Audible, the very popular audiobook platform operated by Amazon, allows you the choice of one audiobook plus a select “Original” every month for about $15~ a month.  To some, this price may not be worth it, but it doesn’t mean you have to pay it.  Or, maybe you are and you’re looking to add more credits to your account.

In today’s guide, I wanted to talk about how you can get free Audible credits.  Yes, it’s 100% legal and it can work for all accounts.

Below, I list a myriad of steps you can apply right now.  Whatever your reasoning may be, this guide is designed to help you add Audible credits to your account… for free.

How to Get Free Audible Credits

Join Swagbucks

Swagbucks is an awesome way to earn free gift cards simply by answering survey questions or maybe even completing an offer.

While you will have to put in a little work, the money you make is extremely easy.  It’s as simple as answering some questions and then earning what’s known as “SB.”  This SB is as good as cash.  It’s just a points system they use.

Currently, as I write this, Swagbucks offers a $15 Audible gift card option.

As you can see in my screenshot, you will have to earn 1,500 SB, which is equivalent to $15 in points.  Generally, you can take surveys in the 100 SB range, sometimes more, so you will have to answer at least 10 to 15 surveys to earn your free month.  It’s not as many as you think.  For example, this was a picture of my dashboard as I was writing this…

Again, it may sound like a lot, but I promise that these surveys can take five to 10 minutes your time.  As you could see, there were some surveys that paid me 500 SB, 175 SB and more.  Your options will vary depending on your demographic, but Swagbucks is always adding new surveys throughout the day.  It isn’t hard to make $5 in a day, I promise!

If you don’t want to spend the money, then I highly recommend you at least check out Swagbucks to get your free credits.  By far, this is one of your better legitimate options.

• Website:  Swagbucks

FreeAudioBookCodes.com

The FreeAudioBookCodes.com has a cool concept, but the selection is limited in a way.  You probably won’t find a book you had in mind most of the time, however, if you’re open minded, you may find something of interest.

Here’s how it works…

Browse the list of audiobooks on the site.  You can sort by genre or simply browse the list to see if there’s anything of interest.

Next to each book, you should see the number of codes available for that title.  If you see something you like, click on the book to make sure it’s something of interest and then click on the “Get Promo Code” button.  You can read the book’s description when you click on it.

In doing this, you will then receive a code that you apply to your Audible account to automatically add the book to your account.

The website is extremely easy to use and is one of my favorite sites on this list.

• Website:  FreeAudioBookCodes.com

Of Course, Take Advantage of the Free Trial

This one is obvious, but hey, I like to include every tip in my guides, no matter how obvious it may be.

If you’re a first-time subscriber, Audible already offers a 30-day free trial.  Just make sure that you’re eligible for it when signing up and remember to cancel before the 30 days.  Usually, I set a calendar reminder so that I’m not auto-billed.   If you took advantage of this offer in the past, then you cannot use it.

During this free trial, you will get one audiobook plus one select “Audible Original.”  The nice thing is that Audible will send out a friendly reminder before your trial ends, so it’s pretty hard to get charged unless you ignore everything.

Let it be known that you will need to enter your credit card information, but your card will not be charged as long as you cancel.  And, no, unlike most places that require you call into call, you don’t need to do this as you can cancel with a simple click of a button.

• Website:  Audible

Use OverDrive

If you don’t already have a library card, it’s best you get one as you’re missing out on an amazing resource that you’re library probably has.

It’s called OverDrive and it provides library patrons with free audiobooks, many of which you can find on the Audible platform.  I know this isn’t a free “Audible credit,” per se, but if you had some books in mind, what’s the difference if you get it elsewhere, right?

If you already have a library card, then head over to OverDrive and set up an account.  All you need is your library card to get started.

Once activated, you can then browse the audiobook selection and checkout audiobooks just like you would traditional books in a library setting.

The biggest disadvantage to OverDrive is that it works like a library, so you may have to wait a few days/weeks before you’re able to check out a book you want.

• Website:  OverDrive

BorrowBox is Another Option

BorrowBox is another website/app that works just like OverDrive.  You will need a library card, but even if you don’t have one, it only takes a few minutes to do at your local branch.

Once you have a library card in hand, sign up and you can then browse, borrow and listen to a myriad of audiobooks.  You can sort by genre or even view specially curated lists.  It’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

Like OverDrive, however, your book needs to be in stock to listen immediately.  Even if it isn’t, however, you can always place your name on a waitlist to borrow when it comes available.

• Website:  BorrowBox

Take Advantage of Audible Free Listens

Audible has a great “Free Audibooks for Everyone” page, where anyone can download select audiobooks at no cost.

Just head to the URL mentioned below and glance at the list to see if anything is of value.

At any given time, you can have your choice of at least 20-50 books at a time, ranging from top sellers to lesser-known titles.

• Website:  Audible Free Listens

Ask Your Family to Join

If someone in your household isn’t apart of Audible yet, then have them setup an account and take advantage of the free trial offer.

Yes, this is legal, according to Audible.  However, you cannot manage separate accounts being the same users.

So, as long as you and someone else manages their account individually, you can still get a free trial, even though you share the same house address.

Return Your Books

If you’re already a paying member, then you can get your credits back on your purchases you already made.  However, and it’s a big however, you should only do this if you legitimately were unhappy with the book and want your credit back.

Since Audible offers a “Great Listen Guarantee,” they let you return your audiobooks if you’re every unhappy with your purchase.

To do this, log into your account and then go to the “Account Details” page.  You will then want to find the “Make returns and view past orders” link, which is located near the bottom of the page.  Here, you can find your previous orders.

On this page, look for the return button and simply click on the reason for returning the book.

Again, ONLY return your books if you legitimately were unhappy with your selection.  In doing this, Amazon will give you your credit back instantly, which can almost feel like a free credit since many people do not know that this option exists.

Do keep in mind that you can’t abuse this policy.  Once you return more than two to three books, Audible will disable your return feature, which will force you to talk with a customer service agent who will then have to process your return.  In extreme cases, you could risk the of an account suspension as well.

You Can Send a Book

With this trick, you will need to know someone with an Audible account, but if you do, it’s one to consider.

With this option, you can send an audiobook for free and so can they.  In this case, why not team up and trade books?  It’s just like getting a free credit in a way, only that you will have to select a book from their library.

To send a free book, just open up your app, head to your library and then click on the three dots next to the book you want to send.  After clicking, hit “send this book” and then send it off via one of the few methods mentioned.

You can send out as many Audible free books as you want, however, your recipients can only download one EVER.  Simply put, your friend can only download one book from you for life.

Simply Ask

I have read some reports on Reddit that members have had luck simply contacting Amazon via the chat asking for free credits.

Now, you don’t just jump on the chat and ask for the credits.  Rather, you need to have a reason.

Whether it’s saying the price is too high or you see a promotion that you’d like to take advantage of but no longer qualify for, Amazon does pride itself on customer service, always trying to make things right.

You can always try to log in and plead your case.  If you have been a customer for quite some time and are in good standing, it seems the agents often add one credit to your account.  Worst case, they say no!

Final Thoughts

Whether you have been an Audible subscriber for quite some time or maybe you’re thinking about joining, then let it be known that free Audible credits are possible.

If you want every month to be free, then Swagbucks is the way to go.  Just make it a habit to answer $15 worth of surveys and your subscription is free.  Trust me, it isn’t that hard.

If the Swagbucks option doesn’t make sense, that’s fine as there are a ton of alternatives.  From skipping Audible altogether and choosing the library route or even taking advantage of the trial, there’s something for all.  While you may have to be picky in some cases, beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to a free audiobook, right?

Now, I turn the table to you.

Do you know any other ways?

Did any of these tips work for you?

As always, please let me know in the comments below.  I always love hearing from you!