What you get with an Atlantic subscription
The Atlantic is a monthly magazine published in print and online. A subscription gives you access to all articles on theatlantic.com, the monthly print magazine delivered to your home, and their email newsletters. The price and what's included varies depending on whether you choose print only, digital only, or both together.
Print subscribers receive the magazine roughly 12 times per year. Digital subscribers can read new articles as they publish, usually several per day. Most subscriptions also include access to The Atlantic's archive of past articles going back years, though the exact depth depends on your subscription tier.
The Atlantic also publishes newsletters on topics like politics, books, science, and culture. Subscribers typically receive these at no extra cost, though you can manage which ones you want to receive.
Key Takeaways
- Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print subscriptions and give you immediate access to all articles on theatlantic.com.
- Print subscriptions include the monthly magazine mailed to your address, plus digital access, but cost more and take time to arrive.
- The Atlantic offers discounted rates for new subscribers, usually around 50 percent off the first year, but the regular price is higher.
- You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription type at any time through your account on theatlantic.com.
- Student discounts are available if you have a valid .edu email address.
Subscription pricing and plan options
The Atlantic offers three main subscription paths: digital only, print only, and print plus digital. Prices change frequently and vary by promotion, so the exact amount you pay depends on when you subscribe and what offer is running.
Digital-only subscriptions are the least expensive option. Print-only subscriptions cost more because the magazine is physically produced and mailed. Print plus digital costs the most but gives you both formats. The Atlantic frequently runs promotions for new subscribers that reduce the first-year cost significantly — often to roughly half the regular annual price — but the renewal price after year one is the full amount.
If you are a student with a valid college or university email address ending in .edu, you can receive a student discount on any subscription type. You will need to verify your student status during signup.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, go to theatlantic.com and look for the subscription or membership section, usually linked at the top or bottom of the page. You will choose your plan type, enter payment information, and create an account. The site will ask for your email address and a password so you can log in later.
Digital access begins immediately after payment. Print subscriptions take one to two weeks to arrive after you sign up, depending on your location and the postal service.
You can manage your subscription by logging into your account on theatlantic.com. From there you can view your billing date, update your payment method, pause your subscription temporarily, or cancel it. You can also control which newsletters you receive and update your email address or mailing address.
What happens when your subscription renews
Subscriptions renew automatically on the date shown in your account. The renewal charge appears on the same payment method you provided at signup. The renewal price is usually the full regular price, not the discounted new-subscriber rate, unless you have an active promotional code.
You will receive an email reminder a few days before your renewal date. If you want to cancel before the charge goes through, you can do so from your account settings. If you are charged and then cancel, you can contact The Atlantic's customer service to request a refund, though refund policies vary.
Pausing or canceling your subscription
You can pause your subscription for up to three months without canceling it entirely. This stops charges from going through while keeping your account active. When you are ready to resume, you can restart from your account page.
To cancel, log into your account and select the cancel option. The Atlantic will ask why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. If you decline, your subscription ends on the date shown in your account. You will lose access to digital content after that date, though print magazines already mailed to you remain yours.
If you cancel mid-cycle and have already paid for the full period, you may be owed a refund for the unused portion. Contact The Atlantic's customer service with your account details to discuss this.
Accessing your subscription on different devices
Digital subscribers can read articles on theatlantic.com using any web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone. You log in with the email and password you created at signup. The Atlantic also publishes a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that you can download from the App Store or Google Play. You log in with the same account credentials.
Your login works across all devices, so you can start reading an article on your phone and pick it up on your computer later. The site remembers which articles you have read and saves your reading history in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my login with family members?
The Atlantic's terms of service state that each subscription is for personal use by one person. Sharing your login with others violates the terms. However, some households purchase multiple subscriptions or look into family plans if The Atlantic offers them — check their website for current options.
What if I don't want to receive the print magazine anymore?
You can change your subscription type from print plus digital to digital only through your account settings. This will lower your renewal price. The change takes effect on your next billing date. If you want to stop receiving the print magazine immediately, contact customer service.
Do I have to provide a credit card to start a subscription?
Yes. The Atlantic requires a valid payment method — usually a credit or debit card — to set up any subscription. Some promotions may allow you to pay by other methods, but a card is the standard requirement for automatic renewal.
What if I move and need to update my mailing address?
Log into your account and update your mailing address in the profile or subscription settings section. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles. If you are moving soon, update your address as early as possible to avoid missed issues.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
The Atlantic's refund policy depends on how long you have had the subscription and whether you have used the digital access. Contact their customer service with your account number and the reason for your request. They will tell you whether a refund is available in your situation.