The Wall Street Journal subscription tiers and their prices

The Wall Street Journal offers three main subscription paths: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. Digital-only access starts at a lower price point than print, and bundled options cost more than either alone. The exact price you pay depends on which tier you choose and whether you take advantage of promotional rates — the Journal frequently discounts introductory subscriptions, especially for new subscribers.

Prices change regularly and vary by region, so the dollar amount you see when you visit wsj.com will be the current rate for your location. The Journal also offers student subscriptions at a reduced rate if you have a valid .edu email address. Corporate and institutional subscriptions follow a different pricing structure altogether and are negotiated separately.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wall Street Journal has three subscription types — digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital — each at different price points.
  • New subscribers often see promotional rates that are lower than the standard price, but the rate increases after the introductory period ends.
  • You can read a limited number of articles per month for free before hitting a paywall, which lets you test the content before paying.
  • Canceling a subscription can be done online through your account settings, though the Journal may offer retention discounts if you attempt to leave.
  • Student subscriptions are available at reduced rates with proof of enrollment, and some employers or institutions offer group discounts.

What content you get with each subscription level

A digital-only subscription gives you full access to all articles on wsj.com, the mobile app, and the email newsletters. You can read breaking news, opinion columns, market data, and the full archive of past reporting. The print-plus-digital bundle includes everything digital plus the physical newspaper delivered to your home, typically six days a week.

Print-only subscribers receive the newspaper but do not get access to the website or app. This matters if you want to read breaking news or check markets during the day — print arrives in the morning and covers the previous day's events. Most readers who want current information choose digital or the bundle rather than print alone.

How the paywall works and the free article limit

The Wall Street Journal uses a metered paywall, which means you can read a certain number of articles per month without paying. Once you hit that limit, you see a message asking you to subscribe. The exact number of free articles varies and can change, but it is typically in the range of 3 to 5 per month for a non-subscriber.

The counter resets each month, so if you read carefully and space out your articles, you may be able to stay under the limit indefinitely. However, if you want to read multiple stories daily or access the full archive, a subscription is necessary. Signing in with an account (even without paying) sometimes gives you a higher free article count than reading completely anonymously.

Starting and managing your subscription online

To start a subscription, go to wsj.com and click the subscribe button, usually located at the top of the page. You will be shown the available plans and current promotional rates. After choosing a plan, you enter your email address and payment method — the Journal accepts major credit cards and some digital payment services.

Once your subscription is active, you can manage it through your account settings on the website. From there you can update your payment method, change your delivery address if you have print, pause your subscription temporarily, or cancel entirely. The Journal does not require you to call customer service to make these changes, though a phone number is available if you prefer to speak with someone.

Promotional rates and what happens when they end

New subscribers almost always see a discounted introductory rate, often lasting the first few weeks or months. This rate is clearly labeled as promotional, and the Journal will send you an email before it expires telling you what your regular price will be. At that point, your subscription continues at the full rate unless you cancel.

If you do not want to pay the full price, you have options. You can cancel and wait a few weeks — the Journal often sends re-engagement offers to lapsed subscribers at promotional rates. You can also contact customer service to ask if they will extend your promotional rate or offer a discount to keep you as a subscriber. These negotiations sometimes work, especially if you have been a long-term subscriber.

Student subscriptions and group discounts

Students with a valid .edu email address can get a subscription at a reduced rate. To access this offer, you typically go to the student subscription page on wsj.com and verify your enrollment. The student rate is significantly lower than the standard price and may be the cheapest way to get access if you are currently in school.

Some employers, universities, and libraries also offer group subscriptions or institutional access to the Journal. If your workplace or school provides this benefit, you may be able to read the Journal through their account at no personal cost. Check with your HR department or library to see if this option is available to you.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel a Wall Street Journal subscription through your account settings on wsj.com without calling anyone. Log in, go to your subscription management page, and select the option to cancel. The Journal will ask you why you are leaving and may offer you a discount to stay, but you are not required to accept.

After you cancel, your access ends on the date your current billing period expires. If you cancel mid-month, you typically keep access through the end of that month. The Journal does not offer refunds for unused portions of your subscription, so timing your cancellation to the end of a billing cycle saves money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Wall Street Journal login with family members?

The Journal's terms of service state that subscriptions are for individual use only, and sharing login credentials violates those terms. However, the Journal offers household plans in some cases that allow multiple people to use one subscription. Contact customer service to ask if a household plan is available in your area.

What if I want to cancel but keep reading the Journal?

After you cancel, you can still read a limited number of free articles each month using the metered paywall. You will not have full access, but you can stay informed about major stories. If you want to read more without paying, you might check if your local library offers digital access to the Journal.

Does the Wall Street Journal offer a trial period?

The Journal does not typically offer a free trial, but new subscribers usually see a heavily discounted introductory rate for the first few weeks. This promotional period lets you test the service at a low cost before committing to the full price. The exact length and discount amount vary by when you sign up.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Yes, you can pause your subscription through your account settings for a temporary break without canceling entirely. This is useful if you want to stop being charged for a month or two but plan to return later. When you are ready to resume, you can reactivate it from the same settings page.

What payment methods does the Journal accept?

The Wall Street Journal accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and some digital payment services. The exact payment options available may depend on your location. You can update your payment method anytime through your account settings if you need to switch cards or services.