Smart Ways to Save on Summer Movies This Season

• One of the cheapest ways to watch a summer blockbuster is to stream it a few weeks after it hits theaters.
• Another savings strategy for catching the hottest summer films is to view a double feature at a drive-in.
• If you want the theater-viewing experience, you can find great deals once the movie is playing at your local discount theater. 
• Pairing the movie theater ticket deals using your Payactiv Visa® Card* with movie theater loyalty programs can help you save money if you can’t wait to catch the latest release.

Summer blockbusters are a classic American pastime, but they can get expensive if you’re not careful. Fortunately, being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself. It is possible to strategize your viewing so you don’t miss out on the latest box office hits. 

Here are four smart ways to save as you enjoy the movies this summer.

Set up a Viewing Party at Home

The time between a movie’s debut in theaters and its release on streaming platforms is much shorter than it used to be. If you can be patient, new films are usually available for rent or purchase within a few weeks of their theater release dates.

Take full advantage of this trend by inviting your friends for a viewing party. Split the price of the rental or purchase, and you could potentially watch the latest flick for pennies. 

Plus, the costs of making popcorn and buying candy at the grocery store are dramatically cheaper than movie theater concessions. It’s a win-win!

Catch a Double Feature at the Drive-in

Drive-in movies are great if you want the most bang for your buck. While some drive-ins charge per person, others charge per car. This means if you have a large party, you can get your per-person costs down pretty low.

Many drive-in theaters also allow you to bring snacks, saving you big bucks on concessions.

To reduce your costs further, look for drive-in theaters that show films as double features. For the price of entry, you’ll get to see not one but two summer blockbusters.

Wait Until the Film Moves to a $1 Theater

Maybe you don’t want to invest a ton of time into making the trunk of your SUV comfortable enough to sit in throughout an entire double feature. If that describes you and you have patience, you can save money by waiting until the film arrives at your local discount theater.

While you won’t be the first to see it, you will still get the full theater experience for a more affordable price. Some theaters charge as little as $1 per movie ticket, and the concessions tend to be less expensive than they are in a traditional theater.

Pair Movie Theater Discounts and Loyalty Programs

If you want to see a movie in a traditional theater the weekend it comes out, that’s okay. You’re allowed to enjoy life without constantly feeling guilty about your budget! However, it is good to know that even if you go this route, there are still ways to save.

As a Payactiv member, you can get discounts on AMC movie theater tickets using your Payactiv Visa Card. Your local movie theater might also offer student discounts or senior discounts. 

In addition to discounts, movie theaters like AMC offer loyalty rewards programs. These programs can help you save money on online ticketing fees, concessions, and even the cost of tickets.

Final Word

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer blockbusters. By implementing strategies like using Payactiv AMC movie ticket discounts or catching a double feature at a drive-in theater, you can participate in this seasonal pastime without breaking the bank.

*Central Bank of Kansas City does not administer, nor is liable for earned wage access. The Payactiv Visa Payroll Card is issued by Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certain fees, terms, and conditions are associated with the approval, maintenance, and use of the Card. You should consult your Cardholder Agreement and the Fee Schedule at payactiv.com/card411. If you have questions regarding the Card or such fees, terms, and conditions, you can contact us toll free at 1-877-747-5862, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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