HBO MAX Student Discount: How to Get 50% Off in September 2026

Max remains a powerhouse streaming service that delivers a massive library of prestige television, blockbuster movies, and engaging documentaries. If you're ready to stop paying full price for your entertainment, we've compiled everything you need to know to secure Max's $5.49 per month student rate. Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to set up your account, troubleshoot common redemption errors, and navigate the fine print of this 50% off deal. Plus, once you've locked in your half-priced streaming, you can use that same college email to explore the best student discounts available across other top brands and retailers.

How to Get a Max Student Discount This Year

HBO Max Student Discount

$5.49/mo.

Students can snag a subscription to HBO Max with Ads for 50% off the current price. That means for just $5.49 per month, you can enjoy all the premium content the service has to offer when you need a study break. Note that you'll have to verify your status with UNiDAYS; after that, you'll receive a unique discount code that you can then redeem on HBO Max to start your subscription. You must be 18 or older and currently enrolled at an educational institution. The discount is valid as long as you remain a student, but note that you'll need to reverify your status every 12 months. Deal ends December 31.

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Disney+ Hulu HBO Max Ad-Supported Bundle Streaming Deal

42% off

Subscribe to the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-supported bundle for just $19.99 per month and you'll save 42% over the typical $35 monthly cost you'd spend subscribing to each service separately - no promo code needed. You'll be able to enjoy everything Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max has to offer including select Hulu content in the Disney+ app and select HBO Max content in the Hulu app. If you want to go ad-free and enjoy offline viewing, you'll need to opt for the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-free bundle for $32.99 per month. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.

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Disney+ Hulu HBO Max Ad-Free Bundle Streaming Deal

41% off

Subscribe to the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-free bundle for $32.99 per month and you'll save 41% compared to the $56.47 you'd spend subscribing to each service separately, with no promo code needed. Enjoy all your streaming favorites from Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max as well as movies and series ad-free, and offline viewing. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.

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Disney+ Hulu HBO Max Ad-Free Bundle Streaming Deal

$24 off

Subscribe to the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-free bundle for $32.99 per month and you'll save $24 compared to the $56.47 you'd spend subscribing to each service separately, with no promo code needed. Enjoy all your streaming favorites from Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max as well as movies and series ad-free, and offline viewing. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.

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Disney+ Hulu HBO Max Ad-Supported Bundle Streaming Deal

$15 off

Subscribe to the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-supported bundle for just $19.99 per month and you'll save $15 over the typical $35 monthly cost you'd spend subscribing to each service separately - no promo code needed. You'll be able to enjoy everything Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max has to offer including select Hulu content in the Disney+ app and select HBO Max content in the Hulu app. If you want to go ad-free and enjoy offline viewing, you'll need to opt for the Disney+ Hulu HBO Max ad-free bundle for $32.99 per month. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.

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HBO Max on Prime Video

From $10.99/mo.

You'll need an Amazon Prime subscription in order to take advantage of this add-on, but doing so will mean being able to access even more premium entertainment in one spot. You can add HBO Max to your Prime Video account for an additional charge starting at just $10.99 per month and you'll get access to HBO, Max Originals, sports on HBO Max, DC titles, Adult Swim content, HGTV, and much more. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max Basic with Ads Subscription at Amazon

$10.99/mo.

Add HBO Max Basic with Ads to your Amazon Prime Video account and get all your streaming favorites in one spot! It's $10.99 per month and you'll be able to enjoy full HD resolution for all the premium shows, movies, and more. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max Standard Subscription at Amazon

$18.49/mo.

Add HBO Max Standard to your Amazon Prime Video plan and expand your streaming options while keeping everything conveniently in one place. You'll pay $18.49 per month on top of your Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Prime subscription costs, and you'll get full HD resolution, the ability to download titles to watch on the go, no ads except in live TV and sports, and the ability to watch live sports and CNN Max. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max & Cinemax on Prime Video

$22.99/mo.

Amazon Prime members can add the premium channels of HBO Max and Cinemax to your subscription for just $22.99 per month. You'll save 19% when you subscribe for this bundle compared to getting the services separately. This bundle includes HBO Max Standard and Cinemax, and you can cancel at any time. Deal ends December 31.

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Netflix & HBO Max w/ Ads Streaming Bundle at Verizon

$10/mo.

Verizon customers can get Netflix Standard with Ads and Max with Ads for just $10 per month added to eligible plans. (Scroll down the page to see this listed under the perks section.) Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max on Xfinity

$18.49/mo.

Xfinity customers can add HBO Max to your account for just $18.49 per month and access more premium content from one location instead of having to jump around to multiple portals just to watch your favorites. Note this is available on Xfinity TV and Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity. This offer ends December 31, 2026.

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HBO Max 4-Month Prepaid Subscription

50% off

Get 50% off a HBO Max 4-month prepaid subscription with promo code "BEANIE2021". Plans start as low as $10.99 before the discount. This coupon code is valid for a limited time only. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max Annual Plans

Up to $45 off

Subscribe to an HBO Max annual plan and you'll save up to $45 compared to the monthly price. Subscribe to Basic with Ads for $109.99 per year and you'll save $21; opt for the Standard plan for $184.99 per year and you'll save $36; finally, pick the Premium plan for $229.99 per year and you'll save $45 compared to subscribing monthly. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max Promo Code

40% off annual subscriptions

Use promo code "REDEEM" to get 40% off HBO Max annual subscriptions. This coupon code is valid for a limited time only. Deal ends December 31.

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HBO Max Mugs and Drinkware

15% off

Use promo code "COFFEE" to get 15% off mugs and drinkware at HBO Max. Deal ends December 31.

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If you're a student looking to balance your binge-watching habits with your ramen-noodle budget, Max has your back. You can now score a 50% discount on the Basic With Ads plan, dropping the price to just $5.49 per month.

That means you get access to HBO Originals, blockbuster films, and all the prestige TV you can handle — without having to beg your roommate for their login. Sure, you'll sit through a few ads, but considering the price of one overpriced campus coffee, it's a solid trade-off.

Of course, there's a small catch: you'll need to prove you're actually a student (sorry, alumni, this one's not for you). Max relies on UNiDAYS to verify your enrollment, which means you'll have to go through a quick sign-up process before unlocking your discounted subscription.

Here's how to grab your special deal:

• Navigate to the Max student discount page (max.com/student) and click the "Get the Deal" button. You must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States.

• From there, you'll be directed to create or log in to a UNiDAYS account. Because here, as Robert Frost might say, two roads diverged in a digital wood — and you'll take the one that leads to half-priced HBO Max. And that has made all the difference. (If you're new, sign up with your student email. If you already have an account, just log in.)

• Verify your student status by providing the required details (name, birthdate, and school info to start). If the service has trouble confirming your student status, you may need to upload a copy of your schedule, tuition statement, or some other official documentation. If you're having trouble with this step, head to the UNiDAYS support center.

• Once you're verified, find the Max offer on UNiDAYS and click "Get Now" to generate your unique promo code. Copy the promo code and click Launch Website to head to the Max redemption page. Simply paste your unique code and follow the steps to create or log in to your Max account.

Finally, your subscription is now active. Start streaming like a champion! Once you're in, you can stream to your heart's content—whether that means binging House of the Dragon between classes or watching Euphoria instead of writing that term paper.

Of note, the discount lasts for 12 months. After that, you'll need to reverify your student status (still through UNiDAYS) to keep the deal going. If you want an ad-free experience, live sports, or premium features, you'll have to cough up the full price.

How Much Does HBO Max Cost in 2026?

Max subscription costs range from $5.49 to $22.99 per month, depending on the plan you choose. The most affordable option available to everyone is the Basic With Ads plan at $10.99/month (or $109.99 annually), but students can cut that price in half with a verified discount, bringing their cost down to $5.49/month.

The trade-off? You'll have to sit through some ads, and you won't get access to live sports or premium features.

If you prefer an ad-free experience, the Standard plan costs $18.49/month ($184.99 annually) and includes offline downloads and live sports via B/R Sports. For the best quality and the most perks, the Premium plan runs $22.99/month ($229.99 annually) and offers 4K streaming, support for four devices at once, and up to 100 downloads for offline viewing.

Max's annual pricing can save you a decent chunk of change if you're willing to pay upfront. Opting for a yearly plan instead of monthly billing knocks about 16% off the total cost. If you're committed to Max for the long haul, going annual is an easy way to keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

Ultimately, the right plan comes down to how (and how much) you watch. Casual viewers might find the ad-supported tier perfectly fine, while dedicated streamers — or anyone sharing an account — may want to spring for Standard or Premium.

Everything Else to Know About the HBO Max Student Discount

Max (formerly HBO Max) offers eligible college students a 50% discount on its Basic With Ads plan, dropping the price from $10.99 to $5.49 per month—but there are a few specific rules you must follow to maintain that rate. For starters, you must be 18 or older, a direct-billed subscriber in the U.S., and aware that the deal strictly excludes the ad-free and ultimate tiers. Furthermore, the discount is only valid for 12 months, after which you must re-verify your college enrollment to keep the savings going. To help you navigate the rest of the fine print, we've answered the most common questions about the promotion below, including whether the deal is stackable and what to do when it's time to renew.

What Did Max Student Discounts Look Like Previously?

For years, HBO Max treated student discounts like an urban legend — often whispered about, never actually seen. If you were hoping for a discount before 2024, your best bet was finding a roommate with a login or strategically timing Max's 7-day free trial.

That all changed when Max finally joined the student discount party in 2024, offering a 50% cut on its Basic With Ads plan. It was a long-overdue move, but hey, better late than never.

Which Max Membership Packages Have Ads?

Unsurprisingly, the Basic With Ads plan includes advertisements, making it the only option for the student discount. Students should note that ad-free experiences are exclusive to the Standard and Premium packages.

Although the ad-free plans give you uninterrupted bingeing and access to some premium content, Max's ad-supported option is great for those who don't mind a few interruptions in exchange for a lower price. Plus, it's a way for Max to reach a wider audience while keeping things affordable. If you're not a fan of ads, you can always upgrade — but for many, a few commercials are worth saving a few bucks.

Are Student Discounts Stackable?

HBO Max typically doesn't allow stacking with other discounts or promos. So, if you're lucky enough to score a student deal, it's probably going to be the best offer you can get, unless they run special promotions where you can combine a student discount with something else. But it's always a good idea to check the fine print or ask customer support just to be sure.

When Will My Discount Expire?

HBO Max's student discount does have a time limit — 12 months. After that, you'll need to re-verify your student status through UNiDAYS to keep the discount going. Be sure to mark your calendar so you're not hit with a surprise price increase when the discount expires.

And just like with other services, if you stop being a student, the discount will likely disappear — so keep that in mind when you start pondering grad school!

When is the Best Time to Save on HBO Max?

The best time to save on HBO Max is typically during seasonal sales or promotional events, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year's. They often offer discounts on subscriptions or bundles during these periods, giving you a chance to lock in a lower rate for a year or more.

Keep an eye out for any announcements, as HBO Max occasionally offers deals or discounts around the release of major new shows or movies. If you've been waiting for a particular title to drop, that could be your cue to score a deal!

Why Is the HBO Max Student Discount Not Working?

Your HBO Max student discount might not be working because the promotion code is a one-time use, or you may not meet all the specific eligibility rules. Here are common reasons your discount might fail:

• One-Time Use Limit: The UNiDAYS student promo code is valid for a one-time use only. If you canceled a previous student subscription, you cannot restart or reuse the old discount code.

• Wrong Plan Selected: The 50% discount ($5.49/month) only works for the Basic With Ads plan. It does not apply to Ad-Free or Ultimate Ad-Free plans.

• Third-Party Billing: The discount only applies to direct-billed subscribers through the official website. If you pay through an app store (like Apple or Google Play) or a TV provider, the code will not work.

• Verification Issues: Your college or university enrollment status must be actively verified through UNiDAYS. If your status expired or failed to re-verify, the discount stops.

• Account Age / Existing Subscriptions: You must be 18 or older and direct-billed. If you already have an active standard subscription or bundle applied to your email, you may need to manage your billing first.

If you have confirmed all of these factors and are still experiencing issues redeeming your student rate, you can always reach out directly to Max support for personalized assistance.

How Do You Cancel HBO Max?

You can cancel your HBO Max (Max) subscription directly on the website or through the third-party company that bills you. Keep in mind that streaming platforms generally do not offer a return policy for retroactive refunds, meaning your cancellation will simply stop future billing.

If you are billed directly by HBO Max, here is the easiest way to cancel a subscription:

1. Go to HBOMax.com/subscription and sign in to an adult profile.

2. Click "Cancel Your Subscription."

3. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.

Is HBO Max Worth It In 2026?

HBO Max is absolutely worth it in 2026, especially if you're a student taking advantage of those discounted rates. The platform offers a ton of value with its extensive library, featuring some of the most talked-about shows like The Last of Us and Euphoria — not to mention blockbuster movies like The Batman and Barbie.

For budget-conscious streamers, Max offers plenty of ways to save, from promotional deals to bundle discounts. Watching your favorite shows without breaking the bank is totally doable, and there's always the chance to score a great deal with limited-time offers or partnering services.

So, if you're a student or just someone looking for a top-tier streaming experience at a fair price, Max is a solid bet.

What Else to Consider About Max in 2026

When evaluating your streaming options this year, remember that saving money on a subscription is only part of the equation; you also want to ensure the platform fits your daily viewing habits. Max provides excellent value through its robust content library, but students jumping on the $5.49/month deal should be prepared for the fact that offline viewing and live sports aren't included in the ad-supported tier. Before committing, be sure to read the terms and conditions to fully understand how your billing cycle and UNiDAYS re-verification process will work.

If you plan on sharing your account with roommates or watching on multiple screens, double-check device limits, as the basic tier restricts you to streaming on just two devices simultaneously.

How We Find and Verify Streaming Promos

We don't just rely on automated bots or recycled lists to find subscription deals. Our expert editorial team manually tests streaming discounts, tapping into community insights to pinpoint exactly when UNiDAYS promos are actively working and when they hit a snag. Because student discounts come with strict eligibility rules, we treat deal-hunting as a rigorous, hands-on process to ensure you aren't wasting time at checkout.

To ensure our readers get genuine value, our verification dives deep into the fine print:

• Testing Sign-Up Flows Firsthand: Senior Editor Julie Ramhold actively tests the sign-up and third-party verification loops. Recently, she tracked a Max student promotion to guarantee it applied correctly at the advertised $5.49 rate, manually verifying that users wouldn't be surprisingly bumped up to full price just for using a smart TV app rather than a web browser.

• Analyzing Plan Limitations: Content Editor Jason Savage evaluates how these subscription rules impact real-world viewers. As a parent of five and a massive sports fan, Jason recently verified that the Max student discount strictly limits users to the Basic With Ads tier—noting upfront that live sports and ad-free family viewing require paying full price for a premium upgrade.

• Checking Stackability and Billing Exclusions: Streaming platforms are notoriously strict about third-party billing. We verify store policies to confirm whether you can use Apple Pay, Roku Pay, or standard credit cards to successfully trigger the discount.

• Monitoring Usage Restrictions: We actively investigate code redemption issues, such as whether a returning student can use a new promo code or if the 12-month deal is strictly a one-time offer per email address.

Stay Updated on the Latest Max Deals

• Bookmark this page: We regularly update our list of verified streaming discounts and student promos, so check back whenever your subscription is up for renewal.

• Sign up for deal alerts: Subscribe to our DealNews Select newsletter to get the hottest streaming and tech discounts delivered straight to your inbox.

• Set a custom deal alert: Create a personalized deal alert for Max or your favorite streaming services and receive instant notifications when a new promo goes live.

• Follow us on social media: We frequently share flash promo codes and exclusive deals on our social channels. Follow us here:

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Staying proactive is the best way to maximize your streaming savings all year long!