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9 Easy Ways To Get Free Streaming Channels

Unlock a world of entertainment without spending a dime with these simple hacks.

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Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Streaming services initially marketed themselves as a way for viewers to save money, but costs have surged as streaming has become more popular.

Fortunately, there are some ways to cut the cost of your streaming services and even get them for free. Consider these options if you're looking for smart ways to get ahead financially.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

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Try free streaming channels

cherryandbees/Adobe couple watching tv at home

The easiest way to get free streaming channels is to subscribe to services that are already free.

Free streaming platforms, including Tubi, Pluto TV, Redbox, and The Roku Channel, only require you to watch ads in exchange for free streaming.

While not technically free, Amazon Prime members can save money on streaming services by watching Prime Video movies and shows with their annual subscription.

Take advantage of free trials

Antonioguillem/Adobe woman watching in a tablet

With so many streaming services on the market, it can be hard to decide which options best fit your viewing habits and preferences. Free trials can make the process of figuring it out easier.

Many major streaming platforms offer some sort of free trial. For example, Hulu gives subscribers up to one month of free programming when they sign up for a plan.

Apple TV+ offers a seven-day or one-month trial, depending on your subscription.

If you find the service is not for you, be sure to cancel your subscription before the free trial period ends.

Check your phone plan

InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe african woman texting on her phone

Many phone plans now offer free streaming as a perk when you sign up for a plan. T-Mobile offers a free Netflix subscription that can be used on one screen or two screens, depending on your plan.

Verizon also offers a streaming service bundle with some phone plans, giving you access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Purchase an Apple product

Heorshe/Adobe apple store in hong kong

If you buy an iPhone or another Apple product, you can get a free trial of Apple TV+.

Apple offers a three-month free trial to its streaming platform when you purchase an Apple device. You must redeem the offer within 90 days after purchase.

Sign up through Instacart

sdx15/Adobe Instacart logo on phone screen

Some subscription-based services are starting to partner with streaming channels.

For example, Instacart now offers a subscription to Peacock Premium for its Instacart+ members. Instacart+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 a year.

Peacock Premium costs $5.99 on its own, so the savings can be substantial.

Open the right credit card account

zinkevych/Adobe dark-haired young woman in sweater

Check with your credit card company to see if it offers streaming perks. For example, American Express offers a digital entertainment program credit.

If you use your American Express card to pay for a qualifying streaming service, you get up to $20 in statement credits back per month on your card.

Tap the power of your library card

Drobot Dean/Adobe student using mobile phone

Library cards are criminally underutilized when it comes to accessing free media. If you don’t mind waiting a bit for a DVD to be returned, you can watch many TV shows or movies for free, for example.

If you prefer streaming, your library card has another secret perk — Kanopy. Many public library cards give you access to streaming services, which lets you watch thousands of films for free.

Use your student ID

kamiphotos/Adobe student studying online with laptop

If you’re still a student, your student ID might give you access to tons of free or discounted streaming services. For example, you might be able to access Kanopy’s free fare with a student ID.

Meanwhile, Hulu is available to students for just $1.99 per month. Peacock offers students a 12-month rate of $1.99 per month, but you will have to pay full price after the year is up.

Check with your music streaming platform

Tada Images/Adobe smartphone home screen with music folder having various music applications

Here is another perk for students: Sign up for a paid subscription to Spotify Premium Student with Hulu and the popular audio streaming app includes a basic Hulu subscription.

With this deal, you get Spotify Premium and Hulu for just $5.99, including one free month.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Bottom line

Syda Productions/Adobe watching tv and eating popcorn

Streaming services have become less affordable than they were in the past. Still, there are ways to boost your bank account by getting your streaming for free.

Try the options on this list so you get an idea of what works best for you.

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Author Details

Lucy Clark

Lucy Clark has considerable experience writing about real estate, as well as homes and gardens, home value, and more. She is savvy and resourceful, and she aims to ensure others can be, as well.