Sinemia offers physical debit cards again to bypass online fees

MoviePass alternative Sinemia has started offering debit cards again after users complained about the fees associated with online purchases. The company previously offered debit cards, but then eliminated them and instead required subscribers to buy their tickets online. Customers who want to avoid those online fees can switch back to the physical debit card, but they'll have to pay to get one.

Purchasing tickets online usually comes with hefty convenience fees, those fees sometimes nearing the price of a ticket. For this reason, many moviegoers choose to pop into the theater and purchase the ticket in person at the counter or using one of the automated ticket machines.

Sinemia customers lost that option when the company decided to eliminate physical debit cards and have been forced to instead purchase tickets online. This results in paying a processing fee, increasing the cost and reducing the value of their discount.

Sinemia has addressed that issue by returning its physical debit card option. Customers can use these to purchase the tickets under their subscription plan, bypassing the online fees. However, subscribers must pay a one-time $14.99 fee to request the debit card.

Of course, the physical debit cards can also be used to purchase tickets online when running to the theater isn't an option, but convenience fees will still apply in that case. Sinemia offers multiple plan options, including the option to see a movie every day for $29.99/month, one movie per month for $4.99/month, and other options like 3 movies a month for $8.99/month, but with less options than the 2-movie $12.99 Elite plan.