How to Pay for Showtime TV in the UK

Showtime TV offers a wide range of high-quality content, from critically acclaimed series like Billions and Dexter to exciting movies and documentaries. While Showtime is primarily available in the U.S., viewers in the UK can access it using a VPN or Smart DNS. However, one of the biggest challenges is paying for the service when you’re outside the U.S. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to pay for Showtime TV from the UK, so you can enjoy its content without hassle and also how much does Showtime cost in the UK.

Why Is Paying for Showtime in the UK a Challenge?

Showtime is a U.S.-based service, which means it typically requires a U.S. payment method for subscriptions. If you try to sign up with a UK credit card or PayPal account, you might encounter issues as Showtime may detect your location and block the transaction. But don’t worry—there are ways around this problem.

Methods to Pay for Showtime TV in the UK

1. Use a Virtual U.S. Debit Card

A virtual U.S. debit card is one of the most effective ways to pay for Showtime from the UK. These cards are specifically designed to work like regular U.S. debit cards, making them ideal for international users who want to subscribe to U.S. services.

How to Get a Virtual U.S. Debit Card:

• Sign Up for a Service: Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, or StatesCard offer virtual U.S. debit cards. Sign up on their website or app and follow the instructions to create an account.
• Load Funds: Add money to your virtual debit card using your UK bank account or another funding source.
• Use the Card: When signing up for Showtime, enter the details of your virtual U.S. debit card in the payment section. Showtime should accept this payment method without any issues.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use.
• Works for other U.S.-based streaming services as well.

Cons:

• May require a small fee for card issuance or loading funds.

2. Use a U.S.-Based PayPal Account

PayPal is a popular online payment platform that is accepted by many streaming services, including Showtime. However, Showtime typically requires that your PayPal account be linked to a U.S. address.

Steps to Use a U.S. PayPal Account:

1. Create a New PayPal Account: If you don’t already have a U.S.-based PayPal account, you can create one by selecting the U.S. as your country during the sign-up process.
2. Link a U.S. Payment Method: You’ll need to link your new PayPal account to a U.S. bank account, virtual debit card, or U.S. credit card. Some users link their virtual U.S. debit card (from the method above) to PayPal.
3. Pay for Showtime: Once your U.S. PayPal account is set up, you can use it to pay for Showtime without encountering location-based restrictions.

Pros:

• Secure and widely accepted.
• Easy to manage payments and subscriptions.

Cons:

• Setting up a U.S.-based PayPal account may be complex for some users.

3. Purchase Showtime Gift Cards

Another convenient method is to buy Showtime gift cards online. These gift cards can be redeemed on the Showtime website and are available from various online retailers.

Where to Buy Showtime Gift Cards:

• Amazon U.S.: Purchase a digital Showtime gift card from Amazon’s U.S. store.
• Gift Card Retailers: Websites like MyGiftCardSupply and eGifter offer Showtime gift cards that can be purchased with international credit cards.

How to Redeem Showtime Gift Cards:

1. Purchase the Gift Card: Buy a Showtime gift card in the desired denomination from a trusted retailer.
2. Redeem the Code: Visit the Showtime website and enter the gift card code during the payment process.
3. Start Streaming: Once the code is accepted, you can start watching Showtime content immediately.

Pros:

• No need for a U.S. payment method.
• Simple and straightforward.

Cons:

• May involve additional costs due to currency conversion or service fees.

4. Use a U.S. Friend or Family Member’s Payment Method

If you have friends or family members in the U.S., you can ask them to pay for your Showtime subscription using their credit card. You can then reimburse them via PayPal, bank transfer, or another method.

Steps to Use This Method:

1. Coordinate with a U.S. Contact: Ask your U.S. contact if they’re willing to help.
2. Provide Account Access: They’ll need your Showtime account details to add their payment method.
3. Reimburse Them: Arrange a way to reimburse them for the subscription cost.

Pros:

• No need to set up new accounts or payment methods.
• Reliable as long as you have a trusted contact.

Cons:

• Relies on the willingness of another person.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a UK Credit Card to Pay for Showtime TV?

• Unfortunately, Showtime typically requires a U.S. payment method, so a UK credit card may not be accepted. However, you can use a virtual U.S. debit card, U.S.-based PayPal account, or gift card as alternatives.

2. What If My Payment Method Is Declined?

• If your payment method is declined, try using a different method, such as a virtual debit card or a Showtime gift card. Ensure that your VPN is connected to a U.S. server during the payment process to avoid location detection issues.

3. Is It Legal to Use These Methods to Pay for Showtime in the UK?

• While these methods are commonly used by international viewers, they may violate Showtime’s terms of service. Showtime could potentially suspend your account if they detect that you’re accessing their service from outside the U.S.

4. Will I Be Charged in USD or GBP?

• You’ll be charged in USD for your Showtime subscription. Depending on your payment method, currency conversion fees may apply.

5. How Can I Manage My Showtime Subscription After Paying?

• You can manage your subscription through the Showtime website or app. This includes updating payment information, changing plans, or canceling the subscription.

Conclusion

Paying for Showtime TV from the UK may seem challenging, but with the right tools and methods, it’s entirely possible. Whether you choose to use a virtual U.S. debit card, set up a U.S.-based PayPal account, purchase gift cards, or rely on a friend or family member in the U.S., you can enjoy Showtime’s premium content without any major hurdles. Just follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Showtime series in no time!