If you have a Roku streaming device, you already know cable TV is a thing of the past. But if you’re outside the United States, you’ve probably hit a wall: the best Roku channels require a US-based payment method — and most international cards won’t work.
That’s exactly what the US Unlocked virtual card solves. With a US billing address and US-issued payment credentials, you can subscribe to virtually any Roku channel, anywhere in the world.
Roku now offers more than 40,000 apps and channels — up from a few thousand when the platform launched. That’s movies, TV shows, live sports, news, music, and more. Here’s what’s worth adding in 2026.
Premium Streaming (Subscription Required)
These are the flagship services most Roku users subscribe to. All require a US payment method — which is where your US Unlocked card comes in.
Netflix The global leader in streaming. Offers original series, films, and licensed content in 4K HDR. Plans start at $7.99/month (with ads) up to $22.99/month for 4K with multiple screens.
Disney+ Home to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. $7.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month ad-free. Essential for families and fans of franchise content.
Max (formerly HBO Now and HBO Max) HBO originals, Warner Bros. films, and DC content. Plans from $9.99/month. One of the strongest libraries for prestige drama.
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) CBS live TV, Paramount films, Showtime content, and NFL games. Plans from $5.99/month.
Peacock NBCUniversal’s streaming home. Includes Premier League soccer, WWE, NBC shows, and Universal films. Free tier available; paid plans from $7.99/month.
Apple TV+ Apple’s original programming — Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show. $9.99/month. Smaller library but consistently high quality.
Hulu One of the best options for next-day TV episodes plus Hulu Originals. Plans from $7.99/month (with ads). Live TV bundle available.
Prime Video (formerly Amazon Video) Included with Amazon Prime or available standalone at $8.99/month. Strong original series library plus add-on channels.
Starz Premium cable films and originals. $10.99/month as a standalone or add-on through Prime Video or Hulu.
Showtime (now part of Paramount+ with Showtime) Available as a Paramount+ add-on. Home to Yellowjackets, Billions, and more.
Live TV & Sports Streaming
If you want live TV — sports, news, or cable channels — these are the go-to options.
Sling TV One of the most affordable live TV options. Sling Orange or Blue starts at $40/month, with Spanish-language and sports add-on packages.
fuboTV The best Roku option for live sports. Covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Premier League, Champions League, and more. Plans from $79.99/month. Includes 4K sports content.
Philo Entertainment-focused live TV (no sports or news) at $28/month. Best value for lifestyle and entertainment channels.
YouTube TV 130+ live channels including all major US broadcast networks. $72.99/month. Strong DVR and multi-stream features.
ESPN+ (formerly WatchESPN) Exclusive UFC events, NHL games, international soccer, and college sports. $11.99/month or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
DAZN International sports streaming with boxing, MMA, NFL Game Pass, and more. Plans vary by country — requires US payment for US pricing.
Movies On Demand
Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu and FandangoNow — merged) Rent or buy digital movies and TV shows. No subscription required. Wide new-release selection.
Crunchyroll The definitive anime streaming platform. Free tier available; premium from $7.99/month with simulcasts of current Japanese releases.
AcornTV British and international drama — the best Roku channel for UK content outside the UK. $7.99/month.
Free Channels (No US Card Required)
Several excellent Roku channels are free and ad-supported — no payment method needed:
- The Roku Channel — 500+ live channels and a large on-demand library, built into every Roku device
- Tubi — 50,000+ free movies and TV shows, legally ad-supported
- Pluto TV — 250+ live channels, organized by genre
- Plex — Free movies, live TV, and podcasts in one app
- Peacock (free tier) — Access to select NBC shows and news
- Xumo Play — 300+ free live channels
- YouTube — Free movies, live news from major US networks, and more
How to Access Roku Channels from Outside the US
Roku’s best paid content requires two things international users often lack: a US billing address and a US-issued payment method.
Step 1: Get a US virtual card The US Unlocked card provides a US-issued Visa with a US billing address, accepted anywhere US cards are used — including Roku’s payment system and every streaming service on this list.
Step 2: Create a US Roku account When signing up for a Roku account, use your US Unlocked card details and US billing address. This unlocks the full US channel store.
Step 3: Use a VPN if needed Some channels verify your location by IP address, not just your payment method. A VPN set to a US server bypasses geo-blocks. NordVPN and ProtonVPN are both compatible with Roku setups via router. Note: Roku devices don’t run VPN apps directly — you’ll need to configure it at the router level or use a virtual hotspot.
Ready to unlock everything Roku has to offer? Sign up for the US Unlocked Card and start streaming today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roku
Can I use Roku outside the United States?
Yes. Roku devices work internationally, but your access to US channels depends on your payment method and IP address. You’ll need a US-issued payment card (like the US Unlocked virtual card) to subscribe to most premium channels, and a VPN may be required to bypass geo-restrictions on some services.
Why is my international credit card being declined on Roku?
Roku’s payment system and most US streaming services only accept US-issued payment cards. If your card was issued outside the US, it will likely be declined. A US virtual card like US Unlocked — which comes with a US billing address — resolves this.
What are the best Roku channels for international users?
For premium content, Netflix, Disney+, Max, and Hulu are the top picks. For live sports, fuboTV and Sling TV offer the widest coverage. For free content, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel require no payment at all.
What happened to PlayStation Vue, HBO Now, and CBS All Access on Roku?
PlayStation Vue shut down in January 2020. HBO Now rebranded to Max (formerly HBO Max). CBS All Access became Paramount+ in 2021. FandangoNow merged into Vudu, now called Fandango at Home. YouTube Red became YouTube Premium.
Do I need a VPN to use Roku outside the US?
Not always, but often. A US payment card gets you past the billing restrictions. However, some channels also verify your location by IP. For full access, combining a US virtual card with a US-based VPN server gives you the most complete access.
