ChatGPT Go free upgrade glitch: Users report ‘Payment failed’ message

ChatGPT Go free upgrade process is straightforward, many users say the transaction gets stuck at the payment stage, eventually showing a “Payment failed” error.

In a significant update for Indian users, OpenAI has made its ChatGPT Go plan free for an entire year starting Tuesday, November 4. The offer is available to anyone in India who signs up during a limited-time promotional period. However, several users have reported issues while trying to activate the plan, claiming that their payment attempts are failing despite entering valid card or UPI details.

ChatGPT Go free upgrade: Note that after the free year ends, standard billing will apply unless the user cancels. (Unsplash)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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It’s important to note that a valid payment method is still required to subscribe to the free ChatGPT Go offer, as OpenAI uses it for account verification.

While the upgrade process is straightforward, many users say the transaction gets stuck at the payment stage, eventually showing a “Payment failed” error. OpenAI hasn’t yet issued an official statement on the issue, but the failures are likely linked to heavy traffic and a surge in subscription attempts following the promotion’s launch. Note that after the free year ends, standard billing will apply unless the user cancels.

It’s important to note that a valid payment method is still required to subscribe to the free ChatGPT Go offer, as OpenAI uses it for account verification.

OpenAI had announced the move last week, confirming that users selecting the Go plan through the ChatGPT upgrade menu will get one year of free access. The Go plan, designed as a lower-cost alternative to the Plus tier, unlocks advanced features such as faster responses, higher message limits, image generation, and file uploads.

Why OpenAI made ChatGPT Go free in India
India has become one of the fastest-growing markets for ChatGPT, with paid subscriptions reportedly doubling within a month of the service’s August launch. OpenAI says the free Go rollout reflects its appreciation for India’s “enthusiasm and creativity,” and aligns with its broader plans to deepen engagement in the country.

The company is also marking its first-ever Indian event, the OpenAI DevDay Exchange in Bengaluru on November 4, with this year-long free offer.

How to activate the free plan
To enable the offer, users must select the Go plan within their ChatGPT account and verify their payment method using a credit/debit card or UPI. This step is required for account verification, similar to previous OpenAI trials.

For developers, students, and professionals, this means more freedom to work on complex projects, automate workflows, and experiment with advanced AI features, without the constraints of the basic free plan.