What a Wall Street Journal subscription includes

The Wall Street Journal offers three subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. The digital subscription gives you access to wsj.com and the WSJ mobile app, where you can read news, market data, and opinion pieces. The print subscription delivers the newspaper to your home on weekdays and Saturdays. The bundle combines both and costs more than either alone.

Each tier has different pricing. Digital subscriptions typically start lower than print, and bundled subscriptions cost more than digital but less than buying print and digital separately. Prices vary depending on promotional offers, which change frequently. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time, though some promotional rates lock you in for a set period.

The Journal's content includes news sections (U.S., world, business, tech), market data and stock quotes, opinion columns, and subscriber-only investigative reporting. Some articles are behind a paywall even for subscribers, depending on your subscription level. The mobile app works offline and lets you save articles to read later.

Key Takeaways

  • Wall Street Journal subscriptions come in three forms: digital-only, print-only, or a bundle that includes both.
  • Digital subscriptions cost less than print but give you access to the full website and mobile app with no delivery delays.
  • Print subscriptions arrive on weekdays and Saturdays and include digital access in most bundle packages.
  • Promotional rates are common and often cheaper than standard pricing, but some lock you into a contract for a set number of months.
  • You can pause or cancel at any time, though you may need to contact customer service rather than doing it online.

How to start a digital subscription

Go to wsj.com and look for the subscription offer on the homepage. Click through to the pricing page, where you will see current rates for digital, print, and bundle options. Choose the plan you want and enter your email address. You will then create a password and provide payment information (credit card, debit card, or PayPal).

After payment goes through, your account is active immediately. You can log in to wsj.com and the mobile app right away. If you have trouble logging in, check that you are using the email address you registered with, and reset your password if needed. The Journal sends a confirmation email with your account details and a link to manage your subscription.

How to start a print subscription

Call the Journal's subscription line or visit wsj.com/subscribe to order print delivery. You will need to provide your delivery address, phone number, and payment information. Print subscriptions typically start within 3 to 5 business days, though this varies by location. You can check your delivery status by logging into your account online or calling customer service.

Most print subscriptions now include digital access at no extra cost. When your print subscription is active, you can log in to wsj.com using the email address associated with your account. If you move or want to change your delivery address, contact customer service — you cannot change it through the website.

Pricing and promotional offers

Wall Street Journal pricing changes frequently based on promotions. Digital subscriptions typically range from a low introductory rate (often $1 to $10 per month for the first few months) to a standard rate of around $30 to $40 per month. Print subscriptions cost more, usually $20 to $30 per month for digital-only introductory rates, then higher for standard pricing. Bundle pricing is higher than either alone but lower than buying both separately.

Promotional offers often come with a contract period — for example, three months at a promotional rate, then automatic renewal at the standard rate. Read the terms before you pay. Some offers require a credit card but do not charge it until the promotional period ends. Others charge immediately and refund the difference if you cancel within a certain window.

The Journal frequently runs promotions around holidays, earnings season, and major news events. If you see an offer you like, take note of the contract length and renewal price before committing. You can often find better rates by searching "Wall Street Journal subscription" online or waiting for a promotional email if you have visited the site before.

Managing your account and billing

Log into your account at wsj.com to view your subscription status, update your payment method, and change your email address. Your billing date and renewal date appear in the account settings. If you want to change your subscription tier — for example, from digital-only to the bundle — you can usually do this online, though the price may change immediately.

Billing happens on your renewal date each month or year, depending on your plan. If your payment method fails, the Journal will try again a few times before suspending your account. You will receive an email warning before suspension. Update your payment information as soon as you see the notice to avoid losing access.

If you are charged twice or see an unexpected charge, contact customer service with your account email and the date of the charge. Keep your confirmation emails and billing statements for your records.

Pausing or canceling your subscription

You can pause a digital subscription for up to three months without losing your account or paying. To pause, log into your account, go to subscription settings, and select the pause option. Your access will turn off on the date you choose, and you will not be charged during the pause. When the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically and billing restarts.

To cancel, go to your account settings and select cancel subscription. You will be asked why you are canceling — this is optional feedback. Your access ends on your next billing date. If you cancel mid-cycle, you do not get a refund for the unused portion, though some promotional rates include a refund window (usually 14 days). Check your confirmation email for the refund policy that applies to your offer.

If you cannot find the pause or cancel option online, or if you have a promotional rate with a contract, contact customer service. Some subscriptions require a phone call or email to cancel, particularly if you are still in a locked promotional period.

Accessing the Journal on different devices

Your subscription works on any device where you log in with your account email and password. Download the Wall Street Journal app on iOS or Android to read on your phone or tablet. The app syncs your reading history and saved articles across devices. You can also read on a web browser at wsj.com on your computer.

The mobile app lets you download articles to read offline, set up news alerts for topics you follow, and customize your homepage. If you have trouble logging in on a device, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, use the "forgot password" link on the login page to reset it.

Some features, like live market data and certain video content, require an active internet connection even on the app. If you share a device with someone else, you can log out of your account in the app settings to prevent them from accessing your subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the Wall Street Journal without a subscription?

The Journal allows a limited number of free articles per month (usually 3 to 5) before the paywall blocks further reading. After you hit the limit, you must subscribe to continue. Some articles, like breaking news or market data, may be free even after you hit your limit.

What happens if I cancel during a promotional rate period?

If you cancel during a locked promotional period, you may owe the difference between the promotional price and the standard price for the time you used. Check your confirmation email for the exact terms. Some promotions include a refund window (usually 14 days) where you can cancel for free.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

Wall Street Journal subscriptions are for personal use only. Sharing login credentials violates the terms of service. The Journal does not offer family plans or household sharing at this time. Each person who wants access needs their own subscription.

How do I update my payment method?

Log into your account at wsj.com, go to subscription settings, and select "payment method" or "billing." You can add a new credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Your next billing charge will use the updated method.

What if I move and want to change my delivery address for print?

Contact Wall Street Journal customer service by phone or through your account to update your delivery address. You cannot change it online. Provide your account email, current address, and new address. Delivery to the new address typically starts within 3 to 5 business days.