Martin Lewis shares Netflix hacks ahead of UK lockdown

The Money Saving Expert has updated its money saving TV tricks

Martin Lewis has updated his Netflix hacks on Money Saving Expert ahead of UK lockdown.

The TV is becoming our best friend during the world health pandemic and to make streaming online services a little bit lighter on the pocket, Martin has pulled together some top tips to access Netflix for less.

Whether you're an existing customer or want to sign up to watch the upcoming Netflix season of The Crown, check out these Martin Lewis money saving tips...

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Netflix BOGOF – pay for one month, get one month free (new customers only)

Netflix 30-day free trials are long gone, since they were scrapped in the UK in 2019, with new customers in the US only just losing their free month trial. But the streaming service has launched a new initiative to encourage more people to give it a try with it's buy one month, get one month free offer. This is equal to 50% off subscription for new customers. And taking out the basic plan at £5.99 means you'd get two months worth of Netflix for approximately £3/a month for those two months. But remember to cancel it if you don't want to pay full price after that or you will be charged.

Watch (some) Netflix for free

A few TV programmes are available to watch free of charge on Netflix - and you don't even need to create a Netflix account. Simply visit here to stream some Netflix Originals without paying a penny.

The free films currently available at the time of writing include Bird Box (starring Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich),Murder Mystery (with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler) and Two Popes(Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce).

In addition, Netflix is giving free first episode series tasters of Stranger Things, Our Planet and Grace and Frankie. Allowing you to try before you buy.

But the free access is only available on Androidphones and tablets or via laptop or desktop computer.

Cut down your plan to basic and save £72 a year

Less is sometimes more and when it comes to saving money, it's good to cut down on things you don't use as often. Maybe you took out the subscription when you was Furloughed and now you're back working from home you don't have as much time to sit in front of the TV and chill.

Then it's time to re-look at your levels of Netflix subscription - Basic £5.99 / standard £8.99 / Premium £11.99. If you only use one screen and don't worry about HD viewing, the the basic plan could suit you nicely.

Swap your plan by logging into your account, then under plan details hit 'Change Plan' and the new one will start straight away. You'll then pay less the next time you're billed so switch as close to the bill date as possible to avoid losing out.

Other money saving tips include:

• The Netflix split tip – watch on your own device for as little as £3/mth by splitting the cost of the subscription with your partner or housemate.
• Don't pay for more than one subscription in a household
• Did you know that if you only watch Netflix, you don’t need a TV licence.
• Students studying away at university can 'probably' use their parents' account.
• Do you really need Netflix – alternatives streaming services may be cheaper
• Don't get a shock mobile bill, download TV and films in advance to avoid burning through mobile data and change the settings so you don't rack up a huge data bill.