What you get with a Reader's Digest subscription

A Reader's Digest subscription delivers the monthly magazine to your mailbox or provides digital access to articles, depending on which plan you choose. The magazine contains condensed articles from other publications, original stories, humor columns, health information, and practical how-to pieces. Most subscriptions run for one year, though some publishers offer shorter terms or multi-year discounts.

The cost varies based on whether you want print, digital, or both. Print subscriptions typically cost less per issue when bought as a full year than buying single copies at a newsstand. Digital subscriptions give you when ready access to current and back issues through an app or website, with no shipping wait. Some plans bundle both formats together at a higher price than either alone.

When you subscribe, you'll receive a confirmation email or letter with your subscription number, start date, and renewal date. Keep this information — you'll need it if you want to pause, cancel, or change your subscription later. Most subscriptions auto-renew unless you cancel before the renewal date.

Key Takeaways

  • Reader's Digest subscriptions come in three main formats: print-only, digital-only, or print plus digital, each with different pricing.
  • Print subscriptions are cheaper per issue than newsstand prices but require you to wait for mail delivery, while digital subscriptions start when ready.
  • Your subscription auto-renews on the date shown in your confirmation, so you must cancel before that date if you don't want to be charged again.
  • You can manage your subscription through the publisher's website using your subscription number, where you can pause, renew early, or update your mailing address.

Print subscriptions and what arrives in the mail

Print subscriptions send the physical magazine to your address each month. The first issue typically arrives within four to six weeks of purchase, depending on the publisher and your location. Subsequent issues arrive on a regular schedule — usually around the same date each month, though postal delays can shift this by a week or two.

Print subscriptions work best if you have a stable mailing address and don't mind waiting for delivery. If you move during your subscription, you can update your address through the publisher's website or by calling their customer service line. Changing your address before the next issue ships prevents missed issues.

The print magazine includes all the content in the digital version, plus advertisements. Some subscribers prefer print because they can read offline, share with family members, or keep back issues on a shelf. Print subscriptions also cost less upfront than digital-only plans in most cases.

Digital subscriptions and when ready access

Digital subscriptions give you access to Reader's Digest content through a website or mobile app, usually within hours of purchase. You log in with the email address and password you created during signup. Current and past issues are available to read, search, and read on most platforms.

Digital access works on phones, tablets, and computers. Some apps let you read issues to read offline, which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet. The digital version includes the same articles as print but loads faster and takes up no physical space.

Digital subscriptions renew automatically on your renewal date. You can cancel anytime through your account settings or by contacting customer service. If you cancel mid-subscription, you typically keep access through your paid renewal date but lose it once that date passes.

How much subscriptions cost and where to buy

Reader's Digest subscriptions are sold through the official Reader's Digest website, third-party subscription services, and sometimes through promotional offers in the magazine itself. Prices vary by retailer and by how long you commit — a one-year subscription costs more per month than a three-year subscription, but you pay the full amount upfront.

Print-only subscriptions typically range from roughly $30 to $60 per year depending on the offer. Digital-only subscriptions are usually cheaper, often $20 to $40 per year. Bundled print-plus-digital plans cost more than either alone but less than buying them separately.

Promotional offers appear frequently, especially around holidays. These may include discounted first-year rates or bonus issues. Read the fine print to confirm the renewal price — the discounted rate often applies only to the first year, and your renewal charge will be higher unless you cancel and resubscribe at a new promotional rate.

Canceling, pausing, or changing your subscription

To cancel a subscription, log into your account on the Reader's Digest website using your email and password, then look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Account Settings" section. You can usually cancel online without calling. If you can't find the option, call the customer service number on your confirmation email or invoice.

Canceling before your renewal date stops the next charge. If you cancel after your renewal date has passed, you've already been charged for the next year and will need to request a refund. Most publishers offer refunds for unused portions of a subscription if you cancel within a certain window — often 30 days from the renewal charge.

If you want to keep your subscription but pause it temporarily, some publishers offer a pause option that delays your renewal date without canceling. This works well if you're moving, traveling, or straightforward have too many magazines piling up. You can resume your subscription at any time.

What happens if you don't receive an issue or have account problems

If a print issue doesn't arrive within a reasonable timeframe, contact Reader's Digest customer service with your subscription number. They can check whether the issue was mailed and may resend it or credit your account. Keep your confirmation email and any invoices as proof of your subscription.

If you can't log into your digital account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If that doesn't work, contact customer service with your subscription number and the email address associated with your account. They can verify your subscription and help you regain access.

If you were charged twice or charged after you canceled, gather your confirmation emails and screenshots of your account settings showing the cancellation. Contact customer service with this documentation and request a refund. Most publishers process refund requests within 30 days.

Switching between print, digital, and bundled plans

You can usually change your subscription type without canceling and resubscribing. Log into your account and look for an option to upgrade, downgrade, or modify your plan. If you upgrade from print-only to print-plus-digital, you'll typically pay a prorated amount for the added service through your next renewal date.

If you downgrade from a bundled plan to print-only or digital-only, your account will reflect the lower renewal price. The change usually takes effect when ready for digital access and with your next mailed issue for print changes.

If you can't find the option to change your plan online, call customer service. They can walk you through the process and confirm the new price and renewal date. Ask them to send you a confirmation email showing the change so you have a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give a Reader's Digest subscription as a gift?

Yes. Most subscription retailers offer gift subscriptions with a custom start date and a gift message. You provide the recipient's mailing address or email, and the publisher sends them a notice that a subscription has been purchased on their behalf. Gift subscriptions typically last one year and renew under the recipient's name and payment method after that.

What if I move during my subscription?

Update your mailing address through your online account or by calling customer service before your next issue ships. Provide your subscription number and new address. The publisher will forward your subscription to the new address at no extra cost. If an issue is already in the mail to your old address, contact the post office to request mail forwarding.

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

Most publishers offer refunds within 30 days of purchase if you haven't received issues yet. After that window, refunds depend on the publisher's policy — some offer prorated refunds for unused months, others do not. Check your confirmation email for the refund policy, or contact customer service with your subscription number to ask.

Do I have to call to cancel, or can I do it online?

You can cancel online through your account settings on the Reader's Digest website in most cases. Log in, find the subscription management section, and look for a cancel option. If you don't see one, or if you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on your invoice or confirmation email.

What's the difference between auto-renewal and a fixed-term subscription?

Auto-renewal subscriptions charge you again on your renewal date unless you cancel beforehand. Fixed-term subscriptions end on a set date and don't renew automatically — you choose whether to renew when that date approaches. Most Reader's Digest subscriptions are auto-renewal, so check your confirmation to confirm which type you purchased.