Almost everyone has probably heard of Netflix. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy movies and TV shows in the comforts of your home, or on the road through a mobile app. That said, Netflix isn’t free and requires a paid subscription which you can buy using a credit or debit card.
Not everyone has a credit or debit card that can be used to buy a Netflix plan. Statistics have shown that less than 10% of transactions in the Philippines involve credit cards. With the low credit card usage rate in the country, it’s no surprise that many Filipinos are having a hard time purchasing items that require a valid credit card.
If you want to subscribe to Netflix but you don’t have a credit or debit card in your possession, there are some ways to do it without going to the bank and applying for a card. You can either use a virtual credit card (VCC) or buy a Netflix gift code. We’ll discuss each one in exact detail so you’ll have no problems along the way. After that, you can start watching Money Heist as much as you want.
Netflix offers a 30-day free trial for credit card holders. So you don’t need to pay for your first month, as long as you have a valid credit or debit card. If you don’t think that Netflix is worth the money, then you can simply cancel your trial before the expiration date, and you won’t be charged after that. (At the moment, Netflix has temporarily stopped free trials for users in the Philippines.)
Use a PayMaya Virtual Card
PayMaya is an e-wallet that you can use to pay bills, go shopping, buy prepaid load and send money using your smartphone. Anyone can sign up for a free PayMaya account, regardless of the mobile number they use. Read this guide to learn how to register and verify your PayMaya account.
When registering, you can use the invite code 23pfpum to get ₱50 for free after you verify your PayMaya account.
After your PayMaya account is verified, you will have access to the PayMaya virtual card as long as you have at least ₱100 balance. The PayMaya virtual card is just like any debit card and contains the cardholder’s name, account number, validity and card verification value (CVV). You can use the PayMaya virtual card to purchase items online and subscribe to services like Netflix. The card is free and has no annual fees.
So here’s how to view your PayMaya virtual card.
First, log in to your PayMaya app. If you don’t have at least ₱100 in your PayMaya wallet, you can top up your wallet via online banking, PayPal and over-the-counter partners such as Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier, 7-Eleven and many more. Read this article to learn how to add money to your PayMaya account.
Tap the “My Cards” tab at the bottom of the screen, and then select “Online Payment Card Number.”
You can now view your PayMaya virtual card. Use the card details in your PayMaya virtual credit card to purchase a Netflix subscription. Keep your card information confidential and don’t share your details to anyone.
To subscribe to Netflix using your PayMaya card, log in to your account or sign up here (you will have to provide your email). Choose your plan and click “Continue.”
Create a password if you haven’t done so already. Set up your payment by choosing “Credit or Debit Card.”
Enter your PayMaya card details, including card number, expiration date and security code (CVV).
Check the checkbox that signifies your agreement to the Netflix terms of use and privacy statement. Click “Start Membership” to proceed with the payment.
Congratulations! You have successfully subscribed to Netflix. The amount corresponding to your chosen plan will be automatically deducted from your PayMaya wallet. You will also receive a text message from PayMaya confirming your payment as well as an email from Netflix. You can now start watching your favorite TV shows, movies and documentaries on Netflix.
Keep in mind that Netflix will continue charging your PayMaya card every month unless you cancel it. To cancel your subscription, go to “Your Account” and click “Cancel Membership.” The cancellation will be effective at the end of the billing period.
Use a Netflix Gift Code
Another way to subscribe is to buy a Netflix gift code. These are prepaid codes that you can purchase at an online shop and redeem in your Netflix account. You can use a Netflix prepaid code for yourself or give it away as a gift.
Go to this page to learn where you can buy a Netflix gift code. At the moment, the only place where you can buy Netflix gift codes in the Philippines is Codashop.
Codashop accepts payments at Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, MLhuillier, LBC and SM. Unfortunately, online payments are not yet available.
After payment, you will receive the Netflix gift code in your email. Redeem the code by going to “Account” and then “Redeem gift card or promo code.” The value of the Netflix gift card or code will be applied to your account as a gift balance.
Netflix gift codes don’t expire and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Netflix Account Sharing
If the two options mentioned above are not feasible, or if you don’t have cash to spare, then you can look for someone who will share his Netflix account with you. Up to five people can use a single account, although the number of devices that can stream simultaneously depends on the plan. In the premium plan, up to four screens can stream simultaneously versus two for the standard plan.
But is Netflix account sharing legal? According to Android Authority, sharing a Netflix account is legal although the terms of use state that an account is “for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.” However, Netflix is not enforcing the rule strictly, which is a good thing since some families have household members who live separately.
So account sharing is a grey area as far as legality is concerned. Netflix is obviously aware of the widespread account sharing that is going on but hasn’t lifted a finger to stop the practice. Maybe the company believes that cracking down on account sharing is not worth the effort, or that it hasn’t drastically affected their bottomline yet.
As much as possible, you should only share your account with your family and people within your household. But if you want to buy a “slot” in a Netflix account, then you can look for one in Facebook groups or on Reddit. We don’t condone this practice because it’s against the terms of use, but we understand if some people may want to do it.
Final Thoughts
Netflix remains one of the most popular forms of home entertainment owing to its wide selection of Hollywood and local movies, TV shows and documentaries on almost every genre imaginable. In fact, Netflix has surpassed cable as the preferred choice of entertainment among many households. The US-based streaming company is here to stay for the foreseeable future, and will continue to gain popularity in the country as more Filipinos become aware of it.
If you have any questions about subscribing to Netflix without a credit card, or if you know an alternative method, just let us know by commenting below.
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Greetings po sir! Tanong ko lang po, gagana ba sa netflix (sa TV) yung 149 (mobile) na offer? Thank you!
No, it’s only for mobile.