Discover everything you need to know about Audible’s loyalty programs, including historical rewards, current benefits, and expert tips to maximize your membership value.
- Complete breakdown of Audible’s past rewards program and why it was discontinued
- Current membership perks and how to optimize them for maximum value
- Step-by-step guide to redeeming available rewards and credits
- Comparison of different membership tiers and their benefits
- Expert strategies to save money on audiobook purchases
- 200,000+ titles available in Audible’s library
- $10 reward coupon was previously given for every 3 credits spent
- June 30, 2023 – Date the rewards program officially ended
- 4 coupons was the maximum members could earn under the program
Understanding Audible’s Loyalty Program History
Audible launched its rewards program in November 2022 as a way to incentivize credit usage among members. The program offered a $10 reward coupon for every 3 credits spent on audiobook purchases. According to industry reports, this was Amazon’s attempt to create parity between Kindle and Audible loyalty benefits.
The program had several key features:
- Rewards were delivered via email to members who opted into “Sales and offers” notifications
- Credits obtained by returning titles didn’t count toward reward eligibility
- Coupons could only be used for cash purchases of audio products (not memberships)
- Maximum of four $10 coupons could be earned before the program ended
Current Audible Membership Perks and Benefits
While the rewards program has ended, Audible still offers significant value through its membership tiers:
- 1 credit per month to redeem any audiobook (regardless of price)
- Access to thousands of titles in the Plus Catalog at no additional cost
- Exclusive member discounts (up to 30% off additional purchases)
- Free Audible Originals each month
- Ability to purchase extra credits at member rates
Audible has shifted focus to providing value through its Plus Catalog, which now includes over 11,000 titles available at no extra cost to members. This represents a significant expansion from previous years and provides ongoing value beyond the credit system.
Maximizing Your Audible Membership Value
Even without the formal rewards program, there are several strategies to optimize your Audible experience:
1. Leverage the Plus Catalog
With thousands of included titles, you can significantly reduce your per-book cost by utilizing this resource. Many members report saving hundreds of dollars annually by primarily listening to Plus Catalog selections.
2. Take Advantage of Sales
Audible frequently runs 2-for-1 credit sales and cash sales with deep discounts. By timing your purchases during these events, you can effectively double the value of your credits.
3. Consider Annual Memberships
Annual plans typically offer 12 credits upfront at a lower per-credit cost than monthly plans. This is ideal for heavy listeners who want to maximize savings.
4. Use Credits Strategically
Save credits for expensive titles (typically $20+), while purchasing cheaper books with cash during sales. This ensures you get maximum value from each credit.
Q: Is there any chance the Audible Rewards program will return?
A: While Audible hasn’t officially commented on future plans, the program page remains active, suggesting possible future iterations. Many loyalty programs undergo periodic revisions, so it’s worth checking for updates periodically.
Q: What’s the best way to get notified about Audible promotions?
A: Ensure you’re opted into “Sales and offers” emails in your account settings. According to Audible’s official communications, this is required to receive promotional offers and potential future reward notifications.
Q: How does Audible compare to other audiobook services?
A: Audible remains the market leader with the largest catalog and highest production quality. For a detailed comparison of alternatives, visit our audiobook service comparison guide.
Final Thoughts
While the Audible Rewards program offered tangible benefits during its brief existence, current members can still extract significant value from their subscriptions. By understanding the full range of membership perks and employing strategic listening habits, you can continue to enjoy audiobooks at an effective cost per title that often beats retail prices.
The key is to view your membership holistically – combining credits, Plus Catalog access, and promotional sales to create a personalized listening experience that matches both your preferences and budget.
