Streaming doesn’t always have to cost you. With a few smart strategies, you can access premium content legally and consistently—without opening your wallet. From free trials to ad-supported platforms and cashback tricks, this guide breaks down how to stream smarter, not spend harder.
- Rotate free trials strategically
Most major platforms offer a free trial for first-time users—and some even extend offers to returning users. Use these to watch exclusive content during your trial period, then cancel before billing starts. Try these:
- Hulu: 30-day free trial for new users
- Apple TV+: Free with purchase of eligible Apple devices
- Paramount+: 7-day trial available anytime
- YouTube Premium: 1-month free trial
Tip: Use a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial ends.
- Take advantage of free streaming platforms
There are several high-quality streaming services that offer 100% free access—with ads. These include:
- Tubi: Thousands of movies and shows
- Pluto TV: Live and on-demand content
- Crackle: Free originals and classics
- Freevee: Amazon’s free streaming platform
They’re perfect for supplementing your paid subscriptions or replacing them altogether during budget months.
- Borrow or share (ethically)
If you live in the same household, many services allow account sharing through family or household plans:
- Netflix: Allows adding extra users for a fee outside your household
- Spotify: Premium Family for up to 6 accounts
- YouTube Premium: Share with up to 5 family members
Make sure to follow the platform’s official sharing rules to avoid account restrictions.
- Watch through your phone carrier or credit card perks
Many wireless carriers and banks offer complimentary streaming access as part of their customer rewards:
- Verizon: Free Disney+ with certain unlimited plans
- T-Mobile: Netflix or Apple TV+ with eligible plans
- Credit cards from Chase, Amex, and others may offer monthly streaming statement credits
You can also use these credit card perks in combination with cashback rewards by purchasing discounted digital gift cards through Fluz. Even if you’re not paying full price, you can still buy a streaming gift card online and earn cashback before applying it to your account.
- Use public libraries for free streaming
Many libraries now offer digital streaming access through platforms like:
All you need is a valid library card from a participating system.
- Sign up for promotions and bundles
Occasionally, companies run bundles or promotional offers where streaming access is included:
- Amazon Prime: Prime Video included with Prime membership
- Walmart+: Now includes Paramount+ at no extra cost
- The Disney Bundle: Includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted rate
Even if you’re not paying directly for the streaming service, you may already have access through a larger subscription. You can still stack gift card savings using Fluz to get cashback when gifting or covering additional months.
Final tip: Pause when you don’t need it
Even if a service doesn’t offer free access, pausing or rotating your subscriptions (as covered in blog #13) can simulate the savings of a free plan by avoiding overlap and downtime between shows. Combine this with gift card cashback from Fluz and your savings will go even further.
