How To Get Netflix For Free Or At A Discounted Cost In The Us

Netflix remains a dominant force in the streaming industry, offering a vast library of movies, television series, documentaries, and original content. While the service typically requires a monthly subscription fee ranging from $6.99 to $24.99 depending on the plan, U.S. consumers have several legitimate avenues to access the platform without paying the full price or to obtain access entirely for free. These methods generally involve bundling services, leveraging rewards programs, or utilizing specific promotional offers provided by mobile carriers and internet service providers.

It is important to distinguish between legitimate, authorized methods of cost reduction and unauthorized access. As of 2026, Netflix has implemented strict password-sharing rules that limit account usage to a single household. Attempting to share passwords outside of this defined household violates the terms of service and may result in account restrictions or additional fees. However, consumers can still legally reduce their costs or gain free access through official channels.

Bundled Offers with Mobile Carriers and Internet Providers

One of the most reliable methods for obtaining Netflix at no additional cost is through bundling agreements with service providers. Several major U.S. carriers include Netflix subscriptions as a perk for customers on specific unlimited plans.

T-Mobile T-Mobile offers a promotion known as "Netflix on Us." According to T-Mobile’s website, customers with qualifying plans are eligible for a free Netflix Standard with Ads subscription. Qualifying plans currently include: - Experience More - Experience Beyond

This deal is also extended to individuals who qualify for military, 55+, or first responder discounts. If a customer does not have a qualifying plan, T-Mobile notes that they may be able to add the service for a discount.

Other Carriers and Providers While T-Mobile is the primary provider offering a completely free subscription, other carriers and internet providers have historically offered bundling options or discounts: - Verizon: Verizon offers a premium streaming bundle that includes Netflix. While specific details on cost reduction vary, Verizon customers should check their current plans for available streaming bundles. - Xfinity: Xfinity bundles streaming services, including Netflix, with its internet packages. - General Check: Consumers are advised to check their workplace benefits portals, as some employers offer streaming service discounts as part of employee benefit packages.

Consumers currently paying for internet or mobile services should contact their provider to verify if Netflix is included in their current plan or available as a low-cost add-on.

Rewards Programs and Gift Cards

For consumers not enrolled in a bundled plan, earning free gift cards through rewards applications provides a pathway to pay for a Netflix subscription without using personal funds.

Fetch Rewards Fetch Rewards is a mobile application that allows users to earn points by snapping photos of shopping receipts and playing free mobile games. These points can be redeemed for Visa gift cards or specific retailer gift cards. - Process: Users download the Fetch app, scan receipts, and accumulate points. - Redemption: Points are redeemed for gift cards that can be used to pay for the Netflix subscription directly. - Benefit: This method allows users to offset the monthly cost of Netflix using money they would have spent on groceries and other goods anyway.

Account Sharing and Extra Member Fees

Historically, sharing a Netflix account with friends or family was a common way to split costs. However, Netflix’s updated policies have changed how this works.

Household Restrictions Netflix allows account sharing only with members of the same household. The service monitors IP addresses and device usage to enforce this policy.

Extra Member Slots For users who wish to share an account with someone outside their household, Netflix offers an "Extra Member" feature. - Eligibility: Only users with Standard or Premium plans can purchase this add-on. - Cost: There is a monthly fee (approximately $7.99/month in the U.S.) for each extra member. - Functionality: The extra member gets their own profile and login credentials but does not need to pay for a full individual subscription.

This option is cheaper than purchasing a separate subscription but is no longer a free method of access unless the primary account holder covers the fee as a gift.

Free Content and Limited Promotions

Netflix does not offer a standard free trial in the U.S., having discontinued this practice in October 2020. However, there are limited ways to view content without a subscription.

Netflix Free Content Netflix maintains a rotating selection of free content available without a subscription or login. This library is not the full Netflix catalog but typically includes: - First episodes of popular original series. - Select movies and documentaries.

Users can access this content by visiting the Netflix website and looking for the "Watch Free" section. This is a legitimate way to sample Netflix Originals without paying.

Promotional Periods Occasionally, Netflix introduces promotional periods where new users can stream select content for free. These are not predictable and are usually tied to specific marketing campaigns for new shows or movies. Consumers are encouraged to follow Netflix’s social media channels or check their official website for updates on such limited-time offers.

Free Preview Weekends While less common now, free preview weekends occasionally occur. During these periods, non-subscribers may be granted temporary access to the full library. These are usually announced with little warning and may be region-specific.

Alternative Cost-Reduction Strategies

If completely free access is not possible, consumers can employ several strategies to reduce the monthly cost of Netflix.

Basic with Ads Plan The most affordable legitimate way to get Netflix is through the "Standard with Ads" plan, priced at $6.99/month. This tier includes commercial breaks during movies and shows but provides access to the full library (with some title limitations due to licensing).

Discounted Gift Cards Consumers can purchase discounted Netflix gift cards from third-party marketplaces or warehouse clubs (like Costco or Sam’s Club). These cards are often sold at a slight discount (e.g., $100 worth of gift cards for $80), effectively reducing the monthly cost.

Cash-Back Apps and Credit Cards Using credit cards that offer cash back on streaming services or general purchases can offset the cost. Additionally, some cash-back apps provide rebates on subscription payments.

Important Considerations and Legalities

Legality of Free Access It is legal to get Netflix for free through official promotions, carrier deals, and rewards programs. However, using unauthorized streaming sites or sharing passwords outside the household violates Netflix's terms of service.

Password Sharing Rules As of 2026, Netflix strictly enforces password-sharing rules. Accounts are intended for use within one household. If users outside the household attempt to use the account, the primary account holder may be prompted to verify the device or pay an additional fee for an extra member slot.

Conclusion

While Netflix has largely moved away from free trials and unrestricted sharing, U.S. consumers still have viable options to stream content without paying the full subscription price. The most effective method for obtaining Netflix entirely free is bundling with a T-Mobile "Experience More" or "Experience Beyond" plan. For others, earning Visa gift cards through the Fetch Rewards app, purchasing discounted gift cards, or utilizing the Basic with Ads plan ($6.99/month) offers significant savings. Additionally, consumers can legally watch a selection of free content directly through the Netflix website. By leveraging these legitimate methods, viewers can enjoy Netflix’s extensive library while managing their entertainment budget effectively.

Sources

1. Savingsgrove: Get Netflix Free
2. Fetch: How to Get Netflix for Free
3. Dealnews: Netflix Free Trial
4. Android Authority: Get Netflix for Free
5. Cabletv: Netflix Free Deals