriptions review to Settings > Dashboard to verify your current VPN plan status and upcoming invoice date.
- Downgrade Account Click Downgrade to Free and confirm to stop future recurring charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewing common billing inquiries helps clarify refund timelines and renewal policies.
Support teams handle duplicate payment issues directly through online ticketing.
Can I get a refund on Proton VPN?
Proton offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for subscriptions. You can request a prorated refund for unused days within 30 days of purchase by contacting support.
Will my VPN stop working immediately if I cancel?
If you downgrade, your premium access remains active until the end of your prepaid period, after which your account reverts to Free.
Dispute Rights & Fraud Prevention
Reporting unauthorized card activity to your bank initiates a secure fraud investigation.
Financial institutions protect cardholders against fraudulent merchant billings under consumer protection laws.
Independent reference — not affiliated with Proton AG. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- Proton VPN Pricing & Server Features https://protonvpn.com
- CFPB: Credit Card Dispute Rules https://www.consumerfinance.gov
Reviewed Aug 15, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges