Have you recently noticed an Audible charge on credit card statement and wondered what it is? You are not alone. Many people come across this charge without realizing why it appears, especially if they are not actively using Audible or did not sign up for the service knowingly.
What is Audible?
Audible is an audiobook and spoken-word entertainment platform owned by Amazon. It allows users to purchase and listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive audio content.
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Audible is available through a monthly subscription plan as well as one-time purchases.
The subscription gives you credits each month that can be redeemed for audiobooks.
If you continue your membership, Audible automatically bills your saved payment method, often a credit card, on a recurring basis.
Why Do You See an Audible Charge on Your Credit Card?
An Audible charge typically appears because of one of the following reasons:
- You signed up for an Audible membership and the subscription renewed.
- You purchased an audiobook or other audio content directly.
- You took a free trial and forgot to cancel before the billing date.
- Someone in your household with access to your Amazon account made the purchase.
- Accidental purchases through devices linked to your Amazon or Audible account.
For most people, the recurring charge is tied to their monthly subscription plan.
Common Audible Membership Plans and Costs
To better understand your credit card charges, let’s look at Audible’s membership options.
Pricing may vary by region, but here are the common plans:
| Audible Plan | Monthly Cost (approx.) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Audible Plus | $7.95 | Access to the Plus Catalog (unlimited listening to thousands of titles). |
| Audible Premium Plus (1 Credit) | $14.95 | 1 credit per month + access to the Plus Catalog. |
| Audible Premium Plus (2 Credits) | $22.95 | 2 credits per month + access to the Plus Catalog. |
Each credit usually allows you to purchase one audiobook, regardless of its price.
If your credit card is charged, it usually corresponds to one of these plans unless you made additional purchases.
Identifying Audible Charges on Your Credit Card
Audible charges often appear with the following descriptions on your statement:
- AUDIBLE
- AUDIBLE.COM
- AMZN DIGITAL AUDIBLE
- AMAZON SERVICES AUDIBLE
If you see these terms next to a monthly amount like $7.95, $14.95, or $22.95, it is almost certainly from Audible.
Audible Free Trials and Credit Card Charges
Audible often offers a 30-day free trial (sometimes longer for Amazon Prime members). During the trial, you may not see a charge immediately.
However, once the trial ends, Audible automatically charges the credit card you used for sign-up unless you cancel beforehand.
This is a common reason people are surprised to see the charge, because they forgot about the trial sign-up.
How to Check Your Audible Membership Status
If you are unsure whether you have an active Audible subscription, you can easily check:
- Go to Audible.com and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Click on your Account Details.
- Look for your Membership Plan to confirm if it is active or canceled.
If the account shows an active plan, that explains the recurring credit card charges.
How to Cancel Audible Subscription
If you no longer wish to be charged, you can cancel your Audible membership:
- Sign in to Audible.com.
- Go to your Account Details.
- Select Cancel Membership.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
After cancellation, you won’t be charged again, but you still get to keep any audiobooks you purchased or redeemed with credits.
Audible Refund Policy
In some cases, you may be eligible for a refund:
- Accidental purchase: If you accidentally bought an audiobook, you can return it within a limited time.
- Unrecognized charge: If you believe the charge is unauthorized, you can contact Audible or your credit card provider.
- Subscription refund: Audible may issue refunds for recent charges if you cancel shortly after being billed.
To request a refund:
- Visit Audible’s Help Center and use the live chat or customer support options.
- Alternatively, contact Amazon Customer Service since Audible is linked with Amazon accounts.
What to Do if the Charge is Unauthorized
If you never signed up for Audible and suspect the charge is fraudulent:
- Check if family members or someone with access to your Amazon account signed up.
- Reset your Amazon password to prevent unauthorized access.
- Remove saved payment methods from your Amazon account if needed.
- Contact your credit card provider to dispute the charge if it is fraudulent.
Tips to Avoid Unexpected Audible Charges
Here are some simple steps to avoid unwanted billing:
- Set a reminder to cancel your free trial before the end date.
- Regularly check your Amazon and Audible account settings.
- Use account controls to prevent family members or kids from making purchases.
- Keep track of subscription renewals in your calendar.
- Use a dedicated card for online subscriptions to monitor charges more easily.
Audible vs. Amazon Prime – Are They the Same?
A common confusion arises because Audible is linked with Amazon. However, Audible is not included with Amazon Prime by default.
Amazon Prime members may get:
- Extended Audible free trial (sometimes 2 months).
- Access to some free Audible titles as part of Prime Reading.
But a full Audible membership is a separate paid service. That’s why you may see additional Audible charges even if you are already paying for Prime.
Benefits of Audible Subscription
While unexpected charges can be annoying, Audible membership has its perks:
- Huge library of audiobooks and podcasts.
- Keep purchased books forever, even after canceling.
- Offline listening through the Audible app.
- Exclusive discounts on additional audiobook purchases.
- Free exchange policy for audiobooks you don’t enjoy (within limits).
FAQs: Audible Charge on Credit Card
Q. Why is Audible charging my credit card?
A. Audible charges your credit card if you have an active membership, made a direct purchase, or forgot to cancel a free trial. It may also be due to someone with access to your Amazon account.
Q. How do I stop Audible from charging me?
A. To stop the charges, log into your Audible account, go to Account Details, and cancel your membership. You can also remove your saved payment method from Amazon to prevent future billing.
Q. Can I get a refund for an Audible charge?
A. Yes, Audible often allows refunds for accidental purchases or recent membership charges. Contact Audible customer support through their website or via Amazon to request one.
Conclusion
Seeing an Audible charge on credit card can be confusing, especially if you do not actively use the service. In most cases, it happens because of an active membership, a free trial that turned into a paid plan, or a one-time purchase.
The best step is to check your Audible account, confirm your subscription status, and cancel if you no longer need it. If you believe the charge is unauthorized, reach out to Audible support or your credit card provider immediately.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial, legal, or professional advice. Always check directly with Audible, Amazon, or your financial institution for the most accurate and updated information about your charges.
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