Discover the truth about Audible Premium Plus’s credit system with our comprehensive, research-backed analysis that examines exactly how the credit system works, what you get for your money, and whether you’re truly getting “free” credits with your subscription.
- Premium Plus members receive 1 credit monthly for $14.95, not “free” credits
- Credits expire after one year and can be used on any audiobook regardless of retail price
- Additional benefits include exclusive sales, daily deals, and access to 11,000+ Plus Catalog titles
- Annual plans offer better value with upfront credit allocation and lower per-credit cost
- Market Dominance: 63% – of US audiobook market controlled by Audible according to industry analysis
- Cost Savings: 55% – average savings compared to $33 retail price of audiobooks
- Content Library: 130+ – audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Plus Catalog: 11,000+ – titles available for unlimited listening without credits
Understanding Audible’s Credit System
When examining whether Audible Premium Plus gives “free” credits every month, it’s essential to understand that these credits are part of your paid subscription package. For $14.95 per month, Premium Plus members receive one credit monthly that can be redeemed for any audiobook in Audible’s extensive catalog, regardless of the retail price. This represents significant savings compared to the average audiobook retail price of $33.
The credit system is designed to provide members with ongoing access to new content while offering substantial value. As noted in Audible’s official documentation, “You can use a credit to purchase any audiobook or audio selection in our catalog, regardless of price.” This means whether you’re purchasing a $15 audiobook or a $50 premium production, each credit holds the same value.
Audible Premium Plus vs. Other Plans: Detailed Comparison
To truly understand the value proposition of Audible Premium Plus credits, it’s crucial to compare it with other available plans:
- Access to 11,000+ Plus Catalog titles
- No credits included
- Content rotates regularly
- Best for casual listeners without specific title preferences
- 1 credit monthly for any premium title
- Full access to Plus Catalog
- Exclusive member discounts and sales
- Daily Deal special offers
- Keep all credit-purchased books forever
- 2 credits monthly for heavy listeners
- All Premium Plus benefits
- Ideal for avid listeners who consume 2+ books monthly
The Real Value: Beyond Just Credits
While the monthly credit is the most visible benefit of Premium Plus membership, the true value extends far beyond this single feature. Members also gain access to:
Plus Catalog Access: With over 11,000 titles available for unlimited listening, this represents tremendous additional value. As one industry analyst noted, “The addition of the Plus Catalog has transformed Audible from a simple credit-based service to a hybrid model that combines ownership with streaming-style access.”
Exclusive Sales and Discounts: Premium Plus members receive special pricing on additional audiobook purchases, often at 30-80% off retail prices. The Audible Daily Deal offers one featured title each day at significantly reduced prices, sometimes as low as $2.95.
Device Compatibility: Audible’s extensive device support means you can listen on virtually any platform. As stated in their documentation, “You can listen to Audible with just about any device you can think of. Our free Audible app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and Windows, and you can also download and listen on compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and more.”
Credit Management Strategies
Understanding how to effectively manage your Audible credits can significantly enhance your membership value. Here are proven strategies:
Credit Expiration Awareness: Credits expire one year from the issue date. Set calendar reminders to use expiring credits rather than losing them. Many members accidentally lose credits by forgetting this crucial detail.
Strategic Credit Use: Reserve credits for high-value titles typically priced above your monthly subscription cost. Use cash purchases or Daily Deals for less expensive titles to maximize credit value.
Wish List Management: Maintain an organized wish list and monitor price changes. Sometimes titles you’ve wishlisted will appear in sales or Daily Deals, allowing you to purchase them without using credits.
According to industry analysis from A Well Read Wanderer, “The appeal of this membership option is the ability to choose audiobooks that might otherwise cost much more. In recent years, Audible has changed their basic structure from this original model. Now, in addition to your monthly credit, subscribers also get access to their Plus Catalog.”
Advanced Membership Features
Beyond the basic credit system, Premium Plus offers several advanced features that enhance the overall value proposition:
When you’re running low on credits but don’t want to upgrade your plan, Audible offers additional credit packages at discounted rates. These are typically offered to members who have been subscribed for several months and have used most of their existing credits.
While Audible doesn’t offer a formal family plan, our guide on Audible subscription sharing with family members explains legitimate ways to share your audiobook library with household members through Amazon Household sharing.
The Great Listen Guarantee allows members to return titles they didn’t enjoy, with returned credits immediately available for reuse. This reduces the risk of “wasting” credits on books that don’t meet expectations.
Annual Plan Advantages
For serious audiobook enthusiasts, the annual Premium Plus plans offer superior value and flexibility:
24-Credit Annual Plan ($229.50/year): At approximately $9.56 per credit, this represents the lowest per-credit cost available. You receive all 24 credits immediately upon subscription, allowing you to purchase multiple titles at once for binge-listening or to build your permanent library rapidly.
12-Credit Annual Plan ($149.50/year): Priced at about $12.46 per credit, this plan offers solid savings over the monthly plan while providing upfront credit access. This is ideal for listeners who know they’ll use at least one credit per month but want to reduce their per-credit cost.
As explored in our comprehensive Audible Plus vs Premium Plus comparison, the annual plans particularly benefit listeners who have specific titles in mind and want the flexibility to purchase them immediately rather than waiting for monthly credit replenishment.
Q: Are Audible Premium Plus credits really free?
A: No, Premium Plus credits are included as part of your $14.95 monthly subscription fee. While they’re often described as “free” in marketing materials, they’re actually a prepaid benefit of your membership. The value comes from the substantial discount compared to individual audiobook purchases.
Q: What happens to unused credits if I cancel my membership?
A: Any unused credits are forfeited upon cancellation. It’s crucial to use all your credits before canceling your subscription. However, all audiobooks purchased with credits remain in your library permanently, accessible even after cancellation.
Q: Can I get additional credits beyond my monthly allocation?
A: Yes, Audible occasionally offers additional credit packages to eligible members. These are typically offered at a discounted rate (often 3 credits for $30-35) to members who have used most of their existing credits and have maintained their subscription for several months.
Maximizing Your Audible Investment
To truly optimize your Audible Premium Plus membership, consider these advanced strategies:
Credit Timing: Schedule your credit use strategically. Since credits expire after one year, consider saving them for new releases or expensive titles rather than using them immediately each month.
Sale Stacking: Combine membership discounts with Audible’s frequent sales. Members often receive additional 40-70% off already discounted titles, creating exceptional value opportunities.
Plus Catalog Rotation: Regularly browse the Plus Catalog, which adds new titles monthly. Many members find enough value in this rotating library alone to justify the subscription cost, making the monthly credit essentially a bonus.
Final Verdict: Are the Credits Worth It?
After thorough analysis of Audible’s credit system and membership benefits, the conclusion is clear: while Premium Plus credits aren’t technically “free,” they represent exceptional value for regular audiobook listeners. The combination of one credit monthly (worth up to any audiobook price), unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, exclusive member discounts, and permanent ownership of credit-purchased titles creates a compelling value proposition.
For listeners who consume at least one audiobook monthly and value the convenience, selection, and additional benefits, Audible Premium Plus delivers substantial value that justifies the subscription cost. The key is understanding how to strategically use all available benefits rather than focusing solely on the monthly credit.