(I was bored ...)
What's This You Say ?
Why it's a brand spanking newguide Update to make sure your Netflix remains as cheap as chips.
But wait, aren't there already 960 guides to it on HUKD already ?
Yes, that's completely correct but nobody reads them. That's why there are so many.
What do you mean nobody reads them ?
Well everyone seems to think their Netflix issue is the first time anyone has ever had a problem so they try and seek help with a new thread.
Aha, I see. So how's it done then ?
There are two routes to getting it done based on whether or not you have an existing account you need to re-activate or if you haven't had an account before and need to start from scratch. They're quite similar though.
Aha, I see. So what's next ?
If you're re-activating. there's been a pretty big development since last time. Originally, you would let your account expire and then the following day you could go back with your VPN switched on and re-activate it with your original billing method. You would then get charged at Turkish rates going forward. This method no longer works. Netflix closed the loophole by requiring a Turkish phone number for verification.
Ok, so how do I get my account to charge me at Turkish Rates ?
The only way you can do that now is with Turkish Gift Cards. This applies to both re-activations and to new starters.
You need to purchase a Turkish Gift Card with enough credit to cover you for at least one month. 100TL should be sufficient, since the current price for the top 4K tier is 93.99TL.
If you're re-activating then you need to start your Turkish VPN and go to Netflix and sign in to your existing account. When you select the payment method, choose Gift Cards and apply your code accordingly and you should be good to go.
If you're starting from scratch, then you need to start your Turkish VPN and go to Netflix to create a new account. Go through the usual sign up procedure and when you get to choosing your payment method, choose gift cards and use your gift card code to get the account active. You won't be asked for a Turkish phone number during sign up. (I've just checked !).
But I'm having trouble with Gift Cards at the moment as I keep getting an error and I can't watch anything ?
That's because the Gift Card procedure has also been changed. Adding a gift card will region lock your account and you will only be able to watch content via a VPN for that particular country. This applies to any gift cards bought at any time as the region locking has only recently been implemented and cannot be avoided.
Region locking sucks! What if I keep using Gift Cards ?
At the moment, it appears that the region locking lasts for one month after you've used your initial gift card so if you've stacked your Gift Cards for a while, you should be ok after that first month. You can, of course, continue to use Gift Cards as long as you wish but you may want to add a valid payment method as well.
How do I add a Payment Method ?
Currently the only way to do that is via Live Chat. If you have a gift card as your active, primary payment method, you need to go to live chat and tell them you're having trouble adding a backup payment method. You don't have to make small talk or engage them in any way other than possibly prompting them that you did this once before and they sent you a secure link to enter your new card details. If you're lucky, you'll get the link and your payment details will be added accordingly. If not, and the customer service person starts questioning you then you will have to end the chat and try again later.
One useful thing to say is "I was just updating my card details via the secure window and I had a power cut. Can we finish doing that please?".
There are still indications that this has become very tricky. Some people have reported trying multiple cards (Revolut, Starling, Monzo e.t.c..) and them all being rejected. Some have also reported being given the secure window to add card details and it still asks you for a Turkish phone number.
I don't think I can fly to Turkey that quickly !
You don't have to !. There are two useful services that can provide you with a virtual turkish phone number for verification. You can use either 5sim or Receive SMS (SMS Man), although both will require a payment to be able to access the numbers.
There are other free services available but the two above have proven to be the most reliable for me, even though you still might have to try multiple times to get a working number.
So is that all I need to do ?
Yes. Once the payment method is added, you'll be free to watch Netflix as normal after the region locking has ended at the end of the month.
Anything else ?
DON'T LET YOUR PAYMENT CARD EXPIRE. EVER !!
Any other useful tips ?
Yes, I'm glad you asked. It's been reported by a number of people that they launched the Netflix app on their smart device(s) soon after their payment details expired and they were prompted to enter new payment details on the app itself with no live chat needed. Could be worth trying first.
Any other all new, updated tips for 2023 ?
Well I'm glad you asked.
Thankyou and full credit for the outstanding work go to I Smell Pennies from OzBargain for this discovery and the work they put in to verify everything.
Go to this link and scroll down to where it says this "Part 1 - Obtaining a Turkey Virtual Mastercard".
Follow the instructions in full. Make sure you use the bank details for "Garanti Bankasi" when you're setting up your account transfer as well as these are current and have been verified as fully working.
Once you have topped up your Virtual Mastercard then you are good to go. At the moment, it has been verified as working on Deezer, Disney+ and, most importantly for this guide, Netflix.
I used FastestVPN set to Turkey and signed in to Netflix with an old email address. I was prompted to complete the signup process by setting a password, which I did.
I clicked through to add payment details and added the details for the Virtual Mastercard from the OlduBil app and it worked perfectly. At no point was I asked for a Turkish number for verification.
One word of warning though: This account does also appear to be region locked to Turkey. I've tested it with a VPN and you can play content without any restrictions but when I turn the VPN off, I get the error message that "This account can't be used on this device".
So I would highly recommend using OlduBil as your primary payment method going forward as it does appear to greatly simplify the signup process.
Enjoy !
What's This You Say ?
Why it's a brand spanking new
But wait, aren't there already 960 guides to it on HUKD already ?
Yes, that's completely correct but nobody reads them. That's why there are so many.
What do you mean nobody reads them ?
Well everyone seems to think their Netflix issue is the first time anyone has ever had a problem so they try and seek help with a new thread.
Aha, I see. So how's it done then ?
There are two routes to getting it done based on whether or not you have an existing account you need to re-activate or if you haven't had an account before and need to start from scratch. They're quite similar though.
Aha, I see. So what's next ?
If you're re-activating. there's been a pretty big development since last time. Originally, you would let your account expire and then the following day you could go back with your VPN switched on and re-activate it with your original billing method. You would then get charged at Turkish rates going forward. This method no longer works. Netflix closed the loophole by requiring a Turkish phone number for verification.
Ok, so how do I get my account to charge me at Turkish Rates ?
The only way you can do that now is with Turkish Gift Cards. This applies to both re-activations and to new starters.
You need to purchase a Turkish Gift Card with enough credit to cover you for at least one month. 100TL should be sufficient, since the current price for the top 4K tier is 93.99TL.
If you're re-activating then you need to start your Turkish VPN and go to Netflix and sign in to your existing account. When you select the payment method, choose Gift Cards and apply your code accordingly and you should be good to go.
If you're starting from scratch, then you need to start your Turkish VPN and go to Netflix to create a new account. Go through the usual sign up procedure and when you get to choosing your payment method, choose gift cards and use your gift card code to get the account active. You won't be asked for a Turkish phone number during sign up. (I've just checked !).
But I'm having trouble with Gift Cards at the moment as I keep getting an error and I can't watch anything ?
That's because the Gift Card procedure has also been changed. Adding a gift card will region lock your account and you will only be able to watch content via a VPN for that particular country. This applies to any gift cards bought at any time as the region locking has only recently been implemented and cannot be avoided.
Region locking sucks! What if I keep using Gift Cards ?
At the moment, it appears that the region locking lasts for one month after you've used your initial gift card so if you've stacked your Gift Cards for a while, you should be ok after that first month. You can, of course, continue to use Gift Cards as long as you wish but you may want to add a valid payment method as well.
How do I add a Payment Method ?
Currently the only way to do that is via Live Chat. If you have a gift card as your active, primary payment method, you need to go to live chat and tell them you're having trouble adding a backup payment method. You don't have to make small talk or engage them in any way other than possibly prompting them that you did this once before and they sent you a secure link to enter your new card details. If you're lucky, you'll get the link and your payment details will be added accordingly. If not, and the customer service person starts questioning you then you will have to end the chat and try again later.
One useful thing to say is "I was just updating my card details via the secure window and I had a power cut. Can we finish doing that please?".
There are still indications that this has become very tricky. Some people have reported trying multiple cards (Revolut, Starling, Monzo e.t.c..) and them all being rejected. Some have also reported being given the secure window to add card details and it still asks you for a Turkish phone number.
I don't think I can fly to Turkey that quickly !
You don't have to !. There are two useful services that can provide you with a virtual turkish phone number for verification. You can use either 5sim or Receive SMS (SMS Man), although both will require a payment to be able to access the numbers.
There are other free services available but the two above have proven to be the most reliable for me, even though you still might have to try multiple times to get a working number.
So is that all I need to do ?
Yes. Once the payment method is added, you'll be free to watch Netflix as normal after the region locking has ended at the end of the month.
Anything else ?
DON'T LET YOUR PAYMENT CARD EXPIRE. EVER !!
Any other useful tips ?
Yes, I'm glad you asked. It's been reported by a number of people that they launched the Netflix app on their smart device(s) soon after their payment details expired and they were prompted to enter new payment details on the app itself with no live chat needed. Could be worth trying first.
Any other all new, updated tips for 2023 ?
Well I'm glad you asked.
Thankyou and full credit for the outstanding work go to I Smell Pennies from OzBargain for this discovery and the work they put in to verify everything.
Go to this link and scroll down to where it says this "Part 1 - Obtaining a Turkey Virtual Mastercard".
Follow the instructions in full. Make sure you use the bank details for "Garanti Bankasi" when you're setting up your account transfer as well as these are current and have been verified as fully working.
Once you have topped up your Virtual Mastercard then you are good to go. At the moment, it has been verified as working on Deezer, Disney+ and, most importantly for this guide, Netflix.
I used FastestVPN set to Turkey and signed in to Netflix with an old email address. I was prompted to complete the signup process by setting a password, which I did.
I clicked through to add payment details and added the details for the Virtual Mastercard from the OlduBil app and it worked perfectly. At no point was I asked for a Turkish number for verification.
One word of warning though: This account does also appear to be region locked to Turkey. I've tested it with a VPN and you can play content without any restrictions but when I turn the VPN off, I get the error message that "This account can't be used on this device".
So I would highly recommend using OlduBil as your primary payment method going forward as it does appear to greatly simplify the signup process.
Enjoy !
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701 Comments
sorted by1) Turn on Turkish VPN (Windscribe)
2) Register for a new netflix account
3) Used a new Chase card (obtained via mobile app and got card number straight away)
4) Verified account using virtual phone number using SMS-Activate.org
5) Account verified and payment taken for £4.19
6) Following this I have deleted the virtual phone number (appearingly with no issues).
Account all seems to be working fine. It is geo-locked but assuming this will dissapear after the 30 days (will come back with an update). I have my chase card on my account as the primary payment method with expiry in 2026.
And here's the thing. They have a TEN YEAR expiry date, which is currently double that of Revolut. The one i've just created literally doesn't expire until December 2032
I've spoken to Starling via live chat and they've said they can't see any issue with the cards being used for recurring payments in foreign currencies from these spaces. Obviously this isn't an out and out confirmation I suppose, but one thing I can confirm is that I've just gone on to Netflix live chat and changed my payment method to this new Starling Virtual Card without any issues at all.
So if it works out, and Netflix don't end up closing these accounts or anything, then I'm sorted for the next ten years
My next Netflix payment is due out two weeks from today so I'll certainly come back and confirm if it's worked, but if it does then I'd certainly recommend joining Starling now ! (edited)
I went with the story that my works laptop security meant I just get a blank page when I am asked to enter backup card details
When trying to add it they ask for a Turkish number, which I don’t have
I set up a new Turkish Netflix account using Windscribe vpn. I used a gift card from G2A to get it going for the first month which needed the vpn to watch. When the card expired, I was prompted to add a payment card. After a bit of trial and error, I used PingMe.tel with the one time sms option. (I bought about £5 of credit and it cost 0.75p for the message)
So, I connected to Netflix with the vpn enabled. Once logged in, I turned off the vpn and used my Revolut physical card details. This failed previously with the vpn enabled. I was then prompted for the Turkish phone number for verification. Initially this failed with a Netflix error but I then generated a fresh number on PingMe.tel and turned the vpn back on again. I can't say which fixed it but I got the code via Ping.me and verified the account on Netflix.
So, I now have a verified card in place and can watch without the vpn. I can't promise it will work for others but you never know. (edited)
I have stupidly let my old card Revolut card expire. Went on Live Chat to get the secure form to update but the only way they will verify my account to do so, is by me confirming the 16 digits on the old Revolut card I no longer have.
Many thanks.
Here is the link from app: revolut://app/profile-documents
Then select: Revolut Card Confirmation
It will show the full listing of numbers and expiry dates.
Activated an old email address on Netflix via Turkey and used the OlduBil card to sign up and it worked perfectly, albeit still region locked. No phone number required at any point.
I've updated the guide accordingly. (edited)
I cancelled my account and let it run out, I then logged in via Brazil on Control D. It then let me pay for a 4K account with an AMEX card, it's just over £9, which is still a decent saving over a UK one. (edited)
How do I add a Payment Method ?
Currently the only way to do that is via Live Chat. If you have a gift card as your active, primary payment method, you need to go to live chat and tell them you're having trouble adding a backup payment method. You don't have to make small talk or engage them in any way other than possibly prompting them that you did this once before and they sent you a secure link to enter your new card details. If you're lucky, you'll get the link and your payment details will be added accordingly. If not, and the customer service person starts questioning you then you will have to end the chat and try again later.
I've just been on live chat, my current card I had lost and was having issues with my new card being added (payment due 22nd Oct) so I stated the below and the agent securely added my details without question. So just an option to use when providing reasoning all..
Hi Myrrh - I'm trying to add a 2nd payment method but keepscrashing - could you add this for us? or alternatively send me a link to add asI had this issue last time - I just want to add my second payment method as mycurrent payment method will potentially cease in 2/3 months so I want to avoidforgetting..
Myrrh
I have successfully update to your new card.
Can you confirm the last 4 digits of the new card?
In your next billing date 22/10/2022 we will charge the card end in **** (edited)
For others reading this. If they tell you that the card was declined BEFORE they've sent you the form, ask them how this can be as you could not complete the update because it asked for a phone number and you don't own a mobile phone. That immediately changed the way that they treated me. HTH (edited)
What is the correct method for updating card details before your current card expires?
Can you please update the guide with information for people with a fully functioning account whose payment card hasn't expired yet but is due to at a future date.
Thank you.
1) Make sure you have UK mobile number added to your Netflix account
2) Buy a 100 TL gift card from g2a or turgame or cdkeys - I bought it from g2a
3) Use Turkey VPN and redeem the gift card, I used VPN Unlimited
4) Go to live chat and ask them to add the payment method
5) The guy confirmed my identity by sending a text message to my UK number that is on account
6) He then sent me a secure form to add my payment details.
7) I used Halifax Clarity Mastercard which worked flawlessly
JOB DONE.
Note: I can only use Netflix when connected to Turkey VPN. It might work without a VPN after a month. (edited)
I had a uk account with a uk payment card and cancelled it....
Using a vpn to Turkey I rejoined Netflix using 100TL gift card on 9/8/2022
This reactivated the account immediately but required a Turkish vpn to watch any content....
After 28 days (6/9/2022) the requirement for the vpn has now disappeared and I can watch in the uk without any error messages
The 1st month payment 77.99TL from the gift card has covered the period 9/8/2022 - 8/9/2022
There is a balance of 22.01TL on the gift card ....so the next month should use this and 55.98 TL from the uk card
I'll confirm what happens in the next few days....
You will need to let your subscription expire, making sure your payment method of choice (with a decent expiry date) is saved. Then you will have to purchase a Turkish Netflix gift card to start, applying it via a VPN to your existing account (which will geo block the account for 1 month). Then it will revert to taking payments from your saved card in TRY (so best to have a card that doesn’t charge on international payments).
I logged into my account (no vpn) and added a new back up payment method. Seems to have gone through smoothly - not asking for any Turkish number and states it will charge the Turkish price.
Any reason why this isn't working for others?
Make your Santander card your backup and your Clarity card your primary because I believe that once you reactivate with a gift card then that will become your primary payment.
If you’ve got your preferred main card saved as a backup already and it’s still active it should, in theory, simply default to that once your initial one month region locked account unlocks and you may be able to skip the whole process of getting it added via live chat.
Last one I said the previous agent was sending me the link as it kept crashing and I asked if they can resend it and they said they'll check the previous chat first to see where we got to so had to cancel the chat.
It should unlock after a month
Used windscribe vpn for turkey (free)
Used turgame to buy giftcard for 100L
Signed up with vpn active for a new account, basic account, used gift card to pay, clicked skip when it offered me to add card, skip again when it asked for phone number - account set it up
then go to help, live chat and ask to enter backup payment method as you are having issues. I was sent a form on the chat immediately, just needed name card number cvc and expiry - worked perfectly.
Account shows netflix giftcard balance as 54 lira and backup payment card will be charged after that in Jan 2023
Just seeking clarification here:
1. Does the region locking happen EACH time you apply the gift card?
2. If I allow the first gift card to lapse, and then apply a second, would the region locking reset from when I apply the second gift card?
3. Does the payment method really matter aslong as you have a back-up?
In my case, I was a UK netflix user with a visa card setup. This is still on my account so there isn't a need to change my payment details, correct?
Thank you.
I had a similar setup to yours i.e. a netflix uk account with an existing uk payment card
After cancelling the uk account and letting it lapse I used the Turkey vpn to apply a turkish gift card...in my case 100 Turkish Lira (when the price was 78.99 TL (?) a month for 4 screens.
The gift card was enough for approximately 5 weeks subscription ....but the requirement to have a turkish vpn to view content only lasted 28 days (from memory) and the uk card was debited to part pay for month 2.
Month 3 onwards is all taken from the uk card. This was around August/September this year..
So not sure about the answers to Questions 1 and 2 as personally there was no need to apply a second gift card .....the uk card automatically kicked in to pay for the ongoing subscriptions. In my case it was a Santander Mastercard Debit card....
Re Q2 If you allowed the 1st gift card to lapse before applying a 2nd ...but you had the uk card on the account in place....I would assume it would just take from the uk card if you hadnt cancelled the account at all... until the card expired...
I used the smart TV method and got a finish renewal email, turned on the VPN and redeemed the gift card first try, it's now working on my none VPN TV! However the backup payment method with Chase was again declined
After my one month region locked account will they accept PayPal as payment method without reverting it back to GB account? Just a little confused as I can't add a different card
So the average Turkish citizen wont be using Paypal themselves to buy Turkish Netflix...if that makes sense. (edited)
Went to update and re-enter details but now it wants to confirm my account by sms with a turkey mobile number which I obviously can't do.
This happened to anyone else?
You’d probably have to start again with a gift card, or even a month at UK rates though.
Also, did it actually fail ?. Can you check with Starling to see if an attempt was made to take payment ? (edited)
So if I have an existing expired account with existing card details on file and reactivate using a turkey gift card, do I still need to go through live chat to add the back up payment method? Or will it automatically default to the previous card payment it held on file?
The system refused to accept the details without a Turkish mobile number so I contacted the customer service chat on Netflix site (still using VPN) and told them I needed help to set up the payment details as I am not in Turkey at the moment and have no access to a Turkish mobile.
I was sent a secure form on the chat with my card details and while I was on chat, payment details were updated. (edited)
The only obstacle now I can see is whether or not any of these companies actively seek out and close accounts that are paying this way. If they don't, that's the payment methods set in place for the next ten years
Edit: Seen that changes in Indian banking have made it an issue going forward with new cards. (edited)
Got my new debit card today and it expires in 2026, one year after my Chase card expires so I've decided to move all my payments to Kroo where possible. Just been on live chat via Chrome Incognito mode and VPN Unlimited set to Turkey and had the payment method updated no problem at the first attempt. I did ask for the backup payment to be done, but she just went ahead and did the main one anyway ! (edited)
I have friends there and I was looking at the local Turkish banking cards a couple of weeks ago ....a lot of them have sizeable cash back deals when you pay for Netflix and Spotify by card but have a validated Turkish ID on the bank account.
So Netflix up the price / becomes less attractive to non Turks / local Turks get cashback to keep the price affordable