What you get with a Washington Post subscription
The Washington Post offers two main subscription paths: a digital-only subscription and a bundle that includes both digital access and the print newspaper. The digital subscription gives you unlimited access to washingtonpost.com and the Post's mobile apps, plus the ability to read articles on any device. The bundle adds a print edition delivered to your home on days you choose.
Both subscriptions include access to the Post's full archive of articles going back decades, newsletters you can customize by topic, and the ability to save articles and create reading lists. The digital version also includes access to the Post's video content and podcasts. Print subscribers receive the newspaper in the morning, typically six or seven days a week depending on your location and the plan you choose.
The Post also offers a subscription through Amazon Prime Video Channels, which bundles digital access with other services. This option costs less than a standalone subscription but requires an active Prime membership.
Key Takeaways
- The Washington Post digital subscription costs between $10 and $17 per month depending on promotional pricing, while the print-plus-digital bundle typically runs $25 to $35 per month.
- You can pause your subscription for up to four weeks at a time without losing your account or payment information.
- The Post offers discounted rates for students, military members, and first responders, though the discount amount and verification process vary.
- Cancellation can be done through your account settings online without contacting customer service, and you retain access through the end of your billing period.
Digital-only subscription pricing and terms
The digital subscription price varies based on current promotions. New subscribers often see introductory rates as low as $1 per month for the first month or two, after which the price increases to the standard rate. The standard monthly price typically ranges from $10 to $17, depending on when you subscribe and what offer is running. The Post also sells annual digital subscriptions, which usually cost less per month when spread across twelve months than paying month-to-month.
Your digital subscription renews automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can change your payment method, pause your subscription, or cancel anytime through your account settings on the Post's website. If you pause, your subscription stops charging but your account remains active, and you can resume whenever you want within the pause window.
Print and digital bundle pricing
The print-plus-digital bundle costs more than digital alone because it includes home delivery of the physical newspaper. Bundle pricing typically starts around $25 to $35 per month, though promotional pricing for new subscribers can be lower. The exact price depends on your location, how many days per week you want the paper delivered, and current offers.
When you order a print subscription, you choose which days of the week you want delivery. Most subscribers choose seven days a week, but you can select fewer days if you prefer. The Post delivers in the early morning in most areas, though delivery time varies by location. Print subscribers automatically receive digital access as part of the bundle, so you do not need to pay separately for online reading.
Discounts for students, military, and first responders
The Washington Post offers reduced subscription rates for students with a valid .edu email address, active military members, veterans, and first responders including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The discount typically reduces the monthly digital subscription price, though the exact amount changes based on current promotions. Some discounts explore to digital subscriptions only, while others may extend to print bundles.
To use a student or military discount, you usually verify your status through a third-party verification service during signup. The Post may ask for a .edu email address, military ID number, or other proof of status. Verification is typically when ready or takes a few hours. If your status changes—for example, if you graduate—you may need to update your account or your subscription may revert to the standard rate.
How to manage your subscription online
Once you have an active subscription, you can manage nearly everything through your account page on washingtonpost.com. Log in, go to your account settings, and you will see options to update your payment method, change your delivery days (if you have print), pause your subscription, or cancel. You do not need to call customer service or send an email to make these changes.
If you pause your subscription, you choose how long the pause lasts—up to four weeks. During a pause, you will not be charged, but your account stays open and your saved articles and preferences remain. When the pause ends, your subscription automatically resumes and billing restarts. If you cancel instead, your access continues through the end of your current billing period, but you will not be charged again after that.
Shared access and multiple devices
A single Washington Post subscription allows you to read on multiple devices—phone, tablet, computer, and web browser. You log in with the same email and password on each device. The Post does not limit the number of devices you can use, but it does monitor for account sharing outside a household. If the Post detects that your login is being used from many different locations simultaneously or by many different people, it may ask you to verify your account or restrict access.
The Post's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal, non-commercial use by the subscriber and members of their household. Sharing your login with people outside your home may violate these terms, though the Post does not always enforce this strictly. If you want to share access with family members, the safest approach is to give them your login credentials rather than creating separate accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. The Washington Post does not issue refunds for partial months. If you cancel, you keep access through the end of your current billing period, but you will not receive money back for unused days. If you want to avoid being charged next month, cancel before your renewal date.
What happens to my saved articles if I cancel?
Your saved articles and reading lists are tied to your account. If you cancel and later resubscribe with the same email address, your saved content will still be there. If you cancel and do not resubscribe, the Post may delete your account data after a period of time, though the exact timeline is not publicly stated.
Does the Washington Post offer a family plan?
The Post does not currently offer a formal family plan with separate logins. A single subscription covers one person and their household members who share the login. If you want completely separate accounts with separate reading histories and preferences, each person would need their own subscription.
Can I switch from digital-only to print-plus-digital?
Yes. You can upgrade your subscription through your account settings or by contacting the Post's customer service. The price difference will be prorated based on your current billing cycle. Downgrading from print to digital-only is also possible and works the same way.
Is there a Washington Post subscription through my library?
Many public libraries offer free access to the Washington Post through their digital collections. Check your library's website or ask a librarian whether they provide Post access. This option is free if your library participates, though access may be limited compared to a paid subscription.