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Introduction: The Best Audiobook Deal of Winter
Imagine getting three months of unlimited audiobook access for the price of a fancy coffee. That's not hypothetical. Right now, Audible is running one of its most aggressive promotions of the year, offering three months of Premium Plus membership for just $3 total. According to IGN, this deal is part of Audible's New Year sale, making it an attractive option for audiobook enthusiasts.
Yes. Three dollars. For three months.
This is the deal that rolls around every winter like clockwork, and frankly, it's hard to pass up. At
But here's what most people get wrong about this deal: they jump in without understanding what they're actually getting. Some sign up, listen for two weeks, then get hit with a $14.95 charge because they forgot to cancel. Others grab the deal but don't realize they can also stream unlimited content from the Plus Catalog, turning the value proposition into something completely different.
This guide walks through everything you need to know about this promotion. How to claim it. What you get. How to maximize those three months. Whether it's actually worth your time. And most importantly, how to avoid the common mistakes that turn this incredible deal into an unexpected subscription trap.
Let's dig in.
TL; DR
- The Deal: Audible Premium Plus for $3 total (expires January 21)
- What You Get: 1 audiobook credit per month (3 total) + unlimited streaming from Plus Catalog
- Regular Price: 42.85 over 3 months**
- Cancellation: MUST cancel before month 4 to avoid auto-renewal at full price
- Best For: New users, lapsed subscribers, anyone wanting to test the platform guilt-free
What Exactly Is This Audible Deal?
Let's start with the basics, because the promotion itself is straightforward, but Audible's service structure can feel confusing if you're new to it.
Audible is Amazon's audiobook subscription service. It's been around since the late 1990s, and it's the market leader by a significant margin, holding roughly 40-50% of the audiobook streaming market. When people say "audiobooks," they often mean Audible specifically, kind of like how everyone calls tissues "Kleenex."
The current promotion: **
This deal shows up multiple times per year. Audible runs it during winter (right now), sometimes around Black Friday, occasionally in summer. The timing varies, but the structure stays the same: rock-bottom introductory pricing for new or returning customers, then full price after.
Why does Audible do this? Simple math. They know that if they can get you hooked on their service for three months at a loss, a meaningful percentage of you will keep paying full price afterward. Some people forget to cancel (intentional on Audible's part, honestly). Others discover they love the platform and happily pay $14.95. The company gets long-term subscribers at the cost of some short-term revenue loss.
Fair deal? Depends on your perspective. For users? Absolutely incredible. For Audible's marketing budget? Brutal but effective.
How to Claim the Three-Month Audible Deal
Claiming the promotion is straightforward, but there are a few gotchas depending on whether you're a brand new user or returning customer.
For New Audible Subscribers
If you've never had an Audible account before, claiming this deal is almost embarrassingly easy.
- Visit the Audible homepage or navigate directly to their promotional offer page
- Click the "Get Deal" or "Start Your Free Trial" button (the exact wording changes seasonally, but it's always visible)
- Sign in with your existing Amazon account (or create one if you don't have one)
- Verify your payment method—they'll ask for a credit card, but won't charge you today
- Confirm your order, and you're done
You now have three months of access. Your first credit posts immediately, and you can start shopping the Audible library right away.
The whole process takes about 90 seconds. Audible wants friction-free signups because they know that friction loses customers.
For Returning or Lapsed Subscribers
If you've had an Audible account before, the process is slightly different—and occasionally finicky, so pay attention.
If you canceled your subscription more than 30 days ago, you're eligible for the promotional pricing. Here's what you need to do:
- Go to Audible.com and look for the promotional offer
- Click the "Reactivate Membership" or "Rejoin" button
- Sign in with your original Amazon account
- Confirm the promotional pricing ($3 for three months)
- Verify your payment method and finalize
The key difference: you'll rejoin using your existing account, which means you'll have access to any previous bookmarks, library organization, or wishlist items from your old account. That's actually handy if you'd accumulated a reading list.
If you canceled less than 30 days ago, you might not be eligible for promotional pricing immediately. Audible's system sometimes requires a waiting period before you can use the same account for a promotional offer. In that case, you have two options: wait a bit longer, or create a new Amazon account and sign up as a fresh user. Creating a new account feels clunky, but it works.
Common Claim Issues and Solutions
Here are the most common problems people hit when trying to claim this deal, and how to fix them:
"The promo code won't work." Audible deals usually don't require codes—you just click the promotional link. If you're trying to enter a code manually, you're probably on the wrong page. Go directly to Audible's homepage and look for the promotional banner.
"It's showing me the full $14.95 price." You might be logged into an account that already has an active subscription. Log out completely, clear your browser cookies, then try again.
"I already have an active subscription." You can't stack promotions on an active subscription. You'd need to cancel first, wait for your current billing cycle to end, then claim the deal. This is annoying, but it's by design.
"My payment method won't process." Make sure your credit card matches the address on your Amazon account. If it still fails, try a different payment method or contact Audible's customer support. They're usually helpful.
Understanding Audible Premium Plus: What You Actually Get
Before you commit to the deal, it's worth understanding exactly what membership includes. The marketing language is a bit fuzzy, so let's break it down clearly.
Audible Premium Plus (the tier you're getting for $3) includes three main things:
Monthly Audiobook Credits
You get one credit per month. Three months = three credits. You spend credits to "purchase" audiobooks from Audible's catalog. Each book costs one credit regardless of its price or length. A bestselling thriller that normally costs $24.99 and a five-minute guided meditation also both cost one credit.
Here's the key insight: credits don't expire. If you don't use your credit in month one, it rolls over. So technically, if you wanted to be aggressive about it, you could accumulate three credits and then spend them all in month three on three books. Audible doesn't penalize you for sitting on credits.
Books you purchase with credits are yours to keep forever. Even if you cancel your subscription, you keep the audiobooks you've purchased. You can listen to them indefinitely, redownload them on new devices, and even lend them to other Audible users for a limited time (usually 14 days per book).
Unlimited Streaming from the Plus Catalog
This is the feature most people miss, and it's actually huge. Your Premium Plus membership also gives you access to Audible's "Plus Catalog," which contains several thousand audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible originals that you can stream unlimited times without spending credits.
Think of it like Netflix for audiobooks. The selection is curated (not every book on Audible is in the Plus Catalog), but it's legitimately robust. You'll find popular titles, self-help books, mysteries, sci-fi, podcasts, and plenty of niche content. You don't own these titles—you can only listen while your subscription is active—but there's zero friction to trying new content.
Some people actually find the Plus Catalog more valuable than the monthly credits. They use credits strategically for books they want to own, then binge Plus Catalog content in between.
Full Access to Audible Originals
Audible invests heavily in original content production—audiobooks, podcasts, and serialized audio dramas created specifically for Audible. These range from celebrity memoirs to fiction series to educational content. Everything from Audible Originals is included with your Premium Plus membership at no extra cost.
Some of these are legitimately excellent. Others are... less so. But the fact that they're included means you can sample anything without financial risk.
Discounts on Additional Purchases
If you want to buy more books beyond your monthly credits, you get a 30% discount on additional purchases. Regular non-members pay full price (sometimes $20-30 per book). Audible Premium Plus members pay 30% off. Over time, if you're a heavy audiobook consumer, these discounts add up.
The Math: Is $3 for Three Months Actually a Good Deal?
Let's do the math properly, because "cheap" doesn't automatically mean "good value."
Raw Financial Calculation
Regular Audible Premium Plus price:
Promo price: $3.00
You're saving: $41.85 on subscription fees alone.
If you use all three credits to purchase books, and each book would normally cost you
From a pure dollar perspective? This is objectively a great deal.
The Realistic Scenario
But let's be honest about what actually happens in three months.
The average audiobook is 10-12 hours long. If you listen while commuting or exercising, you might get through one book per month. If you're a casual listener, you might get through one every two months. If you're voracious, you might burn through more.
Let's say you use one credit per month and pick reasonably popular titles. That's three books. At an average cost of
Cost:
The Cancellation Problem (And Why People Don't Do It)
Here's where the math gets dangerous for consumers but brilliant for Audible.
After three months, your subscription auto-renews at $14.95/month. Many people forget to cancel. Some people intentionally don't cancel because by that point, they've grown attached to the service.
If you don't cancel and then pay full price for even one month (
If you keep the subscription for a full year without taking advantage of the promotional offer, you pay
The deal only stays a deal if you actively cancel within the promotional period. That friction—remembering to cancel—is where Audible makes back the money they lost on the promotion. It's psychological manipulation with a smile, but that's the game.
How to Maximize Your Three Months: Smart Selection Strategy
Having three months of access is great, but actually maximizing it requires strategy. Here's how to approach it:
Month One: Exploration and Discovery
Use your first credit on something you're genuinely curious about but might not normally buy. Audiobooks are a commitment—usually 8-15 hours—so this isn't a casual purchase even with free credits.
Listen to the free sample (Audible lets you listen to a 30-second clip of every book). If it sounds good, grab it. If the narrator's voice bothers you, keep searching. Narration quality matters way more with audiobooks than with print.
While you're listening to that book, start exploring the Plus Catalog. Browse genres you've never tried. Find a few things that interest you. You're not committing to them, just testing the waters.
Month Two: Double Down on What Works
By month two, you've learned what kind of content you enjoy via audio. Use your second credit strategically. Maybe you discovered you love memoirs, or psychological thrillers, or sci-fi. Double down on that.
Also, leverage the Plus Catalog aggressively. Start a series if something hooks you. Listen to podcasts during commutes. Audiobooks don't have to be your only consumption.
Month Three: Make It Count
Your final credit is precious because it might be the last free book for a while (unless you subscribe after this promo). Choose something you've been wanting to read but haven't justified buying. A popular recent release. That 30-hour epic fantasy you've heard about. Something legitimately valuable to you.
The Wishlist Strategy
During your three months, spend 10 minutes building a wishlist of books you'd consider buying after the promo ends. If you find yourself wanting to keep the subscription (some people do), you'll want to know what you want to buy next.
Alternatively, if you're planning to cancel but want to keep reading, you can see what the long-term cost would be if you became a regular subscriber. Maybe you find you love audiobooks enough to pay $14.95/month ongoing. Maybe you don't. The wishlist helps you figure that out with real data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We've covered a lot of ground, but before we wrap up, let's cover the mistakes people actually make when they claim this deal.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Cancel
This is the #1 mistake. It's so common that Audible's entire promotion strategy depends on it. Set a calendar reminder right now for January 19. Put it in your phone. Email your future self. Do something that guarantees you won't forget.
If you do accidentally get charged, Audible's customer service is usually willing to refund one unexpected month if it's your first time. But don't rely on that.
Mistake #2: Not Exploring the Plus Catalog
People grab a credit and immediately buy a specific book, then never touch the Plus Catalog. You're leaving money on the table. Explore. The Plus Catalog legitimately has thousands of titles. You might discover your new favorite author or podcast.
Mistake #3: Rushing Your Credit Decisions
You don't have to spend your credit immediately. Some people panic, grab whatever's trending, then regret it. You have 12 months to spend a credit. Take your time. The best book for you exists in Audible's library. Finding it takes 15 minutes of browsing, not instantaneous action.
Mistake #4: Not Checking Narration Quality
This is specific to audiobooks. The best book in the world becomes unlistenable if the narrator's voice grates on you. Always, always listen to the sample before spending a credit. Some narrators are genuinely excellent (they make the book better). Some are... not. The 30-second sample shows you immediately if you can handle that voice for 10+ hours.
Mistake #5: Trying to Resell or Gift Your Purchase
You can gift audiobooks to other Audible users, but you can't resell them. You can't return them either (unless there's a technical issue). Once you spend a credit, that's your book. Choose wisely.
Mistake #6: Assuming You'll Listen to Everything
People buy books they think they should enjoy, then never listen to them. Audiobooks require sustained attention. A 15-hour book is a real time commitment. Don't use a credit on self-help book #47 because you think it'll change your life. Use it on something you actually want to listen to.
Audible Premium Plus vs. Other Plans: What Are Your Options?
Audible offers a few different subscription tiers. The $3 deal is specifically for Premium Plus, but it's worth knowing what else exists.
Audible Premium Plus (The Deal You're Getting)
Regular price: $14.95/month
What you get: 1 monthly credit, unlimited Plus Catalog access, all Audible Originals, 30% discount on additional purchases
Best for: Regular listeners, people who want to build a permanent collection
Audible Premium (Slightly Different)
Regular price: $9.95/month (note: premium is cheaper than premium plus)
What you get: 1 monthly credit, limited Plus Catalog access (about 10% of the full catalog), all Audible Originals, 30% discount on additional purchases
Best for: Casual listeners, people on a budget
You don't see Premium advertised much because Premium Plus is only $5 more per month but dramatically better value. Audible wants you on Premium Plus.
Audible Plus
Regular price:
What you get: No monthly credits, but unlimited access to the entire Plus Catalog
Best for: Listeners who don't want to buy books, just stream from a catalog
Plus is interesting if you're only interested in the streaming library and don't care about owning individual titles. It's actually cheaper than Premium Plus if you subscribe annually.
The Audible Standard Plan (New in 2024)
Regular price: $4.95/month (or less with annual billing)
What you get: Audible Plus library access, no credits
Best for: Budget-conscious listeners
This is the cheapest tier, but you don't get monthly credits, so you can't purchase individual books to own.
How Audible Compares to Competitors
Audible dominates audiobook streaming, but it's not your only option. Here's how the main competitors stack up:
Scribd
Price: $11.99/month (unlimited access model)
Catalog size: Roughly 1 million titles (slightly larger than Audible's Plus Catalog but smaller than Audible's full library)
Unique angle: Ebooks included with subscription. You get audiobooks AND ebooks for the same price
Verdict: Good value if you read both formats. Worse if you only want audiobooks.
Google Play Books
Price: Variable (book purchasing model)
Catalog size: Large, but you're buying individual books, not subscribing
Unique angle: Integrates with Android ecosystem seamlessly
Verdict: Better for one-off purchases than ongoing listening. No subscription discount like Audible.
Libby (Overdrive)
Price: Free (supported by your public library)
Catalog size: Varies by library, but typically 10,000-50,000 audiobooks
Unique angle: Legitimate free audiobooks via library card
Verdict: Incredible if you have a good library system. Terrible if you live in an area with poor digital lending infrastructure. Also subject to wait lists.
Apple Books
Price: Variable (book purchasing model)
Catalog size: Large
Unique angle: Seamless integration with Apple devices and Apple One bundle options
Verdict: Good for Apple ecosystem users buying individual books. Not compelling as a subscription compared to Audible.
The reality: Audible is the market leader, and for good reason. The catalog is massive, the app is reliable, the search functionality is solid. Competitors offer interesting value propositions, but none of them have completely displaced Audible. The $3 three-month deal is part of why—Audible can afford aggressive pricing to maintain market dominance.
Is Audible Worth Keeping After the Promotion Ends?
Here's the real question: After three months at
The honest answer depends on your listening habits and preferences.
You Should Keep It If...
You genuinely enjoy listening to audiobooks and find yourself thinking about them during the day. If you're the type who listens during commutes, while exercising, during household chores, or during travel, and you actually want to own the books you listen to, Audible's value is real.
You also benefit if you listen to at least one audiobook per month. At
You Should Cancel If...
You realize you didn't finish even one book during the three months. Life is busy—it happens—but if listening to audiobooks isn't actually part of your routine, paying $14.95 is waste. Cancel and revisit another time.
You also shouldn't keep it if you prefer reading physical books or ebooks. Audiobooks are a different experience, and not everyone enjoys them. Try it on the cheap during the promotion, and if you hate it, canceling is painless.
The Compromise Approach
Some people use this strategy: claim the
Audible knows some people do this, and they're okay with it. The company's loss-leader strategy depends on getting people hooked. Some get hooked permanently. Some cycle in and out. Both outcomes are acceptable for Audible's business model.
Important Terms and Conditions You Should Know
Before you click "claim deal," here are the terms that actually matter:
Auto-Renewal
Your subscription automatically renews at $14.95/month unless you cancel. No questions asked, no reminder email (well, they might send one, but don't rely on it). This is standard for subscription services, but it's worth knowing explicitly.
Credit Expiration
Any monthly credits you earn don't expire for 12 months. That's generous. You can sit on credits without pressure. Some subscription services make you spend monthly credits immediately, which creates false urgency. Audible's policy is more customer-friendly.
Devices and Access
You can download audiobooks to multiple devices (phone, tablet, computer) and access them via the Audible app. Audible limits concurrent playback (you can listen on one device at a time), but you can jump between devices freely. If you buy a new phone, your library is still there.
Sharing and Gifting
You can share your library with immediate family members via Family Library (different account tier), and you can gift individual audiobooks to other Audible users. You can't share a single audiobook access across multiple people simultaneously.
Geographic Restrictions
Audible's catalog varies by country. If you're in the US, you get access to the US catalog. Travel to the UK, and your access might shift to a different catalog. This mostly doesn't matter unless you're in a very remote area with limited licensing agreements.
Refunds and Returns
Audible's refund policy is surprisingly generous: you can return any audiobook within 30 days of purchase, no questions asked. If you buy a book and hate it halfway through, you can get your credit back. This policy exists because narration quality is subjective, and Audible acknowledges that sometimes you pick the wrong book.
This is actually a huge protection. Use it if you need to.
Step-by-Step: How to Actually Cancel Before Getting Charged
We've mentioned cancellation multiple times, so let's make it concrete. Here's exactly how to do it:
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Go to your account settings in the Audible app or website. Look for "Account" in the menu.
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Find the "Membership" section. This shows your current plan and renewal date.
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Look for "Cancel Membership" or "Manage Your Plan." The exact wording varies, but there's always an option to change or cancel your plan.
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Click Cancel. Audible might ask why you're canceling (don't worry about it, just pick any option) or try to convince you to downgrade instead. You don't have to downgrade unless you want to.
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Confirm cancellation. Audible will show you a final "are you sure" screen. Click confirm.
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You're done. Your subscription stays active through the end of your billing period (in this case, January 20, 2025), then terminates automatically.
The whole process takes 90 seconds. Literally. Audible could make it harder, but they don't, which is respectful.
If you want to downgrade instead of canceling completely (move from Premium Plus to Premium, or to Premium Plus, or to Plus), the same interface lets you do that. You'd just pay the difference on your next billing date.
The Psychology of "Too Good to Be True"
Here's a meta thought: why does this deal feel too good to be true? Because, strategically, it kind of is—but not in a bad way.
Audible isn't stupid. They're not losing money on this promotion. They're investing in customer acquisition and data gathering.
When you sign up for Audible, even at $1/month, the company learns a lot about you: What genres do you listen to? What length books do you prefer? What pace of narration? Do you finish what you start? What's your listening schedule?
This data is valuable. It helps Audible improve their recommendation algorithm. It helps them decide which authors to feature. It helps them understand market demand for different types of audiobooks.
So Audible gets acquisition data and builds long-term customer relationships. You get three months of audiobook access for $3. Everyone wins, assuming you remember to cancel.
That's actually a fair deal on both sides.
FAQ
What is the Audible $3 for three months deal?
It's a promotional offer from Audible that gives new or returning subscribers access to Audible Premium Plus (normally
How do I claim the Audible promotion?
To claim the deal, visit Audible's website, look for the promotional banner or offer, click the "Start Your Free Trial" or "Get Deal" button, sign in with your Amazon account, verify your payment method, and confirm your order. The entire process takes about 90 seconds. New users are automatically eligible; returning customers need to have canceled at least 30 days prior to the offer.
What exactly do I get with Audible Premium Plus?
With Audible Premium Plus, you receive one monthly audiobook credit (which you can spend on any audiobook), unlimited streaming access to Audible's Plus Catalog (several thousand titles including audiobooks, podcasts, and originals), full access to all Audible Original content, and a 30% discount on additional audiobook purchases beyond your monthly credits. Any audiobooks you purchase with credits are yours to keep permanently, even if you cancel your subscription.
How long do I have to use my credits after earning them?
Audible credits don't expire for 12 months after you earn them. This means you have an entire year to decide how to spend each credit. Unlike some subscription services that force you to spend credits immediately or lose them, Audible's policy is more flexible and gives you time to explore and make thoughtful selections.
What happens if I forget to cancel after three months?
If you don't cancel before your promotional period ends (January 21, 2025), your subscription automatically renews at $14.95/month on January 22. To avoid this, set a calendar reminder for January 19 and cancel through your account settings. If you accidentally get charged one month, Audible's customer service is usually willing to refund a single unexpected charge for first-time occurrences.
Can I cancel my Audible subscription any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Audible subscription at any time through your account settings. The cancellation process takes less than two minutes and doesn't involve calling customer support or dealing with any friction. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period, then terminates automatically. If you want to downgrade to a cheaper plan instead of canceling, Audible's system allows that as well.
How does the Plus Catalog work?
The Plus Catalog is an unlimited streaming library included with your Premium Plus subscription. Unlike your monthly credits, which give you permanent ownership of specific books, Plus Catalog content is streamed on-demand while your subscription is active. You can listen to any title in the Plus Catalog unlimited times without spending credits, but you lose access if you cancel your subscription. It's essentially Netflix for audiobooks.
What's the difference between Audible Premium Plus and regular Audible Premium?
Both tiers include one monthly credit and 30% discounts on additional purchases. The main difference is the Plus Catalog access: Premium Plus gives unlimited access to the full Plus Catalog (thousands of titles), while Premium gives limited access to a smaller selection (roughly 10% of the full catalog). Premium Plus costs
Can I use my Audible books if I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Any audiobooks you purchase using your monthly credits are yours to keep permanently. Even if you cancel your subscription tomorrow, you keep those books forever and can re-download and listen to them anytime. However, you lose access to Plus Catalog streaming content if you cancel, since that's subscription-based access.
Is Audible the best audiobook service?
Audible is the market leader with the largest catalog (750,000+ titles) and the most reliable app, making it an excellent choice for most listeners. However, competitors like Scribd offer ebooks included with subscription, Libby offers free access through your library, and Scribd has lower pricing for unlimited streaming. The best service depends on your specific needs, listening habits, and whether you prefer purchasing individual books or streaming from a library.
How do I find good audiobooks to spend my credits on?
Audible provides multiple discovery tools: browse bestseller and trending lists, read reader reviews, listen to 30-second samples before purchasing, browse curated collections by genre, and check recommendations based on books you've already enjoyed. Take your time selecting—you have 12 months to spend each credit. Don't rush into purchases. The sample audio is your friend; if the narrator's voice doesn't work for you, the book won't either, regardless of the story quality.
What if I don't like the audiobook I selected?
Audible has a generous 30-day return policy. You can return any audiobook within 30 days of purchase for any reason, and your credit gets refunded to your account. This is particularly helpful if you buy a book and dislike the narration quality, or if you realize partway through that it's not your style. You can return the book and use the credit on something else.
Conclusion: Should You Take This Deal?
Let's bring this all together with a direct answer: Yes, you should claim this deal. Here's why.
At
Beyond the math, you're getting a genuine test of whether audiobook listening fits your lifestyle. Some people discover they love audiobooks and become regular subscribers. Others realize it's not for them and cancel guilt-free. Both outcomes are valuable information about yourself.
The only real requirement is remembering to cancel before January 21. Set that reminder now. Actually, set two reminders—one on January 19 and one on January 20. Make it impossible to forget.
If you're new to audiobooks entirely, this is the lowest-friction entry point available. Audible's app is genuinely good. The Plus Catalog gives you thousands of free options to explore. The monthly credit system is flexible and user-friendly. You might discover a new way to consume books that enriches your life.
If you're a returning customer who canceled years ago, this is Audible essentially saying "come back." Give it another shot. The app has improved. The catalog has doubled. The Plus Catalog is new and excellent.
The only reason not to claim this deal is if you know with absolute certainty that audiobooks don't appeal to you. In that case, skip it. But if there's even a little curiosity, the risk-reward is lopsided in your favor.
Claim the deal. Pick a good audiobook. Explore the Plus Catalog. Enjoy three months of reading without paying much of anything. Then make an informed decision about whether to continue.
That's the opportunity here: $3 for three months isn't just a deal. It's permission to try something without fear of wasting money. Take it.
Key Takeaways
- Audible Premium Plus is available for just 14.95/month pricing
- You receive 3 monthly audiobook credits plus unlimited streaming from Audible's Plus Catalog with access to 750,000+ titles
- The deal is only valuable if you remember to cancel before auto-renewal; set calendar reminders for January 19-20
- This promotion is ideal for testing whether audiobooks fit your lifestyle at minimal financial risk ($3 total)
- After claiming the deal, strategically use your credits on books you genuinely want to keep, not impulse picks
