(Update 8/30/21: IsabelleTravels notes that some NYT subscriptions bill every 4 weeks instead of every month, so be careful not to get hit with too many charges within a calendar month.)
Multiple Reddit members report that Audible runs the monthly subscription charge a few minutes before midnight of when the next month begins. Thus, the monthly charge for a membership that renews of the first of each month will actually charge a few minutes before the beginning of the next month. (Apparently the digital credit goes with the swipe/charge time, not the posting time.) If you already maxed out your prior month, you won’t get any AmEx credit to offset the charge.
If they do this consistently it probably won’t matter since you’ll always have your Audible paid up with the prior month’s credit. But it’s probably worth just avoiding having a 1st-of-month renewal date for Audible. Or for any of the other subscriptions too, for that matter.
Reports are that, upon request, Audible is amenable to crediting back the charge and recharging you again. That should work to get the missing credit.
Reader Gavin adds a similar experience with a NYT subscription whereby the renewal ended up being charged within the same month as the initial charge. Always worth giving some days leeway.
Reader CtownBin had the opposite experience with Peacock whereby an end of month subscription didn’t charge until beginning of the next month and ate into the following month’s allotment.
(Here’s our Amazon/Audible affiliate link for those signing up to a new Audible subscription.)
View Comments (34)
Funny that this is an article on its own now.
I remember I got burned on this when I used Spotify on the Plat Paypal credits, and they'd also charge a few hours before midnight at beg of month, even though with a regular CC as payment method, they'd charge after midnight (I have a family plan so it'd be annoying to cancel then change the start date as it'd affect 6 people).
Now I'm too lazy to even try to use up the full $20.
I tried to cancel the 5 days before my Times cooking sub was going to hit. No one was "available" to cancel the subscription. The next day my AMEX was charged. I tried to call and chat with the folks there, no luck. No refunds on this. Shady business practices. Going to contact AMEX to file a dispute and see if I get anywhere from that.
Yes. Audible customer service is surprisingly good. The membership fee was accidentally charged to the wrong credit card due to the removal of the PLT card from Amazon.com. (I didn't know it would be synced to Audible automatically)
I called customer service 5 days later and they kindly fixed it for me right away without any question. Great customer service though I do not really " need" the service as I used it very rarely before Amex started paying for it.
$695 for weekly mental workout? Sign me up.
When does Clear post their renewals? Mine expires 6/30/2022.
Does anyone do the crosswords or spelling bee puzzles on NYT.com? Are the subscription versions worth it?
Be sure to check out the Sale tab. I was able to pick up 3 good books this month!
Live The Platinum Stressful Life
Just got double charged by the NYT this month but not really a big deal for me as the NYT is the main retailer I use for the credit. My game plan is to wait till the end of the month and then use any remaining credit to get a cheap Audible item if available. Otherwise i'll just let it go to waste like my monthly Uber credits
Just in case you didn't know, you can use Uber credit for Uber Eats. I just use pick up option on the way home from work.
Amex loves these stupid games. Fucking Coupon Book Credit Card.