What you get with an Economist subscription

The Economist is a weekly magazine published in London that covers global news, politics, business, science, and culture. A subscription gives you access to new issues as they publish — either in print, digital, or both depending on which plan you choose. The magazine arrives in print on Thursdays in most of the world, and the digital edition becomes available online earlier in the week.

Digital access includes the full archive of past articles going back several years, the ability to read on any device (phone, tablet, computer), and access to The Economist's data visualizations and interactive graphics. Print subscribers receive the physical magazine by mail. Some subscription tiers also include access to The Economist's events, podcasts, and newsletters.

Key Takeaways

  • The Economist offers three main subscription types: print only, digital only, and print plus digital, with prices varying by region and promotional offers.
  • Digital subscriptions typically cost less than print and can start immediately, while print subscriptions require a mailing address and take one to two weeks to begin.
  • You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription type at any time through your account settings without penalty.
  • Student discounts are available with proof of enrollment, usually reducing the cost by 50 percent or more depending on your region.

Subscription types and pricing

The Economist offers three subscription options. Digital only gives you access to the website, mobile app, and all digital content. Print only delivers the physical magazine to your address each week. Print plus digital combines both and is the most expensive option but costs less than buying both separately.

Prices vary significantly by country and currency. In the United States, digital subscriptions typically start around $15 to $20 per month when paid annually, though introductory rates are often lower. Print subscriptions cost more — roughly $150 to $200 per year depending on your location and current promotions. The Economist frequently runs discounts, especially for new subscribers, so the price you see advertised may be lower than the standard rate.

Prices in other regions differ. The UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries have their own pricing structures. If you travel or move, you can update your address and subscription type in your account settings.

How to start a subscription

Visit The Economist's website and select the subscription type you want. You will need to provide an email address, create a password, and enter payment information (credit card, debit card, or PayPal depending on your region). If you choose print, you will also enter a mailing address.

Digital subscriptions activate immediately — you can log in and start reading within minutes. Print subscriptions take longer to process. Your first issue typically arrives within one to two weeks, depending on your location and postal service. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and login information.

If you have a promotional code or discount offer, enter it during checkout before you complete payment. The discount will apply to your first billing period.

Student and group discounts

The Economist offers reduced rates for students at accredited universities and colleges. To claim a student discount, you will need to verify your enrollment through a third-party verification service (usually Sheer ID or UNiDAYS, depending on your region). The discount typically reduces the cost by 50 percent or more.

Some employers and organizations also negotiate group rates for their staff or members. If your workplace, school, or professional association has a partnership with The Economist, you may be able to subscribe through them at a reduced rate. Check with your HR department or organization directly.

Managing your subscription

Log into your account on The Economist's website to view your subscription status, billing history, and renewal date. From your account settings, you can change your subscription type (switch from digital to print plus digital, for example), update your payment method, or change your mailing address if you move.

You can pause your subscription for up to four weeks without canceling it entirely. This is useful if you are traveling or temporarily unable to read. When you pause, your billing date moves forward by the length of the pause.

To cancel, go to your account settings and select the cancel option. The Economist will ask why you are canceling but does not require you to provide a reason. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — you will not lose access immediately upon canceling.

Renewal and billing

Subscriptions renew automatically on your renewal date unless you cancel beforehand. The Economist will charge your payment method on file. You will receive a renewal confirmation email a few days before the charge occurs.

If your payment method fails (for example, if your card expires), The Economist will attempt to charge it again. If it continues to fail, you will receive an email asking you to update your payment information. Your access may be suspended if payment is not received, but you can restore it immediately by updating your card details.

If you are charged in error or have a billing dispute, contact The Economist's customer service team through your account or by email. Response times vary by region but typically take one to three business days.

Access and reading options

Digital subscribers can read on The Economist's website, through the mobile app (available for iOS and Android), or through email newsletters. The app allows you to download articles to read offline, which is useful if you travel or have unreliable internet access.

Print subscribers receive the physical magazine by mail. Some regions also offer a digital replica of the print edition — an exact digital copy of the printed pages — in addition to the full website. Check your account to see what is included with your subscription type.

You can set up email alerts for topics you follow, receive a weekly digest, or subscribe to The Economist's newsletters on specific subjects (technology, business, science, and others). These are separate from your magazine subscription but included at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read The Economist for free?

The Economist allows you to read a limited number of free articles per month (usually three to five) without a subscription. After you reach the limit, you will need to subscribe to continue reading. Some articles are permanently free, such as certain news stories and data visualizations.

What happens if I move to a different country?

You can update your address in your account settings. If you move to a country where The Economist operates differently (for example, from the US to the UK), your pricing and subscription options may change. Contact customer service if you are unsure whether your subscription will continue or if you need to make changes.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

The Economist's terms of service restrict sharing to members of your household. You can log into your account from multiple devices, but sharing your login credentials with people outside your home violates the terms. Some regions offer family or household plans at a higher price that allow multiple logins.

How do I contact customer service?

Log into your account and use the "Help" or "Contact Us" option, usually found at the bottom of the page or in account settings. You can also email The Economist's customer service team directly. Response times depend on your region and the complexity of your issue, typically one to three business days.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-subscription?

The Economist generally does not offer refunds for unused portions of your subscription. However, if you cancel within a short window after subscribing (often seven to fourteen days, depending on your region), you may be able to request a refund. Contact customer service with your request and the reason for cancellation.