Ending your Audible membership made easy

What is Audible?

Audible is Amazon's audiobook and spoken-word entertainment service that's been operating in the UK since 2011. It's one of the world's largest audiobook platforms, offering over 200,000 titles including bestsellers, exclusive originals, and podcasts. Despite being categorised as music-streaming, Audible primarily focuses on audiobooks, though it does include some audio entertainment content.

The service works on a credit-based subscription model. Each month, members receive credits they can exchange for audiobooks regardless of the book's retail price. This means you could use one credit on a £3.99 audiobook or a £30.99 title – you're always paying the same monthly fee. Additionally, members get access to Audible Plus content, which includes a rotating catalogue of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals at no extra cost.

Audible integrates seamlessly with Amazon accounts, making it convenient for existing Amazon customers but sometimes complicated when you want to cancel. The app works across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, Kindle e-readers, and Amazon Echo devices. You can download audiobooks for offline listening, which is particularly useful for commutes or travel.

Most importantly, understanding what Audible offers helps you make an informed decision about whether to continue or cancel your subscription. Many members find themselves paying for months without using the service, which is one of the primary reasons people seek cancellation.

Plans, features and pricing

Audible UK currently offers several membership tiers, each designed for different listening habits. Here's what you need to know about the current pricing structure:

First, let's clarify what you actually get. The Premium Plus membership is the most popular option because it balances cost with flexibility. That monthly credit doesn't expire immediately – unused credits typically roll over for six months, though this varies. Keep in mind that if you cancel, you'll lose any unused credits, which is something many members don't realise until it's too late.

Additionally, all paid memberships include access to the Audible Plus Catalogue. This contains thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals that you can listen to without spending credits. The catch? You only have access whilst your membership is active. Unlike credited audiobooks which you keep forever, Plus Catalogue content disappears from your library when you cancel.

Next, consider the exchange policy. Audible UK used to offer unlimited exchanges if you didn't like a book, but this has been restricted. Now you can only exchange a limited number of titles per year, and the policy is enforced more strictly. This change has frustrated many long-term members and contributed to cancellation decisions.

Pro tip: Before cancelling, use any remaining credits. Purchase audiobooks you've been eyeing because those will remain in your library permanently, even after cancellation. You'll still be able to download and listen to them through the app.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Audible's terms of service is crucial before you begin the cancellation process. The company operates under both UK consumer law and their own membership agreement, which creates specific rights and obligations for both parties.

Under UK law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have certain protections when cancelling subscription services. Most importantly, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from when you first sign up, during which you can cancel for a full refund. However, if you've already downloaded and listened to audiobooks, Audible may deduct their value from any refund.

Audible's own cancellation policy states that you can cancel at any time, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. This means if you cancel on the 5th of the month but your billing date is the 20th, you'll maintain access until the 20th and won't be charged again. Keep in mind that Audible doesn't offer partial refunds for unused portions of the month.

Notice periods and billing cycles

Here's where many members get caught out. Audible requires that cancellation requests be processed before your next billing date to avoid being charged. If your cancellation request arrives even one day after your billing date, you'll be charged for another month. This is why postal cancellation requires careful timing and tracking.

Additionally, be aware that Audible may attempt to retain you by offering discounted rates or pausing your membership. Whilst these offers can appear in your account online, they're not typically extended through postal cancellation, which is actually an advantage if you want a clean break without being persuaded to stay.

What happens to your content after cancellation

This is critical information that Audible doesn't always make clear upfront. Any audiobooks you've purchased with credits or money remain in your library permanently. You can download and listen to them even years after cancelling. However, anything from the Audible Plus Catalogue becomes inaccessible immediately when your membership ends.

Most importantly, your wishlist, listening statistics, and bookmarks all remain intact. If you rejoin later, everything will be exactly as you left it. Your account isn't deleted – it simply reverts to a non-paying status.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Audible UK subscription, and I'll explain exactly why. First, it creates an undeniable paper trail. Unlike online cancellations that can mysteriously fail to process or phone calls where you might be transferred multiple times, a recorded delivery letter provides legal proof of your cancellation request.

Next, postal cancellation protects you from retention tactics. When you cancel online or by phone, you'll face multiple screens or conversations designed to change your mind. By post, you simply state your intention clearly and you're done. Additionally, under UK consumer law, a written cancellation request carries significant legal weight that companies must honour.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Before you write anything, gather the following information: your full name as it appears on the account, your Audible account email address, your membership number if available, and your current billing address. You'll also need to clearly state your intention to cancel and specify when you want the cancellation to take effect.

Keep your letter concise and professional. Include the date at the top, followed by your details, then a clear subject line such as \