Max implements $8 extra member charges on all subscription plans

If you’re like me and can’t wait for the next episode of The Last of Us or The Pitt on Max, there’s something you should know before you press play.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service is following the footsteps of Netflix and Disney+ with a new password-sharing policy, and yes, it’s going to cost extra.

Max is rolling out a feature that lets subscribers officially add one extra member to their account for $8 per month, regardless of their current plan (ad-free or with ads). But this option doesn’t apply to bundled accounts (like those through a cable package). If you’ve been casually sharing your login with someone outside your household, this change might disrupt your weekend binge routine.

Here’s how it works: The extra member gets their own login, profile, and one-device streaming access, but they must live in the same country as the account holder. You can also transfer an existing adult profile—including watch history and preferences—to a new extra member slot, which makes the transition smoother.

This move is part of a broader industry trend. Netflix kicked off its crackdown in 2023, Disney+ followed in 2024, and now Max joins the club. It’s all about limiting account sharing to boost individual subscriptions.

Netflix Cracks Down on Password Sharing, Expands Restriction Worldwide

Hold onto your popcorn, folks, because Netflix is making a bold move to crack down on the long-standing practice of password sharing. No more sneaky logins for your distant cousin’s boyfriend’s best friend! The streaming titan has decided to tighten the reins and introduce stricter rules to ensure fair usage

TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

The timing is interesting, Max raised its subscription prices in 2024, and while live sports and news are still available for free (for now), this new fee is another sign that streaming is becoming less of a shared experience—and more of a pay-to-play model.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re outside the main account holder’s household, you’ll either need to fork out $8 a month or lose access. On the plus side, you do get a proper account with full features, and Max’s new profile transfer tool could ensure a smoother shift.

The bottom line is that Max isn’t just cracking down, it’s monetising the behaviour that used to be free. Whether this will push people to pay up or simply opt out remains to be seen.

Max’s streaming password-sharing crackdown begins from 2025

As the dominoes fall, it looks like the days of carefree account sharing are numbered.

TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji