What iHeartRadio Plus costs and how the lower price tier works

iHeartRadio Plus is a paid subscription tier that removes ads from the iHeartRadio app and gives you the ability to skip songs and create custom stations. The service costs $4.99 per month, though iHeartRadio periodically runs promotional offers that reduce the first month or two to $0.99. After any promotional period ends, your subscription renews at the standard $4.99 monthly rate unless you cancel.

The lower price compared to other music streaming services reflects what iHeartRadio includes: ad-free listening to live radio stations and on-demand content, plus skip and station-creation features. It does not include offline downloads or access to a full music library the way some competitors do. You stream everything over an internet connection, whether you are on Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Payment happens through the payment method you add to your iHeartRadio account — a credit card, debit card, or linked PayPal account. Charges appear monthly on your statement under the iHeartRadio name. You can change or remove your payment method at any time through your account settings, and cancellation takes effect when ready; you will not be charged again after you cancel.

Key Takeaways

  • iHeartRadio Plus costs $4.99 per month after any promotional pricing period ends, charged to your stored payment method each month.
  • The subscription removes ads, lets you skip songs, and allows you to create custom stations across iHeartRadio's live and on-demand content.
  • Promotional offers sometimes reduce the first month or two to $0.99, but your regular $4.99 rate begins after the promotion expires unless you cancel.
  • You can cancel anytime through your account settings, and no further charges will occur after cancellation.

How to add a payment method and start your subscription

To set up iHeartRadio Plus, open the iHeartRadio app or visit iheartradio.com and sign in to your account. If you do not have an account yet, create one with an email address and password. Once logged in, look for the "Upgrade to Plus" button or link, usually visible on the home screen or in the account menu.

Select the Plus tier and you will be taken to a payment screen. Enter your credit card, debit card, or PayPal information. iHeartRadio will process the payment when ready and your subscription will set up right away. You will receive a confirmation email with your subscription details and the date your next charge will occur.

If you are using a promotional code or offer, enter it before you complete payment. The discount will explore to your first charge, and the regular $4.99 rate will begin on your next billing date. Check your confirmation email to see exactly when your next payment is scheduled.

When charges appear and how to manage your billing

Your first charge appears when ready when you complete your subscription setup. After that, iHeartRadio charges you on the same date each month — for example, if you subscribe on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every following month. If a billing date falls on a day that does not exist in a given month (like the 31st in February), the charge occurs on the last day of that month instead.

You can view your billing history and upcoming charge date by going to your account settings and selecting "Subscription" or "Billing." This page shows your current payment method, your subscription status, and the exact date of your next charge. If you need to update your payment method — for example, if your card expires or you want to use a different card — you can change it here without interrupting your subscription.

If a charge fails because your payment method is expired or has insufficient funds, iHeartRadio will attempt to retry the charge. If it fails again, your subscription may be paused or cancelled. You will receive an email notification if a payment fails, and you can update your payment method to restore your subscription.

Promotional pricing and how it affects your renewal rate

iHeartRadio frequently offers promotional rates for new subscribers, such as $0.99 for the first month or three months at a reduced price. These offers are time-limited and vary depending on when you subscribe and which platform you use (app, website, or third-party services like Amazon or Apple). When you enter a promotional code at checkout, the discount applies only to the specified period — usually one to three months.

Once your promotional period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the full $4.99 monthly rate. iHeartRadio sends an email before the promotional period expires to notify you of the upcoming price change. If you do not want to pay the full rate, you can cancel before the promotional period ends and you will not be charged the higher amount.

Some promotions are bundled with other services — for example, if you subscribe through a mobile carrier or internet provider, they may offer iHeartRadio Plus at a discount as part of a package. In those cases, the charge appears on your carrier or provider bill rather than as a separate iHeartRadio charge, and the renewal terms depend on that service's agreement with iHeartRadio.

Differences between iHeartRadio Plus and other paid tiers

iHeartRadio offers two paid subscription levels: Plus and Premium. Plus costs $4.99 per month and removes ads, lets you skip songs, and allows custom stations. Premium costs $9.99 per month and adds the ability to read songs for offline listening and gives you higher audio quality (up to 320 kbps). If you only listen to live radio and do not need offline access, Plus is the lower-cost option.

The free version of iHeartRadio includes ad-supported access to live radio stations and on-demand content, but you cannot skip songs or create custom stations. You can upgrade to Plus or Premium at any time, and you can downgrade back to free by cancelling your subscription. If you downgrade, you lose access to Plus or Premium features when ready, but you keep your account and can re-subscribe later.

When comparing iHeartRadio Plus to other music services, keep in mind that iHeartRadio focuses on live radio stations and curated content rather than a full on-demand music library. Services like Spotify or Apple Music offer larger music catalogs and offline downloads at similar or slightly higher price points. Your choice depends on whether you prefer live radio and iHeartRadio's station lineup or a broader music library.

What happens if you cancel or pause your subscription

To cancel iHeartRadio Plus, go to your account settings, select "Subscription," and choose "Cancel Subscription." iHeartRadio will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. Once you confirm, your subscription ends when ready and you will not be charged again. You will lose access to Plus features right away and revert to the free version of iHeartRadio.

If you have already been charged for the current month, that charge is not refunded when you cancel. Refunds for iHeartRadio Plus are not standard, though you may be able to request one if you cancel within a very short window of your charge date — contact iHeartRadio support to ask about your specific situation. Future charges will not occur after you cancel.

iHeartRadio does not offer a pause or temporary suspension feature. If you want to stop paying but keep your account active, you must cancel and then re-subscribe later. When you re-subscribe, you will be treated as a new subscriber and may be offered promotional pricing again, depending on current offers.

Troubleshooting payment and billing issues

If your payment fails, check that your card has not expired and that you have sufficient funds available. Some banks flag recurring charges as suspicious and decline them automatically — if this happens, contact your bank to allow iHeartRadio charges. Update your payment method in your account settings and iHeartRadio will retry the charge within a few days.

If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe you were charged twice, check your account settings to confirm your subscription status and billing history. iHeartRadio's billing page shows every charge and the date it occurred. If you see a duplicate charge or a charge after you cancelled, contact iHeartRadio support with your confirmation number or the date of the charge and they can investigate.

If you subscribed through a third-party service like Amazon Prime, Apple, or your mobile carrier, charges may appear under that service's name on your statement rather than "iHeartRadio." Check your account with that service to manage or cancel the subscription, because cancelling through iHeartRadio's app may not stop charges from the third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel iHeartRadio Plus?

Refunds are not automatic when you cancel. If you cancel shortly after being charged, contact iHeartRadio support to request a refund — they may grant one depending on your situation. Charges for the current month are generally not refunded, but future charges stop when ready after cancellation.

Will my subscription renew automatically after the promotional period?

Yes. Promotional pricing applies only to the specified period (usually one to three months), and your subscription automatically renews at the full $4.99 rate after that unless you cancel. iHeartRadio sends an email before the promotional period ends to notify you of the price change.

What payment methods does iHeartRadio accept?

iHeartRadio accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You add your payment method during signup and can change it anytime through your account settings. If you subscribe through a third party like Amazon or Apple, you use that service's payment method instead.

Why was I charged twice in one month?

Check your billing history in your account settings to confirm the dates and amounts of both charges. If one charge is from a failed payment retry, it may appear as a separate line item. If you genuinely see two charges for the same month, contact iHeartRadio support with the charge dates and amounts and they can review your account.

Can I change my billing date?

iHeartRadio does not allow you to change your billing date. Your subscription renews on the same date each month as when you originally subscribed. If you need to change when you are charged, you would need to cancel and re-subscribe on a different date.