What a Washington Post subscription gives you

A Washington Post subscription is a paid membership that gives you access to news articles, opinion pieces, and investigations published on washingtonpost.com and through the Post's mobile app. The Post offers several subscription tiers: a basic digital subscription covers online access only, while a bundle option pairs digital access with a print edition delivered to your home. A third option bundles digital access with a subscription to the Post's magazine.

When you subscribe, you can read an unlimited number of articles each month without hitting a paywall. You also gain access to newsletters, podcasts, and video content produced by the Post. Subscribers can customize their news preferences and save articles to read later. If you choose a print subscription, your newspaper arrives on your doorstep on the days you select.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington Post subscriptions are available as digital-only, digital plus print, or digital plus magazine, with prices varying by option and promotional offers.
  • You create an account on washingtonpost.com or through the mobile app, provide payment information, and can start reading when ready after purchase.
  • The Post frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers, so the first-year price is often lower than the standard renewal rate.
  • You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription tier at any time through your account settings without contacting customer service.
  • Print delivery availability depends on your address, so the Post will tell you during signup whether print is available in your area.

How to start a digital-only subscription

Go to washingtonpost.com and click the "Subscribe" button, usually located in the top right corner or at the bottom of the page. You will be shown available subscription options and their current prices. Select the digital subscription plan and proceed to checkout.

Enter your email address and create a password for your account. Provide your name and billing address. Choose your payment method — the Post accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Review the subscription terms, including the renewal date and price, then complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email, and your access begins when ready.

Adding print delivery to your subscription

If you want to add a print edition to an existing digital subscription, log into your account at washingtonpost.com. Go to your account settings and select "Subscription" or "Manage Subscription." Look for the option to upgrade or add print delivery.

The Post will ask for your delivery address and which days of the week you want the newspaper delivered. Not all addresses may have access to for print delivery — the Post's system will tell you whether your location is in their delivery area. If print is available, you can choose to add it when ready, and your billing will be adjusted. If print is not available in your area, you will see that message during the process and can continue with digital-only access.

Understanding pricing and promotional offers

Washington Post subscription prices change frequently and vary depending on the plan you choose and current promotions. New subscribers often see introductory rates — for example, the first few weeks or months at a reduced price — before the subscription renews at the standard rate. The Post displays both the promotional price and the renewal price before you complete your purchase, so you know what you will pay after the introductory period ends.

Print subscriptions cost more than digital-only subscriptions because of delivery and printing costs. The magazine bundle also carries a different price than digital alone. Prices also vary by region because print delivery costs differ depending on distance and delivery frequency. During checkout, the Post shows you the exact price for your specific plan and location.

Managing your subscription after purchase

Log into your Washington Post account to view your subscription details, update your payment method, or change your delivery preferences. Your account settings show your renewal date, current plan, and billing history. If you subscribed to print delivery, you can pause delivery for specific weeks or change which days you receive the newspaper.

To pause your subscription temporarily, go to your account settings and select the pause option. You can usually pause for up to three months at a time. To cancel, select the cancel option in your account settings. The Post will ask you why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay subscribed. If you proceed with cancellation, your access ends on your next renewal date, and you will not be charged again.

Accessing your subscription on mobile and other devices

read the Washington Post app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with the email address and password you used to create your account. Your subscription automatically carries over to the app, and you can read articles, save stories, and customize your news preferences just as you would on the website.

You can also access your subscription through a web browser on any device by visiting washingtonpost.com and signing in. The Post's website and app are synchronized, so your saved articles and preferences appear on both. If you have trouble signing in on a new device, use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password, or contact the Post's customer service through the help section of your account.

What happens if you share your login

Your Washington Post subscription is for your personal use. The Post's terms of service do not permit sharing your login credentials with people outside your household. If the Post detects unusual access patterns — such as logins from many different locations or devices at the same time — it may ask you to verify your identity or reset your password.

Some subscription tiers may offer household sharing, which allows family members in your home to access the subscription under separate accounts. Check your account settings or contact the Post's customer service to learn whether household sharing is available with your plan. If it is, you can add household members through your account settings, and they will receive their own login credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Washington Post articles without a subscription?

The Post allows a limited number of free articles per month before the paywall appears. Once you reach that limit, you will need a subscription to continue reading. The exact number of free articles varies, but the Post displays a message showing how many you have remaining.

What is the difference between the digital subscription and the print plus digital bundle?

Digital-only gives you access to washingtonpost.com and the mobile app. The print bundle adds a physical newspaper delivered to your home on the days you choose. Print costs more because of delivery and printing expenses, and it is only available in areas the Post serves.

Can I change my subscription plan after I sign up?

Yes. Log into your account settings and select "Manage Subscription." You can upgrade to add print delivery, downgrade to digital-only, or switch to the magazine bundle. Changes take effect on your next renewal date, and your billing adjusts accordingly.

What should I do if I forget my password?

Go to washingtonpost.com and click "Sign In." Select "Forgot Password" and enter the email address associated with your account. The Post will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link, create a new password, and sign in with your new credentials.

Do I have to call customer service to cancel my subscription?

No. You can cancel through your account settings online without contacting anyone. The Post will ask why you are canceling and may offer a discount to keep you subscribed, but you can proceed with cancellation at any time. Your access ends on your next renewal date.