How to Get a Free Netflix Account: Smart Ways to Make it Happen

1. Get a Free Netflix Trial Forever

While some websites detail shady ways to take advantage of multiple free Netflix trials, I’ve found a more legit way to get a Netflix account for no charge.

Simply wait a few months between 30-day trials.

Without fail, you’ll eventually get an email asking you to try another 30-day Netflix trial (See image below).

It might take a month or two to get the invite email, but don’t fret, you eventually will. Then simply do all your binge watching once your free Netflix subscription begins yet again.

Also, I’ve had success calling Netflix at 1-(866) 579-7172 before my trial ends and ask them politely if they’ll extend it for me. I’ll use the valid excuse of not having enough time to give it a full spin and they’ll usually give me another 30-day free trial. Always worth a shot.

Lastly, be sure to cancel your Netflix trial shortly after you start it.

Why? Because Netflix will still allow you to use the service for the full 30 days and cancel it automatically once your time runs out.

This is a great way to ensure you don’t get stuck with a charge once your trial expires and you forget to cancel.

2. Use the Right Credit Card

There’s no doubt that credit cards can be a real thorn in the side to those with a propensity to spend recklessly.

But if you learn to use them correctly, and pay off your bill in full every month, they can actually do some good in the form of rewards and free airline miles.

Douglas Clinton recently discovered a very cool way to take advantage of credit card rewards which ends up basically giving him a free subscription every month.

He made it happen by signing up for the free BankAmericard Better Balance Rewards Card which gives a free $25 reward at the end of every quarter when you pay more than the minimum monthly payment, or pay off your monthly bill in full.

He then uses the same card to pay his Netflix bill, and once he gets his $25 reward, it’s basically a wash.

I love clever ways to make credit cards work to your advantage, and this hack to essentially get Netflix for free is brilliant.

Bonus Tip: T-Mobile Offers Free Netflix

If you’re thinking of switching cell providers, be aware that T-Mobile ONE unlimited family plans now include Netflix for free.

To qualify, all you need are two or more paid voice lines on T-Mobile ONE (including taxes and fees).

The really cool part is that even customers with free lines from the Un-carrier’s popular “line-on-us” deals qualify.

Customers on Unlimited 55+, or 2 lines for $100, can also get “Netflix On Us” simply by switching to the latest T-Mobile ONE plan.

Ask the Reader: Have you discovered any clever ways to get Netflix for no charge, or at a big monthly discount?

Netflix Hacks You Aren't Using (But Should Be)

01. Remove embarrassing titles from your viewing history

Maybe you don't want your significant other to know you finished Orange Is the New Black without them, or you'd prefer that your late, late-night decision to watch The Package not interfere with the subsequent recommendations served up by Netflix's algorithm. Not to worry -- you can selectively delete your history. Head to this page, where you'll see everything you've watched in chronological order, and remove any and all of your misdeeds. And if those misdeeds extend into the great streaming beyond, here's how to cover your tracks on YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, and more.

02. Add IMDb ratings and other features using Chrome extensions

If you want to instantly improve your bingeing, we suggest checking out some of the special features available as Chrome extensions. IMDb Ratings on Netflix is a good example of a simple, straightforward Chrome extension that does exactly what it promises: adds IMDb ratings for shows and movies in a pop-up in the right-hand corner of a thumbnail when you hover over a title. It's that extra data point that might help make your viewing choice easier. There are countless other Chrome extensions out there -- including ones we'll point out in other entries below -- but watch out for some that haven't been updated in years. If they haven't kept up with Netflix's changes, it might not be useful anymore. It's often best to stick with ones that delivers a small improvement rather than one that promises to "transform" your experience. Keep in mind that the Chrome extensions will only work for browser-based viewing, so if you're watching via a streaming device connected to your TV, they won't do you any good.

03. Download movies and shows to watch when you're offline

One of the biggest streaming obstacles is the necessity of a high-quality internet connection. Late in 2016, Netflix changed everything by rolling out the ability to download select movies and TV shows, which means you can take some of your queue with you without worrying about whether your flight's Wi-Fi will be up to snuff. You'll need to snag the mobile app and factor in that downloading requires a bit of time and storage space, but soon you'll be watching great movies and shows on the go.