Save Money on Netflix: Affordable Subscription Tricks You Need to Know

If you're like most people, you love a good Netflix binge but don't love the monthly bill that comes with it. The good news is that there are several strategies to make your Netflix subscription more affordable. In this article, we'll explore different ways to save money on your Netflix subscription, from taking advantage of regional pricing to sharing accounts. So, let's dive into the world of cost-saving techniques and help you enjoy your favorite shows without breaking the bank.

Why Consider Cheaper Netflix Options?

Let's face it, with so many streaming services available today, managing entertainment costs can be a real challenge. Netflix, while offering a vast library of content, can be one of the more expensive options. Saving on your Netflix subscription allows you to allocate funds to other essentials or even subscribe to additional services, giving you more variety without overspending. Plus, who doesn’t love a good deal?

Understanding Netflix Pricing Tiers

Before diving into ways to save, it's important to understand Netflix’s pricing tiers. Netflix offers three primary plans:

• Basic Plan:
  • Cost: $8.99 per month
  • Features: One screen at a time, standard definition (SD) quality.
• Standard Plan:
  • Cost: $13.99 per month
  • Features: Two screens at a time, high definition (HD) quality.
• Premium Plan:
  • Cost: $17.99 per month
  • Features: Four screens at a time, ultra-high definition (UHD) quality.

Knowing the features and costs of each plan will help you choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

1. Sharing Accounts with Family and Friends

One of the simplest ways to reduce your Netflix costs is by sharing an account with family or friends. Netflix’s Premium Plan, for instance, allows up to four simultaneous streams. By splitting the cost among four people, each person only pays a fraction of the total price.

How to Share Netflix Accounts Legally

Sharing your Netflix account is easy and fully legal as long as you do it within the guidelines set by Netflix. Here are a few tips to ensure smooth sharing: - Create individual profiles for each user to personalize their viewing experience. - Agree on the payment method and how the cost will be divided. - Ensure all users have the necessary login information and understand the terms of use.

2. Take Advantage of Regional Pricing

Did you know that Netflix subscriptions are priced differently based on the country? Sometimes, the difference can be significant, and you might be able to save money by subscribing to Netflix from a different region. This can be done using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

How to Use a VPN for Cheaper Netflix Subscriptions

A VPN can mask your IP address and make it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different country. Here’s how you can use it to get a cheaper Netflix subscription: 

1. Choose a reputable VPN service that supports streaming.

2. Connect to a server in a country where Netflix subscriptions are cheaper.

3. Sign up for Netflix through the local website of that country.

Be aware that using a VPN can sometimes violate Netflix’s terms of service, and they are constantly working to block VPN traffic. Use this method with caution.

3. Exploring Netflix Gift Cards and Promotions

Occasionally, Netflix offers gift cards and promotions that can help you save on your subscription. These are often available around holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for these deals either directly on Netflix’s website or through third-party retailers.

Where to Find Netflix Gift Card Deals

You can often find discounted Netflix gift cards at: - Retail stores during holiday sales. 

- Online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. 

- Through reward programs and cashback websites.

4. Downgrading Your Plan Temporarily

If you know you’ll be busy for a month or two and won’t have time for much streaming, consider downgrading your Netflix plan temporarily. Moving from the Premium Plan to the Basic Plan, for example, can save you quite a bit of money over time.

Steps to Downgrade Your Netflix Plan

1. Go to your account settings on the Netflix website.
2. Select "Change Plan."
3. Choose the lower-cost plan that suits your temporary needs.
4. Confirm the change.

5. Use a Group Subscription Service

There are websites and services designed to help people share subscription costs for various services, including Netflix. These platforms connect you with other users looking to share the cost, making it easier to split the bill without having to organize it among friends or family.

Popular Group Subscription Services

Comparison of Subscription Costs Sharing Services

• TogetherPrice:
  • Platforms Supported: Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, others
  • Fee Structure: Free for basic use, small fee for premium services
• Spliiit:
  • Platforms Supported: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, others
  • Fee Structure: Free to use, fees apply for premium accounts

6. Utilize Free Trials and Temporary Offers

Netflix sometimes offers free trials for new users or special promotions for returning customers. While this won’t help with long-term savings, it can be a great way to enjoy the service for free for a limited time.

Tips for Maximizing Free Trials

• Keep an eye out for promotional emails from Netflix.
• Check the Netflix website or app for any special offers.
• Use a different email address if you’ve already used a free trial before (just make sure you’re adhering to Netflix’s terms of service).

7. Watching Netflix for Free through Your Mobile Carrier or ISP

Some mobile carriers and internet service providers (ISPs) offer Netflix subscriptions as part of their service bundles. This can be a fantastic way to access Netflix without paying an extra fee directly to Netflix.

Which Providers Offer Netflix as a Bundle?

• T-Mobile: T-Mobile offers Netflix on Us with certain unlimited plans, providing a Netflix subscription at no additional cost.
• Verizon: Verizon’s Fios TV and internet plans sometimes include free Netflix for a certain period.
• AT&T: AT&T may offer Netflix as part of their streaming service bundles.

Check with your carrier or ISP to see if they have any current promotions that include Netflix.

8. Keep an Eye on Special Promotions

Throughout the year, Netflix and other retailers often have special promotions that can save you money. These promotions can come in various forms, such as discounts, extended free trials, or bundled deals.

When Do Promotions Usually Occur?

• Holiday Seasons: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas often see special deals.
• Back to School: Sometimes, student promotions pop up in late summer.
• Company Anniversaries: Netflix or its partners may offer deals during significant milestones.

9. Leveraging Educational Discounts

While Netflix doesn’t directly offer student discounts, some third-party services and platforms might provide educational discounts that can indirectly lower your costs. Additionally, students can benefit from bundled services offered through their universities or schools.

10. Check for Partnership Deals

Occasionally, Netflix partners with other companies to provide discounts or free access to their service. For instance, purchasing certain products or services might come with a complimentary Netflix subscription.

Examples of Partnership Deals

• Tech Products: Buying a new smart TV, laptop, or tablet may include a free Netflix subscription.
• Credit Card Rewards: Some credit card companies offer reward points that can be redeemed for Netflix gift cards.

11. Managing Multiple Subscriptions

If you subscribe to multiple streaming services, it’s worth evaluating if you need all of them simultaneously. Consider rotating your subscriptions; for example, subscribing to Netflix for a couple of months, then switching to another service for a while.

How to Efficiently Rotate Streaming Services

1. Plan Your Viewing: Make a list of shows and movies you want to watch on each platform.
2. Subscribe for Short Periods: Sign up for one or two months, binge your list, then switch.
3. Take Advantage of Free Trials: Use free trials strategically to maximize your viewing time.

12. Avoiding Account Hijacking

Believe it or not, account hijacking is a real issue. If someone gains unauthorized access to your Netflix account, they can use your subscription without your knowledge, costing you money. Ensuring your account is secure can help prevent unnecessary charges.

Tips for Keeping Your Netflix Account Secure

• Use a Strong Password: Ensure your password is unique and not used on other sites.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security.
• Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check for unfamiliar logins or profiles.

13. Optimize Your Viewing Habits

Optimizing how you use Netflix can also help you make the most of your subscription. This means getting the most entertainment for your money.

Ways to Optimize Netflix Usage

• Download Content: If you travel often, download shows and movies for offline viewing to save on data costs.
• Utilize Profiles: Create individual profiles for different family members to keep recommendations relevant and avoid clutter.
• Explore Lesser-Known Content: Don’t just stick to trending shows; explore Netflix’s vast library for hidden gems that might be just as entertaining.

14. Considering Ad-Supported Plans

Although Netflix currently doesn’t offer ad-supported plans, other streaming services do, and they come at a lower cost. If you’re open to watching ads, consider switching to a service that offers this option to save money.

Comparing Ad-Supported Plans

• Hulu (With Ads):
  • Monthly Cost: $5.99
  • Features: Access to Hulu’s library with ads
• Peacock (Premium):
  • Monthly Cost: $4.99
  • Features: Extensive library, limited ads
• HBO Max (With Ads):
  • Monthly Cost: $9.99
  • Features: HBO originals and more, with ads

15. Look for Local Deals and Discounts

Sometimes, local retailers or service providers offer special discounts or promotions that can help reduce your Netflix costs. These can often be found in local advertisements or by asking directly at stores.

Examples of Local Deals

• Retail Store Promotions: Electronics stores sometimes offer Netflix gift cards at a discount.
• Community Programs: Local organizations may offer promotional deals as part of community initiatives.

16. Monitor and Adjust Your Plan as Needed

Regularly reviewing your subscription can help ensure you’re not overspending. If your viewing habits change, adjust your plan accordingly.

Steps to Monitor and Adjust Your Netflix Plan

1. Review Monthly Usage: Check how often you use Netflix and if the current plan fits your needs.
2. Compare Plans: See if downgrading or upgrading your plan makes financial sense based on usage.
3. Cancel if Necessary: Don’t be afraid to cancel and take a break if you’re not using the service enough.

17. Creating New Netflix Accounts with Virtual Numbers from SMSBOWER

Another effective method to get a cheaper Netflix subscription is by creating new accounts using virtual numbers from SMSBOWER. This method allows you to take advantage of regional pricing and sign-up offers multiple times.

How to Use SMSBOWER for Cheaper Netflix

1. Visit SMSBOWER: Go to the SMSBOWER website and sign up for an account.
2. Purchase a Virtual Number: Choose a virtual number from a country where Netflix subscriptions are cheaper.
3. Sign Up for Netflix: Use the virtual number for Netflix account, entering the number during the registration process.
4. Verify the Account: Use SMSBOWER to receive the verification code and complete the sign-up process.
5. Repeat as Needed: When the promotional period or cheap subscription ends, you can repeat the process with a new virtual number to continue enjoying lower rates.

Benefits of Using Virtual Numbers

• Cost Savings: Take advantage of cheaper subscription rates in other regions.
• Multiple Promotions: Access sign-up promotions multiple times by creating new accounts.
• Flexibility: Easily manage multiple accounts without needing physical SIM cards.

Steps to Get Cheaper Netflix

1. Choose a VPN Service: Select a reputable VPN service that offers servers in countries with lower Netflix subscription rates.
2. Connect to the VPN: Connect to a server in one of the target countries with cheaper Netflix subscriptions.
3. Create a New Netflix Account: Go to the Netflix website and sign up for a new account while connected to the VPN. This will allow you to see the subscription prices in the selected country.
4. Payment Method: Use a payment method that is accepted in the target country. This might include virtual credit cards or international payment options.

Countries with Cheaper Netflix Subscriptions

Here are some countries where Netflix subscriptions tend to be cheaper:

1. Turkey

• Basic Plan: 119.99 TRY/month (approx. $5.00 USD)
• Standard Plan: 176.99 TRY/month (approx. $7.40 USD)
• Premium Plan: 229.99 TRY/month (approx. $9.60 USD)

2. Argentina

• Basic Plan: 999 ARS/month (approx. $4.00 USD)
• Standard Plan: 1399 ARS/month (approx. $5.60 USD)
• Premium Plan: 1899 ARS/month (approx. $7.60 USD)

3. India

• Mobile Plan: 199 INR/month (approx. $2.40 USD)
• Basic Plan: 499 INR/month (approx. $6.00 USD)
• Standard Plan: 649 INR/month (approx. $7.80 USD)
• Premium Plan: 799 INR/month (approx. $9.60 USD)

4. Brazil

• Basic Plan: 25.90 BRL/month (approx. $5.10 USD)
• Standard Plan: 39.90 BRL/month (approx. $7.80 USD)
• Premium Plan: 55.90 BRL/month (approx. $11.00 USD)

5. South Africa

• Basic Plan: 99 ZAR/month (approx. $5.30 USD)
• Standard Plan: 159 ZAR/month (approx. $8.50 USD)
• Premium Plan: 199 ZAR/month (approx. $10.60 USD)

6. Mexico

• Basic Plan: 139 MXN/month (approx. $7.00 USD)
• Standard Plan: 219 MXN/month (approx. $11.00 USD)
• Premium Plan: 299 MXN/month (approx. $15.00 USD)

7. Colombia

• Basic Plan: 16,900 COP/month (approx. $4.40 USD)
• Standard Plan: 26,900 COP/month (approx. $7.00 USD)
• Premium Plan: 38,900 COP/month (approx. $10.10 USD)

8. Indonesia

• Mobile Plan: 54,000 IDR/month (approx. $3.50 USD)
• Basic Plan: 120,000 IDR/month (approx. $7.80 USD)
• Standard Plan: 153,000 IDR/month (approx. $9.90 USD)
• Premium Plan: 186,000 IDR/month (approx. $12.00 USD)

By connecting to a VPN and selecting one of these countries, you can create a Netflix account at these lower rates. Ensure you use a payment method that works internationally or is accepted in the target country. However, please note that using a VPN to access Netflix from another country may violate Netflix's terms of service.

Conclusion

By exploring these various strategies, you can make your Netflix subscription more affordable and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. From sharing accounts to leveraging regional pricing, taking advantage of gift card deals, and using virtual numbers from SMSBOWER, these tips will help you enjoy Netflix without feeling the pinch. Remember, the key is to stay informed and flexible with your subscription habits, so you can always find ways to save.

Now, go ahead and enjoy your favorite shows and movies without worrying about the cost!