[Postosuchus]

Not the same scenario but recently GoDaddy conveniently "forgot" to extract auto-payment for the only domain I still had with them (somewhat exotic .es TLD) and also forgot to warn me about it, letting the domain registration lapse.

I noticed it via the automatic monitoring once the domain stopped resolving and escalated it, at which point GoDaddy graciously offered me to reinstate the domain for $55 lapsed registration fee. After a brief (10 sec) consideration I've made a counteroffer by telling GoDaddy to go fuck themselves and registering a "normal" .com domain with my default registrar. I am very lucky it was a tiny hobby website with no critical audience. Thank you for the lesson, GoDaddy!

[uxjw]

I was surprised to learn last week that GoDaddy waits until the renewal date to renew. I'm used to other registrars renewing 30 days in advance, so you have time to fix any billing issues before the fees to get it back after it expires.

[DANmode]

Do others renew or "renew"?

Holding the money in between doesn't buy any additional security with ICANN, does it?

[NoZebra120vClip]

Are you in Spain? Does GoDaddy have a Spanish office?