There's a subscription for everything these days, including an automatic refill of your toiletries from Amazon and different streaming services on your TV. Still, it’s your cell phone plan that’s likely become the most unavoidable expense in your monthly budget. Like other services that require signing up, major carriers like AT&T have used freebies for years to entice potential new customers. Unfortunately, recent changes have all but stripped away these money-saving perks. Read on to see all the things you can no longer get for free with an AT&T phone plan.
RELATED: 7 Things You Didn’t Realize You Can Get for Free With a Verizon Phone Plan.
1 | Free Access to Max
ShutterstockThe growing number of competing streaming services means many people carefully pick and choose what they’re willing to sign up for. Naturally, this makes including free streaming a uniquely compelling sign-on bonus for any phone plan—especially when it’s something with as much hit content as Max (formerly known as HBO Max).
As recently as last year, customers signing up for certain AT&T wireless plans—including many with unlimited data—got access to Max at no charge. But the carrier appears to have reversed course, and only some older plans can still access the platform, according to TechHive.2 | Free Movie Tickets
ShutterstockFor as much as we might enjoy a big bucket of fresh popcorn and the excitement of watching a new release on a massive screen, a trip to the movies costs a lot more than it used to. But for some AT&T costumers, it used to be much easier to catch a flick for less.
At the launch of its AT&T Thanks perks program, certain subscribers got access to “Ticket Twosdays.” This allowed customers to get two tickets for the price of one to a Tuesday screening, according to the carrier’s website. Amazingly, this deal was good for one use every week.
Unfortunately, the carrier’s perks program is no longer. In a thread on the AT&T subreddit, customers point out that the Thanks program was discontinued in June of 2023, ending this cinephile-centric perk along with it.3 | Upgraded Concert Access
ShutterstockTrue music fans know there’s nothing that beats seeing your favorite act live—especially when you’ve got great seats. Until recently, AT&T customers could make the most of this experience with a Thanks perk that granted access to special pre-sales for major tours across the U.S.
Even fans who couldn’t physically make it to the show were granted access to special streaming. Unfortunately, the perk went away along with the demise of the program just over a year ago, according to the subreddit discussion.
RELATED: 9 Things You Didn't Realize You Can Get for Free With Amazon Prime.
4 | Free Concert Experiences
ShutterstockAs part of AT&T Thanks, some customers purchasing pre-sale tickets to shows could also access “exclusive experiences” with select artists, according to the company’s website. But along with access to presale tickets, the perk was wiped out along with the program.
…But you might still get a free phone.
ShutterstockWith the latest iPhone less than a month away from hitting the market, there’s a chance a lot of people will be in the market for a new phone. And depending on your situation, you might be able to get one of the coveted new gadgets absolutely free with an AT&T phone plan.
According to AT&T, customers can choose from a variety of phones and pay nothing for it. All that’s required is trading in your previous device (assuming it’s fully paid off) and paying the full sales tax on the product. Once the status of your old phone is verified, you’ll receive monthly bill credits that cover the installment payments of your brand new phone.
Still, there could be some limitations, especially if you’re still in a contract with another cell phone carrier. But if you qualify, a free upgrade could be the reason you’ve been waiting for to make the switch.
