Going to the movies is more expensive than ever.
Aside from an uptick in prices due to inflation, moviegoers face extra fees for everything from convenience fees for purchasing tickets online to extra fees for large-format screens and 3D showings. Factor in expensive snacks and drinks, and a trip to the movies can become a pricey outing. Fortunately, there are ways to keep the costs down.
Below, CNBC Select breaks down four ways to save money at the movies.
Use loyalty programs and subscriptions
Loyalty programs are a great way to get rewarded for your purchases. Theater chains like Regal Cinemas and AMC offer loyalty programs through AMC Stubs and Regal Crown Club to moviegoers, allowing you to earn points every time you spend money on tickets. This can go a long way as you rack up points because they can eventually pay for your tickets or concessions later.
You can also use subscriptions like MoviePass, which offers three membership tiers to earn credits that can be spent on buying movie tickets. Many major chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas also offer their own movie subscription plans. Just note that these subscriptions often have a minimum commitment length, so you generally can't just sign up for only one or two months.
Use warehouse clubs and other discounts
If you're an avid shopper with a Sam's Club, Costco or BJ's membership, you may not know that you can save on movie tickets. You can go to the consumer service desk and ask about discount tickets. These warehouse clubs sometimes also offer discounted gift cards for major movie theater chains. You may even be able to score cheap movie tickets by asking your local grocery store or gas station.
If you're an AAA member, you can also save up to 40% on movie tickets. And if you're a senior citizen, you can save up to 35%. Many theaters also offer discounted tickets for children, students and military members.
You can even get more bang for your buck if you pay for tickets using a credit card that earns bonus rewards on entertainment and at movie theaters. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card was ranked a top card for this category because it earns a whopping 5% cash back at movie theaters when activated as one of your Cash+ Categories.
Buy at the box office
Buying movie tickets online is the most convenient option. But buying online means you also get charged a $1 to $2 "convenience fee." While that may not sound like a lot, it can add up. Try buying your tickets at the box office to save yourself from paying that extra fee. If it's a popular movie, you can still go to the box office and purchase your tickets in advance.
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Go at off-peak times
Weekends and evenings are often the most convenient times to go to the movies, but you may be able to save by going in the afternoon for a matinee screening. Try to find out if your movie theater offers any special discounts for going to a movie on a specific day or time. For example, some movie theaters offer cheaper tickets on Tuesdays.
Compare offers to find the best savings account
Bottom line
Going to the movies can be a fun experience and you don't have to break the bank to catch the latest film release. There are plenty of options out there, and you may already be able to save money on tickets by checking with your movie theater or even your local grocery store.
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Information about the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
