What a New York Times subscription gives you
A New York Times subscription removes the paywall that limits how many articles you can read each month on their website and app. Without a subscription, you get a few free articles per month before hitting the limit. With one, you get unlimited access to all news sections, opinion pieces, and the full archive going back decades.
The Times offers three main subscription tiers: digital-only (web and app), all-access (digital plus the print newspaper if you live in a delivery area), and a bundle that combines the Times with other products like the Games subscription or Cooking. The digital-only plan is the most common choice for people who read primarily on their phone or computer.
Beyond news, a subscription includes access to the Times' investigative projects, interactive graphics, podcasts, and video reporting. If you subscribe to the all-access plan, you also receive the print edition delivered to your home on days it publishes.
Key Takeaways
- A New York Times digital subscription costs around $17 per month after an introductory rate, though the introductory price varies by offer and changes frequently.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings without penalty or phone call required.
- The Times offers different plans: digital-only, all-access with print delivery, and bundled options that include Games or Cooking.
- If you have a home internet provider like Verizon Fios or Optimum, you may be able to add a Times subscription at no extra cost through their bundle.
- Student discounts and group plans are available but require verification through a third-party service.
Pricing and introductory offers
The New York Times regularly changes its introductory pricing to attract new subscribers. A typical offer might be $1 per week for the first four weeks, then the regular price afterward. However, the exact introductory rate and how long it lasts depends on which offer you see when you sign up — the Times tests different promotions and they vary by region and time of year.
After the introductory period ends, the standard digital-only subscription is approximately $17 per month, though this price has increased over time and may continue to do so. The all-access plan (digital plus print) costs more, typically around $25 to $35 per month depending on your location and delivery frequency. Bundle plans that add Games or Cooking cost extra on top of the base subscription.
You are charged monthly on the same date each month. If you sign up on the 15th, your next charge will be on the 15th of the following month. You can view your billing date and payment method in your account settings at any time.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, go to nytimes.com and click the "Subscribe" button. You will be asked to create an account with an email address and password, then choose which plan you want. After you enter a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal), your subscription begins immediately and you can start reading.
Once you are subscribed, you can manage everything from your account page. To pause your subscription temporarily, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select "Pause subscription." The Times allows you to pause for up to four weeks at a time. To cancel, follow the same path and select "Cancel subscription." Neither action requires you to call customer service or speak to anyone.
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it by email. If you want to change your payment method, update your billing address, or modify which plan you have, all of those options are in your account settings under "Subscription."
Getting a subscription through your internet or phone provider
Some internet and phone providers include a New York Times subscription as part of their bundle. Verizon Fios, Optimum, and a few other providers offer this benefit to their customers at no additional monthly cost. If you have one of these providers, you can check whether you are may be able to access by going to nytimes.com/bundle and entering your account information.
If you are may be able to access, the Times will link your existing provider account to a new or existing New York Times account. You will then have full access to the digital subscription. If you later cancel your internet service with that provider, your Times subscription will also end unless you switch to paying for it directly.
The benefit of this route is that you do not pay extra for the subscription — it is already included in what you pay your provider. The downside is that you cannot pause or cancel the Times subscription independently; you would need to contact your provider to remove it from your bundle.
Student and group discounts
The New York Times offers a reduced rate for students, typically around $5 per month. To get the student rate, you must verify your student status through SheerID, a third-party verification service. You will need a valid student email address or a photo of your student ID.
The Times also offers group subscriptions for organizations, schools, and libraries. These are negotiated directly with the Times and pricing depends on the size of the group and how many people need access. If you work for an organization that might be interested, contact the Times' sales team through their business website.
What happens if you share your login
The New York Times subscription terms allow you to use your account on multiple devices, but the account is for your personal use only. Sharing your login with people outside your household violates the terms of service. The Times has begun enforcing this by asking users who log in from different locations to verify their identity or pay for additional access.
If you share your password and the Times detects unusual login patterns, you may be asked to confirm your identity or to add household members to your account. Some users have reported being locked out temporarily when the system suspects account sharing. The safest approach is to keep your login to yourself or to add household members through the account settings if that option becomes available in your region.
Canceling and what to do if you are charged after canceling
To cancel your subscription, log into your account, go to "Subscription," and select "Cancel subscription." The Times will ask you why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. If you confirm the cancellation, your access ends immediately and you will not be charged again.
If you are charged after you cancel, or if you see a charge you do not recognize, contact the Times' customer service through your account page. You can also dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank if the Times does not refund it within a reasonable time. Keep a record of when you canceled and any confirmation emails you received.
If you canceled but still have access to articles after your subscription ended, that is usually a temporary glitch. Log out and log back in, or clear your browser cache. If access persists, contact customer service to confirm the cancellation went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the New York Times for free?
Yes, you can read a limited number of articles per month without a subscription. The exact number varies, but typically you get a few free articles before the paywall appears. After that, you need a subscription to continue reading that month.
What is the difference between digital-only and all-access?
Digital-only gives you access to the website and mobile app. All-access adds the printed newspaper delivered to your home on publication days. All-access costs more and is only available in areas where the Times delivers print editions.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
The Times does not offer refunds for subscription charges, but you can cancel immediately after signing up and you will not be charged again. If you were charged for a full month and want to cancel, you lose the remainder of that month's access.
Does the student discount work with other offers?
No, you cannot combine the student rate with introductory offers. If you are a student, you will receive the student pricing instead of any promotional rate the Times is currently advertising.
What if I move and no longer want the print edition?
You can downgrade from all-access to digital-only through your account settings at any time. Your billing will adjust to the lower price on your next billing date, and print delivery will stop within a few days.