What if HBO Max doesn't lower my TV Streaming bill?

Then it's time to walk. Cancel the service and check out a competitor for a few months. If you're considering cancellation, our [how to cancel HBO Max guide](/cancel-subscription/streaming-and-services/how-to-cancel-hbo-max) can help.

Should I email rather than phone to complain about my TV Streaming bill costs?

Honestly, live chat is probably your best bet. You get a transcript, and it's faster than email but less pressure than a phone call. Phoning can work if you get the right agent, but it's a gamble. For detailed contact information, check out our [HBO Max customer service guide](/customer-service/streaming-and-services/how-to-contact-hbo-max-customer-service). Need to file a complaint? See our [HBO Max complaint filing guide](/complaint-filing/streaming-and-services/hbo-max).

What's the easiest way to contact HBO Max TV Streaming?

Go to the Max Help Center online. They push you towards their articles, but you can find a 'Contact Us' button at the bottom which usually leads to live chat or phone options. For detailed contact information, check out our [HBO Max customer service guide](/customer-service/streaming-and-services/how-to-contact-hbo-max-customer-service).

What is the average HBO Max TV Streaming monthly bill?

It's between $9.99 and $19.99 plus tax.

Why did my HBO Max TV Streaming bill suddenly increase this month?

Your promotional period probably ended. Or, you got hit with the price hike when they rebranded to 'Max' and moved 4K content to the pricier 'Ultimate' tier. Check your plan details. Need to file a complaint? See our [HBO Max complaint filing guide](/complaint-filing/streaming-and-services/hbo-max).

How to get a discount on my HBO Max TV Streaming bill?

The most reliable way is to switch to an annual plan, you save about 20%. Otherwise, you can try canceling and hope they send you a 'please come back' offer in a few weeks. If you're considering cancellation, our [how to cancel HBO Max guide](/cancel-subscription/streaming-and-services/how-to-cancel-hbo-max) can help.

What promotions does HBO Max offer to lower bills?

They're pretty stingy with them for existing customers. New subscribers get the best deals. Sometimes they offer discounts through providers like AT&T or Cricket Wireless, so check if you have a qualifying service.

How to Lower Your HBO Max TV Streaming Bill (2025)

Another price hike. It feels like every time you start enjoying a show, HBO Max, now just 'Max', finds a new reason to dig deeper into your wallet. Their latest move jacked up the price of the top ad-free tier to $19.99 a month, a significant jump from the original $14.99. You are not imagining the frustration. Over on Trustpilot, customers give the service a dismal 1.3 out of 5 stars, with many recent reviews slamming the price changes and buggy app (https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hbomax.com). It's a similar story on Pissed Consumer, where the brand holds a 1.6-star rating, filled with complaints about billing surprises and terrible customer support (https://www.pissedconsumer.com/hbo-max/RT-F.html). It's clear that value for money is plummeting for many long-time subscribers.

Last Edited on 04 Sep, 2025

Chloe Anne-Bennett, Streaming & Entertainment Editor

9 min read

Best Ways to Lower Your HBO Max Bills

Lowering Bill Method	Ease of Action	Why use this method
Downgrade to an Ad-Supported Plan	Easy	The quickest way to cut your bill in half without losing access to the content library.
Switch to an Annual Plan	Easy	Saves over 15% upfront compared to monthly billing if you plan to keep the service long-term.
Cancel and Wait for a Win-Back Offer	Tricky	A gamble, but Max often emails discounted offers to former subscribers a few weeks after cancellation.
Check for Bundles	Medium	Some mobile or internet providers (like AT&T or Cricket) offer Max as a free perk or add-on.

Step-by-step Guide on Lowering Your HBO Max Bill After Complaining

1 Identify and Review the Bill

Log into your account and go to 'Subscription'. Pinpoint the exact date and amount of the price increase. Note whether you were on a promotional plan that just expired or if it was a standard rate hike.

2 Consider Downgrading Your Plan

If you're on the $19.99 'Ultimate' plan, ask yourself if you really need 4K streaming and 4 simultaneous streams. Switching to the $15.99 'Ad-Free' or $9.99 'With Ads' plan is an instant saving.

3 Removing Add-Ons

While Max doesn't have traditional add-ons, check if you're being billed through a third party like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Hulu. It can sometimes be cheaper to subscribe directly with Max.

4 Look for Promotions and Offers

Promotions for existing customers are rare. The best bet is to cancel and wait for a 'welcome back' email offer, which often includes a discount for the first few months.

5 Check Bundles Through Other Services

Do you have AT&T or Cricket Wireless? Some of their higher-tier plans still include Max as a perk. It's worth checking your mobile or internet provider's site to see if you can get it for free.

🔍 How to Negotiate for a Lower Bill with HBO Max

Your Goal:

Get a promotional rate or a service credit by threatening to cancel.

The Script:

Hello. I've been a subscriber for a while now, and I see my bill has increased to [new monthly price]. Honestly, with the recent changes and this new price, I'm finding it hard to justify the cost, especially when services like [Competitor Name] are cheaper. I'd like to keep my subscription, but I can't at this price. Is there any promotional pricing or offer you can apply to my account to lower the monthly cost? If not, I'll need to cancel my service today.

Key Phrases to Use:

"My bill just went up unexpectedly."
"I'm considering switching to a competitor."
"What can you do to help me lower this price?"
"Is this the best rate you can offer a loyal customer?"
"I will have to cancel if we can't find a solution."

If They Won't Budge

Ask to speak with a supervisor or the retention department, though this is rare for streaming services.
Follow through with the cancellation. You can always resubscribe later, possibly with a new-customer promotion.
Downgrade to the cheapest plan possible instead of canceling completely.

Best Alternatives to HBO Max

Sometimes, no amount of negotiating is worth the headache. If you've had enough of HBO Max's price hikes and poor service, you have options. Here are a few of the top competitors people are switching to:

Competitor	Why it's Better Alternative to HBO Max	Benefits
Netflix	For users who prioritize a massive, constantly updated library of original movies and TV shows.	Offers multiple pricing tiers, including a cheaper ad-supported plan, and has a highly polished user interface on nearly every device.
Hulu	The best option for people who want to keep up with current network TV shows without a cable subscription.	New episodes are often available the day after they air. The Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle offers incredible value for families and sports fans.
Peacock	A budget-friendly choice with a surprising amount of quality content, including live sports.	Offers a very cheap premium plan and is the exclusive home for shows like 'The Office' and live events like the Premier League and WWE.