The Tech-pert: Get Free Redbox Movie Rentals Every Time

Isn't it funny how Blockbuster put all the mom-and-pop video stores out of business, and now Redbox kiosks are doing the same thing to Blockbuster? Okay, maybe not funny so much as sad.

If you're familiar with Redbox, you know that the company charges $1 per night for DVD rentals and $1.50 for Blu-ray. That won't break anybody's bank--but why pay for something if you don't have to?

By using easy-to-find coupon codes, you can get a free rental nearly every time you use Redbox.

Start with Inside Redbox, a site that aggregates the codes from a variety of sources. Today, for example, it offers two codes (DVDONME and BREAKROOM) that have been confirmed to work.



When you get to the kiosk, just choose the "Rent with a promo code" option and type in one of the codes. If a code doesn't work, just try another one. (Alas, you can't use them when renting/reserving movies in advance via the Redbox Web site.)

Didn't have a chance to visit Inside Redbox before hitting the kiosk? No problem: just fire up the Redflix app on your iPhone or Free Movie Rentals on your Android phone. Both apps give you the latest Redbox promo codes (the latter does likewise for Blockbuster kiosks).

The trick, of course, is to make sure you return your rental within 24 hours, otherwise you'll end up paying for extra days (at the same $1 or $1.50 rate). Also, some codes work only at specific stores (Kroger, Walgreens, etc.), and not all codes work for Blu-rays.

As any smart shopper knows, small savings like these can add up. If you rent just one movie per week, the freebie codes can save you $52 per year. That's worth an extra minute or two of your time, don't you think?

If you know of any other great sources for Redbox promo codes, shout 'em out in the comments!

Self-proclaimed cheapskate Rick Broida has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the Cheapskate blog.