At first, there was just Netflix, but now there are multiple ‘must-have’ streaming services to keep up with all of your favorite shows. But unfortunately, the cost of many of these streaming services continues to increase, and if you’re like me, you have subscriptions to multiple streaming services to contend with.
If you want to continue watching all your shows as you please because your TV and movie watching knows no bounds, consider these six tips to save money on your streaming purchases.
Use the right credit card
This is TPG, so let’s start with the handful of best credit cards for streaming that help users save money on select U.S. streaming services via cash back and monthly credits.
For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credit, including up to $20 in monthly statement credits on certain entertainment providers, such as Disney+. Note that subscription services bundled with other products or billed by a third-party provider may not be eligible for this benefit. Enrollment is required. But consider this likely your best-bet for locking in Disney+ each month.
This same card comes with a monthly credit that offsets the cost of a Walmart+ membership. Stick with me here as you can access complimentary Paramount+ with that Walmart+ membership.
For most everything else, you may want to consider a card that earns a higher cash-back rate on streaming subscriptions, such as:
Lastly, there are a few cards that earn bonus points on select streaming services:
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For Amazon Prime Video specifically, use a card that rewards Amazon Prime purchases, namely the Prime Visa. Note that the Amex Platinum streaming credit doesn’t cover Amazon Prime Video.
You also may periodically see some limited-time offers on your credit cards for a percent back on certain streaming services, or even an offsetting monthly credit.
Take advantage of Hulu’s free trial
While this won’t save you money forever, new and eligible returning Hulu subscribers can try Hulu for free for 30 days before committing.
Bundle your subscriptions
You can save money by bundling subscriptions for Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN. There are three plans that cost between $9.99 and $24.99 monthly.
Use your cell phone plans for free streaming
Some U.S. phone companies offer free streaming subscription services, including:
Check for credit card offers
Since you can buy Netflix gift cards on Amazon, you should watch for offers where you can use 1 American Express Membership Rewards point to get 20% off your order. It’s an easy and incredibly inexpensive way to save money on Netflix.
Rakuten is also an easy way to save money on subscription services by awarding users cash back for certain subscription services. Your cash back accumulates over time, and you can cash in for credit to your PayPal account.
Currently, Rakuten has the following cash-back offers for streaming services:
- $12.50 in cash back for Disney+
- $2.50 for Peacock TV
- Up to $4.50 for Paramount+
- Up to $15 for Sling TV and ESPN+
- $1 for Hulu
Bear in mind that American Express cardholders who use Rakuten can opt to earn rewards in the form of Amex Membership Rewards instead of cash back, but the offers themselves remain the same.
Hulu is also available on Coupon Cactus, where you can get $3 back; check CashBack Monitor regularly for the latest offers.
Targeted American Express users can get 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on Amazon purchases.
Amex cardholders should also know about Amex Offers to save money on Sling TV. and potentially other services For example, we’ve seen deals offering $10 back after you spend $25 or more on the service up to two times.
Chase cardholders should look for Amazon offers where they can get $15 off a $60 purchase using 1 Chase point. You might also be targeted for Chase Offers, where you can get $5 back on Prime Video purchases.
As of Oct. 24, Bilt is rewarding targeted credit card users up to 5,000 bonus points for steaming merchants, including Netflix and Hulu, for the next 30 days.
Use shopping portals to get bonus airline points and miles
You can also use online shopping portals to sign up for Hulu and earn extra miles. Currently, American Airlines is offering 100 bonus miles, United Airlines is offering 50 bonus miles, Delta Air Lines is offering 60 bonus miles, Alaska Airlines is offering 70 bonus miles and Southwest Airlines is offering 70 bonus points.
Bottom line
Many streaming platforms offer bundles or promotions that let you try the service before committing to a standard membership. By taking advantage of cash back, shopping portals and credit card perks, you can save money, no matter which streaming service you choose.
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