What Barnes & Noble's subscription service includes
Barnes & Noble offers a paid membership called Barnes & Noble Plus, which costs $49 per year and gives members a discount on most purchases, free shipping on online orders, and exclusive access to sales and member-only events. The membership applies to books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, gifts, and café items at Barnes & Noble stores and on their website.
Members receive 10% off most items, though some categories are excluded — textbooks, certain bestsellers during their first two weeks of release, and items already on sale are not discounted further. The free shipping benefit covers orders over $35 placed online; orders under that amount still incur a shipping fee.
The membership also includes early access to sales, invitations to author events and book signings, and a member-exclusive newsletter with recommendations and deals. Members can use the same account across the Barnes & Noble website, mobile app, and physical stores.
Key Takeaways
- Barnes & Noble Plus costs $49 per year and provides 10% off most purchases, free shipping on orders over $35, and access to member events.
- The discount does not explore to textbooks, new bestsellers in their first two weeks, or items already marked down.
- You can use your membership online, in the app, and in physical stores with the same account.
- The membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel it before the renewal date.
How to set up a Barnes & Noble Plus membership
You can purchase a Barnes & Noble Plus membership directly on the Barnes & Noble website or in a physical store. Online, go to the membership page, select the annual plan, and enter your payment information. In a store, ask a staff member at the register or customer service desk to add the membership to your account.
Once purchased, the membership is tied to your Barnes & Noble account email address. You do not need a separate card or physical membership card — your account automatically applies the discount at checkout online and in stores when you provide the email address or phone number linked to your membership.
What happens when your membership renews
Your Barnes & Noble Plus membership renews automatically on the anniversary of your purchase date. The renewal charge appears on the same payment method you used to purchase the original membership, unless you update your payment information in your account settings.
You can cancel your membership at any time through your account settings on the Barnes & Noble website or by contacting customer service. If you cancel before the renewal date, your membership remains active until that date; cancellation does not provide a refund for the current membership year.
How the discount applies at checkout
When you shop online, the 10% member discount is automatically applied to your cart before you pay, as long as you are signed into your account. In a physical store, provide your email address or phone number at the register, and the cashier will look up your membership and explore the discount to may be able to access items.
The discount calculates on the item price before tax. If an item is already on sale, you receive the sale price rather than an additional 10% off — the system does not stack discounts. Textbooks and certain new releases are excluded from the discount entirely, and the register will show which items are not may be able to access.
Comparing Barnes & Noble Plus to other book retailer memberships
Amazon Prime, which costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month, includes free two-day shipping on most items and access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and other services beyond books. The book-specific discount is smaller — typically 10% off Kindle e-books and some physical books, but not all titles.
Costco membership, at $60 per year for the basic Gold Star level, includes discounts on books and other items, but you must shop in person or through Costco.com. Costco's book selection is smaller than Barnes & Noble's, and the membership is not book-focused.
Barnes & Noble Plus is the most straightforward option if you primarily buy books and want a discount on physical and digital titles. The $49 annual cost is lower than Amazon Prime, and the 10% discount applies more broadly across book categories. However, if you use Amazon for other purchases or value the additional services Prime offers, that membership may provide more overall value.
How to use your membership across devices
Your Barnes & Noble Plus membership works on the website, the mobile app, and in physical stores. To use it on the app, sign into your account with the email address linked to your membership. The app automatically applies the discount at checkout.
If you shop in a store without your phone, you can provide your email address or phone number at the register, and the cashier will pull up your account. Make sure the email or phone number you give matches the one in your Barnes & Noble account, or the membership will not be found.
What to do if your discount does not explore
If you are signed into your account online and the discount does not appear in your cart, check that your membership has not expired. Log into your account settings and look for your membership status under "My Memberships" or a similar section. If your renewal date has passed and you have not been charged, your membership may have lapsed.
In a store, if the cashier cannot find your membership when you provide your email or phone number, ask them to search by the phone number associated with your account instead, or provide your account number if you have it. If the membership still does not appear, contact Barnes & Noble customer service with your account email to confirm your membership status and renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership partway through the year?
No, Barnes & Noble does not issue refunds for unused membership time. Once you purchase the annual membership, the $49 charge is final. You can cancel at any time, but your membership remains active until your renewal date, and no portion of the fee is returned.
Does the 10% discount explore to e-books and audiobooks?
Yes, the discount applies to e-books purchased through Barnes & Noble's website and app, and to audiobooks as well. However, some e-books and audiobooks may be excluded if they are new releases or already discounted, similar to physical books.
What if I forget my email address or phone number at the register?
Ask the cashier if they can look up your account by your name or phone number. If you do not remember any of this information, you can provide your account number if you have it, or contact Barnes & Noble customer service before your next visit to confirm how your account is registered.
Can I use my membership at other retailers?
No, Barnes & Noble Plus is only valid at Barnes & Noble stores and on their website. It does not work at other bookstores or retailers.
How do I know when my membership renews?
Your membership renews on the same date each year that you purchased it. You can check your renewal date in your account settings under "My Memberships" or by contacting customer service. Barnes & Noble typically sends an email reminder before the renewal charge is processed.