Many of you are frequently asking, what happens if you don’t return a Redbox movie?
It is a question that has been asked numerous times on social media platforms, by the movies themselves, and even by those that don’t rent their movies from Redbox.
If you do not return a Redbox movie, Redbox will continue to charge your account until either the movie is returned or the charges reach the “purchase” level, at which point the movie becomes yours.
Today we’ll be covering the Redbox return policy and what happens if you don’t return a movie.
What Happens If You Don’t Return A Redbox Movie?
Here are some of the consequences for not returning a Redbox movie on time:
Late Fees
One common consequence for not returning a Redbox movie on time is the assessment of late fees.
Redbox charges a daily rental fee for each movie that is returned after the due date.
The exact amount of the late fee varies depending on the rental period and the movie being rented.
The late fees can add up quickly if the movie is returned late, particularly if it is a longer rental period or a more expensive format such as Blu-ray.
Redbox kiosks offer DVD and Blu-ray rentals for $2.25 per day, plus applicable taxes, with a minimum rental period of one day.
If a rental is returned after 9:00 p.m. on the due date but on or before 9:00 p.m. the following day, an additional daily rental charge will be incurred.
- For example, if a DVD is rented and returned two days later, the total cost will be $9.00, plus taxes.
It is important to note that some jurisdictions may not require sales tax to be charged or collected.
Note: If you lose or damage the movie, you will also be charged the full retail price.
Loss of Access to Redbox Rewards
Redbox offers a rewards program for frequent customers called Redbox Rewards.
Members of this program earn points for every movie rental or purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts and special offers.
However, if a customer’s account is suspended or they have outstanding late fees or damages, they may lose access to their Redbox Rewards account.
This means that they will only be able to earn points or redeem rewards once the issue is resolved.
Automatic Renewal
If you do not return a Redbox movie on time, the rental period may be automatically extended for an additional day.
You will be charged a late fee if you return the movie after the end of the extended rental period.
Suspension of Account
Another consequence of not returning a Redbox movie on time is the suspension of the customer’s account.
If a customer has a history of not returning movies on time or has a large balance of late fees and processing fees, Redbox may choose to suspend their account.
This means that the customer will no longer be able to rent movies from Redbox until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
An account suspension can be a significant inconvenience for customers who rely on Redbox for their movie rental needs.
It can also be frustrating for customers who may have yet to realize that they had an outstanding balance or may have had a one-time issue returning a movie on time.
In order to reactivate a suspended account, the customer must pay the outstanding balance in full and agree to the terms and conditions of Redbox’s rental agreement.
If the customer is unable or unwilling to pay the balance, they may need to find another source for their movie rentals.
Collection Actions
If a customer fails to return a Redbox movie and does not pay the late fees and processing fees, Redbox may choose to take collection actions.
This may involve sending the outstanding balance to a collection agency or filing a civil lawsuit to recover the money.
Collection actions can have significant consequences for the customer.
This includes damaging their credit score and potentially leading to wage garnishment or the seizure of assets.
Legal Consequences
In some cases, failing to return a Redbox movie on time may also have legal consequences.
Depending on the circumstances, Redbox may choose to file criminal charges against the customer for theft or vandalism.
This could result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. It is important to note that Redbox is not likely to pursue criminal charges in most cases.
However, if the movie is not returned and the customer refuses to pay the late fees and processing fees, Redbox may choose to take legal action as a last resort.
How to Avoid Late Fees and Other Consequences
Fortunately, there are steps that customers can take to avoid late fees and other consequences for not returning Redbox movies on time.
- Return movies on time by 9:00 PM the next day to avoid late fees
- Rent movies through the Redbox website or app for a rental period of up to seven days
- Check rental history on the Redbox website or app to see due dates and late fees
- Set up email or text reminders to return movies on time
- Use a credit card or debit card with a high credit limit to cover potential late fees and replacement costs
Note: You can return Redbox movies to any Redbox kiosk, regardless of where you rented it from.
Is There A Limit To How Much You Can Be Charged In Late Fees?
There is no set limit to how much Redbox can charge you in late fees for a movie late return.
According to Redbox’s terms of service, the late fee for a rental is the cost of the rental plus a daily late fee, which varies depending on the location and the rental duration.
The maximum late fee is the cost of the rental plus the maximum daily late fee for the number of days the rental period extends beyond the return date.
It is important to note that Redbox’s late fees are generally higher than those of other video rental companies.
In order to avoid late fees, it is best to return your rental on or before the due date.
If you are unable to do so, consider purchasing the rental or returning it as soon as possible to minimize the late fees.
If you have any questions or concerns about late fees or other charges on your account, you should contact Redbox customer service for assistance.
They will be able to provide you with more information and help resolve any issues you may have.
What Happens If You Lose Or Damage A Redbox Movie?
If you lose or damage a Redbox movie, you will be charged the full price of the movie.
Redbox’s rental agreement states that you are responsible for any lost or damaged movies and will be charged the full price of the movie if it is not returned in good condition.
To avoid being charged, handling the movie with care and returning it on time is important.
If you do accidentally damage the movie, it is important to bring it to the attention of a Redbox employee as soon as possible.
They can assist you in resolving the issue and potentially avoiding a charge.
It is always a good idea to carefully read and understand the rental agreement before renting a movie from Redbox.
This will help you understand your renter’s responsibilities and avoid unnecessary charges.
Note: If you have any issues with your rental, such as not being able to return the movie or being charged incorrectly, you can contact Redbox customer service for assistance.
Can I return a Redbox movie after 25 days?
It is generally not possible to return a Redbox movie after 25 days.
The maximum rental period for movies at Redbox is typically 17 days, and for games, it is 23 days.
If you hold onto the movie or game for longer than the Redbox maximum rental period, you will be charged the maximum charge, and the disc becomes yours to keep.
It is important to return the movie or game before the maximum rental period in order to avoid incurring additional charges.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, what happens if you don’t return a Redbox movie?
It is not just the monetary loss of the late fees and processing fees. Possible consequences include loss of access to Redbox Rewards and the suspension of your account.
Also, if you do not return a Redbox movie on time, you are setting yourself up for legal action by Redbox that may involve fines, imprisonment, and even a criminal record.
Read Next: What If I Rent Redbox After 9 PM? – Know Here!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.