The short answer
SXM* is SiriusXM satellite radio. It's infamous for promo pricing that balloons after the intro period and renewals that continue long after people stop driving the car it came with.
Why it shows up like this
A recurring transaction appearing on your bank statement as SXM*SIRIUSXM.COM/ACCT represents a monthly or annual billing cycle for a SiriusXM subscription managed by Sirius XM Radio Inc. This satellite and streaming audio service is frequently bundled with new and pre-owned vehicle purchases as a complimentary trial period before converting automatically into paid monthly membership fees unless explicitly cancelled beforehand by the cardholder.
Subscribers often encounter surprise charges under this billing descriptor when promotional introductory rates expire and escalate into standard full-price rates. In addition, many vehicle owners sell or trade their cars without realizing that the audio subscription remains tied to their personal billing profile rather than the specific vehicle, continuing to bill monthly until stopped through customer support channels.
To verify or cancel this charge, log into your online account portal on the official website or contact customer service directly. Review your active radios list to confirm which devices are currently billed. If an unauthorized renewal occurs after you requested cancellation, contact your financial institution immediately to dispute the charge and block future automated debits.
Don’t recognize it? You might still
- A car trial converted months after the purchase.
- The promo rate expired and the charge doubled or tripled.
- The subscription follows the account, not the car — people pay for radios in cars they sold.
What to do, in order
- Check which radio/vehicle the account covers Your SiriusXM account lists subscribed radios — verify you still own the car.
- Negotiate or cancel deliberately Retention offers drop the price substantially if you push to cancel; online cancellation has improved but be persistent.
- Watch the rate after any promo Set a reminder for the promo end date — the standard rate is the real price.
Quick questions
I sold the car. Why am I still being charged?
The subscription belongs to you, not the vehicle. Cancel or transfer the radio subscription explicitly — selling the car doesn't end it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SXM*SIRIUSXM.COM/ACCT charge legitimate?
If you authorized a payment to SiriusXM subscription, then yes. This is the statement descriptor used by Sirius XM Radio Inc.. Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Independent reference — not affiliated with Sirius XM Radio Inc.. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- SiriusXM — pay your bill https://www.siriusxm.com
- CFPB Cardholder Dispute & Billing Rights Guide https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-a-charge-on-my-credit-card-en-1965/
Reviewed Aug 3, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges