One-Time Course vs. Monthly Membership: What You Keep
Some creators sell access two ways: a one-time purchase for a specific course, or a monthly membership for their ongoing content. It matters which you bought — the rules are different.
If You Bought a Course Outright (One-Time)
A one-time course purchase is yours forever. It doesn't expire, doesn't renew, and doesn't depend on a subscription.
- You paid once.
- The access is permanent — it sits in your Library under Memberships.
- If you never return, it's still there.
- If the creator closes their account, access stops (see below).
If You Subscribe Monthly or Yearly (Tier)
A recurring tier works the opposite way. You pay each period and you have access while the subscription is active.
- If your payment succeeds, you keep access.
- If your card fails, you enter a grace period (keep access while updating your card). More →
- If you cancel, you keep access through the end of the paid period, then it expires.
- If you stop paying, the access ends.
What If the Same Content Is on Both?
Some creators bundle a course into a subscription tier AND sell it as a one-time purchase (hybrid). If you have both:
- Canceling the subscription is fine — the one-time purchase you made keeps its own permanent access.
- Refunding the one-time purchase (if you do) doesn't affect the subscription.
The two access records are independent.
What Happens If the Creator Closes Their Account
If a creator fully closes their Equipoise account:
- Recurring subscriptions are canceled automatically. No future charges.
- One-time purchases you've paid for — access may end depending on the creator's offboarding plan. Reach out to them directly if you need the content.
- Your payment records remain visible in your account for tax purposes even after the creator is gone.
Short Version
| What you bought | When does access end? |
|---|---|
| One-time course ($X once) | Never, as long as the creator's account is active |
| Monthly subscription ($X/mo) | When you cancel, stop paying, or the creator closes |
| Yearly subscription ($X/yr) | At the end of your paid year if not renewed |
| Hybrid (both above together) | Each follows its own rules independently |