As a self-proclaimed tech geek and TV addict, I‘ve been a loyal Netflix subscriber for over a decade now. And while I absolutely love the service, there‘s no denying that the cost of streaming can add up—especially if you‘re on one of the pricier plans. With Netflix‘s subscriber base reaching a staggering 232.5 million worldwide in 2024, it‘s clear that I‘m not alone in my streaming habits (or my quest to save a buck on my monthly bill).
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share some of my best tips, tricks, and hacks for getting Netflix at a discount as an existing customer. Whether you‘re looking to downgrade your plan, score some free Netflix gift cards, or take advantage of limited-time promos, I‘ve got you covered.
Netflix Subscription Plans & Pricing in 2024
First, let‘s take a quick look at Netflix‘s current subscription plans and pricing for 2024:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Simultaneous Streams | Video Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $6.99 | 1 | 720p |
| Basic | $9.99 | 1 | 720p |
| Standard | $15.49 | 2 | 1080p |
| Premium | $19.99 | 4 | 4K + HDR |
As you can see, the plans range from $6.99 per month for the new ad-supported Basic tier all the way up to $19.99 per month for the 4K-enabled Premium plan. Note that the exact pricing may vary slightly depending on your country—for example, in India Netflix offers mobile-only plans starting at just ₹149 ($1.96) per month.
It‘s also worth noting that Netflix has been investing heavily in original content over the past few years. In 2021 alone, the company spent over $17 billion on content, up from $11.8 billion in 2020. This includes hugely popular TV series like Squid Game, Bridgerton, Lupin and Stranger Things, as well as movies like Red Notice and Don‘t Look Up.
How to Get Free Netflix Gift Cards
One of my favorite ways to save money on Netflix is by earning free gift cards through online survey sites and rewards programs. By sharing my opinions on various products and services, I can rack up points that I can then redeem for Netflix credits. Here are a few of the top sites I recommend:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards and loyalty program that pays you for completing various online activities, including:
- Taking surveys
- Watching video ads
- Shopping online
- Playing games
- Searching the web
For every task you complete, you‘ll earn points (a.k.a. Swagbucks or SB) that you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards—including Netflix. Swagbucks has paid out over $750 million to its members to date and offers a $10 welcome bonus for new signups.
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the most well-known online survey sites, with over 10 million members. The site matches you with paid surveys based on your demographic profile and interests. Each survey is worth a certain number of points, with longer and more complex surveys paying more. Once you reach 1,000 points (equivalent to $10), you can cash out via PayPal, bank transfer or e-gift cards like Netflix. Survey Junkie has an excellent 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot.
3. LifePoints
LifePoints is another popular survey site that rewards you for sharing your opinions and feedback. You can earn LifePoints by completing online surveys, product testing, and other market research activities. Payments are made via PayPal or gift cards, with a minimum cash out of just $5. LifePoints is available in over 40 countries and has paid out over $22 million to its members so far.
Other Ways to Save on Netflix
In addition to earning free gift cards, there are a few other ways you can trim your Netflix bill as an existing subscriber:
1. Downgrade your plan
If you‘re currently on the Standard or Premium plan but don‘t necessarily need perks like HD/4K streaming or simultaneous viewing on multiple devices, consider downgrading to the Basic or ad-supported plan. This could save you anywhere from $5 to $13 per month—or up to $156 per year.
Netflix‘s terms of service have historically been quite lenient when it comes to password sharing. However, the company has recently started cracking down on this practice, testing an extra fee for subscribers who share their account with people outside their household. While this new policy has not been rolled out globally yet, it‘s something to keep in mind if you currently share your login with friends or family.
3. Buy discounted gift cards
Sites like Raise and CardCash allow you to buy Netflix gift cards at a discount from other users. The exact amount of the discount varies, but you can typically expect to save anywhere from 1% to 15% off the face value. For example, I recently snagged a $100 Netflix gift card for just $95 on CardCash—a 5% savings.
4. Take advantage of bundle deals
Keep an eye out for special promotions from Netflix and other retailers/service providers that bundle Netflix with other purchases. For example, T-Mobile‘s Magenta and Magenta MAX family plans come with a free Netflix Basic or Standard subscription. Similarly, Verizon offers a "Disney bundle" that includes Disney+, Hulu and Netflix Standard for just $19.99 per month (a $7.99/month savings).
5. Pause your subscription
If you know you won‘t be using Netflix for an extended period of time (e.g. you‘re going on vacation or just need a break from screens), you can temporarily pause your membership for up to 10 months. Simply go to your Account settings and select "Pause Membership" under the Membership & Billing section. You won‘t be charged while your account is on hold, but your viewing history and preferences will be saved.
How to Find Working Netflix Promo Codes
Whenever I‘m searching for Netflix deals and discounts online, I always make sure to follow these tips to avoid getting scammed by fake or expired promo codes:
Check the source: Stick to reputable coupon sites like RetailMeNot, Groupon, and Slickdeals. If a site looks sketchy or you‘ve never heard of it before, proceed with caution.
Read the fine print: Many Netflix promos are only valid for a limited time or have specific eligibility requirements (e.g. new subscribers only). Always read the terms and conditions before attempting to redeem a code.
Don‘t give out your login info: If a website or app asks for your Netflix username and password in order to apply a promo code, close the tab immediately and do not enter your credentials. This is a common scam used to hack Netflix accounts.
Be realistic: As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of sites promising completely free Netflix subscriptions or massive discounts that seem implausible.
How to Redeem a Netflix Gift Card
So, you‘ve managed to snag a Netflix gift card—congrats! Here‘s how to redeem it and apply the balance to your account:
- Go to netflix.com/redeem.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
- Enter the 11-digit PIN on the back of the gift card.
- Click "Redeem" to apply the gift card balance to your account.
Once redeemed, the gift card amount will be credited to your account and applied to your next billing cycle. If the gift card value is less than your monthly subscription price, you‘ll be charged the remaining balance on your regular payment method.
Netflix News & Updates
As I mentioned earlier, Netflix has been investing heavily in original programming over the past few years. Some of the platform‘s biggest hits of 2024 so far include:
- Season 4 of the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things
- The Witcher prequel series Blood Origin
- The true crime docuseries Murdaugh Murders
- Reality competition shows like Physical 100 and Love Is Blind
- The Knives Out sequel Glass Onion
But TV shows and movies aren‘t the only new additions to Netflix‘s library. In November 2021, the company launched a new games division, featuring mobile games based on popular Netflix IP. The games, which are free for subscribers, can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple App Store.
Netflix is also set to launch a new ad-supported subscription tier in partnership with Microsoft later this year. While details on pricing and availability are still slim, this new plan will likely be cheaper than the current ad-free options—though it remains to be seen how many ads viewers will have to sit through per hour.
Final Thoughts
Netflix may not be the cheapest streaming service on the block, but there are still plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck as a subscriber. Whether you choose to earn free gift cards, split the cost with friends, or wait for a killer promo deal, a bit of extra effort can go a long way in keeping your streaming budget in check.
Of course, it‘s also worth considering whether you actually need a Netflix subscription in the first place. With so many other streaming services now available—many of which offer cheaper plans or even free trials—it may be worth exploring your options before committing to Netflix long-term.
That being said, if you‘re as much of a Netflix devotee as I am, saving a few bucks here and there can really add up over time. And with so much binge-worthy content coming out on a regular basis, I personally think it‘s a worthwhile investment. Happy streaming!
FAQs
- How much does Netflix cost per month?
- Netflix plans range from $6.99/month (Basic with Ads) to $19.99/month (Premium) in the US as of 2024.
- Does Netflix offer any discounts for students?
- Yes, eligible students at participating colleges and universities can get up to 50% off their monthly subscription price for up to 4 years.
- Can I share my Netflix account with friends or family?
- While Netflix has historically been lenient with password sharing, the company is currently testing a new policy that charges extra for out-of-household sub-accounts in select countries. So account sharing may become more restricted in the future.
- How can I get a free Netflix account?
- While you can earn free Netflix gift cards from rewards sites and survey programs, be wary of websites and apps that claim to offer completely free Netflix logins, as these are usually scams.
- Does Netflix have any ads?
- Currently, Netflix‘s Basic, Standard and Premium plans are all ad-free. However, the company is set to launch a new ad-supported subscription tier in partnership with Microsoft sometime in late 2023.
