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How to use a credit card for Netflix and other streaming services

Netflix and other streaming platforms do accept credit cards. Find out how to pay with yours and start watching today.

Sam Baran
Sam Baran

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Want to access all the shows that Netflix has to offer, but not sure how to pay for it? Here’s everything you need to know about using a credit card or to sign up for Netflix. Plus, options if you don’t want to use a credit card.

What's in this guide?

  1. Which credit cards are accepted by Netflix?
  2. How to add or update your credit card details on Netflix
  3. Can I access Netflix without a credit card?
  4. Why is Netflix not accepting my card?
  5. What else should I think about before using a credit card for Netflix?
  6. Compare credit cards for online payments and shopping

Which credit cards are accepted by Netflix?

Netflix will accept all credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The only requirement is that the account allows you to set up recurring ecommerce payments – which almost all credit cards do.

In addition, all other major streaming services in Australia (Stan, Amazon Prime, etc) accept these types of credit card payments. There is one exception: Foxtel Now will not accept Amex cards.

Netflix vs Foxtel

How to add or update your credit card details on Netflix

  1. Sign into Netflix and go to your “Account” page.
  2. Navigate to “Membership and Billing” and click on the “Update Payment” link on the right-hand side.
  3. Enter your new payment information in the dialogue box provided.

If you want to set up payments with another streaming service, you’ll go through a similar set of steps.

Security measures

Netflix employs many of the same security measures used for online shopping and other streaming platforms. This includes only saving a scrambled version of your credit card number and alerting you if suspicious payments are made using your account.

Netflix also offers strict password requirements for your account, the option of adding your phone number to confirm account details and a responsible security and research disclosure that’s designed to help it continually improve security.

Additionally, Netflix’s cancellation process is fairly straightforward and you can cancel at any time.

Can I access Netflix without a credit card?

Fortunately, Netflix does not require you to use a credit card to make an account. There are several ways to access Netflix without one, including:

  • Netflix gift cards. These are sold at a number of retailers, including Woolworths, Coles and Officeworks. They allow you to prepay for your own subscription or gift a subscription to someone else.
  • PayPal. Netflix accepts PayPal as a payment option, allowing you to link your PayPal account to your Netflix account. This means you can pay for your Netflix subscription with a credit card, debit card or bank account – as long as it has been added to your PayPal account.
  • Partner billing. Some service providers sell Netflix subscriptions as part of their broadband packages. If you’re getting Netflix through a provider like Aussie Broadband or Fetch TV, your Netflix subscription will be processed through your provider, using the payment method you use with it.
  • Debit cards. If you have a Visa or Mastercard debit card that accepts recurring ecommerce transactions, you can use it for your Netflix billing.
  • Prepaid debit cards. If you want to use a prepaid card to pay for Netflix, acceptance will depend on whether the card provider allows the transaction. You can find out by asking the card provider or by entering the details on the Netflix payment page. If the authorisation request from Netflix is approved on your prepaid card account, you can continue to use it for Netflix billing. Alternatively, you could contact the card’s provider to see if this type of payment is available.

Why is Netflix not accepting my card?

There are many reasons why Netflix might not accept your card, but according to the platform, the two most common are:

  • Payment declined. This could be because you have insufficient funds in your account, your card has expired or some other reason. Netflix recommends that you contact your bank.
  • Billing date issues. If the date that you pay off your credit card is different to your Netflix billing date, your credit card limit may have been exceeded in the period between them. Try making a payment to free up your credit card limit before attempting to pay for Netflix again.

If neither of these reasons apply, you should contact Netflix directly for assistance, either by phone on 1800 875 462 or through the live chat on Netflix’s help page.

What else should I think about before using a credit card for Netflix?

If you’re getting ready to set up your Netflix account with a credit card, the following factors can help you earn rewards and avoid added costs:

  • Reward points. If you have a reward or frequent flyer credit card, you’ll earn points on your monthly payments to Netflix. This could help you reach your rewards goal faster.
  • Interest charges. When your Netflix payments are added to your credit card account, they will be charged interest at the card’s purchase interest rate. This will add to your balance, unless you are eligible for an interest-free period.
  • Updating your card details. If you want to switch credit cards, remember to cancel your recurring payment for Netflix and move it to the new card. Check out this Finder guide to learn more about how to transfer direct debit and recurring payments from one credit card to another.

Compare credit cards for online payments and shopping

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Name Product Purchase rate Balance transfer rate Annual fee Interest-free period Amount saved
Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
0% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 11.99% p.a.
13.99% p.a.
$45
Up to 55 days on purchases
Get 0% p.a. on purchases for 15 months and a $150 Woolworths Supermarket gift card when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. Ends 31 Jan 2021.
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Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard
0% p.a. for 12 months, reverts to 19.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 12 months
$0
Up to 55 days on purchases
Save on new and existing interest charges with 0% p.a. on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. Ends 31 January 2021.
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More Info
Citi Clear Card
Citi Clear Card
0.9% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 14.99% p.a.
0.9% p.a. for 15 months
$99
Up to 55 days on purchases
Save with 0.9% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, complimentary purchase insurance cover.
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More Info
St.George Vertigo Platinum
St.George Vertigo Platinum
0% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 12.99% p.a.
6.99% p.a. for 12 months
$49 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 55 days on purchases
Features an introductory 0% p.a. purchase rate, $49 first year annual fee and complimentary travel insurance covers.
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More Info
Citi Simplicity Card
Citi Simplicity Card
0% p.a. for 6 months, reverts to 21.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months
$0
Up to 55 days on purchases
Get 0% p.a. interest for up to 6 months on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, a $0 annual fee for life.
Go to site
More Info
NAB StraightUp Card
NAB StraightUp Card
N/A
$0
Save with 0% interest charges and 0% foreign transaction fees. Plus, $0 monthly fees when you don't use the card or carry a balance.
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More Info
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 7 months, reverts to 19.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee
$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 55 days on purchases
Enjoy 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers along with a $0 first year annual fee waiver.
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St.George Rainbow Vertigo Platinum
St.George Rainbow Vertigo Platinum
0% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 12.99% p.a.
6.99% p.a. for 12 months
$49 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 55 days on purchases
All the platinum features of the Vertigo Platinum Visa with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community.
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St.George Amplify Platinum
St.George Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 7 months, reverts to 19.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee
$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 55 days on purchases
Save with 0% p.a. interest rates on purchases and balance transfers. Plus a $0 first-year annual fee.
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More Info
BankSA Amplify Platinum
BankSA Amplify Platinum
0% p.a. for 7 months, reverts to 19.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee
$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 55 days on purchases
Save with a 0% p.a. for up to 22 months on balance transfers and up to 7 months on purchases. Plus a $0 first-year annual fee.
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Compare up to 4 providers

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Foreign currency conversion fee Overseas ATM withdrawal fee Purchase rate Annual fee
Coles Rewards Mastercard
Coles Rewards Mastercard
0%
$5
19.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy $100 off a Coles Supermarket, a $0 first-year annual fee and a 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months (1.5% fee applies). Ends 31 Jan 2021.
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Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
0%
$0
10.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($69 p.a. thereafter)
Get 0% interest on balance transfers for 26 months, a $0 first-year annual fee, complimentary travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
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More Info
NAB StraightUp Card
NAB StraightUp Card
0%
N/A
$0
Save with 0% interest charges and 0% foreign transaction fees. Plus, $0 monthly fees when you don't use the card or carry a balance.
Go to site
More Info
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Compare up to 4 providers

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Bonus points Rewards program Rewards points per $ spent Purchase rate Annual fee
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
Finder Award
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
130,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
19.99% p.a.
$295 annual fee for the first year ($395 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points (100k when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days and 30k after 12 months). Plus, a reduced first year annual fee.
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More Info
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
120,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
20.24% p.a.
$425
Collect 120,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 back when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, complimentary lounge passes.
Go to site
More Info
Qantas Premier Platinum
Qantas Premier Platinum
100,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
19.99% p.a.
$199 annual fee for the first year ($299 p.a. thereafter)
Get 100,000 bonus Qantas Points, 75 bonus Status Credits and a 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for 18 months (with a one-time 1% BT fee).
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More Info
St.George Amplify Platinum - Qantas
St.George Amplify Platinum - Qantas
70,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.5
19.74% p.a.
$99
Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points, plus enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 15 months and complimentary insurance covers.
Go to site
More Info
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum - Qantas
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum - Qantas
70,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.5
19.74% p.a.
$99
Receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $1,500 each month for the first 3 months and earn up to 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
Go to site
More Info
Coles Rewards Mastercard
Coles Rewards Mastercard
N/A
Flybuys
2
19.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy $100 off a Coles Supermarket, a $0 first-year annual fee and a 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months (1.5% fee applies). Ends 31 Jan 2021.
Go to site
More Info
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas
60,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.5
20.49% p.a.
$99 annual fee for the first year ($200 p.a. thereafter)
Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount and a long-term balance transfer offer.
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More Info
Qantas American Express Premium Card
Qantas American Express Premium Card
80,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
20.74% p.a.
$249
Enjoy 80,000 bonus Qantas Points, $200 back and 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations per year.
Go to site
More Info
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
100,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1.25
20.74% p.a.
$450
Receive 100,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 back on your card when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
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More Info
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
50,000
Membership Rewards Ascent
1
20.74% p.a.
$195
Receive 50,000 bonus points when you spend at least $1,500 within the first 3 months. Plus, receive $200 travel credit each year. Ends 27 Jan 2021.
Go to site
More Info
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
150,000
Qantas Business Rewards
1.25
N/A
$450
ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Get 150,000 bonus Qantas Points, 2 yearly Qantas Club lounge passes and 3x points on eligible Qantas flights.
Go to site
More Info
BankSA Amplify Platinum - Qantas
BankSA Amplify Platinum - Qantas
70,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.5
19.74% p.a.
$99
Receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $1,500 each month for the first 3 months. Plus a 0% balance transfer offer.
Go to site
More Info
American Express Platinum Card
American Express Platinum Card
200,000
Membership Rewards Ascent Premium
2.25
N/A
$1,450
Earn 150,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Additional 50,000 points in the second year. Ends 27 Jan 2021.
Go to site
More Info
Citi Rewards Card
Citi Rewards Card
N/A
Citi Rewards Program
1
21.49% p.a.
$49 annual fee for the first year ($149 p.a. thereafter)
Save on interest with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 30 months with no balance transfer fee. Plus, a $49 first-year annual fee.
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More Info
Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card - Existing Customer Offer
Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card - Existing Customer Offer
100,000
Westpac Altitude Rewards
1
20.49% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. thereafter)
Westpac customers only: Earn 100,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days. Plus, a first-year annual fee waiver.
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