How USA Today and Gannett's Digital Subscription Works

What You Get With a USA Today Digital Subscription

A USA Today digital subscription gives you access to articles, investigations, and breaking news on usatoday.com and through the USA Today mobile app. Gannett, the parent company that owns USA Today, bundles this into a single subscription that also includes access to hundreds of other local newspapers across the United States — papers like The Arizona Republic, The Indianapolis Star, The Tennessean, and many others depending on your location.

When you subscribe, you can read unlimited articles across all participating Gannett newsrooms. You also get access to USA Today's newsletters, which deliver news by topic or region directly to your email. The subscription removes the paywall that normally limits how many articles you can read per month.

The subscription is digital only — you do not receive a printed newspaper. If you want the print edition of USA Today, that is a separate product with its own cost and delivery schedule.

Key Takeaways

A USA Today digital subscription unlocks unlimited articles on usatoday.com and the mobile app, plus access to hundreds of Gannett-owned local newspapers.
You can manage your subscription, change your payment method, and pause or cancel anytime through your account settings on the USA Today website.
USA Today offers different subscription tiers — some include access to premium newsletters or sections, while others are basic digital access only.
If you already subscribe to a Gannett local newspaper, you may already have USA Today included, so check your current subscription first.
The subscription renews automatically on your billing date unless you cancel, and you can request a refund within a short window after purchase.

How to Start a USA Today Digital Subscription

Go to usatoday.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and you will see the available subscription options with their prices. Choose the plan that fits your needs — most people start with the basic unlimited digital access option.

Enter your email address and create a password. Then provide your billing information: a valid credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. USA Today will charge your payment method on the date you subscribe and then again on the same date each month (or year, depending on which plan you chose).

After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. Sign in with your email and password to start reading. On your phone or tablet, read the USA Today app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then sign in with the same email and password.

Managing Your Subscription and Payment Method

Once you have an active subscription, you can manage everything from your account page. Sign in to usatoday.com, click your profile icon or account menu (usually in the top right), and select "Account" or "Subscription Settings." From there you can view your current plan, see your next billing date, and update your payment method.

If your credit card expires or you want to use a different card, go to the payment method section and add or update your card information. USA Today will use the new card for your next renewal. If a payment fails — for example, if your card is declined — USA Today will usually send you an email asking you to update your payment information before your access is interrupted.

You can also change which newsletters you receive or adjust notification settings for breaking news alerts. These changes take effect when ready and do not affect your subscription cost.

Pausing or Canceling Your Subscription

If you want to stop your subscription temporarily, look for a "Pause Subscription" option in your account settings. This halts your billing for a set period — usually 1 to 3 months — and you can resume when you are ready. Pausing is different from canceling: your account stays active and you can turn it back on without creating a new subscription.

To cancel completely, go to your subscription settings and select "Cancel Subscription." USA Today will ask you why you are leaving and may offer you a discount to stay, but you can proceed with the cancellation if you choose. Your access will end on your next billing date, not when ready. If you cancel on the 15th of the month and your renewal date is the 20th, you will still have access until the 20th.

If you cancel and then change your mind within a few days, you may be able to reactivate your subscription without losing your saved articles or preferences. Contact USA Today's customer service through the help section on the website if you need to restore a recently canceled subscription.

Understanding the Different Subscription Tiers

USA Today typically offers a basic digital subscription that includes unlimited articles, breaking news alerts, and access to the mobile app. Some plans also bundle premium newsletters — such as the Politics newsletter or Sports newsletter — or access to special sections like the USA Today Network investigative reports.

Prices vary depending on which tier you choose and whether you pay monthly or annually. Annual plans usually cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but they require a larger upfront payment. USA Today frequently runs promotional offers for new subscribers, so the first month or first few months may be discounted.

If you are not sure which plan is right for you, start with the basic option. You can upgrade to a higher tier later if you want additional features, and the cost difference will be prorated based on your remaining subscription time.

What Happens If You Already Have a Gannett Newspaper Subscription

If you already subscribe to a local Gannett newspaper — such as The Arizona Republic, The Indianapolis Star, or another regional paper — you may already have USA Today included at no extra cost. Check your current subscription by signing in to your account on that newspaper's website and looking at your subscription details.

If USA Today is included, you can access it using the same email and password you use for your local paper. You do not need to create a separate USA Today account. If you are not sure whether USA Today is part of your current subscription, contact the customer service team for your local paper — they can confirm what is included.

If you want to add USA Today to an existing local newspaper subscription, you may be able to upgrade your plan through your account settings. The cost of the upgrade depends on your current plan and how much time remains on your subscription.

Troubleshooting Access and Login Issues

If you cannot sign in to your USA Today account, first check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. USA Today will send a reset link to your email — check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox.

If you are signed in but cannot read articles, your subscription may have expired or your payment may have failed. Go to your account settings and check your subscription status and next billing date. If your payment failed, update your payment method and your access should return within a few minutes.

If you are using the mobile app and having trouble, try signing out completely, closing the app, and then signing back in. Make sure you are using the official USA Today app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, not a third-party app. If problems continue, use the "Contact Us" or "Help" section on usatoday.com to reach customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my USA Today subscription with family members?

USA Today subscriptions are for individual use only, and sharing login credentials violates the terms of service. However, family members can each create their own subscription, and USA Today sometimes offers family or household plans at a discounted rate. Check the subscription page to see if a multi-user plan is available.

Do I get USA Today print delivery with a digital subscription?

No. A digital subscription includes only online and app access. If you want the printed newspaper delivered to your home, you need to purchase a print subscription separately, which is a different product with its own cost and delivery schedule.

What is the difference between USA Today and the local Gannett newspapers?

USA Today is a national newspaper covering national and international news, politics, sports, and business. Local Gannett newspapers cover regional and local news for specific cities and states. A USA Today subscription gives you access to the national paper plus hundreds of local papers, so you can read both national and local news in your area.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind right after subscribing?

USA Today allows refunds within a limited window after purchase — usually 7 to 14 days, depending on your subscription type. Contact customer service through the website with your order number and reason for the refund request. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

What happens to my saved articles if I cancel my subscription?

Saved articles and reading history are tied to your account. If you cancel and later resubscribe using the same email address, your saved articles will still be there. If you cancel and do not plan to return, those articles will no longer be accessible once your subscription ends.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.