i never renew by mail. i only renew by phone. i wait for one of the subscription cards with a code number. if i get one just before my current subscription runs out, i call it in right to the mag phone number, inside the front cover usually, and give them the special offer code number and my credit card number. if you want them to bill you, they will. but you know who you dealt with. i always call mine in a little early, with a code, and they simply attach it to the current subscription. they use the same credit card number and they update the expiration date. i always do it for three years at a time because the savings are a little better.