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Paramount+ Has A Free Trial, And Here’s How To Maximize It

John Finn Avatar
Paramount+ Free Trial

Paramount+ offers a free trial that allows consumers to test out the streaming service before having to make the first payment. For those looking to maximize the free trial, there are some things to be aware of before signing up. This includes how long the free period lasts, how the free trial works, and what happens once the free trial comes to an end.

Paramount+ can be a good option for individuals and households looking to get access to more shows and movies. While the streaming service does include Paramount Network content, it is important to note that Paramount+ and Paramount are not the same. Instead, subscribers get access to even more content than just Paramount shows and movies, including videos from a variety of other networks such as CBS, BET, Comedy Central, among others.

As standard, Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial to all new users and regardless of whether they are signing up to the Essential or Premium plan. As long as the account setting up the subscription has not had a free trial before, they will be able to stream for one week without having to pay.

In some cases, the free trial might be even longer. For example, Paramount+ routinely offers a one-month free trial with a promo code. However, these extended free trials are not always available, with seven days the standard free trial length that new subscribers can expect when signing up.


Paramount Plus logo

$8 to $13/mo

  • Originals
  • Showtime
  • Live Sports

What happens after the free trial

Once the free trial has come to an end, the account will automatically switch to a paid subscription. One of the caveats of the free trial is that the account holder must provide a payment method before they can watch any of the Paramount+ content for free. As the service already has the customer’s payment details on file, the cost of the first month will automatically be taken once the free period ends.

How much they will have to pay depends on the subscription selected when signing up. For example, if subscribed to the Premium plan to take advantage of an ad-free viewing experience, the consumer will automatically be billed the full $9.99 after the free trial. The only way to avoid the monthly payment being automatically taken is to cancel the subscription before the free trial ends.

Even though those signed up have until the last day to cancel, it is worth noting that the Paramount+ free trial works on a 24-hour basis, and this is slightly different to how some other free trials work.

To explain, if signing up on a Monday, and the current trial period is seven days, then the free trial won’t end at midnight on the following Sunday. Instead, it will officially end at the same time on Monday that the consumer originally signed up to the service on the Monday before.

Free trial limitations

In addition to adding a payment method, and automatic billing being in effect, there are some other limitations that apply to the free trial. One of which is gift cards. Consumers can actually purchase Paramount+ gift cards and either gift them to someone else or use them for their own subscription. However, the option of a free trial is not available when using a gift card as a payment option.

The free trial is also only available to new subscribers, and that means first-time subscribers. Anyone returning to the streaming service, or signing up with an account that’s already been linked to a subscription, won’t be able to take advantage of the standard free trial.

Another limitation to be aware of is switching plans. Consumers do have the option of signing up to the Premium plan and taking advantage of the additional benefits before then switching to the Essential plan to save on the cost. However, switching immediately ends a free trial and results in the subscriber being charged for the first month. As a result, choosing when to make the switch is incredibly important if looking to maximize the free trial length.

Paramount+ free trial: summary

The standard Paramount+ free trial length is seven days, although a longer free trial is sometimes available as part of a limited-time promotion. Unlike some other streaming services, the free trial is not only based on the day, but also the exact time of day. In this sense, a seven-day free trial lasts exactly seven days, and down to the hour the subscription was created.

The free trial is also available regardless of whether signing up to the Essential or Premium plan, but switching between the plans during the free period will automatically end the free trial. That’s not the only limitation either. Automatic billing is in effect so subscribers will be automatically charged for the first month unless they cancel before the free trial ends.

In addition, if using a gift card to start a subscription, the option of a Paramount+ free trial won’t be available.

John Finn

Comments

1 response

  1. Upon signing up paramount is trying to charge 1$ for the free trial. A bit confused, thought it was free

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