What you get with a Spotify annual plan
Spotify's annual subscription is a single upfront payment that covers 12 months of ad-free music streaming. You pay once per year instead of monthly, and the per-month cost is lower than paying month-to-month. The plan includes unlimited skips, the ability to listen offline by downloading songs to your device, and access to Spotify's full catalog of over 100 million songs.
When you buy an annual plan, Spotify charges your payment method when ready for the full year. Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each year unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can use your account on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or smart speaker — and switch between them without losing your place in a song or playlist.
Key Takeaways
- An annual Spotify subscription costs less per month than the monthly plan, with the full year charged upfront.
- Your account renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your purchase date.
- You can cancel anytime, but you will not receive a refund for unused months if you cancel before the year is up.
- The annual plan includes all the same features as the monthly plan: ad-free listening, offline downloads, and unlimited skips.
- Spotify offers different plan types (Individual, Duo, Family) in both monthly and annual versions.
How much an annual plan costs
Spotify's annual Individual plan costs $119.99 per year in the United States, which works out to about $10 per month. The monthly Individual plan costs $11.99 per month, so the annual plan saves you roughly $24 per year if you stay subscribed for the full 12 months.
Spotify also offers an annual Family plan (up to six accounts) and an annual Duo plan (two accounts). Both cost more than the Individual plan but less per person than buying individual subscriptions. Prices vary by country and may change, so check Spotify's website for your region's current rates before you purchase.
How to buy an annual subscription
Go to Spotify.com and click on the pricing or plans section. Select the annual Individual, Duo, or Family plan you want. Spotify will ask you to create an account or sign in if you already have one, then enter your payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.
After you complete the purchase, your subscription begins when ready and your first year runs from that date. Spotify sends a confirmation email with your receipt and subscription details. You can view your subscription status and renewal date anytime by logging into your account and going to Account Settings.
When your subscription renews and how to manage it
Your annual subscription automatically renews 12 months after your purchase date. Spotify will charge your payment method on that date for another full year. You will receive an email reminder a few days before the renewal date.
To stop the automatic renewal, go to your Account Settings, find the Subscription section, and select Cancel Subscription. You must cancel before your renewal date to avoid being charged for another year. If you cancel mid-year, you keep access to Spotify until your current subscription period ends — Spotify does not refund the unused portion.
Switching between monthly and annual plans
You can change from a monthly plan to an annual plan, or vice versa, at any time through your Account Settings. If you switch from monthly to annual, Spotify will credit any unused portion of your current monthly subscription toward the annual plan's cost.
If you switch from annual to monthly, the change takes effect on your next renewal date. You will not lose access during the switch, and your payment method will be charged monthly starting on the renewal date. Keep in mind that switching to monthly means a higher per-month cost, so the annual plan remains the cheaper option if you plan to use Spotify for the full year.
What happens if you cancel before the year ends
If you cancel an annual subscription before 12 months have passed, you keep access to Spotify until your current subscription period ends. Spotify does not issue refunds for the unused months. For example, if you buy an annual plan in January and cancel in June, you can still use Spotify through January of the next year, but you will not get money back for the remaining seven months.
This is why it is important to think carefully before purchasing an annual plan. If you are unsure whether you will use Spotify for the full year, the monthly plan may be a safer choice, even though it costs more per month. You can always upgrade to annual later if you decide to keep the service.
Payment methods and billing issues
Spotify accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal for annual subscriptions. Your payment method is stored securely in your account, and Spotify uses it to charge you on your renewal date each year.
If your payment method is declined when your subscription renews, Spotify will try again over the next few days. If the payment continues to fail, your subscription will be paused, and you will lose access to Spotify until you update your payment method in Account Settings. You can add a new card or PayPal account and resume your subscription when ready. There is no penalty for a failed payment — you straightforward cannot use the service until the payment goes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my annual subscription?
No. Spotify does not refund unused months on annual subscriptions. Once you purchase an annual plan, you are committed to paying for the full year. You keep access to Spotify until your subscription period ends, but you will not receive money back if you cancel early.
What is the difference between Spotify's annual Individual plan and the Family plan?
The Individual plan is for one person. The Family plan covers up to six separate accounts in the same household, each with their own playlists and recommendations. The Family plan costs more per year than Individual, but if multiple people in your home use Spotify, it is cheaper per person than buying individual subscriptions for each of them.
Will my annual subscription renew automatically?
Yes. Your subscription renews automatically 12 months after your purchase date unless you cancel it beforehand. Spotify sends an email reminder before the renewal date. To stop the renewal, go to Account Settings and select Cancel Subscription before the renewal date arrives.
Can I change my payment method for my annual subscription?
Yes. Go to Account Settings, find the Payment Method section, and update your card or PayPal account. The new payment method will be used for your next renewal charge. You can change your payment method at any time, even if your current subscription is active.
What happens if my payment fails on my renewal date?
Spotify will attempt to charge your payment method several times over a few days. If all attempts fail, your subscription pauses and you lose access to Spotify. Update your payment method in Account Settings to resume service when ready — there is no waiting period or additional fee.