Netflix charges a monthly fee for streaming access, and the price and features depend on which plan you choose
Netflix offers several monthly plans in the United States, each with different video quality, number of simultaneous streams, and ad presence. The Standard plan costs more than the Basic plan but allows two people to watch at once in higher definition. The Premium plan costs the most and allows four simultaneous streams in 4K. A Basic with Ads plan costs less than Basic but includes advertisements during shows and films. Netflix bills you every month on the same date you signed up, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
Pricing changes periodically and varies by country. As of early 2024, the Standard plan in the US costs around $15.49 per month, but Netflix has raised prices multiple times in recent years. The exact amount you pay depends on when you created your account and which plan you selected. You can see your current plan and price by logging into your account and checking the subscription settings.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix offers four plan types in the US: Basic with Ads, Basic, Standard, and Premium, each with different streaming limits and video quality.
- Monthly charges appear on your credit card or payment method on the same date each month, and prices vary depending on your plan and account age.
- You can change plans, pause your subscription, or cancel entirely through your account settings without contacting Netflix support.
- Netflix does not refund partial months if you cancel mid-cycle, so cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period.
The four Netflix plan types and what each includes
The Basic with Ads plan is the lowest-cost option and includes ads during content. You can watch on one screen at a time in standard definition (720p). This plan does not include offline downloads or 4K streaming.
The Basic plan removes ads and costs more than Basic with Ads. You still watch on one screen at a time in standard definition, and you cannot download content or stream in 4K.
The Standard plan allows two people to watch simultaneously and streams in full HD (1080p) instead of standard definition. You can download some titles to watch offline. This plan includes ads unless you pay extra to remove them.
The Premium plan is the most expensive and allows up to four simultaneous streams in 4K resolution. You can download content and watch offline. Premium includes ad-free viewing and is the only plan that supports spatial audio on compatible devices.
How billing works and when you are charged
Netflix charges your payment method on the same calendar date every month. If you signed up on the 15th, you are billed on the 15th of each month. If you signed up on the 31st of a month with 31 days, you are billed on the last day of months with fewer days.
You can update your payment method, change your plan, or cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings. Changes to your plan take effect immediately, but you are not refunded for the unused portion of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, your access continues until the end of that billing period, and you are not charged again.
Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cases PayPal or other digital payment methods depending on your country. If a payment fails, Netflix typically sends a notification and may suspend your account until the payment goes through.
Sharing your account and extra member fees
Netflix allows account sharing within a household, but the company has added restrictions on sharing outside your home. If you share your password with someone outside your household, Netflix may ask you to verify your location or add them as an extra member.
An extra member is a separate account linked to your main Netflix subscription. The cost of adding an extra member varies by plan and country but typically ranges from $7 to $8 per month. Extra members have their own profile, watch history, and recommendations, but they count toward your simultaneous stream limit.
Netflix defines a household as people living in the same residence who share internet. If you travel frequently or live in multiple places, you may encounter prompts asking you to confirm your home location. The rules around sharing are still evolving, and enforcement varies by region.
Pausing and canceling your subscription
Netflix allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your profile, watch history, or saved titles. When you pause, you are not charged, but you cannot watch content. After three months, your subscription either resumes automatically or is canceled, depending on your account settings.
To cancel, go to your account settings, select "Membership and Billing," and choose "Cancel Membership." Netflix asks for a reason but does not require one. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on the 10th of a month and your billing date is the 20th, you can watch until the 20th and are not charged again.
If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can sign back in with the same email address. Your profile and watch history remain saved for a limited time, though Netflix does not specify exactly how long.
Price differences by plan and region
Netflix pricing varies significantly by country. The US, Canada, and Western European countries typically have higher prices than Latin America, Asia, or Eastern Europe. Within the US, all customers on the same plan pay the same price regardless of when they signed up, though Netflix has grandfathered some older accounts at lower rates.
Netflix occasionally runs promotional offers for new members, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These offers vary by region and change frequently. Existing members do not receive these promotions when they renew.
If you travel internationally, you can continue watching your account, but Netflix restricts some content by country due to licensing agreements. You may see different titles available depending on your location.
What happens if you stop paying or your payment method fails
If your payment method declines, Netflix sends a notification and gives you time to update it. Your account remains active during this grace period, which typically lasts a few days. If payment is not received, Netflix suspends your account, and you cannot watch content until the payment goes through.
Suspended accounts can be reactivated by updating your payment method. You do not lose your profile or watch history during a suspension. If you intentionally do not pay and your account remains suspended for an extended period, Netflix may eventually close it, though the company does not publish a specific timeline for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan anytime?
Yes. Log into your account, go to "Membership and Billing," and select "Change Plan." The new plan takes effect immediately, and you are charged the new price on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may see a prorated charge or credit depending on the price difference.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. Netflix does not refund unused portions of your billing cycle. If you cancel on the 10th and your billing date is the 25th, you can watch until the 25th but receive no refund for those 15 days.
What is the difference between Standard and Premium?
Premium allows four simultaneous streams and 4K resolution, while Standard allows two streams in 1080p. Premium costs more per month. Both include offline downloads and ad-free viewing.
Can I use my Netflix account in two different countries?
You can watch your account while traveling, but Netflix restricts content by country due to licensing. You may see different titles available depending on your location. Extended use outside your home country may trigger verification prompts.
What payment methods does Netflix accept?
Netflix accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions PayPal or other digital wallets. The exact methods available depend on your country. You can update your payment method anytime in your account settings.