What a Chicago Tribune subscription includes
A Chicago Tribune subscription gives you access to news, sports, and entertainment coverage of Chicago and Illinois. The paper offers a digital subscription (online and mobile app), a print subscription (delivered to your home), or both together. What you get depends on which plan you choose — digital-only costs less than print-only, and a combined plan costs more than either alone.
Digital subscribers can read unlimited articles on chicagotribune.com and use the Tribune's mobile app. Print subscribers receive the physical newspaper on the days it publishes. Both types of subscribers get access to the same news content, though the print edition includes sections and photography that may not appear online, and the digital edition updates throughout the day.
The Tribune also offers a Sunday-only print subscription if you want the paper just one day a week, which costs less than a full week subscription. Some subscribers combine Sunday print with a digital subscription to get daily online access plus the weekend print edition.
Key Takeaways
- Digital subscriptions cost less than print subscriptions and let you read on any device, but print subscriptions deliver a physical newspaper to your home on publication days.
- You can subscribe through the Tribune's website, by phone, or through third-party services like Apple News+, though direct subscriptions give you more control over your account.
- Subscription prices vary based on how long you commit — shorter commitments usually cost more per week than longer ones.
- You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription type through your online account at any time, though some promotional rates may have restrictions.
- The Tribune offers discounted rates for new subscribers, but these introductory prices typically increase after the promotional period ends.
How to start a subscription on the Tribune's website
Go to chicagotribune.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually at the top of the page. Click it and you will see options for digital-only, print-only, or print plus digital. Select the plan you want and choose your subscription length — typically weekly, monthly, or annual options are available.
Enter your email address and create a password for your account. Then provide your payment information (credit card or debit card) and billing address. If you are choosing a print subscription, you will also enter your delivery address. Review the total cost, including any promotional discount, and confirm your order.
You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and subscription start date. Digital access usually begins immediately; print delivery typically starts within three to five business days. Save your login information — you will use it to manage your subscription, pause delivery, or update your payment method.
Subscribing by phone or through other services
You can call the Tribune's customer service line to start a subscription over the phone. A representative can walk you through plan options, answer questions about pricing, and process your order. Phone subscribers sometimes receive different promotional offers than those available online.
The Tribune is also available through Apple News+, which bundles the Tribune with other newspapers and magazines for a single monthly fee. If you already subscribe to Apple News+, you have access to Tribune content without a separate subscription. However, you cannot customize which sections you receive or pause delivery the way you can with a direct Tribune subscription.
Some employers and libraries offer discounted Tribune subscriptions as a benefit. Check with your workplace or local library to see whether a group rate is available to you.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log into your account at chicagotribune.com using your email and password. Click on "Account" or "Subscription" (the exact label varies) to see your current plan, billing date, and payment method. From this page you can update your credit card, change your billing address, or modify your subscription type.
To pause print delivery temporarily, go to your account settings and select "Pause Subscription" or "Manage Delivery." You can usually pause for up to four weeks at a time without canceling. To resume, log back in and restart delivery — it typically resumes within two business days.
If you want to cancel, you can do so through your online account or by calling customer service. Cancellations usually take effect at the end of your current billing period. If you cancel a print subscription mid-month, you may receive a credit for unused days, depending on your plan terms.
Promotional rates and price increases
New subscribers often see introductory rates that are lower than the regular subscription price. These promotional rates last for a set period — commonly four weeks, eight weeks, or three months — and then the price increases to the standard rate. The Tribune will notify you by email before the increase takes effect.
After a promotional period ends, you can contact customer service to ask about renewal rates or other offers. The Tribune sometimes provides discounts to long-term subscribers who call to discuss their renewal, though there is no may provide. You can also cancel and restart a subscription to access a new subscriber promotion, though some restrictions may apply.
Print subscription prices are higher during certain times of year, particularly around major holidays or special events. Digital subscription prices are generally stable year-round.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If you cannot log into your account, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it. If you do not receive a reset email, check your spam folder or contact customer service to verify your account exists.
If your print delivery stops or becomes irregular, log into your account and check your delivery address and subscription status. If the address is correct and the subscription is active, contact customer service with your account number and the dates you missed delivery. They can investigate whether a delivery problem occurred and may credit your account.
If you see a charge you do not recognize, check your account to confirm your subscription is active and the charge matches your plan. If the charge does not match what you expected, contact customer service with your billing date and the amount charged — they can explain the charge or issue a refund if it was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Chicago Tribune without a subscription?
The Tribune allows a limited number of free articles per month before requiring a subscription. Once you reach that limit, you will need to subscribe to read more. Subscribers get unlimited access to all content.
What is the difference between digital and print?
Digital subscribers read on chicagotribune.com and the mobile app, with content updated throughout the day. Print subscribers receive the physical newspaper on publication days. Digital is cheaper and more current; print offers a traditional reading experience and includes sections that may not appear online.
Can I change my subscription after I start?
Yes. Log into your account and change your plan type (digital to print, for example) or subscription length at any time. Some promotional rates may have restrictions on changes, so check your plan terms or contact customer service if you are unsure.
What happens if I move out of the Chicago Tribune delivery area?
If you move outside the print delivery zone, you can keep your digital subscription and continue reading online. Contact customer service to cancel your print portion and keep digital-only access, or cancel entirely if you prefer.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
Print subscriptions may include a credit for unused days, depending on your plan. Digital subscriptions typically do not offer refunds for partial months. Contact customer service with your cancellation date to learn what credit, if any, applies to your account.