I first wrote this post in February 2017, but there are now some changes in Cricut Access subscriptions, so I wanted to update and have the most recent information! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Post updated September 2019.
Since there are over 100,000 images in Cricut Design space (with more being added all the time) there’s no need for physical cartridges anymore. Some of these are free to use, and some are available for purchase – or get one of the access subscription to get free access to those as well.
You may be wondering if you will be required to use cartridges with your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. NOPE! (But — if you do have a collection of carts already from your previous machines, you can still use them) There’s a port on the Explore machines where cartridges can still go. You also have the option of linking them to your Cricut Design Space account, and then you can use all of those images without having to switch out the physical cartridge each time.
To use Cartridges with the Cricut Maker, you can purchase this cartridge adapter, or you can call Cricut support to help you link them.
Basic Cricut Access
This plan is available to purchase Monthly ($9.99 per month) or Yearly($7.99 per month– billed yearly at $95.88)
Here’s what will get with this access subscription:
- Unlimited access to over 400 beautiful fonts
- Unlimited use of over 100,000 cut‑ready premium Cricut images
- 10% savings on all product purchases on cricut.com, including machines, accessories, materials, and more – including sale items!
- 10% savings on premium licensed fonts, images, and ready‑to‑make projects from brands like
- Disney, Sanrio, Simplicity, and Anna Griffin
- Priority Member Care Line (50% less wait time)
Premium Cricut Access
This plan is $9.99 per month (must be purchased as a whole year at $119.88)
- Unlimited access to over 400 beautiful fonts
- Unlimited use of over 90,000 cut‑ready premium Cricut images
10% savings on all product purchases on cricut.com, including machines, accessories, materials, - and more – including sale items!
- 10% savings on premium licensed fonts, images, and ready‑to‑make projects from brands like Disney, Sanrio, Simplicity, and Anna Griffin
- Up to 50% savings on licensed fonts, images, and ready‑to‑make projects
- Free economy shipping on orders over $50
- Priority Member Care Line (50% less wait time)
So, which one should you get? I find that most people get all the use they want out of the Basic Cricut Access. BUT, if you like to use a lot of the licensed fonts and images that are in Design Space, AND you do a lot of shopping on Cricut.com, the Premium Cricut Access will get you those extra discounts.
Here are some more discount details.
- 10% discount off the current price applies to physical products available on Cricut.com, including all Cricut smart cutting machines, machine supplies (mats, blades, etc), cartridges, accessories, materials, Cricut EasyPress, and Cricut cases.
- Discounts on licensed premium content vary by licensor. Maximum 50% discount for Cricut Access Premium members not available for images, fonts, or cartridges from the following licensors: Walt Disney Company® (Disney Consumer Products, Inc.), Sesame Workshop™, Sanrio® Hello Kitty®, Boy Scouts of America®, Anna Griffin®, Lia Griffith™, and Simplicity®. Discounts cannot be combined with other deals, promotions, or promotion codes (including Cricut Circle promotions). Discounts cannot be used on iOS or Android™ in-app purchases. Cricut® reserves the right to modify the terms of this discount offer at any time.
And here are a couple of my favorite Cricut tutorials for you to check out too: