What You Get With Each Wall Street Journal Subscription Tier

The Wall Street Journal offers three main subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. The digital-only plan gives you access to wsj.com and the WSJ mobile app, including breaking news, market data, and opinion columns. The print-only plan delivers the physical newspaper to your home or office. The print plus digital plan combines both — you receive the printed edition and full access to all digital content.

Pricing varies based on how long you commit to a subscription and which tier you choose. The Journal frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers, particularly for digital-only plans. These introductory rates typically last for the first few months, then the price increases to the standard rate. Print subscriptions generally cost more than digital-only, and the combined plan costs more than either alone.

All subscription tiers include access to the same news content and reporting. The difference is the format and how you read it — on a screen, in print, or both. Your subscription also includes access to the Journal's video content, podcasts, and newsletters.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wall Street Journal offers digital-only, print-only, and combined print-plus-digital subscriptions at different price points.
  • New subscriber promotional rates are typically lower than standard rates and last for a set period before the price increases.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time, though the terms depend on whether you're in a promotional period or paying the standard rate.
  • The Journal offers student discounts and corporate subscription options for businesses and organizations.
  • You can manage your subscription, update payment methods, and change your plan through your account settings on wsj.com.

How to Start a Subscription and What Information You'll Need

To start a Wall Street Journal subscription, go to wsj.com and select the plan you want. You'll be asked to create an account using an email address and password. During signup, you'll choose your subscription tier and billing frequency — most plans offer monthly or annual payment options.

You'll need a valid payment method: a credit card, debit card, or in some cases a PayPal account. If you're ordering a print subscription, you'll also provide a delivery address. The Journal will send a confirmation email to the address you registered with, and your access begins immediately for digital subscriptions. Print subscriptions typically begin delivery within 5 to 10 business days.

If you already have a WSJ account from a previous subscription or free trial, you can log in with that email and password instead of creating a new account. This keeps your saved articles and preferences intact.

Promotional Rates vs. Standard Pricing

The Wall Street Journal regularly offers introductory rates to new subscribers. These promotional prices are substantially lower than the standard subscription rate — sometimes 50 to 75 percent off the regular price. The promotional period typically lasts 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the offer. After the promotional period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the standard rate unless you cancel.

Standard rates vary by subscription tier and billing frequency. Annual subscriptions usually cost less per month than month-to-month plans. Print subscriptions are more expensive than digital-only, and the combined plan falls between the two. The Journal adjusts its standard rates periodically, so the exact amount you'll pay after a promotion ends depends on when your promotion expires.

Before you complete your purchase, the Journal shows you the promotional price, the length of the promotional period, and the standard price that will apply afterward. Read this information carefully so you know what to expect when your rate changes.

Student Discounts and Special Offers

The Wall Street Journal offers discounted rates for students with a valid .edu email address or student ID. Student subscriptions are typically digital-only and cost significantly less than standard rates. To get a student discount, you'll need to verify your student status during signup — the Journal will ask for your school email address or a photo of your student ID.

The Journal also offers discounts for educators and corporate subscriptions for businesses and organizations. Corporate plans allow multiple users to access the same subscription and often include additional features like usage reports and centralized billing. If you work for a company or organization, check whether they already have a corporate subscription — your employer may provide access at no cost to you.

Pausing, Canceling, or Changing Your Plan

You can cancel your Wall Street Journal subscription at any time through your account settings on wsj.com. Log in, go to your account, and select "Manage subscription" or "Billing." You'll see options to cancel, pause, or change your plan. If you cancel during a promotional period, you'll stop being charged immediately. If you cancel after the promotional period ends, your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

The Journal also allows you to pause your subscription for up to 4 weeks without canceling. This is useful if you want to take a temporary break but plan to return. When you pause, you won't be charged during the pause period, and your subscription resumes automatically when the pause ends.

If you want to switch from one tier to another — for example, from digital-only to print plus digital — you can change your plan in your account settings. The change typically takes effect on your next billing date. If you're switching to a more expensive plan, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle.

What Happens if You Don't Cancel Before Your Rate Increases

If you don't cancel before your promotional period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the standard rate. The Journal will send you an email notification before the rate change occurs, usually 7 to 10 days in advance. This email includes the new price and your options to cancel or change your plan.

If you decide you don't want to pay the standard rate, you can cancel through your account settings before the new rate takes effect. You won't be charged the higher amount if you cancel before your billing date arrives. Some subscribers contact the Journal's customer service to negotiate a lower renewal rate or to receive another promotional offer, though this is not may provide.

Accessing Your Subscription on Multiple Devices

A Wall Street Journal digital subscription allows you to read on multiple devices — your computer, tablet, and phone. You access the same account on each device by logging in with your email and password. Your saved articles, preferences, and reading history sync across devices, so you can start reading an article on your phone and continue on your computer.

You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time. However, the Journal limits the number of simultaneous streams — typically you can read on 2 to 3 devices at once, depending on your subscription plan. If you exceed this limit, you'll be asked to log out on one device before you can log in on another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel during my promotional period?

The Wall Street Journal does not typically issue refunds for cancellations, even during promotional periods. When you cancel, you stop being charged immediately, but you don't receive money back for the time you've already paid for. Check the terms of your specific offer when you sign up, as some promotions may have different policies.

What's the difference between a digital subscription and a print subscription?

A digital subscription gives you access to wsj.com and the mobile app on any device. A print subscription delivers the physical newspaper to your address. The combined plan includes both. All three tiers include the same news content — the difference is how you read it and where you access it.

Do I need to call customer service to cancel, or can I do it online?

You can cancel online through your account settings on wsj.com without calling. Log in, go to "Manage subscription," and select the cancel option. The process takes a few minutes. If you have trouble canceling online or have questions about your account, the Journal's customer service team can help, but cancellation does not require a phone call.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

A standard individual subscription is for personal use only. However, the Journal offers household plans that allow multiple people in the same home to use one subscription. Check wsj.com for household plan options, or contact customer service to ask whether a household plan is available in your area.

What happens if I don't use my subscription for a while?

Your subscription remains active and you'll continue to be charged unless you cancel or pause it. The Journal does not automatically cancel inactive subscriptions. If you're not reading regularly, you can pause your subscription for up to 4 weeks without being charged, or cancel if you no longer want it.