Wall Street Journal subscription plans and their costs
The Wall Street Journal offers three main subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. The digital-only plan is the least expensive option and gives you access to wsj.com and the WSJ mobile app on any device. The print-only plan delivers the physical newspaper to your home and includes some digital access. The print plus digital plan combines both the newspaper and full digital access at a higher price than either alone.
Pricing varies depending on how you purchase. If you buy directly from the Wall Street Journal's website, introductory rates are typically lower than standard rates, and the standard rate increases after the introductory period ends. Prices also differ based on your location and whether you are a new or returning subscriber. Some employers, universities, and libraries offer WSJ subscriptions as a benefit, which means you may already have access without paying separately.
The Wall Street Journal frequently runs promotional offers, especially during major shopping periods or holidays. These promotions may include discounted rates for the first few months or a reduced annual rate. The terms of these offers—including how long the promotional rate lasts and what the renewal price will be—are stated before you complete your purchase.
Key Takeaways
- The Wall Street Journal offers digital-only, print-only, and combined print-plus-digital plans, each at different price points.
- Introductory rates are lower than standard renewal rates, and the price you pay depends on your location and whether you are new or returning.
- You can access your subscription through wsj.com, the mobile app, or the print edition, depending on which plan you choose.
- Your employer, university, or library may already provide WSJ access at no cost to you, so check before purchasing.
What you get with a digital-only subscription
A digital-only subscription gives you full access to wsj.com and the Wall Street Journal mobile app for iOS and Android. You can read articles on any web browser and save stories to read later. The digital plan includes access to the WSJ's video content, podcasts, and newsletters. You also get access to the Journal's archives, which go back decades, so you can search for and read older articles.
Digital subscribers can customize their homepage and set up alerts for topics or companies you follow. The mobile app works offline, meaning you can read articles to read when you do not have an internet connection. Digital access is when ready—you can start reading within minutes of purchasing your subscription.
What you get with a print subscription
A print-only subscription delivers the Wall Street Journal newspaper to your home five days a week, Monday through Friday. Print subscribers also receive digital access to wsj.com and the mobile app, though the level of digital access may be limited compared to a full digital plan. Some print plans include access to the weekend edition, which is published on Saturday and contains different content than the weekday paper.
Print delivery timing depends on your location. Urban areas typically receive the paper early in the morning, while rural areas may receive it later in the day. You can pause your subscription temporarily if you are traveling or do not want delivery for a period of time. Print subscriptions usually require a commitment period, often one year, though some shorter-term options may be available.
Print plus digital plans and bundled options
A print plus digital subscription combines the five-day-a-week print edition with full digital access to wsj.com, the mobile app, and all digital content. This plan costs more than either print or digital alone but less than the two plans purchased separately. Print plus digital subscribers get the full range of Wall Street Journal content across all platforms.
The Wall Street Journal also offers bundled subscriptions with other News Corp publications, such as the Financial Times or Barron's. These bundles are sold at a discount compared to buying each subscription separately. Pricing and availability of bundles vary, so check the Wall Street Journal's website to see what combinations are currently offered.
How to manage your subscription and make changes
Once you have purchased a subscription, you can manage your account on wsj.com by logging in and visiting the account settings page. From there, you can update your payment method, change your delivery address, pause or resume your subscription, or view your billing history. You can also adjust your email preferences to control which newsletters and alerts you receive.
If you want to cancel your subscription, you can do so through your account settings. The Wall Street Journal may ask why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not when ready. If you cancel during an introductory rate period, you may be charged the standard rate for the remainder of that period, depending on the terms you agreed to.
To pause your subscription temporarily—for example, if you are traveling—contact Wall Street Journal customer service through the website or by phone. The length of time you can pause varies, and you will not be charged during the pause period. When you resume, your subscription picks up where it left off.
Comparing Wall Street Journal to other news subscriptions
The Wall Street Journal competes with other major news outlets that charge for subscriptions, including the New York Times, Financial Times, and Bloomberg. Each publication has different pricing, different content focus, and different digital features. The Wall Street Journal emphasizes business and financial news, while the New York Times covers a broader range of topics. The Financial Times also focuses on business and markets but has a different editorial perspective.
Some readers subscribe to multiple news outlets to get different viewpoints and coverage. Others choose one based on which publication's coverage matches their interests most closely. Many subscriptions offer free trial periods, which let you explore the content before committing to a paid plan. The cost of a subscription is one factor in choosing, but the type of news you want to read and how you prefer to read it—print, digital, or both—matter just as much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Wall Street Journal for free?
The Wall Street Journal limits free articles to a small number per month. After you reach that limit, you must subscribe to continue reading. Some articles, such as breaking news, may remain free. If you have a subscription through your employer, university, or library, you can read the full site at no additional cost.
What happens to my subscription if I move to a different state or country?
Your digital subscription works anywhere you have an internet connection, so moving does not affect it. If you have a print subscription, you can update your delivery address in your account settings. Print delivery may not be available to all locations, so check whether your new address is in a delivery area before moving.
Can I share my Wall Street Journal login with family members?
Wall Street Journal subscriptions are for individual use. Sharing your login credentials with others violates the terms of service. However, some subscriptions allow you to add household members to your account, which gives them their own login. Check your plan details or contact customer service to see if this option is available for your subscription type.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-billing cycle?
Refunds for unused portions of your subscription depend on the terms you agreed to when you purchased. Some plans offer prorated refunds, while others do not. Contact Wall Street Journal customer service with your account details to ask about a refund for your specific situation.
How do I pause my subscription without canceling?
You can pause your subscription through your account settings or by contacting Wall Street Journal customer service. Most pause periods last between two and four weeks, though longer pauses may be available. You will not be charged while your subscription is paused, and it will resume automatically at the end of the pause period unless you cancel.