What you get with a Wall Street Journal digital subscription
A Wall Street Journal digital subscription gives you access to wsj.com and the Journal's mobile apps on your phone or tablet. You can read news, analysis, and opinion pieces on business, markets, politics, and other topics. The subscription also includes access to the Journal's podcasts and video content.
The Journal offers different subscription tiers. The basic digital plan covers news and analysis on the website and apps. Premium tiers add features like offline reading, personalized news briefings, and access to additional content sections. The exact features in each tier change periodically, so checking the Journal's website directly shows what is currently included.
Your subscription is tied to an account you create with an email address and password. You log in on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — to read articles. The Journal limits how many devices can use one subscription at the same time, though the exact number varies by subscription type.
Key Takeaways
- Wall Street Journal digital subscriptions cost between roughly $30 and $40 per month when paid monthly, though annual plans and promotional rates are often lower.
- You access the subscription through wsj.com and the Journal's mobile apps by logging in with your account credentials.
- Different subscription tiers offer different features, and the Journal regularly changes what is included in each tier.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription through your account settings, and the Journal does not charge you for the month in which you cancel.
How much a Wall Street Journal subscription costs
Monthly pricing for a Wall Street Journal digital subscription varies depending on whether you pay month-to-month or commit to a longer term. A month-to-month digital plan typically costs between $30 and $40 per month, though the Journal frequently offers promotional rates that are lower. Annual plans cost less per month than paying monthly, but require paying for the full year upfront.
The Journal also runs limited-time offers — sometimes as low as $1 for the first month or $10 per month for the first year. These promotions appear on the Journal's website and in email offers to past subscribers. Prices and promotions change regularly, so the current rate depends on when you sign up and what offer is running at that moment.
Some employers, universities, and professional organizations include Wall Street Journal access as a benefit. If your workplace or school offers it, you may be able to set up an account through them at no additional cost. Check with your HR department or school's library to see whether this option is available to you.
How to set up your account and start reading
To start a Wall Street Journal subscription, go to wsj.com and look for the subscription or sign-up option, usually near the top of the page. You will be asked to choose a subscription tier and payment method. The Journal accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
After you complete payment, you create an account with an email address and password. You use these credentials to log in on wsj.com and on the Journal's mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Once logged in, you can read articles, save stories, and customize your news preferences.
If you already have a Wall Street Journal account from a previous subscription or from accessing the site through an employer, you can log in with those credentials instead of creating a new account. The Journal will recognize your subscription status and grant you access.
Managing your subscription and making changes
You manage your Wall Street Journal subscription through your account settings on wsj.com. Log in, go to your account or subscription settings, and you can view your current plan, update your payment method, or change your subscription tier. The exact location of these settings varies slightly depending on whether you signed up on a computer or mobile device, but they are always accessible from your account menu.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily, some subscription tiers offer a pause option that stops billing for a set period without canceling your account. This option is not available on all plans, so check your account settings to see whether it applies to you.
To cancel, go to your subscription settings and select the cancel option. The Journal does not charge you for the month in which you cancel — if you cancel on the 15th of the month, your access continues through the end of that month, and you are not charged for the next month. If you cancel an annual subscription, the Journal typically does not refund the unused portion, though this policy may vary.
Accessing the Journal on different devices
Once you have a subscription, you can read the Journal on your computer by going to wsj.com and logging in. You can also read the Wall Street Journal app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone and log in there. Your subscription works across all these devices — you do not need separate subscriptions for each one.
The Journal limits the number of devices that can be logged in to one subscription at the same time. This limit varies by subscription tier, typically ranging from two to four devices. If you exceed the limit, you may be asked to log out on one device before logging in on another.
If you are traveling or do not have internet access, some subscription tiers include offline reading, which lets you read articles to read later without a connection. Check your subscription tier to see whether this feature is included.
What happens if you forget your password or have account trouble
If you forget your Wall Street Journal password, go to wsj.com and click the login option. Look for a "Forgot password?" or similar link, and enter your email address. The Journal will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link in the email and create a new password.
If you are having trouble logging in or accessing your subscription, the Journal's support page has troubleshooting steps for common problems. You can also contact the Journal's customer service through the support section of the website. Response times vary, but the Journal typically responds to support requests within one business day.
If you believe you were charged incorrectly or have a billing dispute, contact customer service with your account email and the date of the charge in question. Keep any confirmation emails or receipts from your subscription signup or renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Wall Street Journal subscription with family members?
Your subscription is for your personal use, and sharing login credentials violates the Journal's terms of service. However, some subscription tiers may offer a family plan or the ability to add household members — check the Journal's current offerings to see what is available. Each person would typically have their own login credentials.
What is the difference between the Wall Street Journal and Barron's?
The Wall Street Journal and Barron's are separate publications owned by the same parent company. A Journal subscription does not include Barron's, though the Journal sometimes offers bundle deals that include both. You can purchase Barron's separately or look for promotional offers that combine both subscriptions.
Can I read the Wall Street Journal for free anywhere?
The Journal limits free articles to a small number per month for non-subscribers. After you reach that limit, you must have a subscription to read more. Some articles behind the paywall may be accessible through your employer, school, or library if they have a subscription.
What happens to my subscription if I move to another country?
Wall Street Journal subscriptions are available in most countries, but access to certain content may vary depending on your location due to licensing restrictions. Your subscription should continue to work, but contact customer service if you experience access issues after moving.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No, the Journal does not refund unused portions of a monthly subscription. If you cancel on the 15th of the month, you keep access through the end of that month but are not charged for the next month. Annual subscriptions typically do not offer refunds for early cancellation either.