Have you ever seen a trailer for a new show you were looking forward to, only to find it’d appear on a streaming service that you didn’t have? It’s a problem that has absolutely happened to me from time to time. With so many streaming subscriptions available these days, it’s hard to financially keep up with them all. The thought of adding another subscription for a single show or movie then becomes daunting. We’ve all been there.
But what if I told you there are often ways to either mitigate the costs of adding new subscription services or find more indirect ways to obtain savings or free trials? If you take the metaphorical blue pill, you’ll move on to the next article destined to forever pay hefty subscription costs up front, as Netflix and company intended. But keep reading for a dose of the red pill, and to see just how far the rabbit hole goes. Alright, it’s really not that mysterious, but you still might want to take note of these tips and tricks for reducing your streaming costs.
Perks of the phone plan
Many cellular network providers often partner with streaming services
On your next visit to the Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile store, be sure to ask the associate about any plans that might include free streaming perks. I currently receive Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN with my Verizon plan. While the offers may shift or change, they usually exist, and it’s worth asking or checking with your provider. Verizon has also been known to provide Netflix and HBO Max at a discount. With T-Mobile, you could nab a plan that gets you Netflix or Apple TV for only $3/month. Currently, there are no streaming bundle plans at AT&T. However, the provider has been known to offer streaming promotions in the past, including a deal that was available last year bundling HBO Max. So, it’s important to check with your network provider to see what streaming perks you might be missing out on.
Internet provider benefits
Like cellular network providers, ISPs have been known to offer streaming services with packages
Just like cellular networks, internet service providers are looking to entice new customers with streaming bundle options that could save you money in the long run. Of course, you will have to check with your local ISP to see if there are any bundling options. As an example, Xfinity offers multiple streaming bundles with cost savings. You can obtain Peacock, Netflix, and HBO Max for $22/month, a package that is nearly $10 more when the totals are taken separately. There are larger options that include even more services such as Disney+ and Hulu. So, be sure to check in with your local internet service provider to see if there are any options for you on the streaming front.
Walmart+
Bundle retail and streaming benefits
If you have a Walmart+ plan, you may already know that you can select either Peacock or Paramount+ as an added benefit that comes with your membership. Of course, Walmart+ offers several perks on its own as a membership service, including shipping and pharmacy/grocery delivery at no extra cost, savings on gas, online pet care, and many other in-store perks. You can get this subscription for $98 annually or $12.95/monthly. A Peacock subscription cost on its own is $8.99 which is already a bulk of the monthly cost for Walmart+. If you would use any of these services, Walmart+ would, indeed, be an excellent opportunity to save on streaming.
Keep in mind that Walmart offers a $1 trial period of 30 days for Walmart+. If you decide you don’t like it, you can walk away having only lost a solitary one-dollar bill. That’ll also give you a full month to check out either Peacock or Paramount+. It’s not quite a free trial, but it’s certainly close.
Instacart+
Get your groceries delivered and access to Peacock
Like Walmart+, Instacart+ has several benefits that include a bundled Peacock subscription ($8.99/month in value). The other primary Instacart+ benefits include no additional grocery or restaurant delivery fees. Instacart+ members can also save at specific retailers like Costco. The service will cost you $99/year, which is the equivalent of $8.25/month. This is less than ordering a Peacock subscription directly for $8.99/month. So, you might as well get some free delivery with your entertainment.
Student Discounts
Make the most of your education
If you’ve taken on the challenge of higher learning, then don’t sleep on the discounts and freebies available to you. As a student, you can lock down streaming services for heavy discounts or entirely free when bundled with other services. Here’s a look at a few of the ways you can nab streaming services using your student status as a discount coupon.
- Apple Music: Students can get 1 month free of this service and gain access to Apple TV at no extra cost.
- Disney+ & Hulu Bundle: Eligible students can obtain this bundle at 50% off for only $6.49/month (typically $12.99/month)
- Paramount+: Students can also claim Paramount+ for 50% off the usual price ($8.99) for the first 12 months.
- Peacock: Students can get Peacock Premium for $6.99/month (normally $12.99/month) for the first 12 months.
Military Discounts
Streaming services are paying it forward
Active-duty and military veterans should absolutely take advantage of the discounts available to them. If you are currently serving or have served in the military, be sure to check out these available options to save on streaming. And thank you for your service.
- Peacock: The military discount offers a subscription for $7.99/month for the first 12 months.
- Paramount+: Military personnel can obtain a subscription at 50% of the typical cost for the first 12 months.
- Disney+: Military veterans, personnel, and family members can obtain 25% off the annual subscription cost.
Credit card benefits
Every credit card offers rewards, but some offer streaming benefits
This is another not-so-obvious method to obtaining free or discounted streaming services. Credit card companies are always enticing prospective customers with rewards and benefits. Streaming subscriptions can be one of them. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express can earn you up to $120 in credit a year to put toward Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many credit cards offer cash back rewards for certain expenditures. Eligible entertainment is often one such expenditure, and a streaming subscription fits into that category. Indirectly, streaming can save you money by earning cash back rewards. Be sure to check with your credit card company and see what your options are.
