What you get with a Reader's Digest subscription
Reader's Digest sends you a monthly magazine with articles, humor, health information, and personal stories. A print subscription arrives at your home each month. A digital subscription gives you access to the magazine on your phone, tablet, or computer through the Reader's Digest website or mobile app. Some subscriptions include both print and digital access together.
The magazine itself does not change based on subscription type — you get the same editorial content whether you read it on paper or on a screen. The difference is how the magazine reaches you and which devices you can read it on.
Key Takeaways
- Reader's Digest offers print-only, digital-only, and combined print-plus-digital subscriptions at different price points.
- Print subscriptions arrive monthly and require a mailing address; digital subscriptions work on phones, tablets, and computers.
- Subscription prices vary depending on how long you commit to (monthly, annual, or multi-year) and which retailer you use.
- You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription type through your account on the Reader's Digest website or by contacting customer service.
- Reader's Digest occasionally offers discounted introductory rates for new subscribers, but the regular price resumes after the promotional period ends.
Print subscription versus digital subscription
A print subscription delivers the physical magazine to your mailbox each month. You own the copy and can read it anytime without an internet connection. Print subscriptions work best if you prefer holding a magazine, want to keep back issues, or do not use digital devices regularly.
A digital subscription lets you read the current month's issue on the Reader's Digest website or through their mobile app. You need an internet connection to read or view the magazine. Digital subscriptions take up no physical space and start when ready after you set up your account — there is no waiting for mail delivery.
A combined subscription includes both print and digital access. This costs more than either option alone but gives you the choice of how to read each month's issue depending on where you are and what device you have available.
How subscription pricing works
Reader's Digest subscription prices depend on three things: the type (print, digital, or both), how long you commit to, and where you buy it. Prices are lower per month if you pay for a full year upfront instead of month-to-month. Multi-year subscriptions (usually two or three years) cost even less per month but require a larger upfront payment.
New subscribers often see introductory rates that are significantly cheaper than the regular price. These promotional rates last for the first few months or the first year, depending on the offer. After the promotional period ends, your subscription renews at the regular price unless you cancel.
You can purchase a subscription directly from Reader's Digest or through third-party retailers like Amazon, Costco, or other magazine subscription services. Prices and available options may differ between retailers, so comparing before you buy can save money.
How to start a subscription
To start a print subscription, you visit the Reader's Digest website, choose print or digital or both, select your subscription length, and enter your payment information and mailing address. For a digital subscription, you create an account with an email address and password instead of providing a mailing address. Both processes take a few minutes.
If you buy through a retailer like Amazon, you follow their checkout process and the retailer sends your information to Reader's Digest. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for accessing your subscription.
Print subscriptions typically begin with the next available issue, which may take one to two weeks to arrive depending on the time of month you order. Digital subscriptions usually start when ready — you can log in and read the current issue the same day you sign up.
Managing your subscription after you buy it
Once you have an active subscription, you can log into your account on the Reader's Digest website to view your subscription details, update your mailing address (for print), change your payment method, or pause your subscription temporarily. Most changes take effect within one to two business days.
If you want to cancel, you can do so through your account settings or by contacting Reader's Digest customer service. Cancellations are effective at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again, but you keep access to your subscription through that date.
If you have a problem accessing your digital subscription or your print magazine does not arrive, Reader's Digest customer service can help. You can reach them through the website's contact form, email, or phone number listed in your account.
What happens when your subscription ends
When your subscription period ends, Reader's Digest stops sending you new issues. If you had a print subscription, you will not receive the next month's magazine. If you had a digital subscription, you will lose access to the current issue and any back issues you downloaded.
Before your subscription ends, Reader's Digest usually sends you renewal offers by email or mail. These offers may include a discounted rate to encourage you to renew. You can accept the offer, decline it, or wait and renew later at the regular price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. Log into your account on the Reader's Digest website and change your subscription type. If you switch from print to digital mid-cycle, your print subscription will end at the next billing date and your digital access will begin. Prices may differ, so you may owe an adjustment or receive a credit.
What if I move and need to change my mailing address?
Update your address in your account settings on the Reader's Digest website. Changes usually take effect within one to two weeks. If you are moving soon, update your address as soon as possible so your next issue goes to the correct location.
Can I give a Reader's Digest subscription as a gift?
Yes. Reader's Digest offers gift subscriptions through their website. You choose the subscription type and length, enter the recipient's name and mailing address (for print) or email (for digital), and pay for it. The recipient receives a notification that a gift subscription has been sent to them.
Do I need to create an account to read the digital magazine?
Yes. You create an account with an email address and password, then log in to access your digital subscription on the website or app. Your account keeps track of which issues you have read and lets you read issues to read offline.
What if I forget my password?
Go to the Reader's Digest login page and click the "Forgot password" link. Enter your email address and Reader's Digest will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email and create a new password.