What you get with a National Geographic subscription
A National Geographic subscription gives you access to the magazine in print, digital, or both, depending on which plan you choose. The print edition arrives monthly at your home. The digital version — available through the National Geographic website and mobile app — includes the current month's issue plus an archive of back issues you can read anytime.
Beyond the magazine itself, a digital subscription often includes access to National Geographic's video content, photo galleries, and long-form articles published on their website between print issues. Some subscription tiers also unlock content from National Geographic's streaming service, though this varies by plan and changes periodically.
National Geographic does not bundle subscriptions with other services — you are subscribing to National Geographic content only, not to a broader package like a newspaper bundle or streaming platform.
Key Takeaways
- National Geographic offers print-only, digital-only, and combined subscriptions at different price points, with print costing more than digital.
- You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription directly through the National Geographic website or by contacting their customer service.
- Print subscriptions typically arrive monthly, while digital access is when ready once your subscription is active.
- Promotional rates are common for new subscribers, but the price increases to the standard rate after the introductory period ends.
- Your subscription does not automatically include access to National Geographic's streaming service or other paid products.
Print, digital, and combined subscription options
National Geographic offers three main subscription paths. A print-only subscription delivers the physical magazine to your mailbox each month. A digital-only subscription gives you access to the current issue and archives through the website and app on any device. A combined subscription includes both print and digital access.
Print subscriptions cost more than digital because of printing and shipping. Digital subscriptions are the least expensive option. Combined subscriptions fall between the two. National Geographic frequently runs promotional offers for new subscribers — often a reduced rate for the first few months or first year — but you will pay the full standard rate once the promotional period ends.
The exact prices vary depending on current promotions and whether you pay monthly or annually. Annual payment is usually cheaper per month than paying month-to-month, though you pay the full amount upfront.
How to start a subscription
To start a subscription, visit the National Geographic website and look for the subscription section. You will select your plan (print, digital, or combined), choose your payment frequency (monthly or annual), and enter your payment information. If you are a new subscriber, any promotional offer will be applied automatically at checkout.
For print subscriptions, you will also provide a mailing address. Digital subscriptions begin when ready once payment processes. Print subscriptions typically begin with the next available issue, which may take a few weeks to arrive depending on the publication schedule and your location.
You can also start a subscription by calling National Geographic's customer service line, which you can find on their website. A representative can walk you through plan options and answer questions about what is included.
Managing, pausing, and canceling your subscription
Once you have an active subscription, you can manage it through your account on the National Geographic website. You can update your mailing address for print issues, change your payment method, or view your renewal date and current plan details.
If you want to temporarily stop your subscription without canceling, National Geographic allows you to pause for a set period — typically a few months. This holds your subscription in place so you do not lose your account or renewal date. When you are ready to resume, you reactivate it through your account.
To cancel, log into your account and select the cancellation option, or contact customer service. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again, but you retain access through the end of that period. If you cancel mid-month, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion.
What happens when your subscription renews
Your subscription renews automatically on the date shown in your account. National Geographic will charge your payment method on file. If the promotional rate has ended, you will be charged the standard subscription price unless a new promotion applies.
Before your renewal date, check your account to confirm the price you will be charged. If the price has increased and you do not want to pay it, you can cancel before the renewal date to avoid the charge. Some subscribers contact customer service before renewal to ask about available promotions or discounts.
If your payment method fails or is declined, National Geographic will attempt to charge it again. If payment continues to fail, your subscription may be suspended until you update your payment information.
Promotional offers and discounts
National Geographic regularly offers discounted rates to new subscribers — commonly a reduced price for the first three months, six months, or first year. These promotions appear on the subscription page and are applied at checkout. You do not need a code or coupon for most offers; they are built into the pricing you see.
Occasionally National Geographic sends promotional offers to former subscribers or inactive accounts via email. These offers are usually one-time deals and expire after a set date. If you receive an offer, the expiration date and terms are included in the email.
Existing subscribers at full price do not automatically receive promotional rates at renewal. If you want to explore options before your renewal date, contact customer service to ask what offers may be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift a National Geographic subscription to someone?
Yes. National Geographic offers gift subscriptions through their website. You select the plan, duration, and recipient's mailing address (for print) or email address (for digital). The recipient receives notification of the gift, and the subscription begins on the date you specify. Gift subscriptions are typically available for one year.
What if I move and need to change my mailing address?
Log into your account on the National Geographic website and update your mailing address in the account settings. The change takes effect with your next issue. If you are moving internationally, contact customer service first — not all countries receive print subscriptions, and rates may differ.
Do I lose my digital access if I cancel the print part of a combined subscription?
If you have a combined subscription and downgrade to digital-only, your digital access continues without interruption. The change takes effect at your next renewal date. You can make this change through your account or by contacting customer service.
What if I do not receive an issue?
Contact National Geographic customer service with your subscription number and the issue you did not receive. They can investigate the delivery and either resend the issue or credit your account. Keep the mailing label from a previous issue if you have it — it helps them locate your subscription quickly.
Can I read National Geographic on my tablet or phone?
Yes, if you have a digital or combined subscription. read the National Geographic app on your device, log in with your subscription account, and access the current issue and archives. The app works on iOS and Android devices. You can also read through the National Geographic website on any browser.