Peacock has grown into one of the most-watched streaming platforms in the US, with Statista reporting tens of millions of active viewers tuning in for NBC content, live sports, and hit originals. But one of the most searched questions about the service is simple: is Peacock free? The short answer is no — not anymore. Peacock quietly removed its free tier in 2024, leaving many viewers wondering how to access the platform without paying full price.
Quick Answer
Peacock is no longer free — the platform removed its free tier in 2024. Plans now start at $7.99/month. However, US residents can still access Peacock Premium at no cost through retailer memberships, carrier perks, and professional discounts, making it possible to watch without paying full price.
Is Peacock Free? What to Know (2026)
That said, "free" doesn't have to mean "impossible." There are legitimate ways US residents can get Peacock Premium at no cost or at a heavily discounted rate — through retailer memberships, carrier perks, professional discounts, and more. If you're already paying for services like Walmart Plus or Verizon, you may already qualify without knowing it. This guide breaks down every current option so you can stop overpaying — or stop paying at all.
Whether you're a student, a healthcare worker, or just someone who wants to catch Sunday Night Football without committing to a full subscription, the options below are worth checking before you pull out your credit card. And if Peacock isn't your only streaming concern, our guide to getting Netflix for free covers similar ground for that platform.
Does Peacock Have a Free Plan?
Peacock no longer offers a free tier or a standard free trial for new subscribers as of 2024. Previously, users could access a limited library of content at no charge, but that option was removed. Today, accessing any Peacock content requires a paid subscription — unless you qualify through one of the partner programs or promotional offers listed below.
- Peacock Premium: $7.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free Premium Plus)
- Annual plans: Save the equivalent of two months by paying yearly — roughly 12 months for the price of 10
How to Get Peacock Free or Discounted
Walmart Plus Membership
One of the easiest ways to try Peacock for free is through a Walmart Plus membership. New Walmart Plus subscribers receive a 30-day free trial that includes full Peacock Premium access. After the trial, Walmart Plus members keep Peacock Premium included as part of their membership at no additional cost — making it one of the best-value streaming bundle deals available right now.
- Walmart Plus costs $12.95/month or $98/year, covering both memberships
- Ideal for households already shopping at Walmart regularly
Instacart Plus Free Trial
New Instacart Plus subscribers receive a two-week free trial that includes Peacock Premium access during the trial period. If you need grocery delivery and want to test Peacock at the same time, this is a practical double benefit — just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to be charged for Instacart Plus.
- Free trial is available to new Instacart Plus members only
- Peacock access ends if you cancel the Instacart Plus subscription
Xfinity Internet Subscribers
According to CNET, new or existing Xfinity internet customers on Gigabit or Gigabit Plus service plans are eligible to receive Peacock Premium free for up to two years. This is one of the most generous offers available and applies without any additional sign-up fee — simply activate it through your Xfinity account.
- Must have Gigabit or Gigabit Plus internet tier to qualify
- Offer available to both new and existing Xfinity internet customers
Student Discount
Eligible college and university students can subscribe to Peacock Premium for just $5.99/month — nearly half the standard price. Verification is handled through a third-party student verification service, so you'll need a valid student email or enrollment documentation. This discount doesn't make it free, but it's the most affordable recurring option for students.
- Only available to currently enrolled college/university students in the US
- Saves approximately $60/year compared to the standard monthly rate
Medical Professionals and First Responders
Peacock offers a verified discount for medical professionals and first responders — $6.99/month for 12 months, saving $48 annually compared to the standard Premium plan. Verification is required through ID.me or a similar verification service. After the 12-month promotional period, the rate reverts to standard pricing unless renewed.
- Eligible groups include nurses, doctors, EMTs, police, and firefighters
- Must re-verify eligibility to renew the discounted rate
Mastercard Cardholder Credits
If you hold a World or World Elite Mastercard, you may automatically qualify for monthly statement credits on Peacock subscriptions — $3/month toward Premium or $5/month toward Premium Plus. This effectively reduces your monthly cost without any extra steps beyond paying with the qualifying card. Check with your card issuer to confirm eligibility.
- No promo code needed — credits are applied automatically to your statement
- Works with select World and World Elite Mastercard products from participating banks
Verizon Plus Play Bundle
Verizon customers can access Peacock Premium through Verizon's Plus Play add-on hub, which occasionally offers bundle deals pairing Peacock with other services like Netflix. One notable promotion allows subscribers to pay for one year of Peacock Premium and receive one year of Netflix included — effectively splitting streaming costs across two platforms. Availability varies, so check the current Verizon Plus Play offers for the latest deals.
- Available to postpaid Verizon wireless customers
- Bundle promotions change seasonally — check Verizon's Plus Play hub for current offers
What You Get With Peacock Premium
Regardless of how you access it, Peacock Premium includes live sports (NFL, Premier League, WWE, NASCAR), full NBC and Bravo libraries, Peacock Originals, and next-day access to current NBC shows. Premium Plus removes ads and adds download capability for offline viewing. If sports or live TV matter to you, Premium is worth it — especially if you qualify for one of the discounted options above.
- Live sports: NFL Sunday Night Football, Big Ten football, Premier League soccer
- On-demand: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Law & Order franchise, reality TV
Alternatives if Peacock Doesn't Fit Your Budget
If none of the discount options apply to you and the full subscription price isn't in your budget, there are solid free alternatives worth exploring. Platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Peacock's competitors offer ad-supported content at no cost. Check our list of free movie streaming apps for a full breakdown of what's available without a subscription.
Final Words
Peacock is not free in 2026 for new users — the free tier is gone and there's no standard free trial. But through Walmart Plus, Xfinity Gigabit service, Instacart Plus trials, student and professional discounts, and Mastercard credits, there are real ways to access Peacock Premium at little or no cost. Start by checking which services you already subscribe to — there's a good chance you're already eligible for a discount you haven't claimed yet.