Netflix Membership Fee Increase Surprises Many

Netflix members were recently surprised to receive a notice by email that their membership fee would be raised. Hailed as one of the most convenient ways to pick a movie or television show for viewing without having to make a commitment to a cable company, Netflix is known to many.

Netflix raised their rates just when they were becoming one of the most popular choices for many families in most areas. Recently Netflix allowed members to view choices through television, on their computer, and in some cases by receiving a DVD in the mail.

The original fee this writer was charged was $10.59 per month for everything Netflix had to offer. This seemed a reasonable rate considering the cost of gas used to venture out and rent a movie. Also, compared to cable and Dish fees to rent a movie or subscribe to one of their so-called movie channels, Netflix seemed a bargain.

Others with a membership to Netflix may have paid a different fee than this writer did, as there were several options.

With the new rate being $15.98 per month for this member to continue with a similar Netflix membership, the answer is definitely no to a continued membership. Finding the time to enjoy a membership to Netflix is one issue, and the insulting raise in the rate does not sit well with this frugal being.

The email received by this writer from Netflix concerning our membership read as follows:

Dear Pat,

We are separating unlimited DVDs by mail and unlimited streaming into two separate plans to better reflect the costs of each. Now our members have a choice: a streaming only plan, a DVD only plan, or both.

Your current $9.99 a month membership for unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs will be split into 2 distinct plans:

Plan 1: Unlimited Streaming (no DVDs) for $7.99 a month

Plan 2: Unlimited DVDs, 1 out at-a-time (no streaming) for $7.99 a month

Your price for getting both of these plans will be $15.98 a month ($7.99 + $7.99). You don't need to do anything to continue your memberships for both unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs.

These prices will start for charges on or after September 1, 2011.

You can easily change or cancel your unlimited streaming plan, unlimited DVD plan, or both, by going to the Plan Change page in Your Account.

We realize you have many choices for home entertainment, and we thank you for your business. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call us at 1-888-357-1516.

The Netflix Team

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Others may agree with the new cost of the Netflix Membership thinking it is still the best deal for them. Before you decide to pay the higher fee, think about this: If your electric bill or car payment or house payment went up the same percentage Netflix Membership did, what would you pay? There is a time to say no, and beginning with small things like the raise in rates for Netflix Membership is a good place for many consumers to start.