What a Houston Chronicle subscription includes
A Houston Chronicle subscription gives you access to news, sports, and business coverage of Houston and Texas. The paper offers several subscription tiers: digital-only (online and mobile app), print-only (home delivery of the newspaper), and print-plus-digital (both the physical paper and online access). Which tier you choose depends on how you prefer to read — some readers want the print edition on their doorstep each morning, others prefer reading on their phone or computer, and some want both.
The digital subscription includes access to all stories on houstonchronicle.com, the mobile app for iOS and Android, and email newsletters. The print subscription delivers the newspaper to your home on the days it publishes. Print-plus-digital combines both, so you get the physical paper and full online access from the same account.
Subscription pricing and what each tier includes can change, so the best way to see current rates and options is to visit houstonchronicle.com and look for the subscription section, usually labeled "Subscribe" at the top or bottom of the page.
Key Takeaways
- The Houston Chronicle offers three main subscription types: digital-only, print-only, and print-plus-digital, each with different pricing.
- Digital subscriptions work on houstonchronicle.com, the mobile app, and through email newsletters sent to your inbox.
- Print subscriptions deliver the newspaper to your home; delivery days and frequency depend on your location and subscription plan.
- You can manage your subscription, pause delivery, or change your plan through your online account dashboard at houstonchronicle.com.
- If you have billing questions or delivery problems, the Houston Chronicle customer service team can be reached through the website or by phone.
How to start a digital subscription
To start a digital subscription, go to houstonchronicle.com and click the "Subscribe" button, usually at the top of the page. You will be asked to choose between digital-only, print, or print-plus-digital. Select digital-only if you want online and app access only.
Next, you will enter your email address and create a password for your account. The site will then ask for a payment method — credit card, debit card, or other options that may be available. You will also see the subscription price and billing cycle (whether you are charged monthly, annually, or on another schedule). Review these details before confirming your purchase.
Once your payment goes through, you can log in when ready and start reading. read the Houston Chronicle app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then sign in with the same email and password you created. Your digital subscription will work on all your devices as long as you use the same login.
How to start a print subscription
To start a print subscription, visit houstonchronicle.com, click "Subscribe," and select the print or print-plus-digital option. You will need to enter your home delivery address so the newspaper knows where to send your copy each day.
The subscription form will show you which days the Houston Chronicle delivers to your area — this varies by neighborhood, so not all addresses receive seven-day delivery. Some areas get weekday delivery only, others get weekends included. The form will tell you exactly what you will receive before you pay.
After you complete your payment information and confirm your order, delivery usually begins within a few business days. If your paper does not arrive on the first scheduled day, contact customer service through the website rather than waiting — they can often resolve delivery issues the same day.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log in to your Houston Chronicle account at houstonchronicle.com to see your subscription details, billing history, and payment method. From your account dashboard, you can change your subscription tier (for example, switching from digital-only to print-plus-digital), update your payment method, or change your billing address.
If you need to pause your subscription temporarily — for example, if you are traveling — look for a "Pause Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" option in your account settings. Some subscriptions allow you to pause for a set number of days without losing your subscription or being charged. When you are ready to resume, you can reactivate from the same menu.
To cancel your subscription, go to your account settings and look for a "Cancel Subscription" option. The site will usually ask why you are canceling and may offer you a discount to stay. If you cancel, your access ends on your next billing date, not when ready, so you can still read through that date.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If you cannot log in to your account, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. The Houston Chronicle will send you an email with a link to reset your password. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
If your digital subscription is not working on the app, try logging out completely, closing the app, and logging back in. If that does not work, uninstall the app and read it again from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure you are using the same email and password you used to purchase your subscription.
If your print newspaper is not arriving, do not assume it is lost — contact customer service first. Delivery can be delayed by weather, holidays, or address issues. Customer service can tell you the status of your delivery and often redeliver the same day or the next morning. Have your subscription account number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call.
Understanding your billing and payment options
Houston Chronicle subscriptions are billed on a recurring schedule — most commonly monthly or annually. Your billing date is the same day each month (or year) that you started your subscription, unless you change it in your account settings. You will receive an email receipt each time you are charged.
The subscription price you see at signup may be an introductory rate that increases after a certain period — for example, the first month at a lower price, then a higher price each month after. Read the terms shown during checkout so you know when your price will change. You can cancel before the price increases if you choose.
Payment methods typically include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. Some subscriptions may also accept digital payment services. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time, and you should do so if your card expires or is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Houston Chronicle without a subscription?
The Houston Chronicle allows readers to view a limited number of free articles each month before a paywall appears. Once you reach that limit, you will need a subscription to continue reading. A digital subscription removes this limit entirely.
What is the difference between print and digital delivery?
Print delivery brings the physical newspaper to your home on scheduled days. Digital delivery gives you online access and the mobile app, which you can read anytime on any device. Print-plus-digital gives you both at the same time.
Can I gift a Houston Chronicle subscription to someone else?
Gift subscriptions may be available through the Houston Chronicle website. Look for a "Gift Subscription" option during checkout, or contact customer service to ask about gift options and how long a gift subscription lasts.
What happens if I move to a different address?
Log in to your account and update your delivery address in your subscription settings. If you are moving out of the Houston Chronicle's delivery area, you may need to switch to a digital-only subscription. Customer service can tell you whether your new address is in a delivery zone.
How do I contact Houston Chronicle customer service?
Customer service contact options are usually listed at the bottom of the houstonchronicle.com homepage or in your account settings. Most subscriptions offer phone support, email support, and a contact form on the website. Have your account email or subscription number ready when you reach out.