What you get with a San Francisco Chronicle subscription

A San Francisco Chronicle subscription gives you access to news coverage of the Bay Area, California, and national stories through their website and mobile app. The Chronicle offers different subscription tiers: digital-only access, print-only delivery, or a combination of both print and digital. Which option makes sense depends on whether you want to read on a device, receive the physical newspaper, or both.

Digital subscriptions let you read unlimited articles on sfchronicle.com and use their mobile app from any device. Print subscriptions deliver the newspaper to your home on days the Chronicle publishes — typically seven days a week. Bundled subscriptions combine both, so you get the print edition plus full digital access. Pricing varies based on which combination you choose and whether you commit to a longer term upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chronicle offers three main subscription types: digital-only, print-only, and print-plus-digital bundles, each at different price points.
  • You can start a subscription directly through sfchronicle.com or by calling their customer service line, and you can pause or cancel anytime.
  • Digital subscribers can read on the website, the mobile app, or through email newsletters without additional cost.
  • Print delivery depends on your address; the Chronicle delivers to most Bay Area locations but not everywhere, so you should check your zip code before ordering.
  • Student, military, and senior discounts are sometimes available, though the terms and amounts change periodically.

How to start a digital-only subscription

Go to sfchronicle.com and look for the subscription button, usually located at the top right of the page or within an article paywall. Click through to the subscription page, where you will see current pricing for digital access. You will need to create an account with your email address and choose a password. During checkout, enter your payment method — the Chronicle accepts major credit cards and may offer other payment options.

After you complete payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Log in to your account using your email and password, and you can begin reading immediately. Digital access works across devices: read on sfchronicle.com using a web browser, download the mobile app and log in with the same credentials, or receive daily email newsletters with selected stories.

How to start a print subscription or print-plus-digital bundle

Print and bundled subscriptions require a delivery address, so the Chronicle needs to confirm they serve your location. Visit sfchronicle.com/subscribe or call their customer service line to check whether delivery is available in your zip code. If it is available, you can choose your subscription type and start date.

When you order print delivery, provide your delivery address and a phone number where the Chronicle can reach you if there are issues with delivery. Print subscriptions typically begin within a few business days, though the exact timing depends on your address and the day you order. You will also receive digital access as part of a print or bundled subscription, so you can log in online while you wait for the first print edition to arrive.

Managing your subscription and making changes

Log into your account on sfchronicle.com to view your subscription status, update your payment method, or change your delivery address. If you have a print subscription and need to pause delivery temporarily — for example, while you are traveling — you can do that through your account settings or by calling customer service. Pausing is different from canceling: your subscription remains active but delivery stops for the dates you specify.

To upgrade from digital-only to a print bundle, or to downgrade from print to digital-only, log into your account and select the option to change your plan. The change usually takes effect on your next billing date. If you want to cancel entirely, you can do that through your account or by contacting customer service. The Chronicle does not charge an early termination fee, so you can cancel at any time.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If you cannot log into your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. The Chronicle will send a password reset link to your email address. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder, or contact customer service for help.

If you have a print subscription and your newspaper does not arrive, check your account to confirm your delivery address is correct. If the address is right, contact customer service with the date the paper did not arrive. They can investigate whether there was a delivery problem and may credit your account or redeliver the issue. Repeated delivery problems should be reported right away so the Chronicle can address them with their delivery partner.

If you are charged twice in one billing cycle or see an unexpected charge, log into your account and review your billing history. Contact customer service with the date and amount of the charge in question. They can review your account and issue a refund if the charge was an error.

Discounts and special offers

The San Francisco Chronicle periodically offers discounts for students, military members, and seniors, though the discount amount and terms change. Check sfchronicle.com/subscribe to see what offers are currently available. Some discounts require proof of status — for example, a student ID or military ID — which you may need to upload or mail to the Chronicle.

The Chronicle also runs promotional offers for new subscribers, such as reduced rates for the first few months. These promotions appear on the subscription page and change throughout the year. If you see a promotion you want to use, note the terms: some require you to stay subscribed for a minimum period, and canceling early may result in being charged the full regular rate for the months you used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the Chronicle on multiple devices with one subscription?

Yes. Log into sfchronicle.com on your computer, download the mobile app and log in on your phone or tablet, and sign up for email newsletters — all use the same account. You can read on as many devices as you want at the same time.

What happens if I move out of the Chronicle's delivery area?

If you have a print subscription and move outside their delivery zone, you can switch to digital-only through your account settings. Contact customer service if you need help with the change. Digital access works anywhere, so you can keep reading online even if print delivery is no longer available.

Do I have to give a credit card to start a subscription?

Yes. The Chronicle requires a payment method to set up any subscription. They accept major credit cards. If you do not have a credit card, contact their customer service line to ask about other payment options that may be available.

Can I gift a subscription to someone else?

The Chronicle offers gift subscriptions through their website. You can purchase a gift subscription for a set period — typically three months, six months, or one year — and the recipient will receive instructions to activate their account. Check sfchronicle.com/gift for current pricing and terms.

What is the difference between pausing and canceling my subscription?

Pausing temporarily stops your delivery or access for dates you choose, and your subscription resumes automatically when the pause period ends. Canceling ends your subscription entirely, and you will need to start a new subscription if you want to read again later. Pausing is useful if you are traveling or want a break; canceling is permanent.