Don’t Buy Movie Tickets on This Day of the Week
The average price for a movie ticket is now around $11. That means for a family of four to go to the movies, you’ll be spending over $40 before factoring in extra expenses like snacks, drinks and parking.
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Fortunately, there are ways to be strategic that will save you money on your next trip to the movies — including choosing the right day of the week.
Only Buy Tickets on Discounted Days
One way to save is to buy tickets on days when you can score a discount. This typically occurs during a weekday, and it will vary depending on the chain.
For example, AMC offers discounted movie tickets on Tuesdays for its AMC Stubs members, in its free-to-join loyalty program. In addition to discounted tickets, Stubs members can enjoy a small popcorn plus a soda or ICEE drink for just $5 plus tax.
Cinemark also sells discounted movie tickets on Tuesdays, as does Regal. At Regal, movie tickets cost just $5 to $8 for standard tickets, and Regal Crown Club members get 50% off popcorn every Tuesday.
Discover: How Much Does the Average Middle-Class Person Have in Savings?
If You Buy Tickets on Non-Discount Days, Choose the Time Wisely
If you can’t make it to the theater on its weekly discount day, consider catching an early showing. Many chains offer discounts on tickets for non-peak showtimes. For example, at AMC, every day before 4 p.m., movie tickets are 25% off the evening ticket price.
Other Ways To Save on Movie Tickets
Being strategic about the day and time you go to the movies can help you save, but there are other ways you can score discounts.
Join Loyalty Programs
Many movie theater chains have loyalty programs that are free to join and can help you save. For example, if you become an AMC Stubs member you can earn points towards $5 rewards and get free popcorn on your birthday. You’ll also have fees waived when you purchase tickets online when you buy four tickets or more.
Regal Crown Club members earn points towards tickets, concessions, merchandise and sweepstakes with every purchase. In addition, they get 25% off candy on Mondays and 50% off popcorn on Tuesdays, plus a free birthday popcorn.
Buy Discounted Tickets and Gift Cards
Many warehouse clubs sell discounted movie ticket packages and discounted gift cards. At Costco, you can buy a $50 Cinemark gift card for $39.99, or get two standard movie tickets plus a $20 AMC gift card for $39.99.
Even if you’re not a warehouse club member, you can still find discounted gift cards online. For example, Raise has Fandango gift cards for up to 18.7% off and AMC gift cards for up to 10% off.
Use Your AAA Membership
If you’re an AAA member, you can get up to 40% off movie tickets at popular chains including AMC, Regal, Cinemark and Showcase Cinemas.
Buy Tickets at the Box Office
Although it’s convenient to buy movie tickets online, you usually have to pay extra fees. Wait to buy at the box office to save.
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