What a Wall Street Journal subscription includes and how much it costs

The Wall Street Journal offers three subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. The digital-only plan is the least expensive option and gives you access to all articles on wsj.com and the WSJ mobile app. Print-only delivers the newspaper to your home but does not include digital access. The print plus digital bundle combines both and costs more than either alone.

Pricing varies depending on how long you commit to a subscription and what promotions are running at the time you sign up. The Journal frequently offers introductory rates for the first few weeks or months, then moves to a higher regular price. You can see current pricing by visiting wsj.com/subscribe or calling their subscription line directly. Rates also differ by region for print delivery.

All subscription levels include access to the Journal's news sections — business, markets, politics, technology, and opinion — plus lifestyle content and podcasts. The digital version updates throughout the day, while the print edition arrives in the morning. You can read on any device with the mobile app or through a web browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print or bundled plans and let you read on your phone, tablet, or computer anytime.
  • Print subscriptions include the physical newspaper but typically cost more and do not include digital access unless you buy the bundle.
  • The Journal regularly offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, so the first few months may cost less than the standard rate.
  • You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time, though promotional rates may not apply if you restart later.

How to start a digital-only subscription

Go to wsj.com/subscribe and select the digital plan. You will enter your email address and create a password, then choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The site will show you the introductory price (if one is available) and the price after the promotional period ends. Read that second number carefully, because that is what you will pay once the deal expires.

After you complete payment, you can log in immediately and start reading. The Journal sends a confirmation email with your account details and a link to download the mobile app if you want to read on your phone. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail — digital access is instant.

If you already have a wsj.com account from a free trial or a previous subscription, log in with that email address instead of creating a new one. The system will recognize your account and let you upgrade or restart your subscription without losing your saved articles or preferences.

How to add or switch to print delivery

If you have a digital-only subscription and want to add print, log into your account on wsj.com, go to "Manage My Account," and look for the option to upgrade your plan. You will see the price difference and can choose your delivery days — the Journal delivers Monday through Saturday in most areas, with a Sunday edition available in some regions.

Print delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days to start after you upgrade. The Journal will confirm your delivery address and tell you when to expect your first printed copy. If you move, you can update your address in your account settings, and delivery will switch to your new location.

If you want print only without digital access, you can also call the Journal's subscription line or start a new subscription through wsj.com/subscribe and select the print-only option. Print-only plans usually cost less than the bundled plan but more than digital alone.

Payment methods and billing cycles

The Journal accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Your payment method is charged on the date your subscription renews — typically every month, quarter, or year depending on what you chose at signup. You can change your payment method or billing cycle anytime by logging into your account and going to "Manage My Account."

Your invoice appears in your account under "Billing History," and the Journal also sends a receipt email when you are charged. If a payment fails — for example, if your card expires — the Journal will attempt to charge you again and send you a notice. If payment continues to fail, your access may be paused until you update your payment information.

Some employers and institutions offer group subscriptions to the Journal at a discount. If your workplace or school has a group plan, you may be able to link your personal account to it and pay a reduced rate. Ask your HR or IT department whether this option is available to you.

Canceling, pausing, or managing your subscription

You can cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings. Log into wsj.com, go to "Manage My Account," and select "Cancel Subscription." The Journal will ask why you are canceling and may offer you a discount to stay — you can accept or decline. Your access ends on the date your current billing period expires, not immediately.

If you want to keep your account but pause delivery temporarily, you can suspend your subscription for up to three months. This keeps your account active and your saved articles intact without charging you during the pause. After the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically and billing begins again.

If you cancel and want to resubscribe later, you can do so, but the introductory rate may not apply a second time. The Journal sometimes offers special rates to returning subscribers, so it is worth checking wsj.com/subscribe to see what is available when you are ready to come back.

Accessing your subscription on multiple devices

A single subscription works on as many devices as you want. Download the Wall Street Journal app on your phone and tablet, and log in with your email and password. You can also read on wsj.com using any web browser on your computer. Your reading history, saved articles, and preferences sync across all devices.

The mobile app lets you download articles to read offline, which is useful if you commute or travel without reliable internet. You can also customize which sections appear on your home screen and set up notifications for breaking news in topics you follow.

If someone else in your household wants to read the Journal on their own device, they need their own subscription. The Journal does not allow one subscription to be shared across multiple user accounts, though you can read on your own devices as much as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the Wall Street Journal for free?

The Journal limits free articles to a few per month depending on how you access it. Some articles are behind a paywall and require a subscription to read in full. You may also get free access through your employer, school, or library — check with those organizations first before paying for your own subscription.

What is the difference between the print and digital editions?

The digital edition updates throughout the day with breaking news, while the print edition is finalized the night before and arrives in the morning. The print edition includes all major stories but may not have the latest market updates or breaking news from late evening. Digital subscribers can read everything as soon as it is published.

Can I gift a subscription to someone else?

The Journal offers gift subscriptions through wsj.com/gift. You choose the length and type of subscription, pay for it, and the recipient receives an email with instructions to activate their account. Gift subscriptions typically come at a promotional rate and last for a set period — usually 4 weeks, 12 weeks, or one year.

What happens if I do not use my subscription for a while?

Your subscription remains active and you continue to be charged unless you cancel it. The Journal does not automatically pause or cancel unused accounts. If you think you will not read it for a few months, you can pause your subscription instead of canceling, which stops charges without losing your account.

Do I need a subscription to read opinion columns?

Most opinion columns are behind the paywall and require a subscription to read in full. A few columns may be free depending on how many articles you have already read that month, but a subscription gives you unlimited access to all opinion content without hitting any article limits.