What a Reader's Digest subscription includes
A Reader's Digest subscription delivers the print magazine to your mailbox each month, or gives you access to digital content through their website and app, depending on which plan you choose. The magazine contains articles on health, home repair, personal finance, humor, and true stories — the same mix that appears in the physical edition. Digital subscriptions let you read on any device without waiting for mail delivery.
Print subscriptions typically arrive 10 to 14 days after the cover date. Digital access begins immediately after you complete your order. Some subscription plans include both print and digital, though these cost more than either option alone. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time, though the terms depend on whether you paid upfront or month-to-month.
Key Takeaways
- Reader's Digest offers print-only, digital-only, and combined subscriptions at different price points.
- Print magazines arrive monthly by mail, while digital access works on phones, tablets, and computers immediately after purchase.
- Subscription rates vary based on how long you commit — annual plans cost less per month than month-to-month billing.
- You can cancel or pause your subscription without penalty, though refund policies differ between print and digital plans.
- The magazine covers practical topics like home maintenance, health, money management, and personal stories.
Print vs. digital subscriptions
Print subscriptions arrive in your mailbox 12 times per year. You own the physical copy and can keep it, share it, or recycle it. Print does not require internet access or a device, and many readers prefer the tactile experience. The downside is the wait time — you receive the issue after the cover date — and the space required to store back issues.
Digital subscriptions give you immediate access to current and past issues through the Reader's Digest website or mobile app. You can search articles, adjust text size, and read offline after downloading. Digital costs less than print and takes up no physical space. The trade-off is that you need a device and internet connection to read, and your access depends on maintaining your subscription — you lose access if you cancel.
A combined print-and-digital plan costs more than either alone but covers both formats. This works well if you want the magazine in your home but also want to read on your phone while traveling or at work.
How much subscriptions cost
Reader's Digest subscription prices vary based on the plan length and format. Annual subscriptions cost less per month than shorter commitments. Month-to-month plans charge the highest per-issue rate but require no long-term commitment. Promotional rates are common — the company frequently offers discounted first-year pricing to new subscribers.
Prices also fluctuate seasonally. Subscription offers are typically cheaper during holiday shopping periods and slower during other months. Existing subscribers sometimes receive renewal offers at rates different from what new subscribers pay for the same plan.
To find current pricing, visit the Reader's Digest website directly or check your email if you receive promotional offers. Prices listed on third-party retailers or discount sites may not match what you pay when ordering from Reader's Digest itself.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, go to the Reader's Digest website and select your plan — print, digital, or combined — and the subscription length. You will enter your payment method and mailing address (for print) or email address (for digital). After completing the order, digital access begins immediately. Print subscriptions begin with the next available issue, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.
You can manage your subscription through your online account. Log in to pause, resume, or cancel at any time. If you move, update your mailing address in your account settings before your next issue ships. You can also change your subscription type — for example, switching from print-only to digital-only — through the same account portal.
If you experience issues with delivery or access, contact Reader's Digest customer service through the website. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within one to two business days.
Refunds and cancellation policies
Reader's Digest allows cancellation at any time without penalty. If you cancel a print subscription mid-year, refund policies vary — some plans offer a prorated refund for undelivered issues, while others do not. Digital subscriptions typically do not offer refunds once access has begun, though you can cancel to stop future charges.
If you paid for an annual subscription upfront and cancel early, contact customer service to ask about your specific plan's refund terms. The policy depends on how long you have been subscribed and which plan you purchased. Cancellations usually take effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately.
If you received a gift subscription, the same cancellation and refund rules apply. You can manage a gift subscription through your account once you activate it.
What happens after you cancel
After you cancel a print subscription, you will receive any issues already in the mail pipeline — typically one or two more copies. Digital access stops immediately when you cancel, and you cannot retrieve articles or issues you previously read.
If you want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time. New subscriber promotional rates may or may not be available depending on how long you have been away. Your previous account information may still be on file, which can speed up reordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a Reader's Digest subscription as a gift?
Yes. The website has a gift subscription option where you provide the recipient's name and address (for print) or email (for digital). You can include a gift message. The recipient receives a notification about the gift, and the subscription begins with the next available issue or immediately for digital access.
What if I don't receive an issue?
Contact Reader's Digest customer service with your subscription number and the issue date you missed. They can investigate whether the magazine was delivered to the wrong address or lost in transit. If confirmed, they will either mail a replacement or credit your account, depending on your plan.
Can I change my subscription type after I've already subscribed?
Yes. Log into your account and select the option to upgrade, downgrade, or switch formats. Changes typically take effect at your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may be charged a prorated amount for the additional service.
Do I need to create an account to read digital issues?
Yes. You will need to create a login with an email address and password to access digital content through the website or app. Your login is tied to your subscription, so access ends if your subscription ends.
Is there a student or senior discount?
Reader's Digest does not advertise a dedicated student or senior rate on their main website. However, promotional offers change frequently. Check your email for offers, or contact customer service to ask about any current discounts that may apply to your situation.