As a security precaution, all new registrations are set to auto-renew unless otherwise specified by the customer. This prevents domain names from accidentally expiring and you from losing control of your web site, e-mail services that you may have with that domain.
The first auto-renew attempt is billed 7 days before the date of expiration (if paying by credit card). Other wise payment is to be expected to be received by the due date. The auto renews are billed on the credit card associated to your account. If you want the name to auto-renew, but the credit card information is no longer valid, login to your account and click "update credit card info."
