What a Washington Post subscription costs and includes
The Washington Post offers three subscription tiers, each with different access levels and prices. The digital subscription gives you full access to washingtonpost.com and the Post's mobile apps for reading articles, watching video, and using the Post's tools like recipe search and archives. The Print + Digital subscription includes the print newspaper delivered to your home plus everything in the digital plan. The All Access subscription bundles Print + Digital with access to the Post's events and premium newsletters.
Prices vary depending on how you pay. Monthly digital subscriptions typically cost more per month than annual plans, which spread the cost over twelve payments. Print + Digital costs more than digital alone because of printing and delivery. The Post frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers — often a reduced first month or first year — but the regular price is what you pay after the promotion ends. You can view current pricing on washingtonpost.com/subscribe.
Your subscription renews automatically each billing period unless you cancel. You can pause or cancel anytime through your account settings online, and the Post does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel mid-cycle, you keep access through the end of your paid period.
Key Takeaways
- The Post offers digital-only, Print + Digital, and All Access plans at different price points, with annual plans costing less per month than monthly plans.
- New subscriber promotions are common but temporary; you will pay the regular rate after the promotional period ends.
- Subscriptions renew automatically each billing cycle, and you can cancel anytime without penalty through your account settings.
- Print delivery is available only in certain areas; check your zip code on the subscription page before purchasing a print plan.
How to start a Washington Post subscription
Go to washingtonpost.com/subscribe and enter your zip code. The site will show you which subscription options are available in your area — print delivery is not available everywhere. Select the plan you want (digital, Print + Digital, or All Access) and choose your billing frequency (monthly or annual).
Enter your email address and create a password. The Post will ask for a payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal. If there is a promotional offer active, it will appear during checkout and apply automatically. Review the total cost, including the promotional rate and the regular price that will apply after, then complete the purchase.
You will receive a confirmation email with your account details. Access begins immediately for digital subscriptions. Print subscriptions typically begin delivery within 5 to 7 business days, though this varies by location.
Managing your account and payment method
Log into your account at washingtonpost.com by clicking "Sign In" at the top of the page. From your account dashboard, you can view your subscription plan, billing history, and renewal date. You can also update your payment method, change your email address, or manage notification preferences.
If you have a print subscription, you can update your delivery address or pause delivery for a period of time (such as during vacation) without canceling. These changes take effect on your next billing cycle or within a few days for pauses. If you experience a billing problem or your payment fails, the Post will send you an email with instructions to update your payment method.
Pausing or canceling your subscription
To pause a subscription, log into your account and select "Manage Subscription." You can pause for up to 12 weeks at a time. During a pause, you will not be charged and your access will be suspended, but your account remains active and you can resume anytime.
To cancel, go to "Manage Subscription" and select "Cancel Subscription." The Post will ask why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. If you proceed with cancellation, your access ends at the end of your current billing period. You will not receive a refund for the time remaining in your current cycle, but you will not be charged again.
If you cancel and want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time. Returning subscribers sometimes receive different promotional offers than new subscribers.
Accessing your subscription on different devices
A single Washington Post digital subscription works on multiple devices. Download the Washington Post app on your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then sign in with your email and password. You can read articles, save stories, and customize your news preferences in the app.
On a computer, go to washingtonpost.com and sign in at the top right. You do not need to download anything. You can also access the Post through a web browser on any device where you are signed in.
If someone else in your household wants to use your subscription on a shared device, they can sign in with your account credentials. However, the Post's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal use only, and sharing login credentials with people outside your household may violate those terms.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If you cannot sign in, go to washingtonpost.com/signin and click "Forgot Password" to reset it. If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam folder or try a different email address if you have multiple accounts with the Post.
If you see a paywall message even though you have an active subscription, try signing out and signing back in. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser. If you are using the app, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. If the problem persists, contact the Post's customer service through your account settings or by visiting washingtonpost.com/support.
If your payment failed, check your email for a notification from the Post with instructions to update your payment method. Update it as soon as possible to avoid a lapse in access. If you believe you were charged in error, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Washington Post login with family members?
You can share your login with people in your household on shared devices. Sharing credentials with people outside your household violates the Post's terms of service. If you want multiple people to have separate accounts, each person needs their own subscription.
What happens if I don't cancel before my subscription renews?
Your subscription will renew automatically on your renewal date, and you will be charged the regular subscription price (not the promotional rate). You can cancel anytime before the renewal date to stop the charge. Check your account settings to see your exact renewal date.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-cycle?
No. The Post does not issue refunds for unused time in your current billing period. However, you keep access through the end of the period you have already paid for, even after you cancel.
Is there a student discount for Washington Post subscriptions?
The Post offers discounted rates for students through certain universities and student discount programs. Check washingtonpost.com/subscribe to see if your school participates, or contact the Post's customer service to ask about student pricing in your area.
What's the difference between a digital subscription and All Access?
Digital gives you online and app access to articles and video. All Access adds print delivery, access to Post events and live chats, and premium newsletters like the Post's morning briefing. Print + Digital includes print and digital but not events or premium newsletters. Choose based on what you actually read and whether you want the print newspaper.