Subscriptions could be cheaper if people choose the ‘rotate’ method (Image: Getty)
People could stop spending more money than they need to every month on subscription services by checking if they are paying in the most cost-effective way. The default method is not always the best option, and experts claim one way “could save hundreds” of pounds.
According to Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) team, current Disney+ subscribers will face a new monthly price hike this month. Bills for the streaming service will rise from Wednesday, November 18 – and it stings those who pay month-by-month the hardest.
For a Standard plan, customers will start paying £11.99 per month (an increase of £2 per month / £24 per year), totalling £143.88 for the year. The MSE team claim that there are three ways to save money and still enjoy the shows and movies on offer – and “one could save you hundreds”.
Change how often you pay
Disney+ fans can enjoy more than just animated films on the streaming service, with several shows and movies updated regularly, including Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic, Hulu, FX, ESPN and more. If people tend to get a lot of value from their subscription, consider switching to a different billing package. Paying for bigger blocks of time can unlock instant discounts for all customers (new and existing).
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As of November 18, these will be the plans available to new:
- Standard with Ads: £6.99 per month (no annual option)
- Standard (no Ads, stream on two devices): £11.99 per month / £119.90 annual price (£23.98 cheaper)
- Premium (no Ads, stream on four devices: £15.99 per month / £159.90 annual price (£31.98 cheaper)
There are deals to pay for the year upfront, which work out slightly cheaper. New or returning subscribers could unlock a middle-ground deal for a six-month ‘Saver Plan’ of the subscription.
- Standard with Ads Saver: £5.99 per month (auto-renews at £6.99)
- Standard (no Ads, stream on two devices): £9.99 per month (auto-renews at £11.99)
- Premium (no Ads, stream on four devices: £11.99 per month (auto-renews at £15.99)
MSE added that people could save money instantly by switching to the lowest tier, provided that occasional ads do not bother them. Downgrading from Standard to Standard with Ads “could save £60 a year” for monthly subscribers.
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Rotate you subscripitons
To really maximise your money, consider paying for just one subscription service at a time. It might be a faff, but unused subscriptions still cost you each month – and the savings could be huge.
The MSE team claims: “Paying for Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video at the same time costs hundreds of pounds a year. Why not just pick one service, watch what you want on it, then cancel it and move on to the next? That way, you are saving money and won’t be tied into a lengthy contract.”
If you pay monthly (and especially if you rarely use the streaming service you’re subscribed to), you often aren’t bound to a contract. You can cancel penalty-free in most cases and return at a later date with no questions asked.
