Can I say it?
Can I say “free trial” in a telehealth ad?
Yes, with conditions. 3 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
Yes, with conditions. The checker warns on this wording but does not block it. The first rule it hits is CG-OFF-002. Its reason: Free offers must disclose every condition clearly, and the product must not be priced up to cover the free item.
Source the rule cites: FTC Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free", 16 CFR Part 251; FTC Act section 5
Checked as an ad promoting a clinical service.
A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.
Sample wording, run through the checker
These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.
Start your free trial today.
- WarningCG-OFF-002Offers and pricing. Matched: “free trial”
- Warning
CG-PLT-036Platform policy. Matched: “free trial”
Free trial of our weight loss program.
- WarningCG-OFF-002Offers and pricing. Matched: “Free trial”
- Warning
CG-PLT-012Platform policy. Matched: “weight loss” - Warning
CG-PLT-036Platform policy. Matched: “Free trial”
A free trial, cancel any time.
- WarningCG-OFF-002Offers and pricing. Matched: “free trial”
- Warning
CG-PLT-036Platform policy. Matched: “free trial”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Start a 7 day trial. A card is required, and it is charged when the trial ends unless you cancel. See the full terms below.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-OFF-002 State what is free, what is required to get it and what it costs afterward, next to the offer.
- CG-PLT-012 Describe the clinical service (nutrition counselling, metabolic health visits) without weight-loss outcomes, or get Pinterest approval as a healthcare advertiser first.
- CG-PLT-036 Put the price, the billing date and how to cancel in the ad copy, for example "Free for 7 days, then $29 a month."
The rules behind this answer
Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.
CG-OFF-002 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Free offers must disclose every condition clearly, and the product must not be priced up to cover the free item.
Source: FTC Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free", 16 CFR Part 251; FTC Act section 5
Safer wording: State what is free, what is required to get it and what it costs afterward, next to the offer.
16 CFR Part 251 · Needs counsel review
CG-PLT-012 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Pinterest allows no weight loss language or imagery in ads, with the exception of approved healthcare advertisers promoting prescription GLP-1 medication in the US and Canada. It also bars references to BMI, testimonials about weight loss, and weight loss procedures.
Source: Pinterest Advertising Guidelines (weight loss products and services)
Safer wording: Describe the clinical service (nutrition counselling, metabolic health visits) without weight-loss outcomes, or get Pinterest approval as a healthcare advertiser first.
Pinterest Advertising Guidelines
CG-PLT-036 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Quora requires an ad for a free trial to clearly disclose any recurring charge beyond the trial, when the charge will take place and how much it will be. Subscription terms must be clear in the ad copy or use the Subscribe Now button. This is platform policy, not law, and the FTC negative option rules cover the same ground.
Source: Quora Advertising Policies ("If your ad is for a free trial, it must clearly disclose information such as: any recurring charge beyond the free trial, when the charge will take place, and how much it will be.")
Safer wording: Put the price, the billing date and how to cancel in the ad copy, for example "Free for 7 days, then $29 a month."
Quora Advertising Policies
Background: Clear and conspicuous in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers free trial offers?
Rule CG-OFF-002. It cites 16 CFR Part 251. The rule's reason: Free offers must disclose every condition clearly, and the product must not be priced up to cover the free item.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-OFF-002: State what is free, what is required to get it and what it costs afterward, next to the offer.
If the checker shows nothing, can I publish?
No. A clean result means none of the checker's rules matched. It does not weigh your evidence, your state or your platform's review, and it is not legal advice. Read the limitations page for what it misses.
Next step
Check your own wording
Paste your copy into the free checker. Every flag names its rule and its source.