What you get with The Atlantic subscription
The Atlantic is a monthly magazine and website owned by The Atlantic Monthly Group. A subscription gives you access to all articles published on theatlantic.com, plus a print copy of the magazine delivered to your home each month. The subscription is paid directly to The Atlantic — not through a government program or employer benefit.
Digital access alone lets you read unlimited articles online, access the full archive of past issues, and use The Atlantic's mobile app. The print-plus-digital bundle adds the physical magazine, which arrives roughly every four weeks. The Atlantic also offers a digital-only option if you do not want the print edition.
Your subscription does not include access to other publications or services. It covers only content from The Atlantic's own newsroom and website.
Key Takeaways
- The Atlantic offers three subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print-plus-digital, each with different monthly or annual costs.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, and The Atlantic will refund unused portions of an annual plan if you cancel before the renewal date.
- The subscription renews automatically each month or year depending on which plan you chose, so you must cancel before the renewal date to stop charges.
- Student discounts are available through a separate student pricing page, and some employers or libraries may offer group subscriptions.
Subscription pricing and plan options
The Atlantic charges different rates depending on whether you want digital only, print only, or both. Prices vary based on whether you pay monthly or annually — annual plans cost less per month but require a larger upfront payment. The exact price changes periodically and may differ based on promotional offers.
You can view current pricing and choose your plan directly on The Atlantic's subscription page. The site will show you the cost for each option before you enter payment information. If you are a student, The Atlantic offers reduced rates through a student subscription page, which requires you to verify your student status.
Some employers, universities, and public libraries offer group subscriptions to The Atlantic. If your workplace or school participates, you may be able to access The Atlantic through them at no additional cost. Contact your HR department, school library, or local library to find out whether they have a subscription you can use.
How to start a subscription
To begin a subscription, visit theatlantic.com and look for the subscription or sign-up link, usually located at the top or bottom of the page. You will be asked to choose your plan (digital, print, or both) and your payment frequency (monthly or annual). Enter your email address, create a password, and provide payment information.
After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. If you chose a print subscription, The Atlantic will begin sending your magazine within one to two billing cycles. Digital access starts when ready — you can log in and read right away.
If you already have a free account on theatlantic.com, you can upgrade it to a paid subscription by going to your account settings and selecting a plan. You do not need to create a new account.
Automatic renewal and how to cancel
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. The Atlantic will charge your payment method on file each renewal date. If your card is declined or expires, The Atlantic will attempt to update it using information on file, or will contact you to ask for a new payment method.
To stop charges, you must cancel before your renewal date. You can cancel through your account settings on theatlantic.com — look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Billing" section. Select the option to cancel and confirm. The Atlantic will send you a cancellation confirmation email.
If you cancel an annual plan before it renews, The Atlantic will refund the unused portion of your payment. The refund is calculated from your cancellation date to your original renewal date. Refunds are typically processed within five to ten business days to your original payment method.
What happens if you pause or change your plan
The Atlantic does not offer a formal pause option, but you can cancel and restart your subscription at any time. If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can do so through the same subscription page. You will not lose your account or reading history — your login credentials remain active.
If you want to change from one plan to another (for example, from digital-only to print-plus-digital), you can update your plan through your account settings. The Atlantic will adjust your billing to reflect the new plan, either charging the difference or issuing a credit depending on the timing and cost difference.
If you change plans mid-cycle, The Atlantic will prorate the charge — meaning you will pay only for the portion of the billing period you use under the new plan. Your renewal date may shift slightly depending on when you make the change.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you are charged but cannot access your subscription, log out completely and log back in. Sometimes the system needs a moment to set up access after payment. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser if you still cannot see your content.
If your print magazine stops arriving, check your account settings to confirm your address is correct and your subscription is active. Mail delivery can take longer during holidays or in remote areas. Contact The Atlantic's customer service if your magazine has not arrived within three weeks of your billing date.
If you see a charge you do not recognize, check your account to confirm your subscription is active and your renewal date. If you cancelled but were still charged, contact The Atlantic's customer service with your cancellation confirmation email and payment receipt. They can investigate and issue a refund if the charge was made in error.
Student and group subscription options
Students can purchase a discounted annual subscription through The Atlantic's student pricing page. You will need to verify your student status using your school email address or by uploading a photo of your student ID. Student subscriptions include the same digital and print access as regular subscriptions, just at a lower cost.
If your school or employer has a group subscription, you may be able to access The Atlantic through your institution's library or employee benefits portal. Some universities include The Atlantic as part of their library database access. Ask your school or workplace whether they have a subscription you can use.
Group subscriptions are managed by the institution, not by individual users. If you have questions about your institution's subscription, contact your school or workplace library or HR department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my subscription with family members?
The Atlantic's terms of service state that a subscription is for personal use only. Sharing login credentials with people outside your household may violate the terms. However, some household members may be able to create their own accounts and access shared content through a family plan if The Atlantic offers one — check the subscription page for current family plan options.
What if I want to cancel but keep my digital access?
Cancelling your subscription ends all access, including digital. The Atlantic does not offer a way to keep digital access after cancellation. If you want to pause your print subscription but keep digital access, you would need to change your plan to digital-only rather than cancel entirely.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
Refunds depend on your plan. If you cancel a monthly subscription mid-cycle, The Atlantic typically does not refund the unused portion of that month. If you cancel an annual subscription, you will receive a refund for the unused time remaining until your renewal date. Check your account or contact customer service to confirm the refund policy for your specific plan.
How do I update my payment method?
Log into your account on theatlantic.com and go to your billing or account settings. Look for a "Payment Method" or "Update Card" option. Enter your new card information and save. Your new payment method will be used for your next renewal charge.
Can I change my subscription from monthly to annual or vice versa?
Yes. Log into your account, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to change your billing frequency. The Atlantic will adjust your charges and may shift your renewal date. You can make this change at any time.