Did the Netflix Free Trial Rip Me Off?
"Did the Netflix free trial rip me off?" At least once a week we get this question and we are here to set the record straight once and for all. Since this is such a common question it has been flooding our mailbox regularly. We want all our readers to know what is going on so they will be prepared and understand that Netflix is NOT ripping anyone off and it is just a simple misunderstanding.
The Simple Netflix Free Trial Ripoff Scenario
John Doe sees the Netflix free trial and thinks it is great so he enters his e-mail and gives Netflix a debit card as required for sign up. Netflix has a 30 day cancelation policy so he wants to try it for 30 days. A week or so goes by and he gets his bank statement and WOAH! Netflix took $8 out of his account. Now, John Doe thinks Netflix ripped him off because it has not been 30 days.
What happened?! Did Netflix rip John Doe off?
What Really Happened with Netflix?
Netflix does have a free trial and it is indeed a free 30 day trial. What happened was John Doe used a debit card. Netflix placed a hold on the debit card for $8, but unlike credit cards, when a hold is placed on a debit card banks take out the money immediately. If John Doe cancels Netflix within the 30 days, Netflix will release the hold and the $8 will go back to John. If John does not cancel, then Netflix will use this $8 as the first month's pay. He will not be double billed and John still gets 30 days free.
The Netflix free trial is exactly that, a 30 day free trial. There are no hidden fees and no strings attached. Customers can cancel at any time and still watch Netflix for the entire 30 days. So good ahead and start your Netflix free trial without any worries.
Is the Netflix Free Trial Really Free?
"Is the Netflix free trial really free?" If you ever browse Yahoo Answers or any other question and answer forum, then you are sure to see this question. People just cannot believe Netflix would give a 30 day free trial without any catches. After all, we are raised to believe "if it sounds too good to be true, then it is." However, in this case, Netflix really has a free trial.
The Netflix Free Trial Catch
Wait! Didn't we just say there was no catch? This really isn't a catch, but there are some minor qualifications to actually get the 30 day free trial.
- You have to be 18 years old. This is because you have to own a credit card in order to sign up. If you can get a parent's credit card, then you can sign up with their card. Don't worry. Just because you need a card doesn’t mean it will be charged.
- You need a valid credit or debit card to sign up. Netflix will put an immediate hold on the card for $8 to check for validity. If you cancel, the hold will be released. For debit cards, the money actually comes out of your account, but it will be returned upon cancellation. This is more of a bank thing than a Netflix thing.
- It is only available to first time users. Netflix tracks customers through e-mail and credit card data. Therefore, if you had a Netflix account before, you won't qualify for the free trial.
The best part of the free trial is unlimited access to everything Netflix has. If you have not tried Netflix before, sign up today for your 30-day Netflix free trial.
