Netflix's yearly subscription costs less per month than paying monthly, but locks you in for 12 months
Netflix offers a yearly plan that charges you once a year instead of every month. The exact price depends on which tier you choose — Standard, Premium, or Basic — and your country. In the United States, the yearly Standard plan costs around $139.99 per year (roughly $11.67 per month), compared to $15.49 if you pay month to month. The Premium tier runs about $179.99 yearly versus $22.99 monthly. Basic is no longer sold to new members in most countries, though existing Basic subscribers can keep their plan.
The trade-off is that you pay the full year upfront and cannot cancel mid-year without losing the unused portion. Netflix does not refund unused months. If you cancel after six months, you lose the money for the remaining six months — there is no prorated refund or credit toward a future month.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix's yearly plan saves money compared to monthly billing, but you must pay the entire year upfront with no refunds if you cancel early.
- The yearly price varies by country and by tier (Standard or Premium); check your Netflix account settings to see the exact cost in your region.
- You can switch between yearly and monthly billing, but the change takes effect only at your next billing date, not immediately.
- If your payment method fails or Netflix suspends your account, you lose access to the service but do not receive a refund for unused months.
How to switch to yearly billing or back to monthly
To change your billing cycle, log into your Netflix account on a web browser (the app does not allow this change). Go to Account settings, then Membership and billing. You will see your current plan and billing frequency. Click Change plan or Update billing cycle, depending on what Netflix shows you. Select yearly or monthly, review the new price, and confirm.
The change takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately. If you are currently on monthly billing and switch to yearly, Netflix will charge you the yearly amount on your next monthly renewal date. If you switch from yearly to monthly mid-year, you will not get a refund — you will simply start paying monthly rates once your yearly period ends.
What happens if you cancel before the year is up
Netflix does not refund yearly subscriptions under any circumstance. If you cancel after three months of a twelve-month plan, you forfeit the remaining nine months of payment. Your account closes immediately, and you lose access to all content.
The only exception is if you live in a country with consumer protection laws that require refunds for cancellations within a certain window (such as 14 days in some European countries). Check your local consumer protection rules or contact Netflix support to learn whether your country has such a law. Netflix will tell you whether you are may have access to to a refund based on your location and cancellation date.
Comparing yearly to month-to-month costs
| Plan Tier | Monthly Cost (US) | Yearly Cost (US) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $15.49 | $139.99 | ~$45.89 |
| Premium | $22.99 | $179.99 | ~$95.89 |
Prices vary outside the United States. Netflix charges different amounts in different countries based on local market conditions and payment processing costs. Log into your account to see the exact yearly and monthly prices available in your region.
The yearly plan makes sense if you know you will use Netflix for the full 12 months and want to lock in a lower rate. If you are uncertain about keeping the service, monthly billing gives you the option to cancel without penalty.
Payment methods and billing issues
Netflix charges your payment method on your billing date each year. You can use a credit card, debit card, or a gift card to pay for yearly billing. If your payment method fails or expires, Netflix will attempt to charge you again using a backup payment method if you have one on file. If all payment attempts fail, Netflix suspends your account and you lose access to streaming.
When your account is suspended for non-payment, Netflix does not refund the unused portion of your yearly subscription. You must update your payment information and pay any outstanding balance to restore access. Contact Netflix support if you need to update your payment method or if you believe a charge was made in error.
Sharing your account and yearly billing
Netflix's policies on account sharing have changed. As of 2024, Netflix restricts password sharing and charges extra for adding people outside your household in most countries. If you share your yearly subscription with someone outside your home, Netflix may ask you to add them as a paid extra member or to upgrade your plan. These charges are separate from your yearly subscription cost and are billed monthly or yearly depending on what you choose.
If you are the account owner paying for the yearly plan, you control the billing. Anyone you add as an extra member will be charged according to the terms you agree to, and those charges will appear on your payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my yearly subscription?
Netflix does not refund yearly subscriptions once purchased. If you cancel mid-year, you lose access immediately and forfeit the unused months. The only exception is if your country has consumer protection laws requiring refunds within a certain period (such as 14 days in the EU). Check your local laws or contact Netflix support to see if you are covered.
What is the difference between Standard and Premium yearly plans?
Premium allows more simultaneous streams (usually four) and higher video quality (up to 4K), while Standard allows fewer streams (usually two) and lower quality (up to 1080p). Premium costs more per year. Choose based on how many people will watch at once and what screen size you use.
Does Netflix offer discounts or promotions on yearly plans?
Netflix occasionally runs promotions in specific countries, but these are not may provide and change frequently. The best way to know is to check your account settings or contact Netflix support. Promotional rates usually apply only to new members or members who have cancelled and rejoined.
Can I pause my yearly subscription instead of cancelling?
Netflix does not offer a pause feature for yearly subscriptions. You must either keep paying or cancel. If you cancel, you lose access immediately and cannot get a refund. Some countries may have different rules — check with Netflix support if you want to temporarily stop your service.
What happens to my yearly subscription if Netflix raises prices?
Netflix does not raise prices mid-year for existing yearly subscribers. Your yearly rate stays the same for the full 12 months. When your yearly period ends and you renew, the new price will apply if Netflix has increased rates in your region.