NordVPN Cost—Is It Worth Buying?
With a staggering 5.35 billion people connected to the internet and cybercrime becoming increasingly sophisticated, installing anti-malware software is no longer enough to protect one’s online presence. That's why VPNs, like NordVPN, are becoming fairly common for security and privacy protection. But how much does securing one’s digital footprint with NordVPN cost?
This article will examine NordVPN subscription costs, potential savings from discounts and promotions, and any extra costs associated with using it. If you're concerned about the safety of your financial information, this article will also explain an additional method of boosting the security of your online transactions.
Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate and up-to-date as of March 2024. Please note that the features and performance of NordVPN are subject to change.
NordVPN Subscription Models
NordVPN offers its services in bundles, offering them to users in plans of different durations. The choice of the bundle and the plan will determine the user's final payment for NordVPN.
Bundles
NordVPN currently offers three bundles:
- Basic
- Plus
- Complete
The table below breaks down what each bundle offers:
Plans
Users can subscribe to one of three NordVPN plans:
- 1-month plan—This plan is ideal for users who need a VPN service for a short period or wish to test it before committing to a longer subscription.
- 1-year plan—A cost-effective solution for individuals anticipating a long-term need for a VPN service. It comes at a significantly lower per-month price than the 1-month plan.
- 2-year plan—The most cost-effective option offered by NordVPN—users get the feature they choose at the lowest per-month price the company offers.
Both 1-year and 2-year plans may include extra months free of charge, driving the per-month price further down. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of each bundle under each plan:
NordVPN Money-Back Guarantees
Under NordVPN's money-back guarantee, new subscribers can request a full refund within the first 30 days after purchasing a subscription[1]. The policy applies to all subscription plans, allowing users to try the service risk-free.
NordVPN doesn’t issue refunds for recurring payments if a user cancels the service after the subscription renewal has already taken place. The user should cancel before the next renewal date to avoid being charged again.
According to the service's money-back policy, purchases made through Apple’s App Store are not eligible for refunds[3]. In such cases, users should contact App Store support for assistance.
Discounts and Promotions
To make its services even more affordable, NordVPN offers a variety of discounts and promotions throughout the year. These typically fall into two categories:
- Seasonal discounts
- Coupon codes
Seasonal Discounts
Seasonal discounts are special offers that NordVPN provides at specific times of the year. They can happen during the following events:
- NordVPN's anniversary in February
- Easter
- The start of a new school year in August
- Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October
- During Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November
- Christmas
- During national holidays
These discounts can provide substantial savings, making it an ideal time to purchase or renew a NordVPN subscription.
Coupon Codes
NordVPN also offers coupon codes that can provide sizable discounts on their services. These codes can be found on various coupon and deals websites.
NordVPN also has its own official coupon code page. The discounts can range from 45% to 81% off on various plans.
Additional Costs When Using NordVPN
While NordVPN offers various bundles and plans, users may incur additional costs depending on the services they add to their subscription. For instance, users can add NordPass, a password manager service, at an additional cost.
Users can also opt for a dedicated IP address for an extra $4.69 a month. This feature requires a NordVPN subscription, which is purchased separately from the package.
Want To Explore Other Options?
Considering its robust security features and flexibility of plans, NordVPN offers substantial value for money. Still, the perceived value can vary depending on individual needs and usage. Other VPN services worth exploring before picking NordVPN include:
How To Get Protection Beyond VPNs
Beyond using an effective VPN, there are other methods to stay safe online and prevent your most valuable information from falling into the wrong hands. Practicing due diligence when shopping online and using methods such as 2FA to protect your accounts are great free ways to boost your security—but even they have limitations.
When it comes to the safety and security of your financial information, one of the most cost-effective and convenient safety measures is using virtual cards for all your online transactions.
Virtual cards include unique, random card numbers that create a security barrier during online transactions and help protect your actual payment card details even if hackers intercept the data. Some banks offer them to their users, but independent card providers like Privacy provide a more comprehensive service, including robust security, control over spending, and convenience features.
Protect Your Financial Information With Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy Virtual Cards are a secure and convenient way to manage your online transactions. They act as a stand-in to your actual card information, adding an extra layer of security between your sensitive information and merchants. Using one-off virtual cards instead of your real financial information greatly reduces the risk of your financial details getting exposed in a data breach.
Privacy also supports multiple modes of two-factor authentication, uses the same standards of security as banks to secure your data, and doesn’t sell your information to advertisers.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers two types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—Shortly after the transaction is complete, these cards become invalid, protecting you from potentially unauthorized charges.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are “locked” to the first merchant they’re used at. If a hacker obtains the card number, they can’t use it anywhere else.
You can close or pause Privacy Virtual Cards at any time, protecting you from accidental charges during the process of canceling subscriptions. The same feature protects you if you believe the vendor’s security has been compromised.
Privacy also allows you to set spending limits. Any charge above the limit is automatically declined, safeguarding against unexpected charges.
Convenience Features
Privacy Virtual Cards also offer several convenience features that enhance the user experience, including the following:
- Mobile app—Available for iOS and Android, the Privacy app allows you to manage your virtual cards on the go.
- Browser extension—Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS, the Privacy Browser Extension allows you to autofill your card details during online transactions.
- Card sharing—You can safely share your payment information with family members or employees (for business owners) without exposing your financial details. It can be useful for managing shared expenses or providing controlled access to company funds.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get a Privacy Virtual Card, follow three easy steps:
- Visit the signup page
- Enter the required details to verify your identity
- Add a funding source, which can be your debit card or bank account
- Request and generate your first virtual card
Privacy has three monthly plans—Personal (free for domestic purchases) and two paid plans. The table below breaks down what each plan entails:
References
[1] NordVPN. https://nordvpn.com/pricing/, sourced April 16, 2024
[2] NordVPN. https://nordvpn.com/servers/, sourced April 5, 2024
[3] NordVPN. https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19476991311121-What-is-your-money-back-policy, sourced April 5, 2024
