What a print subscription to The Atlantic includes
A print subscription to The Atlantic delivers the magazine to your home every month. Each issue contains long-form journalism, essays, criticism, and reporting on politics, culture, science, and ideas. The magazine typically runs 100 to 150 pages per issue.
Print subscribers also receive access to the full website and mobile app, including all archived articles. This means you get both the physical magazine and the digital edition at the same time — you are not choosing between them.
The subscription renews automatically each year unless you cancel. You can pause, resume, or end your subscription at any time through your account.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions include both the monthly magazine and full digital access to the website and app.
- You can purchase a subscription directly from The Atlantic's website or through third-party retailers like Amazon or your local newsstand.
- The cost varies depending on the length of the subscription and any promotional offers running at the time you order.
- Subscriptions renew automatically each year, and you can manage, pause, or cancel your subscription through your online account.
- Delivery typically takes one to two weeks after your order is placed, and issues arrive throughout the month as they are published.
How to order a print subscription
The most direct way is to go to The Atlantic's website and look for the subscription section. You will enter your mailing address, choose your subscription length (usually one year or two years), and pay by credit card or debit card. The site will show you the current price before you complete the order.
You can also order through Amazon or other online retailers. Search for "The Atlantic magazine subscription" and compare prices — promotional rates sometimes differ between sellers. When you order through a third party, that retailer handles billing and delivery, not The Atlantic directly.
Some local newsstands and bookstores sell single issues and subscriptions in person. If you prefer to pay in cash or speak to someone face-to-face, calling ahead to confirm they carry subscriptions is worth doing.
What delivery looks like and how long it takes
After you place your order, The Atlantic processes it within a few business days. Your first issue usually arrives within one to two weeks. Subsequent issues arrive throughout the month as they are published — you will not receive all 12 issues at once.
Issues are mailed to the address you provided at checkout. If you move, you can update your address through your online account or by contacting subscriber services. Updating your address before you move prevents issues from being returned to the publisher.
If an issue does not arrive within three weeks of the publication date, you can report it through your account or contact subscriber services. They can resend the issue or credit your account.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Once you have an active subscription, you can log into your account on The Atlantic's website to view your subscription status, update your mailing address, and manage your payment method. This is where you also pause or resume your subscription without losing your place in the renewal cycle.
To pause your subscription, log in and select the pause option. You choose how many months to pause — typically one to three months. Your subscription will resume automatically on the date you set, and billing will restart then.
To cancel, go to your account settings and select cancel subscription. The Atlantic will ask why you are canceling, but you do not have to provide a reason. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you will receive any remaining issues you have paid for.
Pricing and promotional offers
The cost of a print subscription varies depending on when you order and what promotions are running. The Atlantic regularly offers discounted rates for new subscribers, especially during sales periods. The website will show you the current price before you check out.
Longer subscriptions (two years instead of one) sometimes cost less per month than shorter ones. Bundling print with digital-only access does not change the price — digital is included with print at no extra cost.
If you are a student, teacher, or member of certain organizations, discounted rates may be available. Check The Atlantic's website or contact subscriber services to ask whether you may have access to for a reduced rate.
Digital access that comes with your print subscription
Your print subscription automatically includes full access to The Atlantic's website and mobile app. You do not need a separate digital subscription or login — your print subscription account works for all three.
This means you can read articles online or on your phone the day they publish, without waiting for the print issue to arrive. You also have access to the full archive of past articles going back years, which is useful if you want to read something from an earlier issue.
If you have trouble logging into the website or app, you can reset your password through the login page or contact subscriber services for help.
What to do if you have a problem with your subscription
The Atlantic has a subscriber services team that handles billing questions, missing issues, address changes, and cancellations. You can reach them through the website by clicking the subscriber services or contact link, or by phone — the number is listed on your invoice or in your account.
If an issue arrives damaged, contact subscriber services with a photo of the damage. They will send a replacement. If you are charged incorrectly, provide your invoice number and a description of the error, and they will investigate and correct it.
If you want to pause or cancel but cannot access your account, subscriber services can do it for you over the phone. Have your subscription number or the email address associated with your account ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a print subscription as a gift?
The Atlantic offers gift subscriptions through its website. You choose the length and price, provide the recipient's mailing address, and can include a gift message. Gift subscriptions are usually sent to the recipient with a card explaining the gift, and they do not start billing until after the gift period ends.
What happens if I move before my subscription ends?
Log into your account and update your mailing address. The Atlantic will send future issues to your new address. If you move mid-month, contact subscriber services with your new address and the date you are moving so they can update your delivery route.
Can I pause my subscription without canceling?
Yes. Log into your account, select pause subscription, and choose how many months to pause. Your subscription will resume on the date you set, and you will not lose your account or subscription history. You are only charged when your subscription is active.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?
Refund policies vary. Contact subscriber services with your subscription number and cancellation date. Some subscriptions are refundable on a prorated basis, while others are not. They will tell you what you are may have access to to based on your specific subscription.
Is the digital access the same as a digital-only subscription?
Yes — the digital access included with print is identical to what you get with a digital-only subscription. You have the same website access, app features, and archive. The difference is that print subscribers also receive the physical magazine each month.