Many of us are working from home and not driving the distances we had in the past. But, we’re still paying full price for Sirius.
When I first published this post, I did so because changing your plan was such a hassle that I wanted to give my readers some tips.
Now, it’s easier than ever to save money with Sirius. Here’s how.
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*This post originally posted on July 22, 2016, has been updated to reflect new information.
What to Do When Sirius’ Promotional Plan Ends
If you recently purchased or leased a new car, you probably received a free subscription plan to SiriusXM Radio. But once that promotional period ends, if you’re like me, you’ll be shocked by the sticker price. I saw a charge of more than $100 on my credit card statement.
How to Modify or Cancel Your Sirius Subscription
In the past, this is what you needed to do to change your plan:
- Call Sirius
- Tell them you wanted to cancel. If you said you simply wanted to change your plan, they’d say they had no promotional offers available. So, I’d cancel and then live without Sirius for a few days. Or, you’d have to stay on the phone with a representative who may not give you the deal you want.
- If you chose to cancel, you’d receive phone calls, then emails, and snail mail, all trying to lure you back with an attractive price.
- You’d take advantage of one of their offers (I snagged $4 per month for their highest package “Select” but it only gave me 5 months of service).
- You’d have set a reminder to yourself in your phone before the expiration date and repeat steps #1-4.
Now, this is all you have to do:
- Make sure you have an online account. Set up a username or password.
- Log into your account and click on “I want to cancel” (not modify). If you were to click on “change my subscription,” you will get various plan options. As of today’s date, they’re offering me plans from $12.99 (80 channels) to $21.99.
- But if you click on “I want to cancel my subscription,” you get much better pricing options. You then get to “view other great offers” or “chat to cancel” your subscription.
- Give them a reason why you’re thinking of leaving. Mine brings up the same plans as above but now it’s $10.95 for 325 channels (compared to 80!) or $11.99 per month for the highest plan mentioned above. It’s a 45 percent savings.
- You used to have to call (which I admit was a pain and time-consuming) but now if you don’t choose one of those proposed plans, you can “chat with an agent.” Do this!
- Now, you will get the real deals. (I’m currently paying $4.99 per month for 12 months)
- It’s best to cancel in the days leading up to your subscription expiring, not after it has renewed.
Why You Should Chat Online to Change Your Sirius Plan (rather than calling)
Calling is a headache. This is a summary of a conversation I had with a Sirius representative last year.
The day before my plan was set to expire, I called Sirius. “My plan is about to expire,” I told them. “I currently have a great deal. What promotions do you have available?” Apparently, I used the wrong lingo when trying to negotiate. Quickly, they informed me that they had no promotions and gave me the same rigamarole about switching to their cheapest plan, under which I would lose CNN, one of my favorite stations.
Up until this point, I have paid only $24 for almost a year of their best plan, the Select. So, if I downgraded to their basic “Mostly Music” plan I would pay $132 for the year, almost triple my current bill, and if I decided to keep the Select plan, I would pay $208 per year, about five times my current charge.
I called back a few minutes later and told them I wished to cancel. “We hate to see you go,” they told me. “What if we offered you a better plan? Would you be OK paying $25 for five months?”
A two-minute phone call or chat can save you hundreds of dollars.
Does Sirius Offer Discounts?
SiriusXM Student Discount
Students can pay $1 for 3 months, then just $4 per month with a new subscription with their Student Streaming Platinum Plan.
SiriusXM Military Discount
Military, both active and veterans, can save 25 percent off their SiriusXM subscription for life. This includes eligible military personnel, spouses and dependents, including Veterans, Retirees, Active Duty and Reserve. Documentation may be required.
SiriusXM Senior Discount
SiriusXM does not currently offer a senior discount.
Do Not be Afraid to Negotiate
The moral of the story: do not be afraid to negotiate.
As a rule, companies do not want to lose customers. Ask them if they can give you a better deal.
You are not doing anything wrong. You are being a smart and savvy consumer.
Negotiate with all of your Providers
Cable Provider
I canceled cable years ago and although I will never go back, the offers continue to this day. (Read more about how I saved money by canceling cable).
Cell Phone Carrier
About once or twice a year, I check in with my cell phone carrier to ask how I can save money. Often, they will add more services to my plan for the exact same price or lower my monthly bill.
Credit Card Company
Same goes for my credit card company; when I have them on the phone for something, I routinely ask if they would recommend me switching to one of their other cards. They’ve lowered my APR significantly with just a quick phone call.
For more ways to save money, check out this blog post.
Final Thoughts on How to Save Money Paying for Sirius XM Radio
Yes, I know, it’s hard to make time for these things, so we often just go along and pay things without question. However, these inquiries often take minutes. If you can, try live chats for customer service; I seem to get the quickest responses and can still multi-task.
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Check out these Related Money-Saving Posts:
How to Turn Your Loose Change into Cash
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Alternatives to the Peloton Tread
What are your tips for negotiating a better deal?
Michelle Platt is a content creator and certified personal trainer. Proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, she’s a former attorney and teacher who loves to do the research so you don’t have to. She takes a deep dive into each topic and writes about her wellness journey here. She loves trying out new workouts, fitness tips, healthy foods, and products to share with you. This native New Yorker recently made the move to the suburbs of Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
Saundra Koebler
Saturday 17th of April 2021
I have to quit Sirius XM I cannot afford any more $5.00 a month. My husband and I are t retired.
Michelle
Friday 23rd of April 2021
@Saundra Koebler, have you tried this? I'm sure you can get it for this price. That's what I'm paying.
NY Guy
Tuesday 30th of March 2021
Thank you! Worked like a charm. Along with price, I mentioned in my "chat" that there are now in-car alternatives such as Pandora via Android Auto. The "agent" immediately offered to extend my current deal for 12 months (the Select package @ 4.99/month).
Michelle
Friday 16th of April 2021
So easy right. That's a great deal. Just put a reminder in your phone before your new plan expires so you can "negotiate" again.
Jan H.
Saturday 27th of February 2021
Thanks! I dread these calls, as I am uncomfortable negotiating for a better deal. The suggestions here to use the chat after selecting "cancel my subscription" from the web site worked great and I got a much better price than renewal. I simply told the agent that I could not afford to pay more than I had been paying, which was $8.25 a month for All Access ($99 a month plus the taxes, which totals $128.40 for the year.) He gave me that price. The automatic renewal price would have been $28.61 a month. Clearly a better deal! Thanks again!
Michelle
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
So glad it worked. I hate putting aside time to make these phone calls. Takes no time at all now to negotiate a better Sirius deal online now.
Joe J.
Saturday 9th of January 2021
When Sirius finally agreed to extend my introductory rate for five months,I upped the ante and asked for a year extension. They said they could not do that. I told them to cancel my subscription and they eventually went for they year extension I asked for. Don’t be bashful.
Michelle
Tuesday 12th of January 2021
Agree. Don't be bashful. I like Sirius but some of their plans are outrageously priced in my opinion.
Terri P
Saturday 19th of November 2016
Thanks so much for this! It worked for me!
Michelle
Saturday 19th of November 2016
Oh great! I have to call again this week.