HBO Max free period of access Q&A
Frequently asked questions and answers:
A free period of access is a short-term period where no subscription fee is charged. If a subscription plan or promotional offer includes a free period of access, you'll see mention of the free period of access when you sign up.
During a free period of access, you can stream anything on the HBO Max subscription plan with the free period of access. If you enjoy HBO Max during your free period of access, you don't have to take any action. After your free period of access ends, your subscription will continue until you cancel it.
We may collect your personal data, for the purpose of showing you targeted advertisements during your free period of access, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
If a subscription plan or promotional offer includes a free period of access, the eligibility criteria is mentioned when you sign up. For example, some promotional offers are only available to new HBO Max subscribers.
If you think you were incorrectly billed, reach out to your billing provider for help (go to Who's billing me?).
If a subscription plan or promotional offer includes a free period of access, the length is mentioned when you sign up.
When you start your free period of access, you need to add a payment method during sign up so your subscription can automatically convert to a paid subscription after your free period of access ends. Your first charge is typically after your free period of access is over (this can vary depending on your billing provider).
After your free period of access, your subscription will automatically continue until you cancel it. To avoid being charged for your next billing period, you need to cancel your subscription before your next billing date.
Billing questions? Go to HBO Max plans and billing.
If you're charged immediately after starting a free period of access, here are a few possible reasons:
- Offer doesn't include a free period of access. If your subscription plan or promotional offer doesn't include a free period of access, you'll be charged for HBO Max at the time you sign up.
- Not eligible for a free period of access. If you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the subscription plan or promotional offer with a free period of access, you'll be charged for HBO Max at the time of sign up. For example, some promotional offers are only available to new subscribers. If you think you were incorrectly billed, reach out to your billing provider for help (see Who's billing me? below).
- Authorization hold. The pending charge is likely an authorization hold. An authorization hold is done to make sure your payment method is valid and can be successfully charged in the future (once your free period of access is over).
An authorization hold is temporary and should be removed within 7-10 days, depending on your financial institution's policies. The authorization hold is not a charge, but may affect your available balance. You can contact your financial institution to find out when the authorization hold will be removed, and when the hold amount will be added back to your available balance.
Here's how to find who bills you for HBO Max:
- Do one of the following:
- Web: Go to HBOMax.com/subscription and sign in to your account. Can't sign in?
- Phone, tablet, or computer: In HBO Max, choose your profile and then Subscription.
- TV device: In HBO Max, choose the Settings icon
and then Subscription.
- Here you'll find who your base subscription is billed through (top of screen).
You can also check your bank statements or ask your internet, mobile, or TV provider if they bill you for HBO Max. (If your subscription is part of a TV package or mobile plan, you won't see an individual charge for HBO Max.)
Billing questions? Go to HBO Max plans and billing.
To avoid being charged, you need to cancel your subscription before your free period of access ends. If you cancel early, you can continue streaming until your free period of access ends.
Find out how to cancel your free period of access at <How do I cancel HBO Max?
