What you get with a Wall Street Journal digital subscription
A Wall Street Journal e-subscription gives you online access to articles, market data, and opinion columns on a computer, phone, or tablet. You read through the Journal's website or mobile app after logging in with your account credentials. The subscription does not include a print edition — that is a separate product you can add for an additional fee.
The core digital package includes access to all news sections: business, markets, politics, technology, and opinion. You also get access to the Journal's video content, podcasts, and newsletters. The Journal updates its site throughout the day, so you see breaking news as it happens rather than waiting for a print edition.
Pricing varies depending on what you choose. The Journal offers a basic digital plan, a plan that bundles print and digital, and a plan for students. Each tier has a different monthly or annual cost, and the Journal frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers.
Key Takeaways
- A Wall Street Journal e-subscription is digital-only access to news, markets, and opinion content through the website or app, without a print newspaper.
- You log in with your account credentials each time you visit, and you can read on multiple devices as long as you are signed in.
- The Journal offers different subscription tiers at different price points, and promotional rates are common for first-time subscribers.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, though the Journal may ask you to confirm the cancellation through your account settings or by contacting customer service.
How to set up your account and start reading
Go to wsj.com and look for the subscription option, usually labeled "Subscribe" or "Sign In." You will be asked to enter an email address and create a password. The Journal will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email to verify your address.
After you confirm your email, you choose your subscription plan and enter payment information. The Journal accepts credit cards and some digital payment methods. Once your payment processes, you can log in immediately and begin reading. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.
If you already have a Journal account from a previous subscription or trial, you can log in with those credentials instead of creating a new account. The system will recognize you and let you upgrade or restart your subscription without re-entering all your information.
Accessing the Journal on different devices
Your subscription works on any device where you can log in: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You use the same email and password on each device. The Journal's website works in any web browser, and the company also offers free apps for iOS and Android phones and tablets.
You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time. If you read an article on your phone in the morning, you can pick up where you left off on your computer later without losing your place. The Journal does not limit the number of devices you can use, only the number of people who can share one account.
If you forget your password, go to the login page and select "Forgot password?" You will receive an email with a link to reset it. This process usually takes a few minutes.
Pricing and promotional offers
The Wall Street Journal changes its subscription prices regularly and offers different rates depending on when you sign up. A new subscriber might see a promotional rate for the first few months, then a higher renewal rate after that period ends. The Journal typically charges monthly or allows you to pay annually for a discount.
The Journal also offers a student plan at a reduced rate if you have a valid .edu email address. You will need to verify your student status during signup. Some employers and organizations also negotiate group rates for their employees or members, so check whether your workplace or school offers a discounted Journal subscription.
Prices vary by region and change frequently, so the exact amount you see during signup depends on your location and the current promotion. The Journal will show you the price before you enter payment information, so you know the cost before you commit.
Managing your subscription and billing
Log into your account on wsj.com and look for "Account" or "Settings" — the exact label depends on which version of the site you are using. From there, you can view your current plan, see your next billing date, and update your payment method. You can also pause your subscription temporarily if you need a break without canceling entirely.
The Journal sends billing reminders to your email address before your payment is due. If your payment method fails, the Journal will attempt to charge you again and may send you a notice. If you do not update your payment information, your access will eventually stop.
If you want to cancel, you can do so through your account settings. Some subscriptions allow you to cancel online immediately, while others may require you to contact the Journal's customer service team. The Journal will confirm your cancellation by email and tell you when your access ends.
What happens if you share your login
The Wall Street Journal's terms of service say that one subscription is for one person's use. Sharing your login with family members or friends technically violates the terms, though the Journal's enforcement varies. If the company detects unusual access patterns — for example, your account being used simultaneously in different cities — it may lock your account and ask you to verify your identity.
If multiple people in your household want access, the Journal offers a household plan in some regions that lets you add additional users to one account. This is a separate product from the individual subscription and costs more, but it is the official way to share access within a family.
Comparing the Journal to other news subscriptions
The Wall Street Journal focuses primarily on business, markets, and financial news, though it covers politics, technology, and other topics as well. If you want a broader range of general news, the New York Times or Washington Post may be better fits. If you specifically need market data and business reporting, the Journal is the primary choice.
The Journal's pricing is typically higher than some competitors, but it includes real-time market data and tools that other news sites do not offer. Some readers subscribe to multiple outlets depending on what they need to read. You can start with a promotional rate to test whether the Journal's coverage matches what you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Journal offline or download articles?
The Journal's website and app require an internet connection to load articles. You cannot download articles for offline reading through the standard subscription. Some articles can be saved to read later, but this feature works only when you are online or have recently synced your account.
What if I want to cancel after a promotional rate ends?
You can cancel at any time, including after your promotional period ends and before your renewal at the full price. Log into your account and look for the cancellation option, or contact the Journal's customer service team. The Journal will not charge you if you cancel before the renewal date.
Does the e-subscription include the print edition?
No. The digital-only subscription is separate from the print edition. If you want both, the Journal offers a bundle plan that includes print delivery plus digital access. This bundle costs more than either product alone and requires a mailing address for print delivery.
Can I gift a Wall Street Journal subscription to someone?
Yes. The Journal offers gift subscriptions that you can purchase for a set length of time — usually three months, six months, or one year. The recipient receives an email with instructions to set up their account and start reading. Gift subscriptions are available through the Journal's website.
What should I do if I am having trouble logging in?
First, check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it. If you still cannot log in, contact the Journal's customer service team through the website — they can verify your account and help you regain access.