What you get with a National Geographic subscription
National Geographic offers three main subscription paths: a digital-only membership through their website, a print magazine subscription, or a combined print-and-digital plan. The digital membership gives you access to articles, videos, and photo galleries on nationalgeographic.com and the National Geographic app. Print subscriptions deliver the monthly magazine to your home. The combined plan includes both the physical magazine and full digital access.
Pricing and plan lengths vary depending which option you choose and whether you pay monthly or commit to a longer term. Monthly subscriptions typically cost more per month than annual plans, but let you cancel anytime without penalty. Annual plans require upfront payment for twelve months but offer a lower per-month cost.
All subscription types renew automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can manage your subscription, update payment methods, and cancel through your National Geographic account online.
Key Takeaways
- National Geographic offers digital-only, print-only, and combined print-and-digital subscriptions at different price points.
- Monthly subscriptions cost more per month but allow cancellation anytime, while annual subscriptions require upfront payment but have a lower monthly cost.
- All subscriptions renew automatically, so you must cancel before the renewal date to stop charges.
- You can manage your subscription and cancel through your National Geographic account on their website.
- Digital access includes the website, app, and video content; print subscriptions include the monthly magazine mailed to your address.
Digital-only membership versus print subscription
A digital-only membership gives you unlimited access to nationalgeographic.com content, including articles, videos, photo galleries, and interactive features. You can read on the website or read the National Geographic app to read on your phone or tablet. Digital membership does not include the printed magazine.
A print subscription delivers the physical magazine each month. You receive the same editorial content as digital, but in print form. Print subscriptions do not automatically include digital access unless you purchase a combined plan.
The combined plan includes both the monthly printed magazine and full digital access to the website and app. This is the broadest option but also the most expensive. Choose digital-only if you prefer reading on screens, print-only if you want the physical magazine without digital access, or combined if you want both formats.
How much National Geographic subscriptions cost
Pricing changes based on the subscription type and payment frequency. Monthly digital memberships typically range from one price point, while annual digital memberships cost less per month when divided across twelve months. Print subscriptions and combined plans have their own separate pricing structures.
National Geographic frequently runs promotional offers, especially during holiday periods or for new subscribers. These promotions may offer a discounted first month, a reduced annual rate, or a free trial period. Check the National Geographic website directly to see current pricing and any active promotions.
Prices may vary by country and region. If you are outside the United States, visit the National Geographic site for your country to see local pricing and available subscription options.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, visit nationalgeographic.com and look for the subscription or membership section. You will choose your plan type (digital, print, or combined), select your payment frequency (monthly or annual), and enter your payment information. For print subscriptions, you will also provide a mailing address.
After you subscribe, you can log into your account to access digital content or manage your subscription settings. Your account page shows your renewal date, current plan type, and payment method. You can update your payment information, change your mailing address for print subscriptions, or pause your subscription if the option is available.
Subscriptions renew automatically on your renewal date. Your payment method will be charged the full subscription price unless you cancel before that date. You can cancel anytime through your account settings on the National Geographic website.
Canceling your subscription
To cancel, log into your National Geographic account and go to your subscription or account settings. Look for a cancel or manage subscription option. You will see your renewal date and a button or link to cancel. Click it and follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
Cancellation takes effect on your renewal date, not when ready. If you cancel on the 15th of the month but your renewal date is the 20th, you will have access until the 20th, then your subscription will end. You will not be charged again after that date.
If you cancel a print subscription, your final magazine will arrive based on when your subscription ends. Print magazines are mailed in advance, so your last issue may arrive after your cancellation date.
What happens if you want to pause instead of cancel
National Geographic may offer the option to pause your subscription rather than cancel it. A paused subscription stops charging you but keeps your account active, so you can restart it later without losing your account history or settings.
Pause options and how long you can pause vary. Check your account settings or contact National Geographic support to see if pause is available for your plan and how long you can pause before the subscription automatically resumes or cancels.
Accessing content on multiple devices
With a digital membership, you can read on the National Geographic website using any web browser and on the National Geographic app on your phone or tablet. Log in with the same account on each device to access your subscription.
The app is available for iOS and Android devices. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then log in with your National Geographic account credentials. Your digital membership works on as many devices as you want as long as you use the same account.
Print subscriptions do not have a digital component unless you purchased a combined plan. If you have a combined plan, you get both the physical magazine and digital access on all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my subscription plan after I start?
Yes. Log into your account and look for an option to upgrade, downgrade, or change your plan. You may be able to switch between monthly and annual billing, add digital access to a print-only subscription, or change to a different plan type. Changes typically take effect on your next renewal date.
What if I don't receive my print magazine?
Contact National Geographic customer service with your subscription account number and the issue number you did not receive. They can investigate the delivery issue, resend the magazine, or credit your account. Keep your account information handy when you reach out.
Can I gift a National Geographic subscription to someone else?
National Geographic offers gift subscriptions for both digital and print plans. Visit their website and look for a gift subscription option. You choose the plan length and type, provide the recipient's information, and may be able to include a gift message. Gift subscriptions typically start on the date you purchase them.
Is there a student or teacher discount?
National Geographic occasionally offers discounted rates for students and educators. Check their website or contact their customer service to ask about current educational discounts and what proof of status they require.
What payment methods does National Geographic accept?
National Geographic accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes digital payment methods depending on your region. During checkout, you will see which payment options are available. You can update your payment method anytime through your account settings.