How to cancel your New York Times subscription
You can cancel your New York Times subscription through your account settings on the Times website or app, or by contacting customer service directly. The process takes a few minutes and stops your charges when ready, though your access continues until the end of your current billing period. You do not need to call or email unless you want to — the self-service option in your account is the fastest route.
The New York Times offers different subscription types: news-only digital access, the full bundle that includes games and cooking, and print-plus-digital combinations. The cancellation process is the same regardless of which you have, and the timing of your refund depends on whether you cancel before or after your next billing date.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel through your account settings online without calling customer service, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
- If you cancel before your next billing date, you keep your access until that date and are not charged again.
- Canceling through the website or app is faster than contacting support, but both methods work.
- If you were charged after canceling, you can request a refund by contacting customer service with your receipt or confirmation number.
Cancel through your New York Times account online
Log into your New York Times account on nytimes.com or open the Times app and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer. Tap or click on it to see your current subscription details, including your billing date and the type of subscription you have.
Once you are in the subscription section, you will see a button or link that says "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Plan." Click it. The Times will ask you to confirm that you want to cancel and may offer you a discount to stay — you can ignore this and proceed. After you confirm, you will receive an email confirmation with the date your access ends. Save this email in case you need to reference it later.
Cancel by contacting New York Times customer service
If you prefer not to cancel online, you can reach the Times by phone, email, or live chat. Call 1-800-698-4637 (the number for U.S. customers; international numbers are listed on the contact page). Have your account email address and subscription type ready when you call. The phone line is typically available during business hours, and wait times vary.
You can also email support through the Times website or use the live chat feature if you are logged into your account. Live chat is often the fastest option because you do not have to wait on hold. Whichever method you choose, a representative will confirm your cancellation and send you a confirmation email with your final access date.
What happens to your access after you cancel
When you cancel, your subscription ends at the close of your current billing cycle, not when ready. If your next billing date is in two weeks, you can read the Times for those two weeks at no additional charge. After that date passes, you will no longer be able to read articles beyond the free monthly limit (the Times allows a small number of free articles per month to non-subscribers).
If you cancel after your billing date has already passed, your access ends right away because you have already paid for the next period. In that case, you may be may have access to to a refund for the unused portion of your subscription. Contact customer service with your confirmation number to request one.
Pausing instead of canceling
The New York Times also offers the option to pause your subscription rather than cancel it entirely. This is useful if you want to stop paying temporarily but plan to return later. When you pause, your billing stops but your account remains active, and you can resume at any time without losing your saved articles or preferences.
To pause, go to your subscription settings and look for a "Pause Subscription" option alongside the cancel button. The pause period is typically 30 days, after which your subscription resumes automatically unless you cancel or pause again. Pausing is not the same as canceling — your account will restart charging after the pause ends, so set a reminder if you do not want that to happen.
Refunds and billing after cancellation
If you cancel before your next billing date, you will not be charged again and no refund is needed — you straightforward use the rest of the time you already paid for. If you were charged after you canceled, or if you canceled after your billing date and want a refund for unused time, contact customer service. Have your confirmation number from the cancellation email ready.
Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account after you request one. If you do not see it after two weeks, follow up with customer service again. Keep your cancellation confirmation email and any refund confirmation numbers in case you need to dispute a charge with your bank or credit card company later.
Restarting your subscription later
If you cancel and later want to subscribe again, you can do so through the Times website or app using the same account. The Times sometimes offers discounted rates to returning subscribers, though these offers vary and are not may provide. Log into your account, go to the subscription section, and select the plan you want. You will be charged starting on the date you restart.
If you have questions about your old account or want to know what offers are available to you as a returning subscriber, contact customer service before restarting. They can sometimes explore a discount code or special rate to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose access when ready when I cancel?
No. You keep your access until the end of your current billing cycle. If your next billing date is March 15 and you cancel on March 1, you can read until March 15. After that date, you lose access unless you restart your subscription.
Can I get a refund if I just started my subscription?
The New York Times does not have a standard trial period or money-back may provide. However, if you cancel within a few days of starting and request a refund, customer service may honor it. Contact them with your confirmation number and explain your situation — they have discretion to refund new subscriptions in some cases.
What if I cancel but get charged again?
Contact customer service when ready with your confirmation number and the charge receipt. Explain that you canceled and were charged after the cancellation date. They can investigate and issue a refund if the charge was made in error. Keep records of all communications.
Can I cancel a gift subscription?
Gift subscriptions work differently depending on how they were purchased. If you received a gift subscription, you cannot cancel it yourself — only the person who purchased it can. If you purchased a gift for someone else, you can cancel it through your account settings under the gift subscription section.
Is there a penalty for canceling early?
No. You can cancel at any time without penalty. You straightforward lose access at the end of your current billing period. There are no early termination fees or cancellation charges.