Long gone are the days when we were each only signed up to one streaming service, back when Netflix’s biggest competitor was LoveFilm.
Now, it’s hard to keep up. From watching Pixar classics on Disney+ to binge-worthy series on Amazon Prime, there’s a growing number of streaming services available. With HBO Max launching in the UK in March, offering shows such asThe White Lotus and Euphoria, there will soon be another platform to add to the list.
However, while we may have no control over the price of streaming creeping up, there are ways to save. Before I get into that, I strongly recommend doing an audit of your direct debits, to check you’re not paying for any streaming services that you no longer use. You’ll be able to do this through online banking or on your bank’s app.
With that in hand, I’ve rounded up my top tips and tricks for saving on Netflix, Disney+, Now TV and more – and don’t worry, none of them involve putting up with adverts.
Read more: Do I need a TV licence? How to check before the fee rises
1. Switch streaming platforms based on what you’re watching
Unless you’re watching three different shows at once, all from different platforms, you probably don’t need to be signed up to multiple streaming services at the same time.
Most major streaming services allow you to pause or cancel your membership whenever you like. Let’s say you’re binge-watching a show on Amazon Prime Video. By cancelling your subscriptions to Disney+ (up to £14.99 a month) and Netflix (up to £18.99 a month) and Now TV (£9.99 a month) you could save up to £43.97 every month.
Then, once you’re finished with the show you’re watching, you can restart another subscription and find something new.
2. Sign up for an annual subscription
Don’t want to swap between streaming services? Try locking in for a year, as this will usually be cheaper.
With Disney+, its standard plan will cost you £119.88 across the year when you pay monthly, or £99.90 for an annual plan. By opting for the yearly plan, you’re basically getting 12 months for the price of 10.
You can also get annual subscriptions to ITVX Premium, Amazon Prime and Mubi, but Netflix doesn’t offer an annual plan.
3. Start the cancellation process
This isn’t foolproof, but you could be offered a discount if you threaten to cancel your subscription. You don’t actually have to call the company to do this – just log in online, select ‘cancel’ and see what happens. Rumour has it, this often works with Now TV, Amazon Prime and ITVX, so there’s no harm in trying.
4. Get free streaming with your bank account
Some bank accounts offer free streaming-service subscriptions as a perk when you open an account.
For example, Club Lloyds is a current account that costs £5 a month (though it’s refunded if you pay in £2,000 a month) that enbles you to choose a perk, and one of the options is 12-months of Disney+ standard with ads. If you switch another bank account to Club Lloyds, you’ll also get a £200 bonus – but check the Lloyds website for full terms and conditions.
Barclays’s Blue Rewards also costs £5 a month and will give you free access to AppleTV.
5. Use your Clubcard points towards Disney+
If you’ve got at least £9 worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers – which is equivalent to 900 points – you can swap these for three months of a Disney+ standard with ads subscription. To get three months without the ads, you’ll need £15 in vouchers (1,500 points).
Go to Tesco’s reward partners page, type in Disney+ and follow the instructions. You’ll receive a confirmation code that you can use online to redeem your subscription.
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