Streaming services initially marketed themselves as a way for viewers to save money, but costs have surged as streaming has become more popular.
Fortunately, there are some ways to cut the cost of your streaming services and even get them for free. Consider these options if you're looking for smart ways to get ahead financially.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Try free streaming channels
The easiest way to get free streaming channels is to subscribe to services that are already free.
Free streaming platforms, including Tubi, Pluto TV, Redbox, and The Roku Channel, only require you to watch ads in exchange for free streaming.
While not technically free, Amazon Prime members can save money on streaming services by watching Prime Video movies and shows with their annual subscription.
Take advantage of free trials
With so many streaming services on the market, it can be hard to decide which options best fit your viewing habits and preferences. Free trials can make the process of figuring it out easier.
Many major streaming platforms offer some sort of free trial. For example, Hulu gives subscribers up to one month of free programming when they sign up for a plan.
Apple TV+ offers a seven-day or one-month trial, depending on your subscription.
If you find the service is not for you, be sure to cancel your subscription before the free trial period ends.
Check your phone plan
Many phone plans now offer free streaming as a perk when you sign up for a plan. T-Mobile offers a free Netflix subscription that can be used on one screen or two screens, depending on your plan.
Verizon also offers a streaming service bundle with some phone plans, giving you access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Purchase an Apple product
If you buy an iPhone or another Apple product, you can get a free trial of Apple TV+.
Apple offers a three-month free trial to its streaming platform when you purchase an Apple device. You must redeem the offer within 90 days after purchase.
Sign up through Instacart
Some subscription-based services are starting to partner with streaming channels.
For example, Instacart now offers a subscription to Peacock Premium for its Instacart+ members. Instacart+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 a year.
Peacock Premium costs $5.99 on its own, so the savings can be substantial.
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Open the right credit card account
Check with your credit card company to see if it offers streaming perks. For example, American Express offers a digital entertainment program credit.
If you use your American Express card to pay for a qualifying streaming service, you get up to $20 in statement credits back per month on your card.
Tap the power of your library card
Library cards are criminally underutilized when it comes to accessing free media. If you don’t mind waiting a bit for a DVD to be returned, you can watch many TV shows or movies for free, for example.
If you prefer streaming, your library card has another secret perk — Kanopy. Many public library cards give you access to streaming services, which lets you watch thousands of films for free.
Use your student ID
If you’re still a student, your student ID might give you access to tons of free or discounted streaming services. For example, you might be able to access Kanopy’s free fare with a student ID.
Meanwhile, Hulu is available to students for just $1.99 per month. Peacock offers students a 12-month rate of $1.99 per month, but you will have to pay full price after the year is up.
Check with your music streaming platform
Here is another perk for students: Sign up for a paid subscription to Spotify Premium Student with Hulu and the popular audio streaming app includes a basic Hulu subscription.
With this deal, you get Spotify Premium and Hulu for just $5.99, including one free month.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Bottom line
Streaming services have become less affordable than they were in the past. Still, there are ways to boost your bank account by getting your streaming for free.
Try the options on this list so you get an idea of what works best for you.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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